Keeping Coach Files for Reference/Research

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Erilynn25

Erilynn25

Member
Jul 17, 2016
130
173
#1
Hello. I know that many of the authenticators have their own files that they use for reference. Whenever I try to research a bag I usually use the Wayback Machine, but sometimes it is hard to use since not all of the dates/links work. I would like to start keeping my own files to use for reference. For everyone who has their own files, 1. Where do you get the information from?, and 2. How do you store/organize all of your files?
Thanks for any input!
 
#2
Info is collected from posts here especially the Authenticate This Coach forum and from photos others have posted. Some sources like Coach's old Drilldown no longer exist. You can collect catalogs but that can get to be expensive. Make sure you have enough room on your storage system or media to save everything, and keep photo sizes reasonable, bigger isn't always better.

As for how to organize the info, it depends on what you're trying to collect or to concentrate on. Shopping? Counterfeits? Narrow down what you're interested in and what you're planning on using the information for and work from there.
 
#3
I like to go to yard sales and thrift stores and pick up Coach bags, wallets, and other accessories. Some of them I keep for myself and others I sell on eBay. Most of what I come across is from around 2000-2013. I would like the info mostly for identifying the styles, colors, and years of things I pick up, not as much with counterfeits.
 
#4
I have photo files that are a combination of pictures of my own bags, pictures I've taken from listings, from the purse forum, from the wayback machine, and some from catalogs. They are mostly organized by style number. Besides the style number, my file names include the official name if I know it, the year, and some keywords to help me find it. I have a separate photo file of creeds I've saved, including some of fakes. I have those sorted by plant symbol and year. I also have a word document that includes anything I think is important.

I find it is best to save photos when you see them even if you don't have that style currently so it will be easier when you do come across that style.
 
#5
Thank you for your advice!

Where do you find the best place to get catalog photos? I see catalog photos posted on the forum and physical copies of the catalogs for sale on eBay, I was just wondering if there were any other resources you use.

Also, how do you find information for MFF bags? I tried to use the Wayback Machine, but I couldn't get it to work since it makes you log in.
 
#7
I have only been doing this the past couple of years, so I don't really know how the value has changed over the years. Everything I sell is below the original MSRP. Some styles hold their value better than others.
 
#8
Erilynn25 said:
Thank you for your advice!

Where do you find the best place to get catalog photos? I see catalog photos posted on the forum and physical copies of the catalogs for sale on eBay, I was just wondering if there were any other resources you use.

Also, how do you find information for MFF bags? I tried to use the Wayback Machine, but I couldn't get it to work since it makes you log in.
Click to expand...
I've copied catalog photos that I see posted online, and I have several physical catalogs. You aren't going to find MFF bags on the wayback. I've never had to log into the wayback. Are you talking about the same website? https://web.archive.org/web/*/coach.com

If I don't already have information about a bag and can't find it on the wayback, I'll search the forum for the style number. If the style isn't too old, you can often find the threads where they announced the new styles for the season, or a reveal thread. I'll also look on ebay. Sometimes you'll find a listing for a new with tags item that has the official name. Additionally, I've owned a lot of styles and have been on the forum for a long time so I'm familiar with a lot of items.
 
#9
Sorry, I wasn't clear there. Yes, it is the same Wayback Machine. I meant if you try to go to coachoutlet.com on the Wayback Machine it will show the window to log into the FOS with your email address and not let you look at the items. I haven't had any problems using the Wayback Machine on coach.com.
 
#10
Erilynn25 said:
Sorry, I wasn't clear there. Yes, it is the same Wayback Machine. I meant if you try to go to coachoutlet.com on the Wayback Machine it will show the window to log into the FOS with your email address and not let you look at the items. I haven't had any problems using the Wayback Machine on coach.com.
Click to expand...
Oh, that makes sense because no one can look at coachoutlet.com without being signed in, and when there isn't an active sale, there isn't much to see. I just tried to look at it on the wayback and I couldn't get the sign in page to work. I can't imagine how it would. How would it access the hash file to authenticate the password? I don't think it would help with the majority of items anyway. They've only be using that website for a few years and it doesn't have all the styles that were available. For items that are as new as that website, there is good chance you'll find one on ebay that still has tags.

ETA: I just confirmed that you can't use the wayback for websites that require a login.
 
#12
#13
whateve said:
That's interesting! At first I thought https://coach.tingtingchen.com/ and http://coach.handhandbag.com were counterfeit sellers, but they are price tracking sites. I wonder how accurate they are.
Click to expand...

I have used both sites in the past, during and after a recent FOS. I think they are a great resource. The pricing is generally accurate and up to date. The only problem I encountered was when Coach would offer say an additional 50% off, which was included in the online price. On the rare occasion, the referenced sites would list the online price with an additional 50% off, a net 75% discount. I am not sure about pricing with promos, such as the Buy more and save.
 
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