Ask any fashion lover what the biggest milestone has been in their sartorial career, and most often they’ll say the moment they finally invested in their dream designer handbag. It’s a moment, for many, that is remembered mostly with fondness — only marred by months of intense Internet scouring and fears of ending up with something that’s, unfortunately, not the real deal.
If you’re ready to make that investment (after all, a designer handbag is a wardrobe staple), it’s always best to come equipped with not only the best research but a trusted authenticator, too. That way, you can focus on what truly matters — which design you’re going to snap up. Perhaps a Prada Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Bag? A Chanel Classic Flap? Or a Fendi Baguette, à la Carrie Bradshaw circa 1999.
When looking for that designer piece, eBay is the OG, and has become the fashion girlies go-to when shopping designer handbags, thanks to the platform’s ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ for items listed over $350.
The service is designed to help you buy and sell with confidence, with a team of Authenticators tasked with physically inspecting items — from leather to stitching and logos — before they’re shipped to their new home. The blue tick, which you’ll need to look out for when shopping, means you don’t have to worry about whether a designer item is genuine or not, especially considering, it’s seemingly harder than ever to know if you’re really getting what you pay for.
This means one thing, as well. That instead of the usual daunting feeling that inevitably comes when purchasing a preloved item, it’s all about how you plan to style your designer favourite instead.
Okay, okay — you’re sold. But, what’s the process exactly? When shopping on eBay, just look out for the platform’s ‘Authenticity Guarantee’ Blue Tick, which means that when you buy an eligible item, it goes through a team of qualified, professional Authenticators prior to being sent. Here, it goes through the rigorous authentication process. The cost of this step is also entirely covered by eBay, and includes tracked express delivery from the Authentication Facility.
Sounds a little too good to be true, right?
Right now, only a few designer brands are eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, but the platform are regularly adding more to the list, so it’s always best to keep checking back in to see if the piece you’re lusting over is available. Brands include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Celine, Dior, Prada, Fendi, Goyard, Burberry, Chloe, Valentino, Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta.
