Serial Number Database... does it exist or not

[Kfka_btsea]

I know that this has been a hotly debated topic and the idea of a database in stores has been rubbished, but something happened that made me wonder if it exists.

- about a year ago I sold a chanel bag that I had earlier had authenticated by a reseller (authenticated but I didn’t buy it from them)
- 2 weeks after, the buyer tried to say that there was wear and tear that I did not disclose and she did not notice earlier and asked for a refund
- I had proof on the condition at the point of sale. So lo and behold, a few days later, she claimed that it wasn’t authentic and that Chanel had apparently run it through their database
- I called Chanel and the rep who spoke to me said the database doesn’t exist and they can’t comment on authenticity anyway until the workshop has a look at it. (He actually asked if i’d heard about a database from purseforum ) Check check check.
- I passed on his name to the buyer and what he said.

- fast forward to the present and I was speaking to a consignment shop owner who told me that a database DOES exist but Chanel stores won’t let customers look at it and deny its existence.
- apparently her friend was an SA and managed to help her check certain items as well as sneaked her a screenshot.

- I’m now really curious if this does exist...

 

[lallybelle]

Well obviously your buyer had remorse and tried to force a return on you. I hope that the situation all worked out for you. But that is not the point of your thread. So in answer to your question, a few years ago I was flagged by Chanel and told I would no longer be able to purchase at the boutique, but they didn't explain why.. I was so pissed off that I decided I wasn't going to let it go. I finally got to someone who explained to me that it was because I was a suspected reseller. This was completely ridiculous as I have sold some of my things from time to time, but I purchase or sell no where near enough to be a reseller. she helped me out and fixed it so I was no longer banned. When she called me to tell me, I asked what made Chanel suspect me in the first place, she not so subtly let me know that they check all the big online resale sites. I suspect my problem came from the few things I had sold to Fashionphile. Shortly after this I noticed FP started blocking out part of the holograms on the items they are selling. (I believe FP must have seen my thread.)

Anyway, the point of my long ass story is that I believe the database must be true, otherwise how would have Chanel known about the stuff I sold?

 

[lvchanellvr]

It is interesting you brought up whether a database exists. I was speaking to a SA about an unrelated matter, she mentioned that she ran a serial # through their system to check on a bag. It leads me to believe that they do have one but I never saw this 'database'. I know that at my store, they create a profile and I think they do track the serial #s under your profile.

 

[ashin121]

Well obviously your buyer had remorse and tried to force a return on you. I hope that the situation all worked out for you. But that is not the point of your thread. So in answer to your question, a few years ago I was flagged by Chanel and told I would no longer be able to purchase at the boutique, but they didn't explain why.. I was so pissed off that I decided I wasn't going to let it go. I finally got to someone who explained to me that it was because I was a suspected reseller. This was completely ridiculous as I have sold some of my things from time to time, but I purchase or sell no where near enough to be a reseller. she helped me out and fixed it so I was no longer banned. When she called me to tell me, I asked what made Chanel suspect me in the first place, she not so subtly let me know that they check all the big online resale sites. I suspect my problem came from the few things I had sold to Fashionphile. Shortly after this I noticed FP started blocking out part of the holograms on the items they are selling. (I believe FP must have seen my thread.)

Anyway, the point of my long ass story is that I believe the database must be true, otherwise how would have Chanel known about the stuff I sold?

I remember reading threads on tpf about this. Chanel cracking down on people selling their bags by checking the serial number on reseller sites - mainly fp because yoogiscloset already blocked off half of it. I do also think they have a database too.

 

[katlina]

I am a bit confused as to why a database like this is a big thing? i was always SURE there has to be one. When i bought my mini they took my passport, made various copies and whatnot and from what I understood I am now a customer in their system and they can see that I bought bag XY with serial number XY. I know so because I asked: what if i ever loose my receipt (it was a big department store in france and their receipts are the thin flimsy ones that fade over time unlike the big printed out chanel papers). and the lady said not to worry If i ever needed anything they could run my serial number and the would see where and when I bought it. isnt that full on confirmation? I always thought that was the case, why are you surprised if it were so? i mean if you buy a car or an expensive watch like a cartier they also note down who bought which serial number...

i just sometimes wish we would be able to check haha for vintage items - how lovely would it be to know who owned it before you or at least which country and decade...

 

[TrixyG]

I am a bit confused as to why a database like this is a big thing? i was always SURE there has to be one. When i bought my mini they took my passport, made various copies and whatnot and from what I understood I am now a customer in their system and they can see that I bought bag XY with serial number XY. I know so because I asked: what if i ever loose my receipt (it was a big department store in france and their receipts are the thin flimsy ones that fade over time unlike the big printed out chanel papers). and the lady said not to worry If i ever needed anything they could run my serial number and the would see where and when I bought it. isnt that full on confirmation? I always thought that was the case, why are you surprised if it were so? i mean if you buy a car or an expensive watch like a cartier they also note down who bought which serial number...

i just sometimes wish we would be able to check haha for vintage items - how lovely would it be to know who owned it before you or at least which country and decade...

I'm okay with a retailer keeping track of my purchases in their system, it definitely makes it easier if a receipt is lost, etc. I'm not okay with them being able to track what I do with my purchases once they're mine. And as nice as it would be to have the history on some vintage pieces, I'm sorry, but I don't want someone to be able to trace a bag back to me... it's a privacy issue.

 

[D1SoCaligirl]

I purchased a mini from the boutique and shortly after sold it. Don’t know what I was thinking buying it in a light color. The next time I was in, the SA mentioned me selling it. I asked how he knew? He mumbled something about me telling him. Um no, I never did. And this was a boutique we’ve been to only 3 times on vacation. Not my regular spot for shopping and not my regular SA. So ya, they keep track. Especially if the FB Chanel page is still running. I had one SA who freely admitted they will come here to TPF to see if they can figure out if their customers are complaining about them.

 

[Kfka_btsea]

Thanks for all the responses guys! It's been insightful, and a little scary (almost a bit Big Brother like!)

It worked out fine in the end; I think too that it was buyer's remorse since the sales rep on the phone told me that they don't comment on authenticity until it reaches the workshop, so it sounds like she made it up.

100% agree on purchases being yours once you've paid for them!

@lallybelle: IDGI why they are so upset about resellers; to my understanding even chanel classics don't get resold for more than retail prices, so it's not like anyone who resells is trying to make a profit, unlike with H. But maybe my understanding is wrong?

 

[KittyKat65]

When i bought my mini they took my passport, made various copies and whatnot and from what I understood I am now a customer in their system and they can see that I bought bag XY with serial number XY.

I can't be alone in thinking that no fashion company should be requesting a passport and making copies, right? If a store asked for my passport, I would walk out.

 

[Newbie2016]

Nobody in the US asks for passports...unless they want to see ID to verify its your credit card. Of course locals would then show drivers licenses and tourists would likely show passports. Passport copies may be made when you want to request VAT back in Europe or are in transit at an airport. That's been my experience.