1. Know Your Fakes

Counterfeits are everywhere, especially in luxury goods, sneakers, and electronics. Selling fakes = account suspension.

High Risk: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Nike (esp. Jordan), Yeezy, Supreme, Apple products.

2. Authentication Services

When in doubt, use professional authentication. Entrupy, Real Authentication, Legit Check all offer services.

Cost: $10-30 per item. Worth it for items over $200. Authenticity certificates increase sell price.

3. DIY Red Flags

Learn the basics: Check stitching quality, font consistency, hardware weight, serial numbers, dust bags, authenticity cards.

Research: YouTube has authentication guides for most luxury brands. Study before you buy.

4. Source Matters

Where you source affects authenticity risk. Estate sales and elderly consignors = usually real. Flea markets and random sellers = higher risk.

Rule: If the deal seems too good to be true on a luxury item, it probably is.