Vestiaire Collective experiences?

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My belief is that Parcel Force Global Priority has a default £100 insurance on it. And then it would be for VC to claim it as it’s their label. It wouldn’t cover absolutely everything sent with a Parcel Force label, but I suppose they are limiting the number of items that might be worth more than that to a small bracket, and take the hit just on those, and then when a bit more expensive it’s DHL with higher insurance. They did tell me that everything is insured at some point but that was a while back.

That was why I was worried, the guy on the phone didn't know ant the customer service being so cagey about it... I would prefer to have it in writing
 
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I sent the same request to VC CS a couple of weeks ago, in regards to a pair of shoes. CS did not correct the incorrect listing, because I was not the seller asking for that correction. Did you get a different response?

Call and write, usually if you contact them you get a "How did we do" message from customer service, they are trying to improve the customer service, so if you complain that you did get no reply, they tend to get back to you.
I received the response that the item is restricted as it is listed; but shearling wool should not be exotic??
One further thought: are these by chance items that are eligible for the new ‘direct shipping’ they are trialling at the moment? I don’t know how it works in processing, but if it defaults to taking the direct shipping option, maybe it’s possible it wouldn’t work for shipping outside France because they are only doing it with buyers and sellers within France at the moment. And then maybe it’s possible to switch off that option and ship elsewhere? Just speculation. Though I think from memory maybe somewhere you said the items were from Italy so this might not be relevant.
This is a good idea. Are usually receive a general and not helpful response to my first inquiry, and subsequent inquiries are when they will actually do something!
Have you messaged the sellers to ask them to check with VC that the description doesn’t contain anything incorrect stopping the transaction, since they won’t check it or change it on your say-so as the buyer? Forgive me if you already said you have, I didn’t get a chance to read back, just posting quickly. The buyer messaged me on the handbag I was selling that was wrongly listed as exotic leathers and wouldn’t ship to US from UK, and then I got VC to correct it. I wouldn’t have known if she hadn’t messaged me.
I tried this for the shearling jacket, but no response yet. It’s a great suggestion though. I have gotten a lot of messages about an actual exotic bag I have for sale, an ostrich LV Alma BB, unfortunately it is actually restricted so I can’t help those hoping to purchase!
 
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I received the response that the item is restricted as it is listed; but shearling wool should not be exotic??

I tried this for the shearling jacket, but no response yet. It’s a great suggestion though. I have gotten a lot of messages about an actual exotic bag I have for sale, an ostrich LV Alma BB, unfortunately it is actually restricted so I can’t help those hoping to purchase!

I think they went totally and utterly mad, I have a Burberry flat cap (the newspaper boy cap) I bought ages ago from a vintage store, I got a message today when I listed it that it is a restricted item (WOOL) and not in demand (extremely rare) so they suggest I am selling it for 30 Euros, for that money, I give it a burial
 
That was why I was worried, the guy on the phone didn't know ant the customer service being so cagey about it... I would prefer to have it in writing

Agree. I know you usually email for that reason. I always email before phoning now, get them to look at the email and address the specific points in writing. I do find they’re always helpful in the end and then if something subsequently goes wrong (and to be fair, it never really has anyway), I have it in writing to insist upon. I think what happens is sometimes a bit cultural; they see it went ok in the end, think that’s ok, and themselves are thinking there’s no need to worry because they’ll sort it out one way or another if the worst happens, but somehow they don’t quite convey that over the phone. Cultural difference I think, either French culture or VC culture! They may be a bit vague about the specifics of the various different courier services, and to some extent I can see why; I’d sometimes like more specific commitments, but even if I haven’t addressed it in writing, I just resolve that I’ll sort it out in the event that anything should actually go really wrong, and so far, actually, so good. If the items were being sold for larger amounts I’d get more solid upfront details, but then those will be DHL anyway, so clearer anyway.
 
I think they went totally and utterly mad, I have a Burberry flat cap (the newspaper boy cap) I bought ages ago from a vintage store, I got a message today when I listed it that it is a restricted item (WOOL) and not in demand (extremely rare) so they suggest I am selling it for 30 Euros, for that money, I give it a burial
LOL! Have you tried emailing listing the reasons why it’s actually worth more, rarity etc? Bit of a bother, but I’ve had that work.
 
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I received the response that the item is restricted as it is listed; but shearling wool should not be exotic??

I tried this for the shearling jacket, but no response yet. It’s a great suggestion though. I have gotten a lot of messages about an actual exotic bag I have for sale, an ostrich LV Alma BB, unfortunately it is actually restricted so I can’t help those hoping to purchase!
Hope you get somewhere with it!
 
I received the response that the item is restricted as it is listed; but shearling wool should not be exotic??

I tried this for the shearling jacket, but no response yet. It’s a great suggestion though. I have gotten a lot of messages about an actual exotic bag I have for sale, an ostrich LV Alma BB, unfortunately it is actually restricted so I can’t help those hoping to purchase!
Eek, just found this. Maybe this explains it?
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/13/kw/sheep skin/session/L3RpbWUvMTU2NTQ3NTQxOC9zaWQvN1d6bjMtbG8=
Possibly the sheepskin element is being over-interpreted? Is shearling tanned?? I know nothing about it. :confused1:
Theory: if it’s a first-hand retail item, the manufacturer/primary retailer will already have the necessary certifications in place for US customs that the animal product has been suitably sourced and tanned/treated. But with one-off pre-owned articles, that’s not in place/harder to get? Therefore preemptive supposition that it’s a restricted item?
 
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I think they went totally and utterly mad, I have a Burberry flat cap (the newspaper boy cap) I bought ages ago from a vintage store, I got a message today when I listed it that it is a restricted item (WOOL) and not in demand (extremely rare) so they suggest I am selling it for 30 Euros, for that money, I give it a burial
Agreed, sometimes I wonder what in the world they are thinking!
 
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Eek, just found this. Maybe this explains it?
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/13/kw/sheep skin/session/L3RpbWUvMTU2NTQ3NTQxOC9zaWQvN1d6bjMtbG8=
Possibly the sheepskin element is being over-interpreted? Is shearling tanned?? I know nothing about it. :confused1:
Theory: if it’s a first-hand retail item, the manufacturer/primary retailer will already have the necessary certifications in place for US customs that the animal product has been suitably sourced and tanned/treated. But with one-off pre-owned articles, that’s not in place/harder to get? Therefore preemptive supposition that it’s a restricted item?
You are very smart, I think this may be the answer! Sometimes it is these things we would never think of. Similar to the children’s clothing restriction, which I was sure was a mistake, and I now believe it is actually accurate. I never did hear back from Vestiaire, but I did some Google searching, and it appears that anything meant to be used by children ages 12 or under (including clothing) needs a special certification to declare that there are no harmful materials in it. Presumably this would be included with new clothing from the manufacturer, but would not be available for the items on Vestiaire.Of course I never would have made the connection without doing some creative searching.
 
LOL! Have you tried emailing listing the reasons why it’s actually worth more, rarity etc? Bit of a bother, but I’ve had that work.

Actually a friend was round and saw it hanging up, she went gagga over it, since she often takes Harvey for walks, I just gave it to her, she went "Oh posh cap to walk posh dog" and I immediately thought about his very posh behaviour when he sees a puddle of mud...

She reported one day that the owner of another dog won't let his dog play with Harvey because Harvey is a rescue and his dog has a pedigree, she went "Well, since Harvey has a Hermes lining, we usually do not allow him to play with non designer dogs" I cracked up when she came back to tell me.
 

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You are very smart, I think this may be the answer! Sometimes it is these things we would never think of. Similar to the children’s clothing restriction, which I was sure was a mistake, and I now believe it is actually accurate. I never did hear back from Vestiaire, but I did some Google searching, and it appears that anything meant to be used by children ages 12 or under (including clothing) needs a special certification to declare that there are no harmful materials in it. Presumably this would be included with new clothing from the manufacturer, but would not be available for the items on Vestiaire.Of course I never would have made the connection without doing some creative searching.

I am pretty sure that doesn't apply to presents? A friend who lives in LA buys her daughter a ton of the kiddie Laura Ashley outfits on eBay and gets them sent to me and I forward, because a lot of sellers don't accept international sales, so far there hasn't been an issue at all.
 
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Actually a friend was round and saw it hanging up, she went gagga over it, since she often takes Harvey for walks, I just gave it to her, she went "Oh posh cap to walk posh dog" and I immediately thought about his very posh behaviour when he sees a puddle of mud...

She reported one day that the owner of another dog won't let his dog play with Harvey because Harvey is a rescue and his dog has a pedigree, she went "Well, since Harvey has a Hermes lining, we usually do not allow him to play with non designer dogs" I cracked up when she came back to tell me.

This made my day! Harvey is gorgeous! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


I bought a lot over the years from VC (never sold).
They have a poor customer service on the phone when s.t. is wrong. They are just...*sight*...
I did not get a few of the items as the seller did not send them in - the last one was even from a "expert seller". It was not a little purchase in passing, it was a jypsiere I was searching for a long time.
Consequently, but not expected by me: The seller lost his "expert" quality label.

I had problems with delays, they "forgot" to ship my items etc. - I never had a problem that leads to loss of money.

What I really did not like: I bought a chanel bag with very good condition. While checking, they found a scratch inside the bag what made the condition just "good" and it was suggested a lower price. So far so gut, but I did not get payed back the price difference, I just got a credit on my account and had to buy something else with the money at VC!

In general, they should shorten the processing time for sellers AND when the items get to them.
I also dont't think it is plausible that now you have to pay extra for a authentication as this was essential part of the concept of the shop.

What can I say...kinda lovehate. Love for the wide range. Hate for the poor service, general behaviour etc.
 
Actually a friend was round and saw it hanging up, she went gagga over it, since she often takes Harvey for walks, I just gave it to her, she went "Oh posh cap to walk posh dog" and I immediately thought about his very posh behaviour when he sees a puddle of mud...

She reported one day that the owner of another dog won't let his dog play with Harvey because Harvey is a rescue and his dog has a pedigree, she went "Well, since Harvey has a Hermes lining, we usually do not allow him to play with non designer dogs" I cracked up when she came back to tell me.
I think your Harvey is an absolutely adorable character, but this is why I don’t own a dog ... :lol: I am not very good with mud ...

Glad the hat brought joy to your friend :smile:
 
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This made my day! Harvey is gorgeous! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:


I bought a lot over the years from VC (never sold).
They have a poor customer service on the phone when s.t. is wrong. They are just...*sight*...
I did not get a few of the items as the seller did not send them in - the last one was even from a "expert seller". It was not a little purchase in passing, it was a jypsiere I was searching for a long time.
Consequently, but not expected by me: The seller lost his "expert" quality label.

I had problems with delays, they "forgot" to ship my items etc. - I never had a problem that leads to loss of money.

What I really did not like: I bought a chanel bag with very good condition. While checking, they found a scratch inside the bag what made the condition just "good" and it was suggested a lower price. So far so gut, but I did not get payed back the price difference, I just got a credit on my account and had to buy something else with the money at VC!

In general, they should shorten the processing time for sellers AND when the items get to them.
I also dont't think it is plausible that now you have to pay extra for a authentication as this was essential part of the concept of the shop.

What can I say...kinda lovehate. Love for the wide range. Hate for the poor service, general behaviour etc.
I think you might find those sorts of problems are getting ironed out now. They’re making a lot of changes and I’ve had several CS people tell me the new CEO is introducing improved customer service practices. I’ve noticed increased courtesy and thoroughness recently, but I expect there will still be glitches sometimes, given that the CS team is large and made up of varying personalities.

They have effectively shortened the processing time for sellers, in that if you do not ship items (or cancel the sale if unavoidable) within five or three days respectively for trusted and expert sellers, sellers can’t get or will lose a trusted or expert badge. So while you’re still having to take the chance it’ll take longer with a seller who hasn’t yet sold enough items to qualify for that but might be good anyway (it’s also based on recent sales volume), if you buy from a trusted or expert seller there is some reassurance that things will move quicker now. It’s a pity you lost out on what you wanted. But I reckon it’s also possible the seller got caught out by the new rules about quick shipping as it wasn’t all explained fully at first. These sellers will lose their status if they don’t sell enough in about four months, of which all items have to conform to description and condition (100% authenticity for both trusted and expert, and 100% matching description for expert, and 80% matching description for trusted, and are shipped quickly. So they have an incentive to do those things because their items get increased visibility in the listings as the badge is displayed there. There are also little badges on seller’s pages that indicate volume, conformity and shipping, if they haven’t reached the levels of the trusted/expert seller, so you can see that. It’s all in the FAQs now for both buyer and seller.

Personally I’d be wary of someone who had sold masses but didn’t have the badge. Someone just starting out is a different case.

When I was offered alternatives of a refund or a reduction on an item where they lost a part, I took the reduction, and they did issue a refund for it, not a credit. I suspect we will find this gets increasingly standardised.

The extra authentication charge is proportional with the value of the item, and as the commission has gone down, prices have gone down, and in most cases the buyer will still come out ahead on cost. And it has also become clearer that the separation of the item price and the authentication fee has at least partly been done because they are trialling a new option (currently only within France) where buyers can opt to have direct shipping from seller to buyer for certain lower risk items from trusted or expert sellers. As a seller I don’t want this, I want VC to authenticate my items before they go to a buyer who could then raise unfair objections. There’s no info on how VC will protect the seller against false claims yet, though maybe French sellers have been able to see it.
 
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You are very smart, I think this may be the answer! Sometimes it is these things we would never think of. Similar to the children’s clothing restriction, which I was sure was a mistake, and I now believe it is actually accurate. I never did hear back from Vestiaire, but I did some Google searching, and it appears that anything meant to be used by children ages 12 or under (including clothing) needs a special certification to declare that there are no harmful materials in it. Presumably this would be included with new clothing from the manufacturer, but would not be available for the items on Vestiaire.Of course I never would have made the connection without doing some creative searching.

Aha! Mystery solved!

I am pretty sure that doesn't apply to presents? A friend who lives in LA buys her daughter a ton of the kiddie Laura Ashley outfits on eBay and gets them sent to me and I forward, because a lot of sellers don't accept international sales, so far there hasn't been an issue at all.

Did you declare them as children’s clothes specifically? If they were just declared as clothing then maybe it got through customs on that basis. Or even if declared as children’s, sometimes things get waved through on an ad hoc basis, maybe? I suppose VC has to adhere to the official requirements as policy, but as a private individual sending such things, it’s easier to get it to slip through? I’m just speculating.
 
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