FAQ
FAQ from Echtheitscheck.de
Handbags and wallets authentication
How does authenticity certification work?
We use a combination of artificial intelligence and microscopy to objectively assess the authenticity of a bag. When we scan the item with our hardware, microscopic images are collected, which are then compared against a machine-generated database containing millions of records of authentic and counterfeit products, including so-called "super fakes." Based on the results of this comparison, the AI either verifies the item's authenticity or returns an "unverified" result.
How accurate are the results?
Authentication has an accuracy rate of 99.1 percent.
How can a machine be more accurate than an expert with years of professional experience in performing authentication?
The technology we use was developed by a highly skilled team of data scientists, including two PhD students, who conducted four years of extensive research in collaboration with New York University. The technology is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms trained on millions of microscopic images collected from known authentic and counterfeit items. These technologies ensure that the solution is completely objective. It never gets tired, it has no opinions, there are no "bad days," and it will never allow personal feelings to influence its decisions. And with each item scanned, the database grows and the algorithms get smarter, enabling ever-increasing accuracy.
Where do you get the information in your database?
Since our beginnings, we have partnered with the most trusted and well-known companies in retail and resale to source data on authentic items. We have integrated information from around the world to ensure we have a rich, diverse, and complete picture of products across multiple categories, vintages, styles, and brands. This has allowed us to collect data points from products manufactured over decades, allowing us to authenticate products manufactured long before our time.
By maintaining these partnerships and the additional data collected during our daily authentication processes, we are able to keep up with the latest releases from brands.
Collecting data on counterfeit items is a bit more secretive, and there's a lot we can't disclose. We can say that our data teams scour the internet to ensure we have the highest-quality data on counterfeits. We also accept donated counterfeit goods from our partners, which helps us strengthen our algorithms while removing counterfeits from circulation.
Which handbag brands can you authenticate?
We currently support both new and older styles from the top 20 luxury brands. These are Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Coach, Chanel, Chloe, Celine, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Goyard, Gucci, Hermes, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, MCM, Prada, Saint Laurent and Valentino.
Can you authenticate an item for me using photos?
Yes, we also offer digital authenticity verification based on photos. It's important that we receive razor-sharp photos of all details, such as serial numbers, engravings, and lettering.
Can I bring my item in person?
Yes, by arrangement, you can also drop off the item in person at our Düsseldorf location. Please feel free to contact us.
Do you also check suitcases or luggage, such as those from Louis Vuitton, for authenticity?
Yes, we also check the authenticity of suitcases, trolleys and weekenders for you.
Sneaker authentication
How does sneaker authentication work?
Our sneaker authentication technology uses artificial intelligence capable of analyzing the smallest details of an item to determine authenticity. Our machine learning algorithms are trained to compare the images captured by the cameras attached to the lightbox with thousands of data points collected from both genuine and counterfeit versions of products. Based on the results of this comparison, the AI either verifies the item's authenticity or returns a "Not Identified" result.
What distinguishes our sneaker authentication from other services?
Our solution is the world's first and only scalable, technology-driven method for authenticating sneakers. Unlike traditional solutions that rely on human expertise, our technology is objective and scientifically sound. It never gets tired, it doesn't have bad days or holidays, and it isn't influenced by emotions or other subjective criteria. And because it's based on machine learning algorithms, it's constantly improving, becoming more accurate, and adapting to the rapidly evolving secondary sneaker market.
Which sneakers do you authenticate?
We currently support 70% of the best-selling models. This includes Jordans and Yeezys, which are among the most counterfeited styles, as well as other popular models from Nike and Adidas.
How accurate are the results?
Authentication has an accuracy rate of 99.1 percent. It's highly unlikely that a fake item will be mistakenly identified as authentic.
How can your machine solution be better than a sneaker expert?
The technology was developed by a highly skilled team of data scientists, including two PhD students, who conducted four years of extensive research in collaboration with New York University.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the solution is objective and scientifically sound. It never gets tired, it has no opinions, there are no "bad days," and it never allows personal emotions to influence decisions. Our database contains thousands of records collected from known fake and known authentic items, and as items are scanned, they contribute to this database, making the algorithms even smarter.
Can you authenticate sneakers without a box?
Yes, we can check sneakers for authenticity even without a box.
Do I have to send both shoes?
Yes, we need both shoes to verify authenticity.
Handbag purchase
How does it work?
First, fill out our purchase form. Based on your information, we will make you a non-binding offer. After receiving the bag, we will inspect its visual condition and authenticity. If our inspection matches the information you provided, we will transfer the agreed amount to the account you specified. The inspection and payment usually take only one business day. If there is a discrepancy, we will make you a new purchase offer. You can accept this new offer or reject it. If you reject the offer, we will return the bag to you free of charge.
What are the purchasing criteria?
You must be the owner of the bag. The bag must be free of defects. Of course, the bag must be authentic.
Which handbags do you buy?
We buy handbags from the following brands: Balenciaga Bottega Veneta Burberry Celine Chanel Chloé Coach Dior Dolce & Gabbana Fendi Givenchy Gucci Louis Vuitton MCM Prada Saint Laurent Salvatore Ferragamo Valentino.
Can I bring my handbag in person?
With pleasure. After personal consultation, we will arrange an appointment to hand over your handbag.
What payout options are there?
You can withdraw the amount via bank transfer or PayPal.