One of the biggest problems in resale, whether online or off, is the potential for exchanging fake goods. The problem is particularly prevalent in men’s and women’s fashion and accessories, but is an issue with children’s clothing as well. Last week I wrote about how to prevent being fooled by purchasing knock-offs, fakes, and counterfeit items. This week I want to share some tips for effectively selling authentic items online, and how to convey authenticity to your potential buyers.
1. Know your brands
- High demand, high popularity, and expensive brands are most subject to counterfeit. In my research, I also found that designer Men’s and Women’s brands that also carry children’s clothing, accessories, or footwear are more likely to be replicated than stand-alone children’s brands that have smaller markets.
- While not a comprehensive list, here are some popular brands that manufacture children’s clothing and are regularly replicated: Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Armani Junior, Baby Phat, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Diesel Kids, Disney, DKNY, Fila, Gymboree, Guess, Harley Davidson, Jansport, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Levi, Nautica, New Balance, Nike, North Face, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Roberto Cavalli, Rocawear, Seven for All Mankind, Speedo, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion, Ugg, Valentino, Versace, and Warner Bros.
2. Photograph the tag
- Tags contain important legal information about the brand and/or specific design, such as copyrights and trademarks. While its already illegal for counterfeiters to copy a design, its even more risky for them to emulate legal marks they do not own.
- The “Made In” information can also distinguish between real and fake goods.
- The material can also indicate a fake. Many reputable children’s brands are 100% cotton, for example, and most are not 100% polyester. If the materials look cheap for the brand, it may not be the real thing.
Note: On LoobaLee, we allow up to 4 photos for free, so there is room for the photo, and its an easy one to snap while you are taking the others.
3. Show up close photos
- A sure giveaway of a knock-off is poor craftsmanship, such as loose or crooked stitching, uneven hemlines, patterns that don’t line up, etc. I always like to take 1 or 2 close up shots of my items that show design and craftsmanship when a potential buyer zooms in.
4. Include where you purchased the item originally
- If you are selling a brand that is likely to be confused with counterfeit, it helps to indicate in your listing where you originally purchased the item on retail yourself, such as directly from the brand or a reputable boutique.
6. Have the receipt or original tags? Include in your pics
- While it might not be possible, if you have the receipt and it shows a) where you purchased the item, and b) the price paid for the item, this is an excellent way to confirm authenticity.
- Original tags can also convey authenticity, as well as original retail price
- There is no need to take a separate picture, just include it one you are already taking, so long as your viewer will be able to Zoom.
7. If you are selling Gymboree, always give the name of the Line
- Moms who buy Gymboree on resale typically know their lines. If you don’t specify the line, it can send a red flag (whether you have an authentic item or not).
- Not only are Gymboree lines regularly copied, many fakes resemble the brand but aren’t copies of original designs at all. If you can find the line, and it matches with the year of copyright on the tag (or at most 1 year behind), then chances are much higher its authentic.
8. Explain duplicates
- Sellers who have multiples of the same NWT thing (same or different sizes), are often suspicious on eBay or any other marketplace. So, if you have multiples, share your story. You can explain how/why you have multiples of the same items on your profile and/or on individual listings, e.g. if you are a bigger store, if resale is your business, or your a Mom of multiples.
Posted by:
Suzanne Rielle
Owner & Co-Founder, LoobaLee.com
LoobaLee.com is a marketplace for quality, authentic children’s clothing. It’s our mission to help Moms purchase and re-sell quality clothing that is valuable for resale and re-use.
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