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A screen grab of postings on Facebook Marketplace selling Louis Vuitton items. Photo by Facebook Marketplace /Screengrab

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While there is no single feature that determines whether a bag is authentic, Cheung says authentication is about evaluating the item in its entirety.

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“When examining a bag, we assess everything — from the overall shape and proportions to the typography, stitching, hardware, engravings, serial numbers, and any accompanying packaging, authenticity cards, or receipts,” Cheung says. “Every detail contributes to the final assessment.”

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He says one of the questions they get asked the most is, “Do you actually smell the bags?” The answer, Cheung notes,  is yes.

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“Luxury brands use specific leather treatments, dyes, and finishing processes that give their products a distinctive scent unique to the brand,” he notes. “Counterfeit bags are often made with different materials and chemicals, resulting in a noticeably different smell.

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“While scent alone isn’t enough to determine authenticity, it’s another valuable piece of the puzzle. Authentication is about assessing all the details together, and smell is one of many indicators that helps us reach a confident conclusion.”

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The best option, if you’re concerned about authenticity, is to buy from a reputable luxury reseller.

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“At Mine & Yours, every item undergoes a rigorous authentication process by our trained in-house authentication specialists,” says Cheung. “We also leverage trusted third-party authentication partners to provide an additional layer of verification.”

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If you’re buying on Facebook Marketplace or another app, buyers should ask for as many photos as possible including key details such as stitching, logos and serial numbers. Verify the seller’s identity and check their buyer reviews and ratings as others may have called out concerns on authenticity.

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Lastly, meet up to see the item in a safe place such as a local police station or a shopping centre. Many local police stations have designated buy and sell exchange spots for an added layer of security.

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Cheung underscores the fact that counterfeit goods aren’t just a luxury industry issue.

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“Counterfeit products are often designed to maximize profit by minimizing production costs, which can result in lower-quality materials, reduced attention to craftsmanship, and shorter product lifespans,” he says. “Unlike authentic luxury goods, which are made to be maintained, repaired, and passed on through resale, counterfeit items are more likely to be discarded when they wear out.

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“Another jarring fact is that research shows the global trade in counterfeit goods is a multi-billion-dollar shadow economy accounting for over $500 billion annually, whereas knock-off bags are just the tip of the iceberg,” Cheung adds. “By choosing authentic, well-made products — especially pre-loved luxury items — consumers can help extend the life of products, reduce waste, and support a more circular approach to fashion.”

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