If a seller’s feedback does not reveal that he/she regularly sell LV, ask if there are defects that were not listed, particularly inside the pockets. Generally, seasoned sellers of LV will disclose all noticeable defects, no matter how minor. You should be given the choice to decide whether the defect is “minor” or not.

There are certain things you may need to know to help you determine authenticity, particularly in doubtful cases, and if these things are not in the auction ad, you should ask. For example: • Is it “guaranteed” authentic?; • Have any repairs been done? If so, what and by whom? • Does it have a date code? If so, where and what is it?

• Where did the item come from? If they say they purchased it themselves, you should ask if the “original” receipt can be sent to you (if you win the auction)

• What is the condition of the inside of any pockets? If you cannot see the inside or bottom of an item, ask for photos (or at least a description)

• If there are bids from “zero feedback” buyers, ask the seller if these bidders have been screened (to ensure they are not just out on a spree with no intention of paying for the item after they have run up the price)

• The next couple of questions could probably be reserved for doubtful or borderline cases: • Has the seller had the item authenticated? • If not, how does the seller know it is authentic?

 CATALOGS

Get one or two! Unless you are looking for an older catalog, you may not need to buy one on an auction site. For about $10, Louis Vuitton will mail the latest issue to you, assuming they have some in stock. Simply call LOUIS VUITTON toll-free at 866-VUITTON and pay by credit card.

It is becoming increasingly common for LV to run out of catalogs and not have price lists available. Part of the reason is booming internet sales of pre-owned LV and people buying up catalogs just for resale. LV will no longer mail several catalogs to one address. If you are out of luck with ordering from Louis Vuitton, an auction site such as eBay is a great resource for finding vintage or even last year’s catalog. There is no public repository for vintage LV catalogs.

There are specialty catalogs that have photos and give details of auction prices from such auction houses as Sotheby’s and Christie’s (pictured right). These types of catalogs are great for true collectors of vintage pieces. They are not as plentiful as those produced by LV, so one often has to scout around for them. However, it is possible to add your name to those companies’ mailing lists to receive their catalogs.

Catalogs are terrific tools to discover how an item should look, but LV catalogs do not contain all of the goods that LV produces and some of the items in their catalogs change in appearance, but the catalog’s graphics may not always reflect those changes. If I do not know how an item should look, I find out before I buy. You may want to get a second opinion from a knowledgeable source.