Some sites steal images from other legit stores or payoff girls, 75-80% off picture. Counterfeit sites often use photos stolen directly from authentic brands. Just because a site has an authentic picture does not mean they are selling an authentic dress! Take note of the pictures displayed on the website or advertisement. If the imagery used includes a model with a blurred out or pixelated face, cropped off head or displays any other suspicious photo-changing feature, the website or advertisement may be selling counterfeit dresses.
If the store does not have a location listed, then it may be a part of a counterfeit operation. (Ex: All Sherri Hill authorized retailers will have that listed on their website, and you will be able to find that specific store on the Sherri Hill website.) Watch out for Auction sites. Designers generally do not allow selling on sites like eBay, Amazon and AliExpress. If you see your dream dress on one of these sites, it's probably not the real thing! Does the website have a "contact us" page? If they do, an address in the United States as well as a telephone should be listed, not just an email address. It is also important to double check that the telephone number isn't being forwarded to China or another foreign country.
Just unpacking, Steaming, and checking for damages takes us about 1/2 hour per dress. We take pride in ensuring that you are going to get the dress of your dreams, and we will do everything that we can to make sure that you receive the dress that you want to wear to prom.
Any websites that show a lower price than or percentage off what is on the designer's website, is most likely a scam site. Retail prices will be consistent across the authorized websites. If you discover a store or website that offers a brand name dress substantially lower than others, assume that the dress is a low quality counterfeit fake. Also, be aware of words like "inspired by," "imitation," "fake" and "similar to" that appear on the store's website or advertisement.
Beware the fake dress that you might be looking at buying online! You may be thinking that you'll be able to find that dress you love, online for a better price but we are here to let you know that you might fall susceptible to fakes and even identity theft. You could end up without your dream dress, lose your money, and suffer from identity theft! Let Bella Boutique take care of potential problems and help protect you!
If the dress does arrive, it usually looks nothing like the picture. The dress that you buy offline usually is the incorrect size, color, fabric, or all the above. The counterfeit dress that you purchase will most likely be cheap fabric and either several sizes too small or too big. Challenge the authenticity of the dress you are buying. If you receive the dress, check to see if it has the designer's hangtag is there, along with the garment label on the inside of the dress. If your dress is missing a tag or label, it may be a fake reproduction. Also, double check the spelling of the brand being represented.