For an authentic Louis Vuitton bag a student might have to fork out $350 in New York, but one can buy a ‘Louis Vuitton’ bag for about $25 from vendors right next to the Alfonso Elder Student Union Building.

But many students question the quality of the products they buy from these vendors because they are extraordinarily cheap.

“I wouldn’t buy anything out there. I call it Central’s Flea Market because they have long tables set up with bootleg stuff. I think it’s all fake,” said LaKea Tate, a nursing sophomore.

“When I see someone walking around with a bag, I assume it’s fake. No one can buy a real Louis Vuitton bag for $25,” said Tate.

The vendors have the permission of the university to conduct business at NCCU, but they have to abide by university stipulations.

“Vendors have to sign up to sell their merchandise to the students,” said Ursula Berger, manager of business operations.

Some students like the bargains, but others say the goods are fake.

“As a university we should not support that kind of activity,” said Timothy Gibson, business management senior. “Counterfeit movies and CDs are illegal. It’s just like you are saying you are allowed to sell drugs on campus.”

“I don’t think it’s legit. I think it’s sketchy,” said Charleen Jones, a journalism freshman. “But it’s a necessary evil. Some cannot go out to get these things.”

As for the vendors, it’s buyer beware: “People should be mindful of the quality of the merchandise they are buying. There is a difference between replica handbags and bootleg merchandise.”