MACHINE LEARNING AI

We use Entrupy to authenticate second hand designer bags. Entrupy uses machine learning algorithms on microscopic images of physical objects to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit designer goods. It has a 99.1% accuracy rate and has been used since 2012.

We do not need dust bags or authenticity cards to carry out the authentication since it is entirely based on the microscopic elements within the product. We can provide you with an Entrupy certificate

OUR PROCESS

Items included: handbags, clutches, wallets, coin purses, agendas, phone cases, men’s bags, suitcases, belts and trunks.

Brands included: Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Celine, Chanel, Chloe, Coach, Dior, Fendi, Goyard, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Saint Laurent. Certain fabrics and leathers are unsupported so please check with us before sending your items.

Authentication costs £45 for all goods (except Hermès - £150).

You cover the cost of shipping to and from Sign of the Times, 5 Elystan Street, Chelsea, SW3 3NT.

B2B AUTHENTICATION

We also work with insurance firms to authenticate counterfeit goods and value second hand designer items. For more information and a quote please contact us directly.

FAQs

How can we help you?

What do you need from me to authenticate my item?

We don't need anything other than your item to guarantee authentication accuracy. However ideally we would like to know where you purchased the item to get an understanding of it's history. Receipts and date cards are not essential but are preferred for future buyers' peace of mind.

What you do when you receive the goods?

Once we receive an item we carry out a detailed inspection and if we are in any doubt whether the item is authentic or not we will we use third-party authentication services such as authenticatefirst or Entrupy, at an agreed price with you, our seller.

What is Sign of the Times policy on fakes?

It is against the law to sell fake goods and we, therefore, take any attempt to re-sell fake goods through us very seriously. By selling with us customers must comply with our conditions of sale which detail that the item they are selling is owned by them and is authentic. We also request to see a copy of the original proof of purchase wherever possible.

What happens if a third party deems my item to be a fake?

Should the third party deem the bag to be a replica there is the risk that it will be retained and destroyed. The police or relevant party will also be made aware.

What happens if I think I have purchased a fake item?

If you receive an item that you believe not to be genuine, you must inform us immediately and we will pay for the item to be returned to us. This must be done within seven days, to prevent us from paying the seller so that we can process a refund for you. The police or relevant party will also be made aware. If the item is deemed to be a fake it may be destroyed.

Why should I trust Sign of the Times to understand authenticity?

We have been trading for over 50 years and have a well trained team who are experts in spotting the differences between fakes and the real deal. We use Entrupy which is uses machine learning algorithms to distinguish the authenticity of items with a 99.1% accuracy rate. We have over 120 five stars on Trustpilot from happy customers.