Is there a thread here on this topic?
Not only is it difficult to know the authenticity of the seller and the authenticity of the product but also the authenticity of the authenticator. Does that make sense?
Its great having the knowledge and experience of the members here but when it comes to evaluation for resale and purchase of authentic products we need that insurance.
We are currently in the General Shopping a subforum. There are multiple threads devoted to this topic within subforums classified by brand name, for example. hermes shopping, etc. etc.
I strongly recommend authentication by reputable third party (either paid or TPF volunteer) prior to purchase and payment via fee based service like PayPal. The authentication fee and 3% fee is a small price to pay for increased peace of mind. However, nothing is risk free except as
@jellyv points out below: purchase from the boutique.
re seller: I personally tend to buy from boutique; fashionphile (though some members have had mixed experiences); Ann’s Fabulous Finds; Yoogis Closet; a few resellers in Japan;
@docride for specialty heritage leather Hermes (box, vache natural, barenia) and, a few reputable brick and mortar stores. i can only speak as to my personal experience As a buyer though.
re product authentication:
researching the seller, the retail platform and authentication is part of due diligence. Many of us have learned a great deal by reading this forum (and using the search button
(for narrowest results, use the magnifying glass on the upper right to search within each subforum) Usually, you will find a thread where someone has done part of the work, and you can benefit from that experience.
Each subforum used to have a volunteer authenticity thread staffed by experienced TPFers. Note: only TPFers with the color coded label authenticator under their avatars are authorized to authenticate. If you follow this path, your post will be answered faster if you follow the format listed in the rules in each thread.
chanel: (Not sure that chanel has one currently, but some reliable members used to recommend Etinceler. I personally would not trust authentication services from a seller platform.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/authenticate4u-vs-zeko.1040491/
hermes: Many members have relied on Hermes subforum thread or
@bababebi for paid authentication .
dior:
@averagejoe is extremely knowledgeable and generous with his time on the Dior subforum.
Bottega Veneta: There are also very knowledgeable TPFers on Bottega thread.
Other: I am not as familiar with contemporary designer threads, but I know the Rebbeca Minkoff threads seem quite comprehensive.
HTH
