/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

>>7518177

For me, If the only photos are stock photos I just kind of assume they bulk ordered knockoffs. If it looks like it was taken in someone's bedroom (you know what I mean...) then I tend to assume it's a genuine product and someone is cleaning out their closet. A lot of independent sellers (like, people like us) will say where they bought their shoes from and sometimes how much they were originally for proof. If they don't, ask them.

If it says "new without box," definitely ask for more photos. If they can't provide any non-stock photos, they are probably knockoffs from a factory bulk order. Most people selling genuine new shoes will have the box. Sometimes they bought them originally at a place like Ross or TJ Maxx or something (well, maybe not VW) or used but in that case they should still be able to take more photos.

If it is a US seller and from a city that isn't a main one like LA or San Fran or NYC, they are probably genuine. Usually those cities are used by Chinese sellers to give the image that they are shipping from the US. If it's shipping from Bumfuck, Virginia, they are probably real.

If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Occasionally you get lucky because some noob lists all their designer stuff with a $.01 starting bid and no reserve price, but usually the cost will be pretty close to the original price unless they are significantly worn or damaged. Probably don't expect to spend less than $50 and that's if you're lucky or don't mind scratches.

I will only buy a shoe listed as genuine from a seller with stock photos only if they are connected to some larger company with a good return policy or they have 100% reviews (or at least very close).

there's always the chance that the seller was originally sold a knock off and just didn't know and presented it as if it were not one, but that's rare.