Online shopping is booming as more consumers take their business to e-tailers (electronic retailers) instead of the brick and mortar stores. After conducting a survey, the National Retail Federation estimates that approximately 52 million people, or 37% of shoppers, surf the web for the best deals. This number is continually growing as more products become available online and people gain confidence in shopping online.

Though some people are still unsure of giving their credit card numbers in exchange for merchandise over the Web, the Internet is a relatively safe place to shop due to improved technology and e-shopping savvy consumers. Here are a few tips to keep you, your computer and your bank account protected while you shop online.

• Don’t Give Out Your Personal InformationLegitimate online retailers will never ask for your social security number at any time. Don’t give it to retailers—if someone requests it, contact the company.
• Arm Your ComputerYou can protect yourself as you shop online simply by installing some basic security programs on your computer including anti-spyware, anti-virus and pop-up blocker programs. This software will keep your financial information and passwords safe and out of the site of cyber thieves and hackers.
• Use a Credit CardCredit cards are easy to use online-just enter the credit card name, number and expiration date. There’s another important reason to use a credit card, if fraud occurs or you don’t get the product that you purchased, you can dispute the charges. However, if you use a money order or debit card, the money is usually gone without dispute.
• Read the Fine PrintWhenever you shop online, read the fine print carefully so there are no surprises. Make sure you’re aware of shipping charges, delivery time, cancellation and return policies, as well as the seller’s privacy policy.
• Don’t Respond to Unsolicited eMailNever buy things or confirm your billing information through an unsolicited email, especially if you don’t recognize the source. Legitimate online retailers will never ask for your credit card number through an email. If you receive an email of this type, contact the company immediately.
• Ensure the Connection is SecureWhen you click to purchase an item online, your browser connection should become secure. Look for two signs: the site address should read https or shttp instead of http, indicating a secure connection, and small lock should appear in the browser toolbar.
• Research Unknown RetailersIf you’re not familiar with the retailer, do some research before entrusting them with your credit card. Make sure they have a phone number and a mailing address. You may want to call them before making a purchase. You can also research the company on TRUSTe, Verisign and BBBOnline (Better Business Bureau).
• If it Appears Too Good to be True, it Probably isUse your intuition. If you come across a retailer that has a product priced substantially lower than other retailers, or offers an online coupon that gives an unbelievable discount, use caution. Website retailers have to make their money somehow. Read their privacy policy, make sure they aren’t selling your personal information and take the extra steps to ensure the company and product are valid.

  With a few simple precautions, online shopping can save you time, money and keep you, your money and your information 100 percent safe.

Chanel Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s on come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number (pictured on right). The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. The serial number sticker has Chanel logos and was protected by a clear tape with hologram security feature from approximately 2000-on. The sticker, Chanel logo, and hologram design varied with the manufacturing date: Serial Number Year Manufactured Style of Numbers Style of Serial Number Sticker Picture of Serial Number Sticker 13XXXXXX 2009 to 2010 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 12XXXXXX 2008 to 2009 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 11XXXXXX 2006 to 2008 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 10XXXXXX 2005 to 2006 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 9XXXXXX 2004 to 2005 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 8XXXXXX 2003 to 2004 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 7XXXXXX 2002 to 2003 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 6XXXXXX 2000 to 2002 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s have small serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 5XXXXXX 1997 to 1999 0′s have strikethroughs up to 51XXXXX. 0′s have no strikethroughs from 52XXXXX to 56XXXXX. 0′s have strikethroughs from 57XXXXX on. 1′s have small serifs (feet) from 57XXXXX on. Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos from 57XXXXX on.”X” cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. “CHANEL” appears on right right side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker. 4XXXXXX 1996 to 1997 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s are sans-serifs (no feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. 3XXXXXX 1994 to 1996 0′s have strikethroughs. 1′s are sans-serifs (no feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. 2XXXXXX 1991 to 1994 0′s have no strikethroughs up to 27XXXXXX. 1′s are sans-serifs (no feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos. Opaque film covers sticker. 1XXXXXX 1989 to 1991 0′s have no strikethroughs. 1′s have serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos and left-sided cutout. Opaque film covers sticker. 0XXXXXX 1986 to 1988 0′s have no strikethroughs. 1′s have serifs (feet). Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker with Chanel logos and left-sided cutout. Opaque film covers sticker.

Note that over time, serial number stickers often become detached from handbags. Authentication cards also often become lost. Therefore, Chanel handbags missing these items may still be authentic.

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In March 2012, Chanel re-presented its spring 2012 haute couture show in Tokyo, Japan. Soundtrack Song : M-Work Artist : Michael Nyman Label : MN Records Ltd Publisher : Chester Music Ltd./Michael Nyman Ltd c/o Première Music Group

In March 2012, Chanel re-presented its spring 2012 haute couture show in Tokyo, Japan. Soundtrack Song : M-Work Artist : Michael Nyman Label : MN Records Ltd Publisher : Chester Music Ltd./Michael Nyman Ltd c/o Première Music Group

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OUR GUIDE TO SPOTTING REAL AND FAKE CHANEL HANDBAGS

Here are some brief points which we have accumulated over time dealing with authentic Chanel bags, and some tips we have picked up over the years.  These act as a guide, and we would advise to check out the real Chanel bags at the boutiques and really examine your bag and know it inside out so you know what you want.  Of course buying your Chanel bag from a Chanel store will always be the best way knowing its authenticity, but here are VDB we always vet our bags, and because they are always vintage or second hand this makes us more competitive in price! So the choice is yours and we hope this little guide will help ease your concerns.

QUILTING

The quilting on CHANEL bags should always align.  For example on the classic flap bag, the lines should even match up when the flap is closed, and should maintain the ‘diamond’ pattern see samples below:

But also bear in mind on flap bags the quilting doesn’t always align perfectly when the flap is closed because it really depends on whether the bag is stuffed or empty, or if it’s hanging correctly, etc. But it should appear to align.

STAMPING/LOGO

The stamping (on the inside of the CHANEL bag) of CHANEL and MADE IN ITALY / FRANCE should always match the hardware.

For gold hardware the stamps should be in gold. For silver hardware the stamps should be in silver (see silver version above).  Chanel bags are only ever MADE IN ITAY OR FRANCE never made in ‘Paris’.  Only when ‘Paris’ appears will be on the screw hardware which you see on classics, where ‘Chanel’ will always be on top and ‘Paris’ on the bottom with screws on left and right side.  The opening is always being oval shaped, see example below:

Also the screws on the back of the CC closure on classic flaps should be “flat head” screws (see above), which refers to the “flat head” screwdriver used to install the screws. They should NOT be Philips head screws. One exception is when the flaps have tortoise shell or plastic hardware, and then Philips head screws are used. Beginning in 2008, for the newer rounded CC closure, CHANEL is using 6 point / star shaped screws.

Ensure that the “Made in France” or “Made in Italy” is properly aligned under CHANEL on the interior tag, see example below:

HARDWARE

Regarding the interlocking CC’s on all CHANEL bags: The right C should always overlap the left C at the top and the left C should always overlap the bottom of the right C. See a classic example below:

Also on gold chain straps, overtime on the gold chain becomes more brassy or dullish see example above or below:

On fakes the gold is ‘yellow’ gold and the chain feels ‘light’ and flimsy on authentic bags the chains have a real nice weight to them.

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How To Spot Fake Chanel Handbag – Using GUARANTEE CARDS AND HOLOGRAM STICKERS/SERIAL NUMBERS

AUTHENTIC/GUARANTEE CARDS AND HOLOGRAM STICKERS

Search for the lower left corner. For classic flaps, reissues, older timeless clutch and majority of leather lined bag, the hologram sticker is placed directly on the leather lining. For fabric lining (most but not all), the hologram sticker is placed on the lower left corner on a leather tab.

Search the interior zip pocket. This applies to many styles including the new timeless clutch (a recent change).

If you can’t find one anywhere, it was probably rubbed off or fallen out. This is a common occurrence for vintage bags and can happen to new bags.

Updated information regarding Authenticity Numbers:

8-digits—-

13XXXXXX series – 2009
12XXXXXX series – 2008 – 2009
11XXXXXX series – 2006 to 2008
10XXXXXX series – 2005 to 2006

7-digits–

9XXXXXX series – 2004 to 2005
8XXXXXX series – 2003 to 2004
7XXXXXX series – 2002 to 2003
6XXXXXX series – 2000 to 2002
5XXXXXX series – 1997 to 1999
4XXXXXX series – 1996 to 1997
3XXXXXX series – 1994 to 1996
2XXXXXX series – 1991 to 1994
1XXXXXX series – 1989 to 1991
0XXXXXX series – 1986 to 1988

So for example:

As this card begins with 12 the bag came from a batch made in 2008 – 2009.

Early 0XXXXXX series hologram stickers (1XXXXX to 2XXXXX) did not include the ‘0? on the stickers; thus, they contain a 6 digit serial number. But the authenticity cards include the ‘0? in front of the serial number, making it 7-digit.

Guidelines regarding the ‘zero’:

0 series – no hatched ‘0?

1 series – no hatched ‘0?

2 series – no hatched ‘0? until 27xxxxx sub series

3 series – hatched ‘0?

4 series – hatched ‘0?

5 series – hatched ‘0? in the early 5 sub series (50xxxxx to 51xxxxx). No hatched ‘0? in the mid 5 sub series (52xxxxx to 56xxxxx) until the 57xxxxx sub series when the hologram sticker changed to the present style.

6 series – hatched ‘0?

7 series – hatched ‘0?

8 series – hatched ‘0?

9 series – hatched ‘0?

10 series – hatched ‘0?

11 series – hatched ‘0?

12 series – hatched ‘0?

*Also note special addition bags that were made especially for the Japanese market follow a Japanese lunar calendar! So the serial numbers will run differently.

The numbers on the hologram sticker should match the authenticity card.

*All CHANEL bags from approximately mid 1980’s forward should have a hologram/authenticity sticker and matching card. Cards often become separated from the purses so just because the card is not included does not mean the bag is fake.

*Regarding the authenticity sticker: On newer stickers (later 5 series and forward) the clear outer sticker should have gold flecks on it. The clear outer sticker should have the CHANELCHANELCHANEL to the right of the numbers, and a bold black line to the left of the numbers. The white sticker (under the clear sticker) should be scored in a criss-cross or X pattern. The number one should have feet like this 1 the number zero should have a diagonal slash through it.

Please note how fake authenticity cards give off a rainbow hue. Authenticity cards should NEVER give off a rainbow hue.  Try to peel off the hologram with your nails. The real ones stick real hard to the leather whereas the fake ones easily peeled off.

DUST BAGS

Older made bags (such as the 80s and 90s) come with a white dust bag made from a kind of flannel fabric stamped with the CHANEL logo in black and enclosed in a circle with the word CHANEL written underneath.  See example below:

.

New models come in black dust bag stamped with the word CHANEL. Material should be made in a kind of rather coarse cotton. I have seen a fake one with similar colour dust bag but the material is soft and flimsy

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www.vintagedesignerhandbagsonline.com – online since 2007. We are specialist retailers of authentic and rare pre-owned branded designer handbags specializing mainly in Vintage CHANEL and Vintage Hermes Bags. We are proud to be the No.1 UK Online Vintage Dealer to sell vintage Chanel bags, Hermes Bags and Jewellery directly to top London Stores, Boutiques, Specialised Charities and well as Worldwide to the Public. You can buy with complete confidence, all of our bags are guaranteed 100% authentic unique.

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