Zhang Chen, the falsification hunter, and his keys to distinguish them

A Swiss watch, a hermès bag or gum boots from Prada.With the help of a magnifying glass, Zhang Chen carefully examines the logos, seams and serial numbers to distinguish the originals from copies.

China is the first world luxury showcase, but also of falsifications, so Zhang's expertise in the second -hand market is doing school.Most people are deceiving with "good imitations that are barely distinguished" from the original, recognizes Zhang, who founded the commercial school of large luxury products in Beijing.Offers expert advice on a copy copied to a full class.The seven -day course price is 15.800 yuan (2.000 euros).A fee worth it, according to Zhang Chen, if you want to survive in a second -hand market in full boom.

The Chinese luxury market represents the astronomical sum of 500.000 million euros.But the second -hand products market takes off in turn.Is much more modest.Move about 2.000 million euros, pero se ha duplicado entre 2019 y 2020.

For those who like bargains, knowing how to recognize imitations is indispensable to avoid scams."The lining of a black Chanel bag must be pink," the teacher tells his students, young people of both very concentrated sexes.

Under an ultraviolet lamp, students examine the serial numbers of the French brand."The secret is that there are two letters that shine," explains who became an expert of luxury in Japan.Knowing how to distinguish a logo's font can "recognize a third of the copies of the market," he adds.

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For Xu Zhihao, a 31 -year -old merchant, investing in the second hand is a good business, since customers are willing to buy the object of their dreams without having to spend too much."A good bag can be sold very well," he says.

A great Louis Vuitton bag of the Neverfull range is easily renewed by more than 1.000 euros after two years, 80% of the original value, while a Gabrielle Bag of Chanel easily keeps 60% -70% of its value.Obviously, they have to be in good condition."Be careful with the brands that leave your nails," says Zhang Chen."The manicures are fashionable at this time".

Among his students, he has identified old fakes, but they calm down: they come to recycle in honest trades.Zhang Chen assures that in general 10 seconds are enough to determine if a product is authentic or a falsification.

The expert also performs online diagnoses.Some customers send you photos of watches or clothing to give your verdict.But the trade evolves and the big brands bet on technology to defend their products.Some have begun to equip them with electronic chips to guarantee their origin.However, Zhang does not fear to go without work."All technology has its Achilles heel," he says.