A complete list of authentication companies for everything from Accessories to Shoes
There are several reputable authentication companies you can use when purchasing items in the pre-owned market but there are a few that only focus on specific brands which I would suggest using if you are in need and in a time where it is so easy to throw up a website and call yourself an “authenticator”, the companies listed below have proven their knowledge and all are working towards creating trust in the resale industry.
Each company also offers expedited authentications for a fee (except Entrupy) so keep that in mind cost wise when looking at companies. I’ve also included links for each company to their reviews on TrustPilot if available as some companies like Authentic Detective, The Fashion Detective and Open Luxury are newer so they don’t have any reviews as of yet but, I know the people behind each of these companies and I trust them.
If you want to become an authenticator yourself, the Authentication Institute of America is the first educational platform where you can receive training and certification to learn more about the brands or to start your journey to become an authentication specialist.
Authentic Detective
Cost: $5 on up
Good For: They have a whole team with different expertises so they can authenticate items from most categories.
Turnaround: 24 Hours
Financial Guarantee: No
Notes: Started by people that worked at Grailed and The RealReal, they have a large opinion based authentication group on Facebook and are building their own app for social selling.
Authenticate4U
Cost: $7.50 on up
Categories: Handbags, accessories, shoes and clothing
Turnaround: Information unavailable
Financial Guarantee: Information unavailable
Reviews:
TrustPilot
Authenticatefirst.com
Cost: $20 on up depending on the brand and if a certificate is needed
Categories: Handbags and accessories, shoes, clothing, jewelry
Turnaround: 2 Business days (approximately)
Financial Guarantee: Authentication fee only
Reviews:
Trustpilot
AuthethenticatorsRus.com
Cost: $15 on up depending on the brand and if a certificate is needed
Categories: Handbags and accessories, shoes, clothing, jewelry
Turnaround: Less that 24 hours as stated on their website
Financial Guarantee: No
Reviews:
None listed outside of their website
Bababebi.com
Cost: No pricing on her website but pricing used to start at $65 on up for an opinion
Categories: Hermes only, Handbags and accessories
Turnaround: Within 24 working hours after receipt of satisfactory pictures and payment of fees
Financial Guarantee: No
Reviews:
Trust Pilot
Dr. Runway
Cost: $15 on up for verbal based on brand
Categories: Handbags and accessories, clothing, shoes and jewelry from specific brands
Turnaround: 24 hours for verbal, 48 hours for certificate
Financial Guarantee: No
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
The Handbag Clinic
Cost: £34.95 on up
Categories: Handbags and accessories
Turnaround: 24 hours
Financial Guarantee: Information not available
Location: UK
Reviews:
TrustPilot
Legit Check
Cost: $60 w/certificate or a monthly membership of $49
Categories: Handbags and accessories, sneakers
Turnaround: 48 hours
Financial Guarantee: Yes, see website for details
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
Legit Grails
Cost: $15 on up
Categories: Handbags and accessories, clothing, shoes and jewelry from specific brands
Turnaround: 30 minutes being the quickest (fee applies)
Financial Guarantee: No, check website for refund policy
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
Legos In My Louis
Cost: $25 for verbal, $40 with certificate
Categories: Handbags and small leather goods for a small list of brands
Turnaround: 48 hours during business hours
Financial Guarantee: No
Location: USA
Reviews:
None
Lollipuff.com
Cost: $25 starting price then goes up from there
Categories: Handbags and accessories, shoes, clothing
Turnaround: 24 hours
Financial Guarantee: Fee will be refunded if they cannot make a determination
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
Memes Treasures
Cost: $20 on up
Categories: Handbags and accessories for specific brands
Turnaround: 60 minutes for Louis Vuitton, 24 hours for all other brands supported
Financial Guarantee: Fee will be refunded if they cannot make a determination
Location: USA
Reviews:
Facebook Reviews
Open Luxury
Cost: $30 on up
Categories: Handbags and accessories
Turnaround: 24 hours
Financial Guarantee: No
Location: USA
Reviews:
None, brand new company and James Firestein who worked at Rebag started this company and he is highly respected for his Hermes knowledge which, Openluxury is the cheapest around for authentication.
Pro Authenticators
Cost: $15 on up
Categories: Handbags and small leather goods for Louis Vuitton only
Turnaround: Minutes up to 48 hours
Financial Guarantee: Yes, if unable to determine authenticity or if they re-authenticate and the results are different
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
Realauthentication.com
Cost: $20 on up depending on the brand and if a certificate is needed
Categories: Handbags and accessories, shoes, clothing, jewelry
Turnaround: 2 Business days (approximately)
Financial Guarantee: Authentication fee only
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
The Fashion Detective
Cost: $20
Categories: Handbags and accessories, shoes, clothing, jewelry and watches
Turnaround: 24 business hours
Financial Guarantee: Refund the cost if a determination cannot be made
Location: USA
Reviews:
None, new business but Graham Wetzbarger started this business
Zekos Authentication
Cost: $50 on up
Categories: Chanel handbags and small leather goods
Turnaround: 24 hours
Financial Guarantee: No but refunded if authenticity cannot be determined
Location: USA
Reviews:
Trustpilot
