Posted May 17, 2023, 11:37 PM By 18pairsonkith

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In the bustling world of sneakers and streetwear reselling, authenticity is not just a buzzword—it's a necessity. Buyers are on the hunt for genuine items, and as a reseller, it's your duty to ensure that what you're selling is the real deal. At Notify, we offer expert assistance with this process through our Discord support tickets, empowering our members to authenticate their items with confidence.

The Importance of Authenticity

The market for sneakers and streetwear is colossal, and regrettably, so is the market for counterfeits. Reselling counterfeit items, even unknowingly, can tarnish your reputation and potentially lead to severe legal repercussions. That's why it's paramount to guarantee that every item you resell is genuine.

The Fundamentals of Authenticating Sneakers and Streetwear

While each brand and each item will have its unique points to look out for, there are some general things to bear in mind when authenticating sneakers and streetwear:

  1. Inspect the labels and branding. Misspellings, incorrect fonts, or poor-quality printing can all be signs of a counterfeit.

  2. Scrutinize the stitching. Authentic items often have clean, even, and tight stitching, while counterfeits may have loose or uneven stitches.

  3. Examine the materials. Counterfeit items often use cheaper, lower-quality materials than the authentic ones.

  4. Compare with authentic items. If possible, compare the item you're authenticating with a known authentic item. Look for any differences in details like color, size, and weight.

Services to Verify the Authenticity of Your Sneakers

Here are some services you can use to verify the authenticity of your sneakers:

  • CheckCheck: This paid authentication service utilizes both artificial intelligence and human expertise to authenticate sneakers. Users submit photos of their sneakers, and CheckCheck's team evaluates them for authenticity. The service typically responds with an assessment within 30 minutes.

  • Legitmark: This paid authentication service provides a comprehensive inspection of sneakers. In addition to photos, Legitmark also requires the serial number of your sneakers for evaluation. After receiving all necessary information, Legitmark will provide an authenticity verdict within 24 hours. They also offer a premium service that includes a specialized tag to attach to the shoe, making it easier to resell in the future.

  • Goat / StockX: These sneaker marketplaces incorporate an authentication service. When sneakers are purchased through Goat or StockX, they are inspected by a team of experts before being shipped to the buyer. This service ensures that the buyer receives an authentic pair of sneakers.

  • Sneaker Con: Sneaker Con is an annual convention for sneaker enthusiasts that includes an authentication booth among its many events. Attendees can bring sneakers of questionable authenticity to this booth to be inspected by professionals.

The Notify Advantage: Expert Legit Checks

As a member of Notify, you have access to a valuable resource: our expert legit checks. If you're ever unsure about an item's authenticity, you can open a support ticket in our Discord. One of our experts will then provide an opinion on the item's authenticity, giving you the confidence to sell with assurance.

While we do our best to provide accurate legit checks, remember that they are opinions based on the information provided and not definitive authentications. Always use multiple methods to authenticate your items and consider using professional authentication services for high-value items.

Understanding Authentication Marks and Features

Another aspect of authenticating sneakers and streetwear is understanding the marks and features that are unique to each brand. High-end brands typically have distinct features that are consistently present across their items. For instance, Louis Vuitton uses a specific pattern in their monogram canvas, while Gucci items have a distinctive double G logo. Knowing these features can help you in your authentication process.

One such example is Nike's iconic "swoosh." A counterfeit Nike product might have a swoosh that's too thick, thin, or even slightly tilted, compared to the authentic ones. Similarly, Adidas products feature three stripes, and any deviation from this can be a sign of a counterfeit.

Keep in mind that these features are often protected by copyright or trademark law, so they are extremely difficult to replicate perfectly. It's always worth investing the time to learn about these authentication marks, especially if you plan on dealing with high-end sneakers and streetwear.

The Journey Beyond Authentication

While authentication is a key part of reselling, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Once you've verified an item's authenticity, there are other aspects like pricing, marketing, and customer relations that come into play. At Notify, we're committed to guiding you throughout this journey, offering resources and support beyond authentication.

Our community provides insights into market trends, pricing strategies, and effective marketing techniques to ensure your reselling business thrives. We also host Q&A sessions where you can get your burning questions answered by experienced resellers.

Whether you're just starting your reselling journey or are a seasoned professional looking to expand your business, Notify can be the partner you need to succeed in this dynamic industry.

Remember, quality assurance is key in reselling, and it begins with authenticating your products. Happy authenticating, and best of luck with your reselling journey!


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