Don't be fooled by fake designer sunglasses.
Ray-Bans are coveted sunglasses, and many replicas are being passed off as authentic sunglasses by unauthorized dealers and vendors. Look for a few tell-tale signs of the impostors. Examine the questionable item in detail, from the packaging, case and printed materials to the tiny etchings on the side of the frames, before making a purchase to ensure you're getting a genuine pair. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Packaging and Case
1. Look for the recycling symbol on the silver/gray box. All authentic Ray-Ban packaging is marked with the logo, and you should question the item further if the recycling symbol is missing. The box should also include a semi-permanent sticker (it's easy to peel off) that includes the distributor's name, barcode, model number, frame number, dimension and lens type.
2. Check the print quality on the warranty leaflet and authenticity card. They should be free of typos and grammatical errors. The authenticity card should be printed on quality card stock and the warranty leaflet should be printed on stiff, glossy card stock that is machine cut and folded. Print should appear bright, crisp and clear.
3. Feel the cleaning cloth included. One is included with every Ray-Ban purchase and it should be made of high-quality material and should include the Ray-Ban logo. The logo print should also be of high quality.
4. Look at the price tag. The normal price range for Ray-Bans is from $90 to $300. A price of $15 is an obvious impostor. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Sunglasses
5. Find the "RB" logo on the side of the frames and an interlocking "RB" on the nose pads . Genuine Ray-Bans have an etched logo on the side of the frame, whereas the fakes may have a painted logo or a sloppily etched logo. Watch out for "Ray-Ban" printed on the nose pads instead of an interlocking "RB" logo.
6. Inspect the hinges if you're looking at the popular "Wayfarer" model. The hinges (the area that holds the temple arms to the lens) should have seven interlocking prongs. Most knockoffs include a cheap, flimsy hinge.
7. Examine the screws for quality. Ray-Ban screws are anodized. If the screws are painted over, the paint should be a high-quality enamel. The Ray-Bans are likely to be fake if you see a cheap looking paint or coating over the screws.
8. Inspect rubber components and materials for quality. Genuine Ray-Bans are made with high-quality rubber. This includes the rubber coating on the frame covers and the nose pads. Slimy, stiff or cheap-looking rubber are all signs of fake Ray-Bans.
9. Look for "Made in Italy" or "Assembled in Italy." Ray-Ban brand is owned by the Luxottica Group and the sunglasses are manufactured in Italy. Bausch & Lomb USA previously manufactured Ray-Ban products, but stopped back in 1998. Sunglasses that have the markings "Ray-Ban USA" that claim to be 2005-2006 models will not be genuine Ray-Ban.
10. Compare sunglasses to the pictures listed on the official Ray-Ban website (see Resource 1). They should include the same features as the models shown on the website. Counterfeiters overlook tiny details. If the tint of the lenses varies from the model picture on the website, it's a dead give-away. All details should match consistently with the official Ray-Ban website pictures.
Tags: nose pads, authenticity card, card stock, etched logo, Genuine Ray-Bans, logo side
