It's very simple. If you are selling a designer item, pre-authenticate before you list. You have backup if something goes wrong and can quickly fire off the relevant paperwork to eBay.
If you see an item that says authenticated by "x" or "y", then follow up with authenticator "x" or "y" if you are serious about the item. Don't write to the seller saying "Are you sure that it was authenticated by x?" unless you have checked with "x" or "y" first - it is a waste of time.
If you are buying and find something you really like, the simplest thing is to post it to the relevant "authenticate this a", b, c etc thread.
If I get a "How do you know this is real?" question, I am happy to help out and explain some of the factors that determine authenticity. But the "are you sure this is real...? " question is really annoying and suggests that you are really "a lying slime-ball".
There are many excellent authenticators out there. Use them! Be informed before you list something or bid on something. For the amount of money involved, having the item reviewed by someone with expert eyes is worth it for the peace of mind!
I have found that preauthenticating has led to way less post auction dramas. I get less tyre kickers.
Returning an item is not "cost free". Setting aside the cost of postage, think also that fees have been paid and have to be adminstratively refunded. Both the buyer and seller have to use their valuable free time writing to eachother on a situation that may not even exist if either of them had used an authenticator before the sale. If it goes ugly, then eBay or PayPal staff get involved too hosing down irate eBay members, and which is a "hidden cost" of a return.
Nothing irritates me more than seeing negatives left for sellers on items which are clearly genuine. I see a lot of these in the brand that I am most familiar with. It is unfair and often more to do with buyer's remorse than the actual bag. So if you are going to bid on the ultimate bag, do the ultimate thing first and pre-authenticate...
If you see an item that says authenticated by "x" or "y", then follow up with authenticator "x" or "y" if you are serious about the item. Don't write to the seller saying "Are you sure that it was authenticated by x?" unless you have checked with "x" or "y" first - it is a waste of time.
If you are buying and find something you really like, the simplest thing is to post it to the relevant "authenticate this a", b, c etc thread.
If I get a "How do you know this is real?" question, I am happy to help out and explain some of the factors that determine authenticity. But the "are you sure this is real...? " question is really annoying and suggests that you are really "a lying slime-ball".
There are many excellent authenticators out there. Use them! Be informed before you list something or bid on something. For the amount of money involved, having the item reviewed by someone with expert eyes is worth it for the peace of mind!
I have found that preauthenticating has led to way less post auction dramas. I get less tyre kickers.
Returning an item is not "cost free". Setting aside the cost of postage, think also that fees have been paid and have to be adminstratively refunded. Both the buyer and seller have to use their valuable free time writing to eachother on a situation that may not even exist if either of them had used an authenticator before the sale. If it goes ugly, then eBay or PayPal staff get involved too hosing down irate eBay members, and which is a "hidden cost" of a return.
Nothing irritates me more than seeing negatives left for sellers on items which are clearly genuine. I see a lot of these in the brand that I am most familiar with. It is unfair and often more to do with buyer's remorse than the actual bag. So if you are going to bid on the ultimate bag, do the ultimate thing first and pre-authenticate...
