Selling counterfeit goods, even unknowingly, can have serious consequences. Legally, selling counterfeit goods is a crime punishable by a fine of up to €300,000 and up to three years in prison, according to the Intellectual Property Code. These penalties can apply even if you are unaware that you are selling a fake.
Beyond the legal risks, a reseller's reputation can be irreparably damaged by a single sale of counterfeit goods. Negative reviews and reports on sales platforms can lead to permanent exclusion from the most popular resale sites.
The financial losses are also considerable: forced refunds, legal fees, and loss of customers. A reseller who has sold a pair of counterfeit trainers may not only have to reimburse the buyer but also pay damages.
French legislation is particularly strict regarding counterfeiting. Law No. 2014-315 of March 11, 2014, strengthens the fight against this phenomenon by allowing brands to prosecute not only manufacturers but also retailers.
Every seller must guarantee that the products offered are authentic and free from hidden defects (Article 1641 of the Civil Code). This guarantee obligation implies that the seller must be able to prove the authenticity of their products.
The penalties vary depending on the severity and scale of the offense, ranging from a simple fine to the closure of the establishment for repeat offenders. Customs officials can also seize suspicious goods, even in transactions between private individuals.
The original invoice is the primary document for verifying a product's authenticity. It must include the name of the official seller, the purchase date, the price paid, and the product's precise specifications (reference, color, size). Keep it in both digital and printed formats.
Certificates of authenticity, often found for limited editions or collaborations, should be carefully preserved. These documents frequently include security features such as holograms or unique serial numbers.
Original packaging (boxes, dust bags, tissue paper) is crucial for confirming authenticity. For trainers , the box contains specific information: UPC/EAN code, size label, and in some cases, QR codes.
For trainers , keep the tags, extra laces, and specific cards. For clothing, keep the authenticity labels, extra buttons, and textile certificates.
Take high-resolution photos showing key details: stitching, logo, sole, and inner label. For trainers , photograph the sole, side seams, eyelets, and tongue label.
Create a digital folder for each product containing the scanned invoice, detailed photos, and any correspondence with the original seller. Applications like Google Drive allow for secure and easily accessible storage.
For high-value items, consider creating a passport of authenticity that compiles all the evidence into a single document to be given to the future buyer.
In France, several professional services offer product authentication. CheckCheck and Legit Check specialize in trainers , while Vestiaire Collective offers this service for luxury clothing. These appraisals, priced between €10 and €30, provide a recognized certificate.
Apps like Legit App or Authenticate First allow for initial verification via photo. While they don't replace an expert eye, they provide a useful first filter.
Specialist stores like Courir, Foot Locker or The Kooples can sometimes help you authenticate their products, although this service is not formalized.
Specialized forums and Facebook groups like Legit Check France or La Sneakerie bring together volunteer experts capable of identifying fakes from a simple photo.
For trainers , always check:
- The regularity of the seams (alignment, spacing)
- The quality of the materials (texture, flexibility, smell)
- Interior labels (font, spacing)
- The sole (details, texture, patterns)
- The weight and balance of the shoe
Regarding clothing:
- Finishing the seams and hems
- The quality of the closures and buttons (engravings, weight)
- The interior labels (textile composition, manufacturing code)
- The logos (sharpness, alignment, texture)
Counterfeiters usually make mistakes on the details: slightly different font, uneven spacing of seams, or lower quality materials.
For packaging, use the original box placed inside a larger cardboard box with shock protection (bubble wrap, polystyrene chips). Tape the flaps of the original box to prevent it from opening during transport.
Choose tracked and insured services like Colissimo or Chronopost, which offer compensation in case of loss. For valuable items (over €500), opt for services like UPS or FedEx with additional insurance.
Include a summary sheet in the package with:
- A copy of the original invoice (with personal information masked)
- A certificate of authenticity, if available
- A brief, personalized thank-you note
- Your contact details should you have any questions
Upon arrival, follow these steps:
1. Film or photograph the opening of the package
2. Examine the condition of the product and its packaging
3. Immediately check the key points of authenticity
4. Compare with the seller's photos
5. Test the functional elements (closures, sole grip)
If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact an authentication service as soon as possible. For purchases made through the platform, report any doubts within the timeframe stipulated in the terms and conditions of sale (generally 24 to 48 hours).
StockX physically verifies every product passing through its warehouses, with expertise provided by trained specialists. Authentication fees are included in the commissions (approximately 10%).
Vestiaire Collective offers a physical authentication service for luxury items, with a commission of 15-25% including this verification.
Vinted offers buyer protection but without systematic authentication, which requires more vigilance.
eBay Authenticity Guarantee covers certain categories such as trainers over €100, with free third-party expertise.
Limited Resell has developed a rigorous 3-step authentication process:
1. Document verification (invoices, certificates)
2. Physical examination by experts trained in the specifics of each brand
3. Use of specialized tools (UV lamps, material comparison)
Each approved product receives a Limited Resell certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its origin. In case of doubt, the team seeks further expert advice or rejects the product.
Limited Resell is committed to an authenticity guarantee: full refund if a product sold turns out to be counterfeit.
Beware of these common clues:
- Abnormally low price (more than 30% below the market price)
- Seller refusing to send additional photos
- Blurry photos or photos clearly taken from other ads
- No invoice or proof of purchase
- Poor quality packaging or packaging with printing errors
For trainers , counterfeit versions often exhibit:
- Irregular or asymmetrical seams
- A strong or chemical glue smell
- Identical barcodes on both shoes
- Differences in shade between pairs
For clothing, keep an eye out for:
- The quality of the interior labels (spelling mistakes, font)
- Logos that are misaligned or of poor quality
- Uneven seams and sloppy finishing
- Poor quality zippers
Several mobile applications facilitate authentication:
- LEGIT Check : analyzes photos and compares them with a database
- Entrupy : uses artificial intelligence to analyze materials
- CheckCheck : specializing in trainers authentication
Physical tools can help:
- UV lamp to reveal invisible marks present on certain products
- Magnifying glass for examining fine details such as seams
- QR code and NFC tag scanning applications for brands that use them
Reselling authentic products safely requires vigilance and a methodical approach. Always keep proof of purchase, document your products carefully, and don't hesitate to use professional authentication services if you have any doubts.
Follow best practices for sending and verifying receipts to minimize risks. Prioritize platforms that offer robust authentication guarantees.
For secure resale, Limited Resell offers its expertise in authenticating trainers and clothing. Our experts can assist you in verifying your products or purchasing authentic items. Contact Mikhael Tordjman and his team at https://limitedresell.com/en/ for personalized advice and guaranteed peace of mind during your transactions.
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