Everyone likes to be stylish and for some this desire extends the very sunglasses they wear. The only problem is Dolce and Gabbana or Raybans can be very expensive, leaving many style conscious but budget driven people to search for cheaper places to buy these fine sunglasses. Unfortunately, this means that many will end up paying excessively much for a pair of knock off sunglasses thinking they are getting the real deal. Below are a few ways to protect yourself from being ripped off.
Price
Designer sunglasses are expensive; there is no doubt about it. This does not mean you cannot find great deals but if you are looking at a pair of Raybans for $20, you can bet they are not the real thing! There are even times when these knock offs will sell for a hundred dollars or more as the scammer rightly assumes you will be more likely to believe they are real. Do your homework through the original retailer first, if a pair of glasses normally retails for several hundred to thousands of dollars you are not likely to find them cheaper than 50% off.
Logo
Each brand of designer sunglasses has a unique logo that should be on the product somewhere. You need to be very aware of how this logo is designed and imprinted on sunglasses. For instance, Dolce and Gabbana will be written as one word with & symbol between the two words or the letters D&G. For metal frame glasses, this will be engraved on the arms.
Another classic scam tactic is to misspell the logo slightly. For example, Dolce and Gabbana becomes Dolce & Gabanna, a very slight difference, but enough to prove these are fakes. The bottom line is know your logos very well.
Location
Real estate is not the only place location is important. When you are shopping for a great pair of designer sunglasses do yourself a favor and shop with reputable retailers. If you find a vendor on the side of the road selling purses and glasses out of their trunk they are not a reputable dealer. Designers are very diligent about vetting the retailers that will be carrying their merchandise.
Certificate of Authenticity
There is one thing you can be assured to get when you spend hundreds of dollars for a pair of sunglasses and that is a certificate of authenticity. Many designers offer these with all their high end merchandise, it should contain a serial number and specifics about the glasses themselves.
Finally, there are places where you can get great deals on authentic designer sunglasses, but you need to be cautious so the you do not end up with a cleverly designed forgery. You have heard it said that if something sounds too good to be true… Remember this wise saying whenever you are shopping for bargains on designer sunglasses!