Authenticate4U.com experiences?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#16
Apricot Summers said:
They don't need to ... AFU is one of the best.

However if you're shopping around, don't ever use an authentication service that hides the ownership of the website. That's a BIG red flag.

Also make sure that the authenticators have retail or manufacturing experience with high end designer goods --- just saying "I've bought LV (or Chanel or whatever) for 5 year" ... does NOT make someone an authenticator.

Make sure to avoid authenticators that cannot provide any references that include past work history that is associated with the high end designer goods. For instance, if someone has been a paper goods sales representative for the last 10 years, but suddenly decides they are an expert, that's NOT sufficient to make them a trusted authenticator.


Also, I'd ask here and perhaps on other discussion boards and get suggestions from people who have used authenticators. If it's someone that no one has ever used or heard of, then avoid them.

I could go on, but I thought these would be good suggestions for anyone who is looking for an authenticator.
Click to expand...

AFU being the best is a matter of opinion. Just because you work for a designer or manufacturing company doesn't make you an authenticator, it makes you a salesperson. Most don't have the training or expertise to authenticate.

BTW....none of what you said should be "required" for a website is on A4U. No ownership of website, no experience in retail or mfg, in fact they say their authenticators are 'just regular girls' with years of experience in buying and selling. A4U is no different than any other authentication site.
 
#17
^^ Most people have dealt with their individual authenticators and have used them for YEARS. However you can always ask for the experience of the authenticator, I'm sure they would be happy to oblige. I've always received the information.


:)


And yes, it's my opinion that AFU is one of the best. They have a well deserved EXCELLENT reputation and I like that they have stayed low key and built their business on referrals.

:)
 
#18
goodtaste said:
AFU being the best is a matter of opinion. Just because you work for a designer or manufacturing company doesn't make you an authenticator, it makes you a salesperson. Most don't have the training or expertise to authenticate.

BTW....none of what you said should be "required" for a website is on A4U. No ownership of website, no experience in retail or mfg, in fact they say their authenticators are 'just regular girls' with years of experience in buying and selling. A4U is no different than any other authentication site.
Click to expand...

Apricot Summers said:
^^ Most people have dealt with their individual authenticators and have used them for YEARS. However you can always ask for the experience of the authenticator, I'm sure they would be happy to oblige. I've always received the information.


:)


And yes, it's my opinion that AFU is one of the best. They have a well deserved EXCELLENT reputation and I like that they have stayed low key and built their business on referrals.

:)
Click to expand...

I posted mainly to get the attention of A4U (which I did). I had also hoped to hear from others who had used alternate sites, not members advertising/promoting their own. And certainly I didn't start it to give a voice to some authenticator battle/competition. If you disagree, please PM :)
 
#19
Bratty1919 said:
I posted mainly to get the attention of A4U (which I did). I had also hoped to hear from others who had used alternate sites, not members advertising/promoting their own. And certainly I didn't start it to give a voice to some authenticator battle/competition. If you disagree, please PM :)
Click to expand...

I thought this forum was for discussion. My bad.
 
#20
goodtaste said:
AFU being the best is a matter of opinion. Just because you work for a designer or manufacturing company doesn't make you an authenticator, it makes you a salesperson. Most don't have the training or expertise to authenticate.

BTW....none of what you said should be "required" for a website is on A4U. No ownership of website, no experience in retail or mfg, in fact they say their authenticators are 'just regular girls' with years of experience in buying and selling. A4U is no different than any other authentication site.
Click to expand...
Actually, a whois lookup of A4U tells exactly who the owner is and shows all her contact information. Some other sites also show the ownership, but many use a Domain Proxy Service and there's no way to know their credibility.

Actually, the one you're promoting is one who hides their identity.
 
#21
BeenBurned said:
Actually, a whois lookup of A4U tells exactly who the owner is and shows all her contact information. Some other sites also show the ownership, but many use a Domain Proxy Service and there's no way to know their credibility.

Actually, the one you're promoting is one who hides their identity.
Click to expand...

The identity is not hidden. Are people really supposed to use a WHOIS to find out who owns the site? Why do you keep changing the "rules" of who should be doing what? Sounds like you're the one who works for them. I don't know what your deal is. You've stated your opinion on the site you prefer. Enough said.
 
#24
BeenBurned said:
Actually, a whois lookup of A4U tells exactly who the owner is and shows all her contact information. Some other sites also show the ownership, but many use a Domain Proxy Service and there's no way to know their credibility.

Actually, the one you're promoting is one who hides their identity.
Click to expand...

Did not know about looking up proxies, etc- thanks for the info!
 
#25
Bratty1919 said:
I think there' s a difference between discussion and blowing one's own horn. At least I would hope so.
Click to expand...
Indeed, and it's quite evident to anyone reading this thread. You started it by asking for clarification, got that, and then were subjected to an advertising spam battle. I think you handled yourself quite well; kudos! :)
Bratty1919 said:
Did not know about looking up proxies, etc- thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
BB has a wealth of information which has helped so many people on so many subject areas here, and if she knows anything at all (and I know a little about this, too), it's where to go to find information. It's out there, you just need to know how and where to look for it. She also has never advertised herself, only provided help for others, something most of us here on this ebay board try to do. That's kinda why it's here, to answer questions and help people when we can with answers and information. Some go the extra mile, and some go the marathon, and BB is in that latter group. :)
 
#26
goodtaste said:
I never blew anyone's "horn". All I said was there are options and pointed out some errors "logic" to knowing which one to choose. No name was ever mentioned.
Click to expand...

A4U has been around for quite some time and had an excellent reputation, as state here by many.

I'd kind of like to know what makes ****************** a "leading authority" when in fact it has been in existence for what, a few months?

Perhaps if you have an affiliation with them, you can share, yes?
 
#27
missbanff said:
a4u has been around for quite some time and had an excellent reputation, as state here by many.

I'd kind of like to know what makes ****************** a "leading authority" when in fact it has been in existence for what, a few months?

Perhaps if you have an affiliation with them, you can share, yes?
Click to expand...

+2!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top