Basic Authentication Questions

[Deleted]

I have several things I need to authenticate and I really want to try to learn to do the majority of it myself and just post the ones I'm still not sure of.

I look at eBay listings but of course there's no way to know those are authentic so it's not completely helpful.

I know there are brand specific things, but can we make a list of the basic red flags?

The things I look for are RN# (or lack of), misspellings/grammar issues on the labels, crooked stitching, and cheap feeling fabric.

I also am suspicious of neck labels that are only sewn on with one stitch on the top corners, and Chinese characters on the inside label.   I'm not sure if I need to worry about these, since I've seen some found to be authentic.

Is there anything else that is a no-brainer that I'm missing? 

I am more interested in clothing, but bag and shoe advice would probably be helpful for others, so feel free to include those tips too.

[Deleted]

I don't have anything to add to your list, but wanted to mention that I see tons of stuff that has minimal stitching affixing the label. Most cashmere just has the label tacked on, some Anthro stuff is minimally stitched, and if I have to re-attach one more Eileen Fisher label I am gonna scream.

In summation, I am not sure that it's a reliable indicator of quality (or lack thereof) or authenticity.

[Deleted]

I'm not sure either, to be honest. I see the minimal stitching on SJ quite a bit too and don't worry about it, but for things that are commonly faked, it bugs me.

Another thing maybe to add is that the print is supposed to line up properly on the other side of the seam? I know I've read that somewhere. But not sure if that is brand-specific or not.

[Deleted]

It use to be on most higher end items you needed to see the print lined up perfectly but on most the quality has gone down hill so that's not always true anymore. I saw someone mention that's how they knew Tommy Bahama was fake, if it didn't line up right but I've seen some in the store that aren't lined up properly so that's not always a tell.

[frakinfashion]

I don't think you can rely on Chinese writing as a deal breaker. Most everything is made is China nowadays including some high end designer brands.

[jellybeanscloset412]

This is a great idea but it is hard to generalize.

The one thing that comes to mind is for Kate Spade. I remember it was years ago someone said try to peel the label off the front of the purse if it comes off it's fake. I wonder how many Kate Spade purses I have left behind with the label hanging off! LOL!

I am not an expert by any means and the fakes are getting really good.I think alot of times it is a piece by piece basis.

[Deleted]

I think it is really specific to each brand. In general I look for quality (although some expensive stuff isn't always that well made). Most of the fake purses are really crappy, not leather where they should be etc (of course I'd still authenticate a better looking purse once it was home - but it is pretty easy to rule out 99.9% of the stuff out there before even buying). I do use the Kate Spade label trick to not make bad purchases on those. Cheap linings, cheap hardware. I've left jeans and such behind just b/c I didn't want to deal with the whole issue.

[RetroMonde]

I've been working with a Hermes scarf that found its way into my shopping cart Thursday. It's a beautiful fake with everything right as far as I can tell, except for one tiny detail... the hem isn't rolled in the correct direction. You'd think if fraudsters were going thru all the trouble to copy something, they'd get this simple, most important detail right!

I agree; it's really hard to authenticate jeans. I've been leaving them behind rather than go thru the hassle. And with Burberry, even if it's authentic, if it's licensed for sale in certain countries (like Spain or Japan), you can't sell it in the US (at least that's what I've been told on various forums). The luxury market is a PITA imho. With that said, I'm gonna wash a Chanel cashmere sweater today to list next week. : (

Sandra

[Shirley U Geste]

And with Burberry, even if it's authentic, if it's licensed for sale in certain countries (like Spain or Japan), you can't sell it in the US (at least that's what I've been told on various forums).

I've sold several of the Burberry Blue Label (for Japan) on eBay with no issues at all.  

There are over 200 of that label currently listed on eBay.

[Deleted]

I appreciate all the responses.

I guess I just feel too needy because I have a hard time learning it and end up having to post nearly everything.

I never used to pick up anything that I knew was commonly faked, because I knew all it took was one bucksnuggler crying fake even if the item is authentic. I now only list that sort of stuff on Shop Hers once I know it's authentic, so I am pretty new to picking that stuff up. I still pass up a lot of it if I don't feel it's worth the headache. I never pick up Lacoste.