tPF authenticator discussion
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And yet another authenticator told her to go ahead and PM him/her for more info as to why it's a fake.....I can see how this could be construed as confusing for a member.
Why is this happening?
What a mess!
Thank you for pointing this out. I usually just assume that those who come back to ask "why is this fake" are usually the ones who posted the original link.
In any case, the link is now no longer active, which proves my initial point that information shared on this forum moves FAST and you never know who's reading and what they plan to do with that information. I guess someone from Fashionphile must have seen it and pulled the listing.
When the forum first started out, people were sharing information on what makes an item fake in the AT. Now, it is standard that authenticators do not make such statements, because this is an open forum after all (and a popular one that many know of), and everything that is shared could possibly be used for all the wrong reasons.
The member who asked me to elaborate on why the bag was fake has been a member for a long time and remembers a different set of rules from back then. AJ and myself longer disclose reasons why a Dior item is authentic or fake. But in this case, I think AJ was being courteous due to her seniority status, as stated in his post. This is not the norm.
Thanks for clarifying.......I would imagine that those who choose to make fake bags have many other tricks up their sleeves such as buying the authentic item and going from there.....much simpler than clicking around the internet to find out the "secrets".
I've been authenticating Dior for years and when I first started the fakes were horribly faked. The only thing they got right was the exterior. One quick look at the interior details and you could tell that it was fake. However, lately, there are some superfakes that have left me staring at the computer screen for at least 10-20 minutes. I have to scrutinize every little detail to make sure that a specfic font is right- if the numbers are printed correctly in the right font and size. It is much harder now and I believe it is because of the rise in bag/fashion forums such as this one. Counterfeiters have always purchased authentic bags, ripped them apart and try to make replicas as close as possible to the original. However, they always seem to miss the little details and that's how a skilled authenticator can tell the difference between a fake and an authentic. Like I said before, this forum used to be open to discussing things like that, what to look for, etc... And over the years, it seems like the things that have drastically improved and starting to look like the real thing are the small details that used to make it easy for an authenticator to authenticate.
I'm sure counterfeiters have endless amounts of tricks up their sleeves, but it really isn't necessary for us to make it easy/directly point out to them areas that need improvement. That's my main reason for not disclosing what makes a Dior bag authentic or not authentic.
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I agree with what you're saying. The scary part is how many of these crooks are showing the authentic bag in their listing and then sending on their superfake to the unsuspecting buyer?
That's the scary part of trying to buy authentic online.....you may not be seeing the actual product and for that matter not even sure that you're receiving the product that they've advertised.
Any of us can send in in listing link to be "authenticated" but whether or not that's the actual bag that is sent is the problem.....but this isn't exactly news to you!
I know this does not apply to all AT forums (because some have much more requests than others), but in the Dior AT, we are open to re-authenticating the item after the buyer receives it, given that the buyer provides us with all the necessary clear photos. This is to reconfirm, or not, what was stated before. If the seller did send a fake bag, we would then suggest that the buyer contact A4U for an authentication and for an official SNAD letter to be used as evidence in the dispute.
If you're not buying from an authorized dealer or official boutique, you really should be taking the extra precautionary steps to protect yourself. I will occassionally buy preloved items and I always get it authenticated here if I can't do so myself. When the item arrives, I get it reauthenticated again, here if possible, or through a paid authentication service. You are already shelling out so much money to buy these designer items, paying another $7 to get that reassurance, in my opinion, is worth it. It's just the smart thing to do, at least that's what I do and suggest people do.
Since I am fairly new to PF I would love to know what kind of experience the authenticators have? A lot of us are trusting that what we are being told is correct even if it sometimes is different from another authenticator on another site. Not trying to be difficult but it is becoming increasingly difficult to know just who to trust. I've been told by one person on this forum that certain other outside authenticators are not good. I would like to know what makes the authenticators on PF so good that they are to be trusted more than others. Thanks.
I got a PM about the issue that is being discussed right now and I am handling it.
But can I ask because I want to know if it's something that I'm not understanding, how would you like to fight back? Are you looking to argue when someone is combative with you?
I have always said I don't have an issue with someone standing up for themselves, but arguing we never allow, so I guess I'm just not sure what this would get done. But if there is a better way around this, I'm all ears!
Exactly, this from the first page of the LV authentication page.......
Disclaimer
All Authenticate This threads on tPF are meant to provide assistance to shoppers who are uncertain about the legitimacy and authenticity of designer goods. The evaluations posted by tPF's members are only opinions that stem from personal experiences as shoppers and collectors. They are not legally binding or professional authentications and are not to be treated as such.
So therefore the 'authentications' are actually "evaluations" are "only opinions"....clever wording there. Not to discount anyone's knowledge on these boards but in all fairness to discard the authentications of paid professionals takes a lot of nerve and if I were one of them I'd be none too happy about it.
When a "professional" authenticator is known for making numerous errors or stating untruths, folks tend to share the information to protect others. It is still up to the individual to decide if they trust that or not.
I appreciate that the AT threads exist. It is so generous of those individuals to share their knowledge and time.
The trusted authenticators have been authenticating here, ebay and other boards, usually for years and they've proven themselves as knowledgeable in their brand(s). As a newbie, you haven't been around long enough to get to "know" the regulars and that's understandable.
If you read the brand subforums you're interested in, you'll get to know the players and will also be able to ascertain who you can trust based on the responses from other members to their posts.
As for professional authenticators, I can't recommend jack-of-all-trades companies who use very few authenticators. To know a brand, it takes many years or studying hundreds of items, learning about styles, hardware, stitching, date codes, serial numbers, colors, patterns, pattern placement, linings, etc. Authenticators have vast libraries of images, notes and other details in their files.
And because of the amount of documentation and time, it's absolutely impossible for one person to be an expert on everything. (there's one professional who used to have a wonderful reputation for being accurate, but at the time, she did only LV and vintage Coach. Since then, she has made dozens - hundreds? - of mistakes on just about every brand of designer item you can think of because she tries to do it all by comparing pictures of items she thinks are authentic.)
Other authentication services have brand specialists; experts who know one or two brands and know them well.
I prefer a company that uses different experts for different brands because they're less apt to make mistakes, less apt to cost buyers and sellers money or reputations.
Although the authenticators on TPF volunteer their item and expertise, many might also work professionally.
Keep in mind that authentications you get here usually aren't adequate in cases of disputes but for purchases or potential purchases, it's a helpful service to try to avoid mistakes and disputes later on.
I have to disagree. I know there is at least one Chanel authenticator who has a link to their authentication business in their signature and use that biz name as their forum handle.
In my experience, some authenticators, especially in the premium forums, can be a bit snarky and sometimes patronizing. If they are frustrated because people haven't read the rules and make a crappy remark, I don't understand why they respond in kind.
I find it troubling how defensive an authenticator gets because someone has questioned their skills. It isn't personal, but too many people take it that way. I would question the skills of anyone who claims to be an expert without knowing their background.
Just as there are rules for authentication formats, there should be rules of conduct for the authenticators because accurate or not, they are often seen as official representatives of this site. And when no one checks them on their attitudes -- and other mods and members back them up -- it appears that the the forum has sanctioned the comments.
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