- Look for the brand name, model number, and the letters "CE" on the right temple of the sunglasses.
- Make sure the size, font, and color of the logo looks consistent. Any error or variation could indicate the sunglasses are fake.
- See if the sunglasses came in a branded box with a bar code. An information booklet or certificate of authenticity should be inside the box.
Purchasing Authentic Sunglasses
Examine the label and logo. Authentic logos are usually placed on the lens, arms, or inside the ear piece and use consistent size, font, and colors. Any slight error or variation could indicate your sunglasses are fake. Misspelled brand names (e.g. "Guci" instead of "Gucci" and logos are also an indication that the glasses may be fake. Before you purchase sunglasses, go to the manufacturer website and look at the markings and logos. This will help you when you make a purchase.
Look for a model number. Model number are consistent worldwide no matter whether you purchase the sunglasses online or in a store. Go the manufacturer website to verify the model number of the sunglasses. The model number is usually found on the frames of the glasses. Fake sunglasses may have model numbers that are not listed on the manufacturer website.
Buy from a reputable seller. Authentic sunglasses are usually sold by an authorized website, boutique, or store. Street vendors are most likely selling counterfeit items. If the price is deeply discounted and sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay away from websites that do not take returns and offer no way (e.g. phone number, email address, etc.) for you to contact them. China is hotbed for counterfeit production. Be careful when purchasing items made in China. If you purchase from a website, check out the buyers rate and the sellers' reviews. A web site selling authentic sunglasses will often have a guarantee of authenticity. Your sunglasses should look and feel like they are well made.
Recognize key words. Words like "high quality," "cosmetic," "replica," "inspired by," are often used to when glasses are not authentic. Take note if you see any of these words being used to describe the seller or the glasses. In addition to the glasses being fake, they may shatter easily and not offer you UV protection.
Follow your gut. There is not one simple formula to determine if the sunglasses are authentic. Use common sense and your best judgement. Adequately research the company you are purchasing the sunglasses from. It is possible to find a really good deal on authentic sunglasses. If the price is really low, examine the other factors before you make a purchase.
When shopping for sunglasses on Amazon, look for "Sold and shipped by Amazon". This guarantees that they will be authentic.
Examining your Glasses
Check the box. Authentic sunglasses come in a branded box. A label with a bar code and manufacturer information should be on the bottom of the box. Some type of guarantee booklet, information booklet, or certificate of authenticity should also be in the box.
Examine the carrying case. The sunglasses should be in a branded carrying case. The official logo is on this case. The box should be in pristine condition and have no marks and clean edges. The color and shape of the case may vary if the case is older. All Coach glasses come with a dust cloth that has the "CC" logo all over it. Examine the glasses thoroughly. The brand name of the glasses, the model number, and the letters "CE" should appear on the right temple of the glasses. The model number and lens and frame measurements should appear on the left temple and should match the number on the box label. A metal logo may also be on the left temple of authentic glasses. "Made in Italy" appears on the right temple of Dolce & Gabbana glasses instead of the model number.
Check the lens and nose buds. A logo is often etched into the right lens of authentic glasses. The logo should be easy to identify and clear. The nose frame dimensions often appear on the nose bud of the glasses. Some glasses may also have an embossed logo on the nose pads of the glasses.
Check for consistency. The logo, font, and model number should be consistent on your glasses. The numbers on the box label should be identical to the numbers on your glasses. The logo on the glasses, carrying case, and booklet should be exactly the same. If there are any inconsistencies or misspellings, your glasses may not be authentic.
Consider the overall quality of the glasses. The sunglasses and the packaging should be of high quality. If the sunglasses are flimsy or lightweight, they may be fake. New authentic sunglasses usually come in nice packaging with tags and casing included. Fake sunglasses may be sold with low quality packaging or with only a slip cover. Checking the quality of the glasses is particularly important if you are buying previously owned glasses which may not come in their original packaging.
Returning Fake Sunglasses
Contact the seller. Let the merchant or online seller know that your glasses were counterfeit, and you would like your money back. Hopefully, the seller will cooperate and give you your money back. If they do not, let them know that you plan to contact your credit company. This may encourage them to work things out with you.
Keep a record of correspondence. As you go back and forth with the seller, keep documentation of all the emails, receipts, and packing slips regarding your purchase. If you have to contact your credit card company, all of this information will be helpful. This will also create proof if the seller lies about the product that you were sold. You can also take pictures of your glasses that you purchased. If you entered the model number into the sunglasses manufacturer website and the number did not match, print out a copy of that page as well to use for evidence.
Contact your credit card company. If you used a card to pay for your glasses, you can request a charge-back. File the purchase as a billing error. It's best if you do this as soon as possible so you do not look suspicious to your credit card company. You can file this report on your credit card company's website. If you cannot find the information on the website, call your credit card company for assistance.
Report to the Better Business Bureau. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if you find that your sunglasses are counterfeit. After you submit your complaint, the BBB will forward the information to the business within 2 business days. The business will have 14 days to respond to the complaint that you filed. The BBB will notify you of the business's response. Most complaints are closed within 30 business days.
Write a review of your experience. Go to the website or Yelp page of the company where you purchased your sunglasses and leave an honest review of your experience. Let people know that the glasses you purchased were fake. Also discuss how the issue was resolved. If the seller gave you trouble, let everyone know. If the seller was easy to work with, let everyone know that as well.
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