You've probably seen sites advertising replica designer handbags. You've probably also seen sites advertising designer-inspired handbags. Same difference, right? Wrong! And one of them happens to be illegal!

Replica designer handbags can range from exact copies all the way to very poor, laughable copies. Some replica bags claim to be 99% exact - which is scary if you are a purse buyer or seller who cares about having the real thing! The closer to exact the replica is, the higher the price - even in to the hundreds of dollars. Other replica bags use the designer's fabric, but may come in a style that particular bag never came in. Except for the very good copies, the leather is often of a poorer quality and the seams and stitches may not be as even. The craftsmanship is usually less, although the higher-quality replicas do try to match the quality of the real thing. Sometimes, they even come with replica designer tags, dust bags, and receipts.

These replica bags, however, are illegal. They are using the designer's logo illegally and without permission. These sites usually try to cover themselves by including some wording in a hard-to-find disclaimer stating that they are designer-inspired, but they are flat out fakes! Be very careful if you decide to sell replica bags, especially in large quantities. The authorities have cracked down on replica bags and the people who buy and sell them. Also, if despite of all this, you do decide to sell replicas, make sure you make it very clear that they are replicas and not the real thing. As tempting as it may be to pass off a high-quality $200 replica bag as a $1500 original, it's against the law and it's jjust not good business.

Designer-inspired handbags are a different story. Although they may appear somewhat similar to the real thing in style or color, it's usually quite obvious that they are not real. They don't use the designer logos and don't claim to be copies. Anyone picking up the handbag would be quite certain it was not a real designer bag. They often watch the latest trends and put out their own cheaper version of the bag. You can get a designer-inspired bag for $25-50 or less.