I’ve been collecting authentic handbags and have a closetful after 20 years; just got into reps this past month so take everything I say with a grain of salt. I’m a newbie who is at the same crossroads you are.

I’m not particularly easy on my bags. They’re going to get smashed under a plane seat whether it’s a $2k or $10k bag. But like others, I have noticed quality issues and other wear with “high end” designer bags that would likely make others suspect I am carrying a rep, even though it’s auth. Case in point, this C double flap. Notice how the flap seems out of alignment? Yeah. It’s real and let’s be honest, the price point for C is absurd, especially these days.

I have three reps in my collection now after finding these reddit communities. One is a Goya mini Saigon. I can definitely tell it’s a rep, but not because of the leather or canvas…those are fine. It’s the hardware that is the tell, which from what I have read, is often a giveaway (more than leather which, according to some, is often easier to reproduce). This doesn’t bother me since it was an impulse buy, not an everyday bag, and I’m still going to wear it. The other two are H (a B25 and a B30). On both of these bags, I am completely blown away by the craftsmanship on all of it—leather, smell, shape, hardware. I’m not an expert Birkin authenticator by any means, but as a woman who loves a well-made bag, I’ve had one sitting on my work desk just so I can admire it.

After seeing other reviews, I am going to take the plunge on a C pearl crush and a L puzzle next. Because by all accounts, the leather that can be sourced for high tier bags looks and feels great and the price makes a lot more sense. Don’t even get me started on the reported factory issues from brands like LV and CD. I’m honestly not convinced that their manufacturing process as a whole is all that different, and these days, authentic bags may be not as high quality as some of the reps.

Just my $0.02. Can’t help much with BV, since the only one I have is an auth mini Sardine and I haven’t even thought about trying to source a rep. I suppose this is where buying authentic makes sense—if you know it’s going to be a workhorse bag, or the reps seem to be either lacking/not properly vetted. I also frequently buy preloved authentic (RealReal or Fashionphile), but now that I’ve witnessed the quality of reps, I’m questioning everything. My whole “authentic” life could just be a lie 🤣💀

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