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When you are purchasing vintage clothing or goods online, getting scammed isn’t something you may have in mind.
Unfortunately, that is exactly what happens to many online vintage fans. Even wise shoppers encounter pricey mistakes when purchasing through the web. Our goal is to help you avoid these purchasing pitfalls, become a more savvy shopper, and find the items you want for a great price. Use our handy guide to help you!
Sites like eBay admit that there are many fake vintage and antique items online. eBay has spearheaded the online resale market for many years and suggests that you ask yourself questions like the following:
Similar Search
A fast and easy way to check for authenticity is to search the photograph the seller is using. If you find multiple listings and an identical web-trail using the same picture or image, it is probably a fake vintage item. You can run a fast reverse image search through Berify.
User tip: Be sure to crop out anything added to the original photo through taking a screenshot.
Appraiser’s Opinion
If an item is costly for your budget, then it is better to invest in an appraiser’s opinion. The cost of an appraiser’s opinion is often $150 to $300. However, they may charge less if you ask them to look at an online item only. Be prepared they may not be able to tell you (officially) if it is real until they see it in person.
Another option?
Contact the seller and ask for additional photographs (up close or of the symbol on the item, or even the tag), which might give you more clues to its authenticity.
Haggle the Price
If you like and want the item, but its genuineness is still up for question, offer the seller a lower price. If you seem to know your stuff and the seller isn’t sure or realizes you may have caught on, they may be open to negotiating.
Bargain Basement Prices
Look for deals on eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, let go, and more. The less money you spend, the less disappointed you’ll be if it’s not a genuine vintage item! Also, this will give you a higher likelihood of catching items that fell through the cracks and making a profit through a real find and a great deal!
Want an item but still unsure?
Search for the item or seller’s image using Berify.
More pro tips:
Find out if a purchase is worth your time and if others have complained about their purchases, by reviewing the seller’s rating and user comments on the sales app or site.
Liz from The Vintage Inn advises: “I usually just shop on sites with reviews (Etsy, eBay) or on Facebook Groups with strict rules to prevent scammers (in these groups, buyers there can spot a scam from a mile away and if someone does get scammed these groups scream it from the mountain top to prevent others from shopping from them).”
Enjoy your online shopping, but (as always) stay safe!
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