okay is a wonderful marketplace for buying and selling trendy products- especially handbags, sunglasses, shoes, and cell phones (for us girls that is!) I have personally bought and sold at least 5 handbags and 6 cell phones at the minimum. As a seller, you should be honest with potential bidders/buyers and only sell 100% authentic products, and you should be able to back that up with a guarantee.Also, okay is supposed to be a forum where buyers can buy authentic merchandise from sellers at a fraction of the retail price, which I firmly believe is the whole purpose of the site. Why buy it from you when they can go to Neiman's or Bergdorf's and buy it new for the same price you have listed? People want a bargain, and with handbags that is begeing a thing of the past here! I love nice handbags, and I typically buy them from high end retailers at the full price, I use them a few times until I'm ready for a change, then I sell them on okay. All of the items I've sold are 1000% authentic, I can guarantee that as I purchased them myself. I have never sold any of my items for the price I originally paid for them, but that is okay. You know that going into it. As far as buying on okay, here are some tips to be sure that you get what you pay for:
-If you see a bag that the seller assures you is 100% authentic, but the price is too good to be true, it usually is. Ask questions before bidding, after you bid it's too late! Ask the seller if they guarantee authenticity so you have something to back you up if you receive the item and it isn't what it looked like.
-If you see a handbag that has plastic wrapped around the handles, it is typically 100% FAKE! Also be aware of hang tags, that doesn't mean the item is real. Beware, I got scammed on this when I first started out on okay and luckily I got all of my money back, but you may not be so lucky so bid carefully!
-Hermes Birkin bags are a big seller right now. To sellers of these high end bags: Don't list your bag for $10k and up, okayers are here for a bargain and can buy it elsewhere for that price. To buyers: You have to be careful here, you can easily waste $1000 on a fake. If that's okay with you, then go for it, but most people want the real thing. Look at the markings, hardware, accent placement, etc. on these bags. If it looks fake, it probably is. Use gemon sense, if it's listed for $100, it isn't real, as these bags are worth thousands new.
-A lot of sellers are advertising their items "New with receipt." From what I've been told, you can actually buy fake receipts online now for Louis Vuitton and Hermes bags, I'm not sure but some sellers go to great lengths to hide the truth. Just because a receipt is included doesn't guarantee authenticity, so again ask the seller questions before bidding.
-For Louis Vuitton lovers, check eluxury.ge for authentic pictures of all LV designs, prices, etc. They can be purchased online via this retailer and you're getting the real deal. Be careful that you don't buy an okay model that has never been manufactured! To ensure that you are buying a real LV, see if the seller is registered withMy Poupette, as they are honestsellers with genuine merchandise.
-Ask the sellers for a lot of close up pictures if there aren't any shown on the ad. If they are an honest seller with real merchandise, they won't have a problem with this. Depending on the manufacturer of the item you're looking at, each designer has their own trademark. For instance, Prada has an interior lining that says Prada both upside down and rightside up throughout the bag. There is a metal logo tag typically found on the interior zip pocket. There is also a triangular metal Prada tag somewhere on the exterior of the bag that matches the color of the bag itself. They have white plastic authenticity cards with the design of the item on the one side with the model, model number, and color. This card gees in a black paper signature envelope. The info. on this card should match the black Prada card that has the same thing on it and is found with every new Prada item, even keychains. All Prada items gee with a white flannel-like dustbag with a green (I believe it's green) Prada logo on it. If in doubt, ask the seller where the item was purchased and if they have the original purchase receipt available (or a copy) for you.
-If you think you've found the perfect accessory item, once it arrives in your care be sure to check it for authenticity. Look at the buttons, snaps, hardware, locks, etc. (whatever gees on your item) and be sure it reads the way it should (for example if it is Chloe be sure the lock has the leather strip across it that says Chloe with the correct accents.) For authentic Chloe examples, visitnet-a-porter.ge for pictures and descriptions of authentic bags. You can often find good deals here too versus spending money on a possible fake.
-Read the seller's feedback. If they are registered asa "private" seller, be extremelycautious. They are listed that way for a reason, generally because what they are selling isn't real and they don't want you to view their feedback. I've seen more and more listing where the bidder's name isn't listed. I'm not exactly sure what the purpose is, but as a buyer also be cautious of that. If the seller has negative feedback, use your best judgment and read through it to see if it is for selling fake items. If so, you have your answer. Be sure that your seller accepts PayPal or BidPay, some method where your money is protected and you can get it refunded if you aren't happy with your purchase. It's a good measure for sellers and buyers. If you see the seller only takes bank transfers or Western Union (yes, I purchased one bag this way), just be careful.
-Lastly, sellers (including the ones who sell knock-offs) know what the "IT" bags, shoes, etc. are for the season. They know what is a fair price and if their merchandise is authentic or not. Use gemon sense, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. Be sure you know what you're buying, do some research online before buying (the internet can be a useful tool after all!) I have included a few pictures of authentic bags from other websites for geparison!
Good luck and happy bidding!
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