Misleading description on leather items

[kramerv8head]

Okay, I am not a seller, but I wanted to post this where sellers might possibly see it. I have been looking at leather jackets for a month now. It very quickly became obvious that the majority of "Leather" jackets listed on ebay turn out to be fake leather when I question the seller. I bought one jacket that clearly stated leather in at least three places in the listing, but upon further investigation, it was fake. The seller agreed to cancel the order, but it was a hassle for both of us. 

I've sent several inquiries about jackets, and the response it usually about the same, "Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed it was leather but  didn't really check. Turns out it IS a fake."

This is getting ridiculous. From this point on, if the seller doesn't include a photo of the tag stating LEATHER, I will assume it is fake and eliminate it as a  possibility. It shouldn't be asking too much to include a pic of the Materials tag. I've yet to see a leather jacket that doesn't say leather on it somewhere.

And those of you selling "faux" leather, please describe it as such in your listings.

Thanks for reading!

[al-sutt]

People who falsely describe their listings should be reported and get kicked off ebay but if it's China don't hold your breath........if a seller can not tell if a listing is leather (though not a fan of fur/ leather) they should find a new job.....but then again if the price is super low must be a reason also.

[lindiloo21]

Since it is becoming so hard now, to tell the difference between real leather, and fake leather, I never state that an item is leather, unless there is a label on the item. I then take a photo of the label.

I am noticing a trend now, by retailers, to describe an item as leather, then in the material content, to state vegan leather, or some other new terminology. Very confusing for buyers, and resellers.

[lookng2015]

The china sellers are fond of PLU Leather (whatever that is but I assume NOT real leather)

[blackbird*singing]

---

@lookng2015 wrote:
The china sellers are fond of PLU Leather (whatever that is but I assume NOT real leather)

---

Have not seen "PLU", but perhaps it's same as "PU"?

"PU Leather" - the PU stands for PolyUrethane. Typically the polyurethane is layered on top of the leather and it allows for embossing and other techniques. Sometimes PU leather is referred to as split leather. Leather in this application can be real, though I suppose in the case of Chinese sellers I would agree with you that they are probably using faux leather.

[lookng2015]

I meant PU, my keyboard added an L = )

[aristotles_id]

Typically the polyurethane is layered on top of the leather and it allows for embossing and other techniques. Sometimes PU leather is referred to as split leather.

Leather can be embossed without any extra coating, and virtually all leather is split since a tanned cow hide is too thick and stiff to be used for much. The most obvious clue to fake leather is the price. 

[blackbird*singing]

---

@aristotles_id wrote:

Typically the polyurethane is layered on top of the leather and it allows for embossing and other techniques. Sometimes PU leather is referred to as split leather.

Leather can be embossed without any extra coating, and virtually all leather is split since a tanned cow hide is too thick and stiff to be used for much. The most obvious clue to fake leather is the price. 

---

Yes, leather can be embossed without the polyurethane. Yes, most leather is split, but it's not generally referred to as split leather. A question was brought up regarding "PU Leather" specifically so I was just speaking to that. I used to work in materials development (textiles, leather, hardware) so I am familiar with leather.

For a very basic description of PU leather: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicast_leather

And yes, I do agree that price can be a clue to help determine faux vs real leather, as can the source.

[thevintagesilvershop]

Also be wary of anything that says "bonded" leather. That's basically leather that is pulverized with other materials and the result applied to a thin backing. It usually starts peeling in a year or two at points of wear and is not repairable. 

I recently found this this very cool couch that just looked beautiful and was a cheap, cheap price. Yep!  Bonded leather. 

[johnrj1226]

Here is a nice read on PU or PLU (if you have an out of control key board) leather   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicast_leather

[luckythewinner]

---

@kramerv8head wrote:

Okay, I am not a seller, but I wanted to post this where sellers might possibly see it. I have been looking at leather jackets for a month now. It very quickly became obvious that the majority of "Leather" jackets listed on ebay turn out to be fake leather when I question the seller. I bought one jacket that clearly stated leather in at least three places in the listing, but upon further investigation, it was fake. The seller agreed to cancel the order, but it was a hassle for both of us. 

I've sent several inquiries about jackets, and the response it usually about the same, "Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed it was leather but  didn't really check. Turns out it IS a fake."

This is getting ridiculous. From this point on, if the seller doesn't include a photo of the tag stating LEATHER, I will assume it is fake and eliminate it as a  possibility. It shouldn't be asking too much to include a pic of the Materials tag. I've yet to see a leather jacket that doesn't say leather on it somewhere.

And those of you selling "faux" leather, please describe it as such in your listings.

---

OP,

One of the inherent problems with eBay is that many selelrs are reselling items they pick up at sales, discount stores, goodwill outlets, and estate sales. They are not experts and often have no idea what they are talking about.

One solution would be to research brands and styles in person, find what you like, and then search fro those brands and styles on eBay. In other words, stick with what YOU know instead of relying on the seller to know. 

Please note I'm not excusing the sellers, I'm just describing the nature of the beast. 

Unlucky 

[lookng2015]

It used to be super easy to tell fake from real in leather but the faux leathers are getting really good these days and hard to tell if you have no way of seeing the backing.

[klassic*kids]

---

@kramerv8head wrote:

Okay, I am not a seller, but I wanted to post this where sellers might possibly see it. I have been looking at leather jackets for a month now. It very quickly became obvious that the majority of "Leather" jackets listed on ebay turn out to be fake leather when I question the seller. I bought one jacket that clearly stated leather in at least three places in the listing, but upon further investigation, it was fake. The seller agreed to cancel the order, but it was a hassle for both of us. 

I've sent several inquiries about jackets, and the response it usually about the same, "Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed it was leather but  didn't really check. Turns out it IS a fake."

This is getting ridiculous. From this point on, if the seller doesn't include a photo of the tag stating LEATHER, I will assume it is fake and eliminate it as a  possibility. It shouldn't be asking too much to include a pic of the Materials tag. I've yet to see a leather jacket that doesn't say leather on it somewhere.

And those of you selling "faux" leather, please describe it as such in your listings.

Thanks for reading!

---

@kramerv8head Thanks for sharing your experience Kramer.  I actually have a nice leather coat that I have yet to list.  Now I will be sure to include a picture of the tag inside the coat that clearly states 100% geniine leather.  Didn't know faux leather was being pawned off as faux leather here on ebay 

[okon2]

ITs called pleather,  Plastic leather

[klassic*kids]

---

@okon2 wrote:

ITs called pleather,  Plastic leather

---

Haven't heard that term since the 1980's.