Tuesday 1 March 2011

Authenticating Fendi Belts!

Do you know how to authenticate Fendi Zucca Belts by looking at photos before bidding on eBay? 

I have helped many buyers to authenticate designer items.  For your protection, we offer free tips on buying authentic Fendi Zucca Belts.  

1. Serial Number The belts should have a serial behind the belt by belt buckle.  If there is no serial then its a fake and if the serial tag don't match the color of the tag...you guessed it -FAKE

FAKE

FAKE


Real


2. Back of the belt
The back of the belt should also be canvas material matched with the front of the belt.  The Patterns can deviate. A lot of the fakes have cheap lambskin leather.


Fake

3.  Craftsmanship

Stitching is perfectly hand stitched and proportionally aligned.  Sloppy light color and uneven stitching is sign of a fake.   In the real  pre-owned belt,  the signs of wear and tear should be minimum.  This belt literally last forever.   I have a white Zucca Belt for 4 years and the belt looks amazing still.  The only wear is by the buckle.  if you see a really beatup belt STAY AWAY!


FAKE: Look at the uneven stitching by the buckle



4. Packaging.  

The boxing is a hit and miss to determine whether is fake or real.  They have 3 types of boxes it can come with the belt.

Rectangular/Square box(magnetic):   If you buy this at the non-outlet Fendi store you will this box.  Inside it has nicely decorate silk clothes


 
Real

Square box(non magnetic):   If you buy the belt before Dec 2011 at the Premium outlet Fendi store you will get this box.   Then Fendi switched to the magnet boxes for ALL outlets.   Alot of fakes still imitate the box below, but its only real if  the purchase was made before Dec 2011.  Check with the seller when they brought it.   
real
Here are ways to tell if the box is fake.

 Fake:  The wording FENDI should be bolded


Fake:  This box is realbox,  If there is no Silk cloth attached-ITS A FAKE, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Fendi will never put belts in this box.   This box is reserve for jewellery.  After Dec 2011, all belts come with Boxes that have silk cloth attached.

5.  Receipt




Real: On yellow paper, and its printed on an 8x8 paper.
1.  Fendi Logo is near the right bottom or at the top corner of the page
2. Spacing the margin are tight and there shouldn't be alot of spaces
3.  Fakes usually have typos  





FAKE:  
1. Color is off - some greenish yellow color
2 . Logo is in the right place or can be at the top right hand corner
3. too much spacing at the bottom
4. Typo: Canvellations at the bottom
5. Visa transaction Records are always attached with the receipt.  If there is none,  Authenticity is questionable.



6.  Belt Loop
Should always have the fendi symbol to complete the loop
Real:  99.9 of the fakes dont have this.

7.  Dust Bags:  The main color of your belt should be given a dust bag with the same color.  White zucca comes with white dustbag. brown zucca comes with a dark brown Dustbag.  If the main color of the belt dont match,  there is a good chance the belt if fake.
Real

Real
Real

Fake : Dust bag never have the Fendi Symbol at the lower corner

8 FINAL THOUGHTS
I've been buy authentic stuff on craigslist and Ebay for years.   If you know what to look for YOU WILL find a good bargain.    However alot of people put too much emphasis on receipts.  which is  a shame, because most fakes produce BETTER receipts then the belt itself.  So I always ask for the VISA/MC transaction.   I see  people missed out on bargains because they watch  youtube with self proclaim experts compare the difference.   

Source:  I worked at Fendi Premium Outlet in Orlando, Florida for 5 years as a 3 years as store manager and 2 years as a Sales Associate.