In the past, when we went shopping for high-quality footwear in the UK, it was fairly straightforward. We would check the brand name on the shoebox, we might check the stitching and compare prices, and so on. However, things have changed since counterfeiters started creating their own versions that are so good that an experienced buyer can easily get confused.
Nowadays, counterfeit shoes feel like the real deal, have logos that look very much like professionally manufactured shoes, and even have serial number labels that can easily slip by an average buyer. Because of the ability of counterfeiters to replicate the surface signs used to determine authenticity, most buyers have decided to rely on a more structured verification process instead of just trusting their instincts. Legit Grails Shoe Authenticator provides this verification service because visual confirmation is simply not enough.
3 Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Checking Authenticity
Most buyers do not ignore authenticity on purpose. Instead, they tend to go with their gut feeling. The reason why many buyers are misled by counterfeits is that they often rely on untrustworthy or outdated methods, which we discuss below.
Relying Only on Visual Appearance
Fake shoes can look very real when you hold them. Even when you inspect them closely, the stitching and materials may appear to be just as good as the originals. Counterfeiters have taken notice of and now use the high-quality materials and machinery utilised at factories to produce authentic products. So, visual appearance alone does not authenticate anything.
Trusting Seller Claims or Online Reviews
“Bought from a trusted source.”
“100% authentic or your money back.”
“Five-Star Rating.”
“Long sales history.”
None of these claims proves that the shoes you purchased are real. Sellers may resell shoes without realising that they were actually counterfeit shoes. Likewise, reviews can refer to the speed of shipment rather than the actual authenticity of the product. When purchasing on peer-to-peer platforms, even sellers with the best intentions can, at times, make errors in assessing their stock.
Comparing Items With Online Photos
The majority of sneaker consumers fall into this trap. To confirm a product’s authenticity, they most times open two tabs, compare logos, soles, and other things, and then declare it is authentic or fake.
The problem with this approach is that images shared online may have been edited, shot in varying light conditions, or taken from early production runs. Brands adjust details every year, and without awareness of differences from specific batch levels, visually comparing for authenticity amounts to educated guessing. Guesswork feels confident until it is proven wrong.
How LegitGrails Authentication Service Works
LegitGrails does not ask its customers lots of questions to know more about the product. Instead, they offer a systematic approach that enables quick analysis by both expert human review and AI. The platform offers structure and speed, and it is intended for real buyers and not for people who represent brands.
1. Submit Clear Photos of the Item
LegitGrails begins its review of your item by requesting pictures of the item. They ask for unedited, detailed photos.
Buyers upload high-quality images showing logos, labels, interior stitching, soles and insoles, serial codes, and any other unique features. The accuracy of the result will depend on the level of detail and quality of the images you submit. This information is very important to remember, as the authentication is based on a detailed analysis.
2. Expert and AI-Based Review
In addition to the human inspection of products by trained authenticators, the products also pass through an AI-based review. The use of both AI and human inspectors provides a higher level of service than traditional methods of verifying authenticity, as AI detects patterns that are difficult for human authenticators to see.
Because of the rigorous process and the support provided by peer-review systems and performance tracking across teams, LegitGrails has a proven accuracy rate of over 99%.
3. Get Certificate of Authenticity
If verified as an authentic product, the buyer will receive a certificate that documents the authenticity of the item. Certificates not only help with the assurance of authenticity for future resale, but they can also be used as supporting documentation for insurance claims and buyer disputes.
In some cases reported by sellers, including a certificate resulted in faster sales and increased trust from potential buyers, particularly on platforms such as StockX alternatives and private Instagram sales.
Why Authentication Matters in the UK Market
The resale market in the UK has exploded recently, with private channels dominating sneaker and designer shoe sales over retail outlets. This has increased the risk of counterfeit trade now more than ever.
Therefore, authentication is vital to protect buyers from financial loss. It also protects sellers from disputes regarding product quality. Finally, it provides long-term assurance of value for items.
FAQs
How much does an LV authenticator cost?
The costs for third-party professionals to authenticate luxury shoes generally start at around £4 and can go up based on how soon the authentication is needed and the type of service required. LegitGrails offers low entry-level pricing on shoe authentication when compared to in-person appraisals.
How do I check if a designer item is real?
Take detailed photographs of your designer item before making any conclusions about it and check for signs that prove its authenticity. Look at all aspects, including the packaging and pricing. You may also want to consider using a third party to authenticate your designer item, especially one that combines expert review and technical analysis.
What is the most faked luxury brand?
According to industry data from organisations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), it is reported that Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci have the highest number of counterfeit products globally. The popularity of these companies and the demand for resale make them ideal targets for counterfeiters.
