Authentication as
The six stages of BrandCo Paris authentication
1.
Sourcing with discernment
It all begins with due diligence and a rigorous pre-selection of our purchasing partners, whether professionals or individuals. Each is evaluated on their product expertise and historical reliability.
Regular suppliers are rated and filtered according to BrandCo’s internal scoring system to ensure only the most trustworthy sources remain in the supply chain.
Documents of origin and purchase are systematically requested to be presented along with items submitted for valuation, to keep clear history, and for tracking purposes.
2.
Initial inspection by in-house experts
Upon arrival at our international office locations, each item undergoes a first authentication by a junior expert with at least five years of experience in the luxury goods sector.
The expert verifies each item meticulously in every detail and compares it against brand-standard materials for the type, year and collection, as well as known practices. This early evaluation is the first filter in our multi-layered quality control.
3.
Microscopic double verification
Every detail counts. A second, microscopic analysis is conducted to verify elements invisible to the naked eye: stitching precision, lining perfection, brand tags, serial codes, font consistencies, and material grain, among many other quality controls.
We also verify possible alterations by non-brand third parties, such as repair stores or others, that would significantly lessen the value of an item or make it non-brand standard, non-genuine anymore. This process ensures a necessary in-depth additional verification layer and acts as a double authentication.
4.
Senior-level validation
Items presenting unusual characteristics, those with intricate features, very special pieces, or those representing significant market value, are then reviewed by a senior expert.
Their advanced expertise allows for the identification of even the subtlest inconsistencies or brand-specific quirks that only very experienced professionals can detect.
5.
Spectrometer testing for precious materials
For Hermès and Chanel items incorporating precious metals, we employ spectrometer analysis, a scientific method aimed at verifying the composition of clasps, hardware, and decorative elements of the object.
This provides an additional layer of security, particularly for pieces with high intrinsic and resale value.
6.
Certification and traceability
Once a piece has passed all five stages, it is issued a BrandCo certificate of authenticity.
This document includes detailed product information, the item’s original production or serial number, and a unique internal tracking code, enabling full traceability throughout its new journey.
Our promise to you and to the circular economy
This process of authentication is actively reviewed every year to include new best practices, new market and authentication knowledge, as well as new technology constantly needed to keep up to date with new production standards.
It is a real art form, dynamic in essence, a never-ending path to knowledge and dedication to excellence and transparency to every stakeholder in the pre-owned luxury environment.
We aim to be a reference in setting higher standards for authentication purposes, and to employ our hard-earned knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of this industry overall, professionalizing it and educating, on the same path as ours, every fashion enthusiast conscious of a clean circular economy.