According to iacc.org (International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition), global sales of counterfeit goods (including handbags) is at an all time high of $600 billion per year. Raids on warehouses just in the New York area have netted over $230 million alone in fake goods and the estimate is that counterfeiters have imported more than $700 million over the past 24 months.
The iacc.org group puts part of the problem on education and outlook. They point out that if someone bought medication online that wasn't real, they would be upset but these same people are happy to buy a Louis Vuitton at what they consider to be a great price even if it isn't genuine.
I personally don't think it is the same but I understand the point they are trying to make. Statistics show that about 60% of the fake goods come from China and, if you have been following the news lately, you know the problems with "fake" dog food and toothpaste with added unhealthy ingredients - these are examples that have physically harmed individuals and their pets.
I found it interesting that the iacc estimates the cost to make and ship a fake Louis Vuitton handbag is about $6.00 so if you pay $100, the counterfeiters are making $94.00 just on that one handbag!
Handbag companies themselves are getting tough including Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton. These companies spend millions building their brand name. It was William Shapespeare who said “Who steals my purse, steals trash, but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed.”
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