[Lovely4]

Yes, advertising is a big issue - especially on a budget. I just thought we could take over an existing site - that has been setup, etc. Also can we list other items that go with the handbags? Designer keychains, sunglasses, shoes, etc.?

[miu2]

I hate to sound like I'm trying to rain on everyone's parade here, but I have some real concerns with the details here.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this an auction site that you want to guarantee that the bags are all authentic? That is suppose to be the big "draw" right? Well, just how are you going to "guarantee" that? Without actually having paid employees to do this? It is nearly impossible to authenticate some bags with pictures alone. I do most of the authentication for Miu Mius here and I can tell you that it is getting harder and harder. Sometimes I have to research the seller's buying history, contact actual Miu Miu stores, etc in order to make an educated opinion. Yes, an opinion, not a guaranteed determination. Then you get some bags where the "authenticators" here differ in opinion about authenticity..........what do you do then?
The only way to actually guarantee authenticity would be to have the authenticator actually hold the bag in their hands and do an actual inspection of the bag itself. This would also give the authenticator direct knowledge of the condition of the bag. Is it in the condition that the seller is claiming it is (lightly used, mint, very worn, etc.). But of course, now you are talking about a much bigger operation, where you actually have to employ authenticators and have bags sent to them, etc.

Also, what about those less known bags such as Miu Miu, Gustto, Kooba, etc. How or who will authenticate those? Or will you limit the brands that you will allow on the site?

I know that everyone is excited about this auction site (I think that it would be great as well), however you are all focusing on marketing, fees, memberships, etc. and not looking at the most important thing:
How are you going to GUARANTEE authenticity without opening yourselves up to lawsuits?

Authenticity is the main objective of this site isn't it? I really think that everyone is assuming that the authenticators here would be sufficient, but I don't think that any of us authenticators would be willing to "guarantee" or determinations. I try to give the best opinion that I can, however it is stated very clearly here that it is merely an opinion and NOT a guarantee. Thoughts?

[coachfreak]

Originally Posted by miu2

I hate to sound like I'm trying to rain on everyone's parade here, but I have some real concerns with the details here.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this an auction site that you want to guarantee that the bags are all authentic? That is suppose to be the big "draw" right? Well, just how are you going to "guarantee" that? Without actually having paid employees to do this? It is nearly impossible to authenticate some bags with pictures alone. I do most of the authentication for Miu Mius here and I can tell you that it is getting harder and harder. Sometimes I have to research the seller's buying history, contact actual Miu Miu stores, etc in order to make an educated opinion. Yes, an opinion, not a guaranteed determination. Then you get some bags where the "authenticators" here differ in opinion about authenticity..........what do you do then?
The only way to actually guarantee authenticity would be to have the authenticator actually hold the bag in their hands and do an actual inspection of the bag itself. This would also give the authenticator direct knowledge of the condition of the bag. Is it in the condition that the seller is claiming it is (lightly used, mint, very worn, etc.). But of course, now you are talking about a much bigger operation, where you actually have to employ authenticators and have bags sent to them, etc.

Also, what about those less known bags such as Miu Miu, Gustto, Kooba, etc. How or who will authenticate those? Or will you limit the brands that you will allow on the site?

I know that everyone is excited about this auction site (I think that it would be great as well), however you are all focusing on marketing, fees, memberships, etc. and not looking at the most important thing:
How are you going to GUARANTEE authenticity without opening yourselves up to lawsuits?

Authenticity is the main objective of this site isn't it? I really think that everyone is assuming that the authenticators here would be sufficient, but I don't think that any of us authenticators would be willing to "guarantee" or determinations. I try to give the best opinion that I can, however it is stated very clearly here that it is merely an opinion and NOT a guarantee. Thoughts?

Okay, I saw this the first time you posted but I didn't respond because I didn't start this thread.

However, since it has been posed again, where did the OP indicate there would be a guarantee or was it something that someone else suggested?

I am a firm believer that NO ONLINE TRANSACTION IS COMPLETELY SAFE FROM FRAUD. The only way someone can truly be guaranteed they have an authentic item is to buy it in a boutique direct from the manufacturer. Even if the pics are authenticated as real (and sometimes you really just can't tell unless you touch the bag) the person could STILL send a FAKE.

What I was advocating initially was a similar process that tPF has (not related to the MarketPlaza) in that members would help monitor and authenticate either before the listing goes up or within a 12-24 hour period. Perhaps once the business is grown it can be treated like a consignment shop OR that once a purchase is made all packages are authenticated before the item is shipped to the buyer. Again, this could never happen initially, but a girl can dream, right?

So, just my $0.02 but an authenticity guarantee upfront isn't worth the paper it is written on and would certainly open someone up to lawsuits. I agree with you about the "holding the bag" and maybe in a few years it will be possible.

[RoseMary]

Originally Posted by skigirl73

I'm totally sick of PP too. I'd do anything possible to not have to give Feebay and PP another dime. Google Checkout is great, and I plan to use it exclusively on my website. I have purchased a few bags from honestforum.com. You can list for free, but again not there is not much traffic on their site.

please keep in mind that google checkout won't work workwide. only USA, UK, canada...? so, for some of us paypal is the ONLY way we can pay/get paid. expect WU maybe, but you have to pay fees as well.

so we need alternatives!

[miu2]

Originally Posted by coachfreak

Okay, I saw this the first time you posted but I didn't respond because I didn't start this thread.

However, since it has been posed again, where did the OP indicate there would be a guarantee or was it something that someone else suggested?

I am a firm believer that NO ONLINE TRANSACTION IS COMPLETELY SAFE FROM FRAUD. The only way someone can truly be guaranteed they have an authentic item is to buy it in a boutique direct from the manufacturer. Even if the pics are authenticated as real (and sometimes you really just can't tell unless you touch the bag) the person could STILL send a FAKE.

What I was advocating initially was a similar process that tPF has (not related to the MarketPlaza) in that members would help monitor and authenticate either before the listing goes up or within a 12-24 hour period. Perhaps once the business is grown it can be treated like a consignment shop OR that once a purchase is made all packages are authenticated before the item is shipped to the buyer. Again, this could never happen initially, but a girl can dream, right?

So, just my $0.02 but an authenticity guarantee upfront isn't worth the paper it is written on and would certainly open someone up to lawsuits. I agree with you about the "holding the bag" and maybe in a few
years it will be possible.

If you can't give some sort of assurance that the bags you are buying are authentic, what's the point? Is this just a site that offers less expensive fees? Is that the point? (maybe I've missed the point the OP had?) If it is less fees that the site offers, stand by, because you're going to get every scammer and his mother wanting to list their bags. Many, many authentications to go through prior to allowing the listing to be posted, especially those popular brands, ie-LV, Coach, Bal, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the idea. I simply think that you have to start any business plan with the "objective of the business", right? What will make people want to use your site instead of eBay? Is it cheaper fees, authenticity, or something else?

[coachfreak]

Originally Posted by miu2

If you can't give some sort of assurance that the bags you are buying are authentic, what's the point? Is this just a site that offers less expensive fees? Is that the point? (maybe I've missed the point the OP had?) If it is less fees that the site offers, stand by, because you're going to get every scammer and his mother wanting to list their bags. Many, many authentications to go through prior to allowing the listing to be posted, especially those popular brands, ie-LV, Coach, Bal, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the idea. I simply think that you have to start any business plan with the "objective of the business", right? What will make people want to use your site instead of eBay? Is it cheaper fees, authenticity, or something else?

I can't speak for the OP on what her intention was, but yes mine was just an eBay alternative just for bags (and such) without all the high fees with a feedback and communication system that allows you to make the decision for yourself. A glorified classifieds section (if you will) that is private with some sort of listing or monthly fee (to pay for maintenance and deter some of the scam artists). Again, the only way for there to be a guarantee is to have all bags up for sale sent in and held until purchase. This is already what consignment shops do so why not use one of them?

Long term I hope that after a bag is sold it would be sent in, documented and authentifcated, then either sent to buyer and funds released to seller or returned to seller if fake or in a different condition than listed. THEN I would feel comfortable offering up a guarantee.

Again, my personal plan is the first leading to the second, but I don't know what the OP had in mind. I would bet the first.

I am not clear on what "verification" the OP had in mind, but looking at their eBay history is certainly a start. Again, not sure you can even weed out ALL scammers, but this may lessen the amount, no?

[miu2]

Originally Posted by coachfreak

I can't speak for the OP on what her intention was, but yes mine was just an eBay alternative just for bags (and such) without all the high fees with a feedback and communication system that allows you to make the decision for yourself. A glorified classifieds section (if you will) that is private with some sort of listing or monthly fee (to pay for maintenance and deter some of the scam artists). Again, the only way for there to be a guarantee is to have all bags up for sale sent in and held until purchase. This is already what consignment shops do so why not use one of them?

Long term I hope that after a bag is sold it would be sent in, documented and authentifcated, then either sent to buyer and funds released to seller or returned to seller if fake or in a different condition than listed. THEN I would feel comfortable offering up a guarantee.

Again, my personal plan is the first leading to the second, but I don't know what the OP had in mind. I would bet the first.

I am not clear on what "verification" the OP had in mind, but looking at their eBay history is certainly a start. Again, not sure you can even weed out ALL scammers, but this may lessen the amount, no?

Now, this sounds like it could work!

[gro3602]

Great ideas, great points, great posts regarding potential problems.....

That's what brainstorming is all about!!

Maybe I'm wrong, but my first impression was that the OP wanted to have a more exclusive site, members only, very strict criteria for sellers.

But......

As Miu2 mentioned, the guarantee of authenticity might be a problem.

[Lovely4]

Dear MUST HAVE TATTERSALL - sounds like a great idea, but it would have to cost a lot less than a consignment shop (currently around 30%). Eventually might even need a warehouse , bigger staff, security for all of our expensive bags, etc,

Authenticity would still be an issue - keep in mind that all authenticators don't authenticate anything, they have their limitations too.

Sorry I still am on the advertising issue too - because we will need a lot of viewers

[HandbagAngel]

Any updates?

[HandbagAngel]

Still no updates?

[In The Bag]

There are other places besides eBay and ioffer, existing places that just need to be built up...

[Lovely4]

Originally Posted by In The Bag

There are other places besides eBay and ioffer, existing places that just need to be built up...

I agree, we need to take over a site, still think that www.louislovers.com would be excellent place to start. They are willing to eventually expand to other Designer brands (other than LV). Just a thought???

[imonpurseblog]

Has anyone tried selling Handbags on Etsy? I wonder if you set up a store and had lots of good identifying (watermarked!!!) pictures and then referenced your eBay or TPF ID people would buy?

I checked Ecrater and it's full of fakes. Etsy didn't have any in the brand I looked for.

[diamondgirl69]

This maybe a stupid question so please indulge me, but couldn't it be done on this site?