How to identify a counterfeit or knock off item

[72kuda]

Ebay removed a Kate Spade item that my wife asked me to list noting it as counterfeit.  Her mother bought the bag years ago and we have no idea as to where it came from.   We looked inside of it and found nothing but a Made in China tag.  No model numbers or anything.  I did a Google on Kate Spade and it says their purses can come out of China.    Now, I'm a car guy and just trying to find out if it the outside material was nylon or polyester took nearly an hour to add as part of the description.   I even did a search for knock off Kate Spade purses before listing it and came up with nothing to tell me one way or the other.   I guess my question is, how does the Ebay community or corporation know it is?  I don't want to list a fake item, but I'd like to know how to tell.    Thank you

[albertabrightalberta]

No one can comment without pictures. Please post pictures. 

[72kuda]

The "Community" won't let me post pictures.

Look, I just don't want ebay to ding me.  Ebay pulled pulled my ad saying the Kate Spade purse that we inherited from a dead family member was counterfeit.  I guess I'd like to know how "they" know.  When I did an internet search for the purse, I couldn't find one like it, fake or not.  I assume you're name is Alberta.  Do you know if Kate Spade purses have some type of tag inside stating model numbers or anything.   This one only has a "made in China" tag.  I noted that in my posting.

[albertabrightalberta]

@72kuda 

You can send me pictures in a private message. At the top right of the page, click on the envelope and send me a message with the pictures. I'll post them in this thread. 

[albertabrightalberta · Accepted solution]

@72kuda 

Thank you for sending the private message with the pictures of your bag. 

The bag (as shown) was fake and correctly removed. It's not a KS style, pattern print, lining that clashes with the exterior pattern wouldn't be done, nor is it constructed as a genuine bag would be. 

From your pictures, it appears that the counterfeiters simply took a generic no-name bag and clamped on that fake kate spade plaque. (Those plaques are usually attached similar to how staples work. They go through holes in the front and the ends are bent to hold it there.) 

If you pry off the plaque, the bag will go back to being a generic bag. Even if you choose to donate and not to resell the no-name bag, remove that plaque before donating so another person won't be fooled.

[72kuda]

Great detail.  Thank you Very much.  I think we already ... "deleted" the bag.