I can not stress the importance of authenticating the Chanel jacket that you scored somewhere on the web. Maybe it was your dream jacket, or maybe it was a steal of a price. No matter who the vendor is, always GET IT AUTHENTICATED!
I have purchased several jackets from several sources all over the internet. In fact, my main source of Chanel jackets is all of the web vs. Chanel boutiques. Fakes are so pervasive on the internet that authentication is not negotiable.
When you are buying anything, especially luxury goods, on the web, “…..is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get.” I am quoting Forrest Gump here, so here are my thoughts.
Authentication From Chanel Boutique
Of course, if Chanel sells it on their floor, the jacket is real. No contest there. But Chanel boutiques can also authenticate your pre-loved purchases. Let me rephrase. They will not tell you if it’s authentic or not, but they will tell you if it’s “theirs” or not.
‘It’s not an “authentication service” because Chanel doesn’t want to get into the authentication business. A Chanel boutique can tell you if an item you purchased somewhere on the web is actually Chanel or not.
Here is how it works – When you walk into a boutique with your Chanel purchase from wherever on the web, approach an SA (sales associate) and tell her that you would like to get alterations done to your jacket.
They will take your jacket to the back. If the jacket is authentic, they will come back and tell you that they can perform work on your piece. If it’s NOT authentic, they will tell you some version of this – ‘We couldn’t identify the item.’
Chanel will never tell you that an item is fake, but they can tell you that they didn’t make it, which basically means it is fake.
Using Real Authentication
Real authentication is an authentication service. I am not affiliated with them. You upload specified pictures of your jacket, and they will authenticate your Chanel purchase. They will issue a certificate that looks like this.
I don’t always pay for the official documentation. In this case, I did because I wanted to keep it on file. It’s a highly collectible jacket from Paris in Rome collection.
I have also received documentation like this for counterfeit items. In this case, I needed to pursue a credit card refund with Amex. Amex asks to upload official documentation. Hence, I paid for the official certificate.
If I get it authenticated for peace of mind, I will get basic authentication, which looks like below. Or sometimes I am just checking before purchasing a ridiculously low-priced Chanel jacket on eBay, I will spend the $30 not to get scammed, and it’s totally worth it.
As you can see, I have not had much luck scoring this yellow Chanel jacket. So far, I am out $110 and have no jacket.
Fake and Superfake Goods Are EVERYWHERE
While there are many scammers, it’s not impossible that a professional seller got scammed by a super fake. I was chatting via DM with a seller who sells pre-loved Chanel jackets, and she stated that even though she has been selling Chanel for five years, she has seen really authentic-looking counterfeit goods that can almost fool a pro.
She only sells Chanel jackets with 3rd party authentication. I admire that very much! I still would recommend getting your purchase authenticated after you receive it. It’s $40. You have no excuse not to do it.
She recommended it, and I have also used Lolipuff for authentication. They, too, have been wonderful.
No Authentication No Protection
Remember, PayPal, Amex, and eBay will protect you from scams, but every transaction has a time limit. Get the jacket authenticated as soon as it shows up. If you have a 3rd party authentication certificate, you have a rock-solid case. You are not dependent on the seller’s benevolence to give you your money back.
Your Chanel jacket is an investment, so treat it as such!
Final Thoughts
Authenticating your Chanel jacket should be the 2nd thing you do after purchasing it. This applies to pre-loved purchases only. Keep records of authentication certificates. If you get scammed, get your money back. Have fun hunting!
