Do Footwear Authenticators Know Balenciaga? No is the answer.
I recently sold a pair of new in box, never worn (or put on), Balenciaga Track.3. Bergdorfs. As with many Balenciaga pieces, they have a worn effect which was shown in all 8 photos and included in the description. Mind you, interior shoe is pristine as are laces, vamp, sides, etc...again, brand new! Dust Cover. Extra Laces. I even resisted the temptation to try them on.
Authenticator receives aforementioned footwear and deams them...worn! These geniuses have them less than 4 hours (I checked FedEx & signature release) and they fail inspection as "The shoe condition is more worn that stated/shown within listing." I included 8 photos, half of which were close ups, specifically showing the worn out effect.
Fact 1: The authenticator(s) did not know this shoe.
Fact 2: The did no research before canceling my sale and ruining multiple peoples day (thanks!)
Fact 3: All they can do is "take my concern under advisement"
Fact 4: They will not take anything under advisement
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoIt is heartbreaking. The shoe authentication is fraught with problems, but who'd have thought they'd (ALSO) not believe that some new shoes are designed to be totally distressed. Or even taken a look at the brand-new bottoms. Jeez...
m.j.blinn
OP3 years agoInteresting to know. Thank you.
Im curious how/IF they authenticate Golden Goose or streetwear brands that go hard on the destruction.
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago@m.j.blinn
I couldn't help but notice that another seller sold an identical pair/model of those on Tuesday of this week. Considering you're a competitor (albeit, he's huge), I wonder if that seller would be approachable as to tips and tricks/tried and trues/odds: over/under, etc., etc.? Sure is tempting to reach out to someone with actual experience, I'm just sayin'...
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago@m.j.blinn
I think I just blew my own mind. >> That seller might just want to hear of your recent experience. Reach out. ðŸ˜
silverstatetreasureboxes
·3 years ago@mtgraves7984 @m.j.blinn
That's a good idea " mt", something must be done if this program is to succeed.
OP, try to reach out to some sellers of these same sneakers and see if theirs were denied.
Which authenticator did your sneakers go to NY or Vegas? Are you given an email Addy to contact them? See this could be arranged with the authenticator to call or text the seller if the shoes are failing the test instead of losing a huge sale and disappointment between seller and buyer.
I really don't know other than educating these authenticators about this distressed style on several brands of sneakers. Something needs to be done for sure.
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago"... and disappointment between seller and buyer."
@silverstatetreasureboxes
I'm really bummed for both parties. As a seller, natch. As a drooling tomboy... well, I can barely type for the tears.
toomuchstuffagain35
·3 years agoOne would think Authenticators would know what they're doing, but apparently not.
I remember the Golden Goose seller.
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoI remember the Golden Goose seller.
@m.j.blinn
Well, I didn't remember the Golden Goose seller, but I did find the threads. The first is too long for me to bother reading, but there may be something (anything!) helpful there for you.
Here it is. >> Solved: Serious questions need to be asked about Authentic... - The eBay Community
The next is doable, but not very informative unless I read the first, I suppose.
Here it is. >> Authentication of sneakers flawed - The eBay Community
@bonjourami, @silverstatetreasureboxes, @toomuchstuffagain35...
🎶 🎶 🎶 Half the fun of having feet is Red Goose Shoes! 🎶 🎶 🎶
After reading this thread, I woke with the ^^^ Red Goose jingle stuck up in my head. We loved shopping there as kids! Watching the Red Goose lay a prize-filled egg with each purchase was so 'Willy Wonka' to me and my brothers! 😲
🎤 Pardon me for the partial hijack/commercial break. Now... back to the OP's show!
silverstatetreasureboxes
·3 years ago@mtgraves7984
Oh that's cute! You little Nashville gals have spice!
Thanks for going the extra mile to pull up those threads.
bonjourami
·3 years agoYes weird..there was a thread in here a couple years ago with the very same type of shoes that the authenticators said were more worn..
silverstatetreasureboxes
·3 years ago@bonjourami
I remember that thread but wasn't it golden goose sneakers? Same thing happened with that seller poster.
bonjourami
·3 years agoYes I believe it was..same type of distressed shoes that were turned down by the authenticators.