AUTHENTICATIONS

The best place to get an LV item authenticated is at a Louis Vuitton boutique or authorized retailer. There are also web sites out there who offer authentication services for a fee, but since I have never used any of them, I cannot recommend one. By the way, for expensive items (usually over $500), an escrow service may be available through the auction site. This allows you to pay a neutral third party while the seller sends the item to you for your inspection and acceptance. Once you accept the item, the seller is paid by the escrow service. This may be subject to certain terms and conditions of the escrow service, other parties involved, and there is usually a fee required.

 

LIFTING PHOTOS

Many people posting ads like to “lift” other people’s photos. I recommend that if you are selling LV, you obtain a program (such as Adobe Photoshop) that allows you to label or “watermark” your pictures with your name, so that if your pictures are lifted for use in someone else’s auction, everyone will know it! This helps prevent others from being defrauded and protects your good name.

 

QUICK TIPS ON KEEPALLS

In addition to having symmetry on all sides, note these tips on the Keepall:

	It is normal for the back of the International Keepall to have its "LV" symbols upside down. This is because the bag is constructed of one piece of fabric to comprise the front, bottom and back. Same for the Speedy bag.
	The interior of the International Keepall is brown cotton canvas. Some bags have a D-ring to which you may attach an accessories pouch; others do not. The date code would be on the leather tab inside the bag. Note that the rivet is very low on the tab.
	This photo is of an inauthentic Keepall. Note how high the rivet is. It should be lower, in the bottom of the tab. So, if all else looks fine on the Keepall, be sure you get a look at the date code tab before making your purchase. Poupette's LV guide goes into more detail on the Keepall.