Tradesy provides a marketplace and a service, but they do NOTHING to PROACTIVELY ENSURE AUTHENTICITY. Rather, they will step in if there is a claim that something is not authentic, or if there is a dispute over a return request. They operate on an honor system whereby they trust that listings are authentic. If you buy the item and find that it is not authentic, THEN they will get involved, but the process can be long and fraught with gray areas, because THEY decide who and how they'll authenticate something.
Tradesy is notoriously oblivious and uncaring in terms of what gets listed on their site... they do not screen for authenticity and are only moderately responsive when someone uses the "flag" feature to inform them that something is fake.
They are only too happy to collect the commission from all sales, real or fake, and leave it to the buyer to determine whether what they are going to buy, or have bought, is authentic. ****CAVEAT EMPTOR****
I can't tell you how many fake items I have flagged on Tradesy, and they get taken down *maybe* 50% of the time at best, but 99% of the time they pop right back up again.
To have the best experience SELLING on Tradesy, here is what I've learned:
1. Document EVERYTHING in photos. Maximize every single one of the 12 photos allowed, even if it means creating photo collages if you need more than 12 photos.
2. Write smart, DETAILED descriptions, and fill out all information accurately.
Even if the buyer doesn't read it, Tradesy will review it if there is any dispute. If it is written in your description, the measurements, etc, the buyer has NO CHANCE to make a claim otherwise. I sold a Burberry jacket missing the size tag, which I clearly stated in my description, also stating that if the buyer has an issue with the size uncertainty, please do not buy. Well, the buyer claimed it was not sized correctly and tried to return. Because of what was written in my description, I got paid. Another time someone bought a scarf I was selling that was really more like a silk shawl. The size and dimensions were clearly stated in the measurements, which the buyer didn't read. She tried to return because it was larger than she thought, but I had documented the size accurately, so they released my funds immediately.
3. Communicate with your buyers. If not before the sale, the seller ALWAYS has to confirm a sale before Tradesy will complete it for the buyer. This is an opportunity to communicate with the buyer to ask if they have any questions.
4. MOST IMPORTANT! If you're selling a luxury item, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS PUT A DISCLAIMER IN YOUR DESCRIPTION!
State that you will not confirm a sale until you have exchanged a message with the buyer confirming that they have:
(a) had the item authenticated by the third party authenticator of their choice, or
(b) that they will waive authentication because they know from their own research or experience that the item is authentic.
Tradesy saves EVERY SINGLE MESSAGE YOU EXCHANGE and will go back to review them in the event of a dispute. At a minimum, this forces dishonest people to reconsider before they try to scam you, and they'll move on to a less savvy seller.
As a buyer:
1. Ask questions, research, authenticate, and follow your gut.
Sellers should write complete, honest descriptions. It always blows me away when they don't. It's flat out disrespectful to the person who wants to do business with you. Sadly, MOST people post woefully inadequate photos, information, or descriptions, and you're forced to ask questions and wait endlessly for a short reply that doesn't answer a third of your questions. It can be supremely frustrating.
>>If you're not getting satisfactory answers from a seller, or they seem evasive or rude or shady, MOVE ON.
>>If your gut tells you something doesn't add up or isn't right, even if the item has been authenticated, follow your gut and move on.
>>If it's a brand or item you're not familiar with or don't know your size in, do some research before you purchase. For example If a brand of shoes runs large or small and you buy your normal size not knowing that, it's not the buyer's fault and you'll get a credit but not a refund. It is not the seller's responsibility to provide commentary on a certain style, only to state the labeled size, etc.
A word on shipping:
I always, always, always use the "use your own packaging/shipping" option. Tradesy MAKES TONS OF MONEY ON THEIR SHIPPING, AND THEY'RE SLOW AS [BLEEP]. Their "shipping kits" take forever to show up, and are usually inadequate packaging (hello? and ENVELOPE to ship a pair of cowboy boots??).
If you are selling a luxury item, the premium on their shipping is INSANE and will result in more money for them and a much, much slower sale due to the much, much higher price.
Usually you can ship USPS 2 day priority with signature and insurance for about a quarter (or less) of what Tradesy charges for luxury goods. The buyer still ultimately pays for it, because you punch in what the shipping cost will be, which is added to the sale price. By taking matters into your own hands everything happens faster (including you getting paid!!), cheaper, and results in better customer service/satisfaction for your buyer. IMO Tradesy's "free shipping" option is a TOTAL scam and adds zero security benefit (ALWAYS use tracking and signature confirmation though).
I've personally experienced really excellent customer service with Tradesy, and I highly recommend the site, but only if you know how to move within their system for your own benefit and security.... NONE of which is clearly explained or outlined anywhere. They don't hold your hand any better than eBay does. And to whomever posted about about not getting any kind of alert when a buyer requests a return, I TOTALLY agree that it's a terrible, gaping hole in the way they operate and should be changed.
If you read that whole post you deserve a medal. Sorry for being verbose!!!
