The Truth About Bag Quality Grades (3A vs. 5A vs. Top) – Stop Wasting Money!

Whenever new friends visit our site, the #1 question is always: “Hey, how is the quality of your bags, really?”

To be honest, it’s hard to answer with a simple “Good” or “Bad.” China is a massive manufacturing hub with thousands of factories. However, factories that can truly replicate luxury bags to the point where they capture both the “shape and soul” of the original are extremely rare.

We don’t manufacture the bags; we are the curators for the best factories.

We spent years scouring every corner of Guangzhou and Dongguan, filtering through thousands of workshops to find those “Hidden Gem” factories that specialize in only one brand or even just one specific model.

To help you shop smart and avoid wasting money, today we are exposing the “unspoken rules” of the industry. While many sellers invent marketing terms like 3A, 5A, 7A, TAX-Free Grade, or TOP Grade to confuse you, the reality at the factory source is simple. There are only three distinct grades: Microfiber Leather【3A】, Genuine Leather 【5A】, and Custom version 【Top】

What’s the difference? Read on, and you’ll know exactly where your money goes.


Level 1: Microfiber Leather【3A】 — “The Entry-Level Choice & Value King”

This is the most common version on the market and the top choice for beginners.

  • Material: Uses High-Quality Microfiber Leather. (Note: Some factories cut corners using cheap PU plastic, often called “low-tier junk.” We do not sell that quality, so it is not discussed here).
  • Features: The shape, dimensions, and appearance are identical to the original. Modern microfiber technology is impressive—it is wear-resistant, easy to clean, and very hard to distinguish visually at a glance.
  • The Drawback: Since it isn’t real animal skin, it lacks the “breathability” of pores and the warm, oily sheen of natural leather. To the touch, it might feel slightly “dry” or a bit “stiff.”
  • Hardware: Uses standard alloy. It is shiny and bright but lacks the heavy, solid weight of the authentic pieces.
  • Left: Genuine Leather (Natural grain, oily sheen).
  • Right: Microfiber (Uniform grain, overly bright sheen).

Who is this for?
If you just want a trendy bag to match an outfit for a season or two, or if you are on a strict budget, this version offers incredible value. It looks great and gets the job done!


Level 2: Genuine Leather 【5A】 — “The Enthusiast’s Choice”

At this level, we stop looking just at the shape and start focusing on the “Soul” of the bag.

  • Material: Upgraded entirely to Genuine Leather (Top-layer Cowhide, Sheepskin, etc.). Real leather is “alive”—it has natural grain, feels soft and elastic, and has that distinct, rich leather smell.
  • Hardware: Upgraded to durable electroplated hardware. The color isn’t that fake, blinding white-gold; it mimics the authentic matte gold or antique bronze finish. It is richer in color and resistant to fading.
  • Craftsmanship: Stitching is neater, and the edge glazing (oil edge) is applied evenly. At this price point, you are paying for solid materials and solid workmanship.
  • Left: Upgraded Hardware (Rich color, durable plating).
  • Right: Standard Alloy (Too shiny, scratches easily).

Who is this for?
If you care about hand-feel and texture, and you want a bag that lasts for years—perhaps even developing a patina as it ages—then the Genuine Leather 【5A】 is the best bang for your buck.


Level 3: Custom Version [Top] — “Very Close to the Original”

At this level, we utilize leather and hardware sourced from the same suppliers as the authentic items. The craftsmanship mimics the authentic product down to the finest details, making it the optimal choice for customers seeking quality. If your budget allows, you can even opt for “Master Customization,” which is on par with the authentic product. Bags at this level usually require a pre-order (2-3 days production time). Due to the high costs and the vast number of bag styles, in 99% of cases, factories do not keep stock. (Quick Tip: If you want to buy “Top Grade,” “Customs Grade,” or “Authentic Grade” bags, and a seller tells you they have them in stock, they are definitely passing off inferior goods as high-quality ones. Do not doubt this for a second.)

  • Leather: Top-tier imported leather. Some are even from the same sources as the original factories. For example, top-grade lambskin that feels as delicate as a baby’s skin; or specific crocodile embossing where the pattern alignment matches the original perfectly.
  • Hardware: All-steel hardware / Vacuum plating. It has substantial weight and feels heavy in the hand. Every engraving is finely polished—clear, deep, and free of rough edges.
  • Obsessive Details: Bags at this level are essentially made by deconstructing the original, because premium materials must be paired with premium craftsmanship. Every curve, the spacing of every stitch, and even the lining material strive for exact replication. Its “premium feel” is immediately apparent.
  • Left: Top-tier Craftsmanship (Extremely fine stitch spacing, perfectly recreating the handmade feel);
  • Right: Standard Stitching (Neat and durable).

Who is this for?
If you are a perfectionist, own authentic items to mix and match, or need to attend important occasions and don’t want to be spotted instantly, please go directly for the Custom Version [Top]. The confidence it gives you is absolutely worth the price.


There is no “Best,” only “Best for You”

We wrote this comparison not to talk down on any specific version, but to be transparent: You get what you pay for. That is the eternal truth.

  • Want to save money but look stylish? Choose 1:1 Microfiber.
  • Want texture, smell, and durability? Choose Genuine Leather.
  • Want perfection and zero compromises? Choose Master Grade.

We sell replicas, and we never hide that fact. But we promise you this: Within your chosen grade, we provide the absolute best quality available on the market.

Every bag we ship goes through a rigorous inspection. We take Quality Control (QC) photos and videos and send them to you for approval before we ship.

[Learn more about our detailed shipping process here]