Surge in Counterfeit via Luxury Consignment Websites

Luxury Consignments websites swelling the sale of fakes

DELORTAE AGENCY is the UK's first and leading luxury authentication and appraisal specialists and last year charted the biggest rise in counterfeit and fake luxury goods from consignment websites and looks to continue throughout 2016.

As consumers use the internet in search of a luxury handbag or accessory, the rise in consignment websites have increased to a prolific rate.

Many of the luxury brand handbags and accessories we examine are counterfeit, said Taelin Lambert Assistant to Delortae Agency Luxury Chief Authentication and Appraisal specialist.

Many are being purchased by UK consumers from consignment websites in both Europe and USA that claim the items they sell are from sellers that use their websites.

This upsurge is causing a huge problem for the UK luxury consumers who attempt to get their money back from these companies who hide behind the distance between the purchaser and the seller.

On the fake items we examine, Mr Lambert went on to say, "are not even the more sophisticated types and clearly are not the quality and sometimes even the design of the brand purported".

Many of these web sites claim to have 'in house authenticators' that will examine the item prior to being dispatched to the buyer by the seller. 

But the truth is, many are not checking the items as claimed because the consignment sites are allowing the items to be dispatched by the seller directly.

Delortae Agency, who is known and respected by major brands due to consistent commitment to brand protection world-wide, believe UK consumers are being targeted and often buyers do not even receive the items listed on the site but something of far less quality by using old style 'bait and switch' techniques.

Delortae Agency have been inundated by request from purchasers, not only from the UK, to appraise these fake items, and are appalled at the excuses buyers are facing when challenging these sites to get their money refunded.

There is no doubt that counterfeiters are using these consignment sites, who distance themselves from the consumer by stating that their members are listing the goods and have to confirm their authenticity, therefore absolving themselves from responsibility.

The 'Money Back Guarantee' is worthless as the consignment websites refuse to accept the item is counterfeit. 

So what can the consumer do? Having forked out a small fortune to purchase the item and additional shipping if they suspect they have bought a fake? We advise you try the following and then if only all else fails, consult a professional to assist with authentication as a last resort, try to avoid any additional charges, as companies will have a fee but you may be able to claim this back against the seller.

- If there is a 'Money Back Guarantee' get it confirmed in writing that it is 'no quibble' and the time for a refund is from when you receive the product and not from dispatch.

- Approach the website and request a refund in the first instance if you suspect the item is fake.

- If met with a refusal, remember you have the law on your side, and buy with supported third party payment merchant or Credit Card for additional buyer protection.

- Get your item professionally appraised and evidence confirmed in writing

This is a growing online problem from last year that we suspect will only increase throughout 2016.



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