Monday, May 17, 2010

Discounted Louis Vuitton?

Each and every day we have at least one customer who asks "Do you carry Louis Vuitton?". My answer is always the same polite "no we don't carry Louis but we do carry Marc Jacobs". Usually a puzzled look appears on their face and I explain to them who Marc Jacobs is (as if) and that in addition to designing his own fantabulous collection he has been the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton for over a decade.

Many people are looking to buy labels. They want Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, etc. Now don't get me wrong, these are all celebrated luxury houses and produce quality products. Who am I to judge someone for wanting what they want, regardless of their motivation to obtain such an item. However, I do feel the need to step in and be the expert when a customer asks if we have Louis because she wants to see the size of a bag she saw on a discount "authorized Louis Vuitton dealer" on the internet. After asking her a few more questions this customer explained that she saw a $1400 bag on the LV web site that was listed for $750.00 on this discount site because of slight flaws in the stitching. I recommended to the customer that she call the local Louis Vuitton boutique and ask them directly about the authenticity of this internet dealer.

The bottom line? Never ever buy a discounted luxury item without doing your research first. Always check the designer's web site on where to shop for their goods. Can you imagine paying $750.00 for a fake bag? Be smart, do your research.

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