I've only been authenticating with authenticate4u for a while but I've heard Bababebi specializes with Hermès. So I tried both services to authenticate a Birkin 35 X stamp purchased last year and I am so torn between Bababebi and Authenticate4u. I used Authenticate4u and they deemed it fake, so I sent the exact same photos to Bababebi and they claimed it was authentic! I asked authenticate4u again and they replied in a rude response "fine go with them" claiming Bababebi only "compares" and they don't zebra check... Who do I trust?
Authenticate4U.com experiences?
- Thread starter Bratty1919
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I love a4u but in this case and with Hermès, Bababebi is the best so I'd go with her.
I would also recommend referring a4u to this thread.
There are some brands that I wouldn't hesitate to trust a4u but in a case with a difference of opinion, I'd recommend the company that specializes in the brand.
Jmho.
I’m shocked to hear this. I’ve heard that authenticate4u had communication problems in the past but never have I heard of incorrect authentications. I’ve used them for other brands but never a Hermes item. I’d definitely go with Bababebi as she is a well respected Hermes authenticator.
I've also used A4U for several different brands as well as an Hermes scarf. In that case, I knew my scarf was authentic but wanted documentation because the label had been removed. And it was deemed as authentic.
It's the comment that was made that shocks me.
Sorry, I should clarify instead of the term "fake" A4U stated the Hermes girls didn't like it and the result is inconclusive.
I was taken aback by her response since I've heard Bababebi to be extremely reputable. Yes- I agree Lesley is usually really nice but I guess when I showed her Bababebi's take on the authentication she got defensive thinking I was accusing her authenticators of making an error on their end or prompting them to change their opinion based on another authenticator's review of the bag. This is something against my practice. I did not in any way accuse her of wrong authentication and/or force her to alter the authentication based on Bababebi's review. I actually showed both A4U and Bababebi's opposing opinion to both parties in order to be fair.
I think she is aware of the thread but when she tries to defend herself against inaccurate and/or unwarranted criticism, her posts seem to be deleted. (And IMO, that's unfair! Along with legitimate criticism of lack of communication, there have been blatant lies posted, some of which were called out but others, not so much.)
That's very different! (ETA: Why do I get the feeling that we aren't getting the full story?)
If you're now telling the truth, it would make sense that you'd then go for a second opinion.
I'm still struggling with the "rudeness" accusation.
(BTW, what does "zebra check" mean?)
That was my take on her response when she instantly told me "Fine, just go with her." when she felt that I was openly accusing her of being wrong JUST BECAUSE I sent her a screenshot of Bababebi's review that the bag was deemed authentic. I never accused her of authenticating it wrong OR try to get her to change the result based on Bababebi's review. She commented on Bababebi for her methods of authentication and that made me question Bababebi's review of that bag. I've never used Bababebi's service before and was quite shocked to hear what a4u said about them when all I've heard were good things about Bababebi. To be fair, I emailed BOTH A4U AND Bababebi based on both results. I even told Bababebi where there were concerns on the bag. I have both the chats but that's something private between me and them which I respect. Zebra check was a term she used, you can ask her.
And I wasn't lying. Earlier I used the term "fake" because I didn't spend money on the authentication to get a result that was inconclusive. According to A4U and their authenticators they clearly stated that "the bag does not look genuine". Then in that case, correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it safe for one to assume that the bag is not authentic?
And I wasn't lying. Earlier I used the term "fake" because I didn't spend money on the authentication to get a result that was inconclusive. According to A4U and their authenticators they clearly stated that "the bag does not look genuine". Then in that case, correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it safe for one to assume that the bag is not authentic?
I would interpret that something is amiss and hence led one expert not to put her affirmation behind the opinion. You paid for an authentication and inconclusiveness is one of the 3 possible outcomes not just 2 like guilty, not guilty or can’t agree in the case of mistrial. I would have gone back to inquire further why their expert wasn’t confident and what more would they want to see in photos. From my experience, A4U have always shared details about what made them paused, it’s more illuminating than just accepting a yes answer. And you should ask what zebra check means when someone uses a term you’re not familiar with, it’s all part of the learning curve so to speak.
I will just repeat what I said on your thread on the H forum - Bababebi is the gold standard for H authentications.