Michael Kors Buying preloved Saffiano Hamilton & avoiding fakes

[ChrisCross]

Hi ladies,

I'm looking for a preloved saffiano Hamilton in e/w, probably in a neutral color like dark dune or luggage. I've seen some on tradesy, poshmark, ebay etc in the $120 range which would be perfect.

However, i'm hesitant to purchase these because there are so many fakes flooding the market. I know I can ask to have bags authenticated here, but to avoid posting a million different listings, what are some things I should look out for right off the bat? Not super familiar with the authentication process.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[reginaPhalange]

One of the biggest indicators are dimensions that don't match the sizes of authentic pieces and hardware that lacks the MK logo and engraving. Also look at the packaging, tags, and receipt as well as any interior labels that have an item/style number.

 

[cdtracing]

There are a myriad of things to look at to determine authenticity. I do not reveal what I look at or what I see that determines a bag is fake or genuine because counterfeiters read this site & the AT threads on it to try & glean information that will allow them to create & sell better fakes. The TPF does not condone the buying or selling of counterfeit merchandise, nor does it condone helping counterfeiter to improve their imitations. Hence it it standard practice on TPF to not divulge what authenticators see to make a determination.

If you go to the ATMK thread & read the 1st post of the thread, you will see the format needed to request an authentication along with a list of the required pictures. There is a limit of no more that 3 request in a 24 hour period.

You also have to be careful of the site you buy from as well. While no site is 100% safe, some sites are far better to buy from when purchasing designer goods. I would recommend not buying off FB or from the Asian sites based in Indonesia & Malaysia. This is the area where most of the Super Fakes come from. While the price is always a "good deal", it's best to adhere to the thought that if it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true & buyer beware. We are now seeing some of the Super Fakes from Asia making their way to online sites in Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, Poland, ect. Also, be sure to check into the return policy of the seller & what your options would be. If you buy a bag with your credit card, you can dispute the charges with your cc company. Ebay also has a Buyer Protection policy if an item is SNAD or a counterfeit. Just remember, with CC & with Ebay & most other websites, if you think a purchase is fake, you will have to have to pay an outside authentication service to make a determination & put it in writing to use as evidence in a dispute.

When buying anything online, it's always best to do your homework & research the site you're buying from & what your options are if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Any reputable seller should have no problem providing whatever necessary pictures you may need for authentication purposes. You can't just take their word for it. While many may be telling the truth, there are also just as many who will lie about the authenticity of their item. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[ChrisCross]

There are a myriad of things to look at to determine authenticity. I do not reveal what I look at or what I see that determines a bag is fake or genuine because counterfeiters read this site & the AT threads on it to try & glean information that will allow them to create & sell better fakes. The TPF does not condone the buying or selling of counterfeit merchandise, nor does it condone helping counterfeiter to improve their imitations. Hence it it standard practice on TPF to not divulge what authenticators see to make a determination.

If you go to the ATMK thread & read the 1st post of the thread, you will see the format needed to request an authentication along with a list of the required pictures. There is a limit of no more that 3 request in a 24 hour period.

You also have to be careful of the site you buy from as well. While no site is 100% safe, some sites are far better to buy from when purchasing designer goods. I would recommend not buying off FB or from the Asian sites based in Indonesia & Malaysia. This is the area where most of the Super Fakes come from. While the price is always a "good deal", it's best to adhere to the thought that if it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true & buyer beware. We are now seeing some of the Super Fakes from Asia making their way to online sites in Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, Poland, ect. Also, be sure to check into the return policy of the seller & what your options would be. If you buy a bag with your credit card, you can dispute the charges with your cc company. Ebay also has a Buyer Protection policy if an item is SNAD or a counterfeit. Just remember, with CC & with Ebay & most other websites, if you think a purchase is fake, you will have to have to pay an outside authentication service to make a determination & put it in writing to use as evidence in a dispute.

When buying anything online, it's always best to do your homework & research the site you're buying from & what your options are if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Any reputable seller should have no problem providing whatever necessary pictures you may need for authentication purposes. You can't just take their word for it. While many may be telling the truth, there are also just as many who will lie about the authenticity of their item. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Thanks so, so much to you both! (Can't quote 2) I learned a ton from reading this -- had no idea the authentication process was so complex. Thanks for the work that you do on that thread.