I have bought quite a hefty proportion of my preloved designer bags from Vestiaire Collective and I have to say, don't trust their Authentication. Always authenticate independently once you receive the item. I purchased a
Gucci Horsebit bag which passed their authentication process, but when I submitted it for my own authentication after receiving it, I learned it was a very obvious fake as the QR code on the label had been rotated by 90 degrees! It was a hassle getting Vestiaire to accept it for a refund but they did so in the end, they ask you to ship the item back to them and they re-authenticate before deciding. Did get my money back finally but lesson learned.
I still purchase from them every now and again, but I always, always, do my own authentication now whereas previously I hadn't always bothered
This is sad to hear.
Devil's advocate:
I have heard that various third party authenticators are not always reliable. Even the most renown and reputable ones. Do you think it is possible that your own authenticator got it wrong? I know you explained why they decided it was a "no".
There was also a story going around of how particular Louis Vuitton fakes were made better than the original, so much so that they were having trouble telling which is which when the case went to court!
The Gucci horsebit bag isnt exactly the most replicable range, or is it, I am not sure. But this made me think of whether failure to authenticate with a 100% rate of accuracy is a function of the authenticators, or a mature replica market, especially for "legacy" brands and / or models. This is where a style has been around for so long, replicated for so long, that copiers have learned to be experts.
This is a whole other conversation, I know. Maybe I'll start a new thread in the appropriate sub.
Back to VC:
I have only discovered VC in 2021.
So far I have bought only two items, both
LOEWE items and they have both been great experiences!
I did not authenticate or re-authenticate though.
The first was never authenticated, but I trust my own ability to judge, and the second was automatically authenticated at an extra fee which I don't remember asking but I do not mind doing either, and treat their authentication as a bonus.
For the first bag, I touched it all around, eye-balled it all around, and I was satisfied.
For the second bag, they came back to me telling me that the seller failed to declare that the item was bought in an outlet or a private sale and not a boutique.
They asked if I want to cancel the purchase, but I did not. Since I was having trouble finding this bag. (It does not seem to be popular, and it might have been out of season). Again, trusting my own judgement when I actually received the item. (They can fake all the indicators like serial numbers and what not. But no one can cheat a hand feel. Sometimes they just feel, and often also looks, wrong).
Judging from the power to cancel a sale for buyers, IF the description of the item is NOT accurate, I feel VC can be a good place for buyers. In general.
I only just listed my first item there. But now I think I might just give it to my sister. It is only 20% of my purchase price at this point anyway, and the bag was only carried twice. It is not enough money for me to be bothered with. The bag is as good as new. Well designed and well crafted. It is just no longer in fashion with "influencers". (That is the sad state of our "luxury" scene today. Again, a different conversation there).
After that, I did wonder what would happen if the bag I am selling is deemed not accurately described enough and a buyer decided to cancel a sale. That in itself is not an issue.
But if I have to pay to post the item to VC - which is in another country for me - for their inspection, and then having to have it sent back to me if not satisfactory to authenticator and / or buyer, international shipping can go up to $100 here, ONE way. Making this too risky for sellers without local VC depots. So I've removed my listing.
Generally though, for luxury items, my experience with unknown-to-me sellers of preloved luxury goods at VC have been MUCH BETTER than eBay.
A huge part of this is due to their hand inspection process.
