Ladies

https://repsguide.com/ladies/

Introduction to r/RepLadies

Gone, but not forgotten 🪦 Sadly our beloved subreddit has permanently closed to the public and access to the historic wiki has been revoked. There have been numerous discords, WhatsApp and Wechat groups that have splintered off since, but the core info from the wiki is fragmented across these platforms and difficult to follow. This wiki is a gently modified replica of the original RepLadies wiki and guides, before the content disappears forever.

RepLadies is was a happy place for discussion about women’s replica (and authentic) handbags, shoes, clothing, and accessories. The r/RepLadies subreddit was formed in hopes of creating a community where we can all enjoy fashion at any level, share our experiences, reviews, likes, dislikes, and everything in between!

Common Terms Glossary

AE AliExpress
Auth Authentic
B&S Bait and Switch
BHW Black Hardware
BST Buy, Sell, Trade
BT Basetao (TB agent)
CCW Constructive Criticism Welcome
CF Chanel Classic Flap
CS Customer Service
CZ Cubic Zirconia
DHG DHGate
DR r/Designerreps
FFF Friday Foto Flex
FR r/FashionReps
FS For Sale
FT For Trade
GB Group Buy
GF God Factory (nickname for a factory known for making Chanel, LV, and Dior bags)
GHW Gold Hardware
GL Green Light (approve the product for shipment after viewing PSP)
GP Guinea Pig (test out)
Haul A consolidation of multiple orders
HW Hardware
ISO In Search Of
IYKYK If you know, you know
LC Legit Check (i.e. is this authentic or fake?)
Lindashians Infamous family of rep sellers
LV Louis Vuitton
Marble Nickname for a factory known for their Céline bags
MIF Made in France
MII Made in Italy
MG MoneyGram
Mod Moderator
NF Louis Vuitton Neverfull
OC Old Cobbler (Known Seller) -or- Orange Couch Factory
OF Original Factory
OOTD Outfit of the Day
OP Original Poster (the individual who started the topic)
PM Private Message
PP PayPal
PP G&S PayPal Goods and Services
PP F&F PayPal Friends and Family
PSM Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini
PSP Pre-Shipment Photos/Pictures (also used interchangeably with “QC pics”)
QC Quality Check/Control
Rep Replica
RG Rose Gold
RHW Ruthenium Hardware
RL r/RepLadies -or- Red Light (reject a bag after viewing PSP)
SA Sales Associate
SB Superbuy (TB agent)
SHW Silver Hardware
SLG Small Leather Goods (i.e. cosmetic bags, wallets, coin pouches, key fobs, etc.)
TB Taobao
TL;DR Too Long; Didn’t Read
TTS True-to-Size
UB Uncle Bench (Known Seller)
W2C Where/What to Cop (i.e. buy)
Wagoons Wagoons Full of Books
WG White Gold
WIYB What’s in Your Bag?
WOC Wallet on Chain
WU Western Union
YG Yellow Gold
1:1 A ratio of accuracy compared to the authentic. For example, .5:1 is shorthand for being half as good as the authentic. You will also see .9:1, which means 90% close to authentic, or very close to authentic.
1:1 succ If you really must know, it’s this.
187 Nickname for a Chanel factory

Buyer Etiquette and Expectations

Being a good buyer is no different than being a good person, but when you combine the anonymity of online interactions with cultural and language barriers, the results can be downright ugly. We’re aware that a large segment of RL members are polite, compassionate, and know to treat others with dignity. However, there are a dreadful number of people who shouldn’t be buying reps, don’t deserve them, and based on the way we’ve seen them behave, must lead bereft, miserable lives.

In an effort to help the sellers, curtail unreasonable expectations, and combat senseless levels of entitlement, we’ve outlined ways to help you develop a good relationship with your seller, define the mods’ duties as it relates to order issues, and provide perspective that may be reassuring to new or anxious buyers. Please read everything carefully. After you’re done, if you feel we’re not making any sense and/or you’re displeased by our stance, then you would be better served purchasing retail. We’re not being dismissive. We are being honest. Reps, the process of buying reps, and the compromises it necessitates will not make you happy. Better to know now than later after you’ve already wasted your money.

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Personal Accountability

Not every transaction is going to be sunshine and rainbows. Things will go wrong. When they do, this is what you can expect from the mods and how best to approach the situation:

1. Make a good faith effort to work things out with the seller before making your issue public on RL. If not, you risk making an absolute fool out of yourself. It’s happened many times. Most of the problems we’ve seen could have easily been resolved by simply communicating. Here are some helpful conflict resolution tips from the Newbie Guide.

2. Keep your composure during a conflict. Sellers are more willing to help when you’re being calm, patient, and understanding. If you choose to act like an asshole throwing a bitch fit, well, then you may be faced with some resistance. Good luck getting your way.

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Seller Treatment

Let’s all get on the same page: you are buying bootleg contraband from sellers overseas. You are not shopping at Bergdorf or Harrods. If that’s the level of service you demand, then you need to pay for it. You can’t have it both ways, as in the full boutique experience at rep prices. That isn’t to say that sellers can’t be incredibly accommodating, but you shouldn’t assume they will be in every situation.

1. Treat your seller with respect. They are real people with feelings. Would you speak to a department store SA in such a reprehensible manner? We hope not. If you’re using all caps and saying things like, “DON’T PLAY WITH ME. RETURN MY FUCKING MONEY OR I’LL CALL THE POLICE” and/or using racial slurs, you will be banned by us and many of the popular RL sellers. End of story. We have zero tolerance for that bullshit.

2. Just because you haven’t heard from a seller in several days, it doesn’t mean they’ve stolen your money. You’re not the only customer they have. Yours is not the only order they’re working on. It’s not likely that a seller would jeopardize their livelihood for a few hundred dollars, so refrain from creating threads hysterically claiming that you’ve been scammed because you paid yesterday and haven’t received PSP yet.

3. Do not use RepLadies to threaten sellers. We cannot stress this enough. It happens too frequently and it is absolutely abhorrent.

4. Your problem with a seller does not warrant their removal from the list. We know you are upset, but try to be mature. It is boldly presumptuous and grossly self-involved to think that your issue alone is of such utmost importance and magnitude - others’ positive reviews be damned! - that it means a seller should immediately be deemed persona non grata over it. All of our most highly rated, well regarded sellers have and will fuck up because it’s impossible to please everyone 100% of the time. You don’t like a seller? Then don’t buy from them in the future. We don’t make changes to the list based on individual dissatisfaction.

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QC Insanity

We need to be realistic about the things we are purchasing. Of course, it’s everyone’s wish to get the most accurate items, but there comes a point when it gets out of hand. We’ve unintentionally fed into a collective frenzy of extreme nitpicking and it has to end. Our reset starts with this legendary quote: “Fucking behave yourselves.”

1. Rep vs. auth differences are not as bad as you think they are. Much of what we’re discussing, buying, and reviewing are high-end reps. They’re the best being produced and virtually indistinguishable from the auth to most everyone on the planet. They are not the horrendous Chinatown fakes people are accustomed to and think of when reps come to mind. There are specific things we characterize as “glaring flaws” like orange-toned LV mono canvas, Chanel Boy strap ends, and Goyard touching Ys, just to name a few. While those aspects can be viewed as inaccuracies, they also aren’t based on how insanely inconsistent the auths we’re comparing them to are. On TPF, you will find countless examples of different colored canvases, Boy straps that vary in shape, and Ys that are miles apart from each other. It isn’t necessary nor is it correct to be so unyielding when you’re QCing.

2. Reps aren’t for everyone. If you’re drawing a goddamn diagram on your PSP and marking up 1mm discrepancies, you shouldn’t be buying reps period. Sending that to your seller isn’t going to motivate them to find you something better. Quite the opposite. Sellers won’t hesitate to refund a buyer so they can be done with them. Forget about “the customer is always right.” They’re not and it doesn’t apply in a black market. Difficult customers are the ones who tend to harass and threaten sellers when their impossible demands aren’t met. Time is money, and the sellers understandably do not want to waste their time with overly picky buyers who make their jobs far more difficult than it needs to be.

3. Have some perspective. No one except other reps buyers would recognize a “tell-tale” sign of a fake. Jane Smith rolling up to 31 Rue Cambon to acquire her Classic Flap has never and will never pick the bag apart in such an exhaustive, painstaking way. She is absolutely ignorant about the length of the turnlock tab, the shape of the back pocket, the texture of the caviar, and the precise Pantone shade of the burgundy interior, which means that when she sees your 187 clone, she’s not going to notice shit.

4. No one cares nearly as much as you do. This brings us to our final point: you are staring at a macro photograph of an object with the sole intent of finding something wrong with it. A stranger taking a seconds long glance at you will not be able to QC your bag, nor will they think to. When leading publications like Harper’s Bazaar and New York Magazine can’t tell the difference between what’s real and what’s a very obvious fake, that should be a sign for you to stop freaking out over every minor detail because it’s a “dead giveaway.” It’s not. And if you have friends who would “call you out,” then what you really need to do is find new friends. It’s fine to want the best, obsessively research to uncover the rep that meets your criteria, and request an exchange when a rep differs significantly from the factory photos. All we’re asking is for you to be realistic. Perfection is not realistic.

Sellers and Agents List

RL does not, cannot, and will not guarantee that your seller and agent experience will be seamless or problem-free because we can’t.

It’s erroneous to assume that the very existence of this list somehow eliminates all aspects of risk and unpredictability associated with an illegal industry.

You, the buyer, are responsible for yourself, for your money, for your transaction, and for your seller interaction. Simply put, we will not intervene or help if your rep ordering experience goes awry.

Last update June 2022.

Sellers List

Aadi

• Infraction: CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue + comments

Aaliyah

• Note - Works with Martha and specializes in shoes.

Aaron

• Infraction: CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue + comments

Alisa

• Infraction: CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue + comments

Anna

• Infraction: CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue + comments

Aooko

• Note - Specializes in Ray-Bans and other sunglasses.

Audrey (Pandora Boutique)

• Note - If you are having trouble accessing the site, please contact Audrey for an alternate url.

Candy

• Note - Stock photos shared on IG only.

DDMode

• 2022 Price list

Fisherman

• Note - Specializes in shoes particularly Chanel Espadrilles.

Heidi

• Note - Contact directly for website url. Option for seizure insurance available.

Li

• Note - Specializes in high-end (i.e. genuine 18k gold and GIA-certified diamonds) rep jewelry. Prefers to communicates in Chinese. Translator recommended.

Linda

• Note - Prefers to communicate in Chinese. Translator recommended. Contact directly for album link.
• Infraction: CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue + comments

Miss Chen

• Note - Specializes in high-end (i.e. genuine 18k gold and GIA-certified diamonds) rep jewelry.
• PLEASE NOTE: Miss Chen will only give her payment information through WeChat or WhatsApp - if you have received payment information through another source (email or Instagram), do not send payment.

Mr. Birkin

• Note - Specializes in Hermès bags from SYmode Factory.

Mr. Gary

• Infraction: Mr. Gary is former TS Alex // CD/Hutaoli Factory Issue

Nina

• Note - Add only one of the accounts listed above not all of them.

Old Cobbler

• Note - PSP is not standard with every order, but exceptions will be made. Confirm before paying.

Redden

• Redden’s WeChat accounts are set to private and she is not accepting new customers at this time.

ReppinReps

• Note - Specializes in rep jewelry. PM for email address if needed.

Rita

• Note - Specializes in Mansur Gavriel reps.

Sandy

• Note - PSP incurs an additional 15% fee.

Tina

• Note - May not provide PSP.

Vincent

• Note - Specializes in prescription eyewear and sunglasses.

Vken

• Note - Takes limited PSP and/or video, but will provide additional pictures upon request.

Wei

• Note - Specializes in rep jewelry.

Wenzhi and Yomi Chen

• Note - Specializes in high-end (i.e. genuine 18k gold and GIA-certified diamonds) rep jewelry.

Zippy (ZP)

• Note - Specializes in shoes.

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Agents List

Basetao

• Website - basetao.net
• Secondary website - basetao.cn
• WhatsApp - +86 316 2113 7599
• Email - basetao2you@163.com
• Reddit username - u/Basetao

CSSBuy

• Website - cssbuy.com
• Email - info@cssbuy.com
• Email - manager@cssbuy.com
• Reddit username - u/cssbuy
• Subreddit - r/cssbuy

Superbuy

• Website - superbuy.com
• WeChat - SuperbuyClub
• Email - care@superbuy
• Telephone - +86 755 3308 5566
• Reddit username - u/TommyZhangSuperbuy
• Subreddit - r/Superbuy

Ytaopal

• Website - ytaopal.com
• WeChat - ytaopal
• Email - service@ytaopal.com
• Telephone - +86 579 8533 8337
• Reddit username - u/ytaopal

Group Buy FAQ

What is a group buy? How does it work?

A group buy (GB) is a discount promotion that’s open to all RL members. The sales are usually limited to the specified brands and styles or are factory-centric (e.g. all products from 187, Marble, etc.). Sometimes the factory will impose an order minimum that must be met before the discount is valid, but more often than not, there won’t be any minimums.

How do I find group buys?

Back when r/RepLadies was an active subreddit, the moderators would organise these group buys. Now they are organised by other RepLadies or moderators of the various splinter groups on WhatsApp, Discord or Wechat. You’ll have to ask around and do your research to find them.

I’m picky! Is a GB right for me?

That depends on how reasonable you are with your QCing. The seller will be fielding a large number of inquiries, so they may not be as attentive to your concerns and questions as they might usually be. The factories that are chosen for GB tend to have strict return and exchange policies meaning they won’t allow them unless there’s an obvious defect and accuracy issues are never considered as such. If that’s out of the question for you, then we ask that you refrain from taking part in the promotion, and honestly, it’s probably best that you avoid reps altogether because things won’t be any different for non-GB purchases.

Do we all have to order the exact same item, or do we have a choice?

It depends on what the seller has agreed to or what the factory has mandated. You will be able to order the brands, styles, sizes, and colors that are listed in the GB thread and shown in the seller’s linked albums or website.

Can I place a custom order?

This is all contingent on the specifics of the sale. We will note whether a custom order is an option.

What do I say when ordering? Do I have to tell them anything different?

Aside from mentioning the GB itself, not really. Send them a photo of the item you’d like to order, confirm the payment total, communicate any special instructions (full packaging, carrier preference, etc.), and provide your shipping details.

What about my personal information? Is it safe?

Unless there is a problem that requires our involvement, the only people who will have access to your name, address, and other private details will be the seller you’ve given them to.

How do I pay?

You will pay for the item as you normally would when placing an order with the seller directly. Accepted payment methods will be listed in the GB post.

Will I receive PSP?

Yes. Expect things to take longer due to the high volume of orders, but you will receive PSP. Please be patient and allow the seller extra time (at least a week) before messaging them for a status update.

When will I receive my order?

It’s difficult to say. It could be one week, it could be several. It depends on stock availability, how quickly the factory if fulfilling orders, and how fast the shipping agent is able to transfer your parcel to the carrier. Don’t be taken aback if you end up waiting longer than you’re used to. The seller is managing a higher than usual workload, and knowing how unpredictable the rep world can be, every single one of us should be more than prepared for unforeseen delays by now.

Replica Ladies Fashion Factory Directory

There are hundreds of rep factories in China. Learning to recognize just a handful takes time, patience, and acute attention to detail. A number of factories don’t have a name or they’ll refuse to disclose it due to security concerns. What they’re doing is copyright infringement after all. Stock pictures are typically taken by contracted photographers using multiple backdrops further rendering an already strenuous task all the more frustrating. That’s not even the half of it. What’s worse is figuring out who makes the best products at the right price. It might as well be comparable to lighting your money on fire.

Thankfully, you’ve found us and we’re not stingy when it comes to sharing intel. Over the years, foreign buyers have granted monikers to their favorite factories as a means of identification. A majority of what you see here are nicknames not the actual factory names. A few predates RL’s existence like GF and 187. You should assume any seller you talk to is not aware of, nor do they use our nicknames. That goes for sellers who are familiar with RL and RL buyers, too. We did not include every seller who works with each respective factory, but we listed as many as we could off the top of our heads. It is up to you to confirm if your preferred seller works with the factory you’d like to purchase from. Since not all sellers have access to the same places, you will need to send stock photos to verify whether they can buy from the supplier specified. However, be forewarned there is no shortage of dishonest sellers who, despite your request, will source from elsewhere assuming you won’t know the difference, charge you an inflated price, then deliver inferior goods. This practice is known as bait and switch (B&S) and is quite prevalent in the rep world. There isn’t always a reliable way to tell if the product you bought came from a certain factory, so it’s important that you know and trust the seller you are transacting with.

This guide will help you distinguish the more well-known vendors. As is the case with the sellers and agents list, it is not all-inclusive and mainly comprised of factories RL members have reviewed. You should not take the descriptions to heart as details or quality can vary by bag, batch, and opinion. Although we’ve done our best to be objective in describing a factory’s strengths and weaknesses, there will be some inherent bias depending on who is writing about said factory and the personal experience that informs their knowledge. Basically, use this as a general guide to help you figure out who is who, who makes what, who sells what, and nothing else.

Important Disclaimers

It is absolutely critical to understand that this is NOT a list of the “the best” reps and sources. We keep harping on this point and we will continue to be repetitive about it until it becomes universal, conventional knowledge. Everyone’s expectations and standards are different. While having such a reference would be wholly convenient, it would also be highly subjective thus, inaccurate, which is why creating a “best of” ranking would be a colossal waste of time. Even highly commended factories fuck up and make subpar products. There will never be any guarantees that you’ll get exactly what you want no matter where you buy from or how much you shell out. Over time through trial and error, you will discover what qualifies as “best” for you.

Finally, keep in mind that no one should view this as an infallible resource. Like the sellers and agents list, it is not sacrosanct. The directory is our best guess at identification and not 100% accurate. It will be necessary to make corrections as we learn more and discover factories that may be interconnected, related, or wholly separate. Some factories we’re certain about and others, less so especially if they’re not popular or familiar to a plurality of RL buyers. It doesn’t help that the sellers have different contacts for suppliers and often provide conflicting info as a result. It’s difficult if not impossible to verify operational details of an illegal enterprise when their very existence relies on opacity.

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The Factories

<details open="open"><summary class="text-delta">Table of contents</summary></details>

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Angel Factory

• AKA - AF, Diana (Heidi)
• Speciality - Celine, Dior
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Oli, Martha, Redden, Vken

AF produces Celine, Dior, Gucci, YSL, and more recently, Hermès. They purportedly use “original leather,” which is a rep term for imported European leather. They’re most known for their Dior Book Totes and is considered a high-tier factory with the prices to match.

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Baili

• Specialty - Celine, Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Min, Oli

Large manufacturer similar in profile to Jxg. Wide variety of brands are replicated from Boyy to Fendi to Chanel to Louis Vuitton. They offer a plethora of choices and good stock at affordable prices. They’re not known for top accuracy. The leather quality can be mediocre. The bags occasionally have messy logo stamps and incorrect glazing colors depending on the brand, style, and color. However, they are an economical option with many bags to pick from and are easily accessible to a large number of sellers. They’re not always easy to identify since they use numerous backdrops for their stock images.

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Beige Couch

• AKA - Beige Marble Factory (RL), Wuxiaojie (Alice)
• Speciality - Celine
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Audrey, Linda, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Vken

A high mid-tier factory producing decently accurate reps with varying degrees of quality. They excel at the Celine Trio. Pay close attention to the typeface used for logo stamps as they can be inconsistent with that detail.

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Birdcage

• AKA - Black Marble (RL), Bonica (Bank), Xiajiao (Linda)
• Specialty - Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aling, Alisa, Apple, Bank, Elaine, Heidi, James, Linda, Nina, Oli, OC, Tina, Vken, Zippy

Although they rep numerous brands like Chloé, Loewe, Valentino, Goyard, and Celine, they are most famous for their classic and seasonal LV bags. Many sellers work with this factory, which seemingly has a large operation, are quick to replenish inventory, prices their products competitively, and use a numerous backgrounds for their stock pics, which makes them difficult to identify. Beware of inaccurate details such as the typeface and orientation of logo stamps.

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Black Frame

• AKA - Heiguang (Aaron), JPH (Heidi), JS (Alice, Anna), JP (Redden)
• Speciality - Prada
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alisa, Anna, Audrey, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden, Sandy, Vken

The seller recommended go-to destination for Prada bags, SLG, and accessories such as bag charms and key chains. They are popular on RL for their Cahier, James Jean Bunny Print line, and nylon bags. Also makes Bulgari and Celine.

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Classics Factory

• AKA - 031 Classics (Vken), 1 Classics (Oli)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alisa, Linda, Oli, Vken

Specializes in Chanel bags and SLG. Considered mid-tier by sellers although the quality is good plus they’re less expensive compared to 187 and GF. Popular for their budget-friendly Reissues.

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CD

• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Anna, Elaine, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Min, Mr. Birkin, Pink, Redden

An up-and-coming factory focusing solely on Chanel bags and accessories that are generally comparable to the high-tier Chanel factories at a lower price range. They advertise that their bags are made using leather from Tanneries Haas and, according to the sellers we’ve spoken to, are less difficult than 187 and GF to work with.

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ESFactory

• AKA - European Station Factory, Ugly Carpet Factory (RL), Water Cup Factory (RL)
• Specialty - Celine
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alisa, Emily, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Vken

A mid-tier factory that limits production to a small set of brands like Loewe and Givenchy, but known for Celine and Celine SLG. Often uses the incorrect typeface for logo stamps, a common flaw of lower-grade suppliers.

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Feite

• AKA - Feit (Alice)
• Speciality - YSL
• Stock Photos
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden

Manufactures favorably reviewed YSL bags and accessories.

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Floral

• AKA - Xiaoyi (Alice)
• Specialty - Gucci
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Oli

Focuses on Gucci classic and seasonal styles.

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GD

• Alias - Panda Factory (RL)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden, Vken

Another lesser known Chanel-specialized factory that claims to use imported leather. The general RL consensus is that they are high mid-tier and a good alternative for those unwilling to pay 187/GF prices. According to sellers, the bags are of good quality and well constructed.

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Glass Door

• Specialty - Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Darcy, Linda, Martha, OC, Redden, Tina

Similar to Birdcage Factory, a mid-tier manufacturer that mainly produces classic and seasonal LV including SLG. Their seasonal reps tend to be better overall than their classic offerings.

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God Factory

• AKA - GF
• Specialty - Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Anna, Bank, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Min, Redden, Oli, Pink, Vken

Considered one of the best Chanel factories and the second most expensive since 187 introduced their “Extreme/King” tier. GF’s strengths include the 25cm CF and Boy bags. They accept custom orders that allows you to choose leather type (lambskin, calfskin, caviar), quilting (classic quilting, chevron), color, and hardware (e.g. antique gold, light gold, matte gold, RHW, polished GHW and SHW). They will even let you pick between the “Made in Italy” and “Made in France” stamps. It takes approximately two to four weeks if not longer for a custom order. Like many high-end factories, they have a very inflexible return and exchange policy. GF also produces Dior, LV, and Hermès. As of the end of 2019, they have phased out Celine and Loewe. GF replicates products using reverse engineered auth.

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Golden Tile

• AKA - Tile Factory (RL), Saibina (Alice, Vken)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Vken
• Acknowledgement - Thanks to u/eyebrowsonfleek for contributing to this section

Excels at seasonal Chanel styles, but also has well priced, relatively accurate Chanel classics like the CF, Boy, and WOC, which is what they’re most popular for. Their Boy bags have the desired snakehead strap. Depending on who you ask, the quality of their leather can be lacking. They are another factory that purchases authentic bags to copy from and regularly photograph their reps alongside the disassembled auth for their stock photos. They’re generally viewed as higher on the mid-tier spectrum and produces a diverse range of brands from LV to fledgling labels like Gabriela Hearst.

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Grey Couch

• AKA - Wood Table Factory (Martha), Debi (Heidi), Shishangbang
• Specialty - Celine, Loewe, Gucci, YSL
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Emily, Heidi, Linda, Marcia, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Vken

A well-reviewed factory that’s quite popular in China, which means they sell out quickly. They were granted the name Grey Couch because they used to photograph their bags on a dark grey couch, but have since switched backgrounds to a wooden table. Celine, Loewe, and Gucci bags are their strong suits. They also make Balenciaga, Bulgari, Burberry, Dior, YSL, seasonal Chanel, and other IG-popular styles.

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Huahui

• AKA - HH (Alice)
• Speciality - Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Darcy, Linda, Martha, Nancy, Nina, OC, Oli, Redden, Vken

A popular factory for seasonal and classic LV.

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Jing

• Speciality - Bottega Veneta
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aadi, Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Anna, Heidi, Linda, Redden, Martha, Vken

A seller-recommended factory for high quality Daniel Lee-era Bottega Veneta bags. One of three factories currently producing accurate Padded Cassettes and have already switched over to the new branding. Also popular for Givenchy and Chloé.

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Jipin

• Specialty - Loewe
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Redden

A highly recommended, popular factory for the Puzzle and other Loewe styles.

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JLH

• Specialty - Dior, Gucci, YSL
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Aling, Apple, Candy, Darcy, Linda, Marcia, Nina, OC

Another factory using multiple backgrounds. They produce reps of many brands with a heavy emphasis on the latest Dior and Gucci styles including SLG.

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Jxg

• Specialty - Celine
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Audrey, Bela, Candy, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden

A massive factory that nearly all sellers have access to similar to Baili. They rep every brand from BV to YSL. If a style is popular, you’ll find it through them. They are an RL favorite for the Celine Nano and Belt. However, a few colorways have the incorrect edge paint colors (tonal instead of contrasting).

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Kata

• Speciality - Bottega Veneta
• Stock PIctures
• Sellers - Alisa, Heidi

A seller recommended factory for Bottega Veneta. Their best style is the suede Padded Cassette. One of the few to use the correct BV branding. They manufacture other brands like Prada and Dior.

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Lotus

• Specialty - Hermès
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Min, Linda

Makes both cheaper half-hand and higher priced full hand-stitched Hermès bags, wallets, shoes, accessories using imported leather. They accept custom orders for regular and exotic skin bags, which take about four to six weeks to finish.

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Mango

• AKA - Binli (Alice)
• Speciality - Loewe, Valentino, and Burberry
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden

Small factory most known for Loewe.

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Marble

• AKA - Yipin, YP
• Specialty - Celine, Loewe
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alisa, Anna, Elaine, Emily, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Min, Oli, Pink, Sandy

As of Fall 2020, Marble has been shut down by Chinese authorities and is closed for the foreseeable future. Nicknamed for their original stock photo background, which had a white marble surface. It has since been replaced by (less visually appealing) wood. A highly rated, go-to factory for the Celine Box, Nano, and Belt. They’re also a good lower-priced option (compared to Angel Factory) for the Dior Book Tote. Other brands available: Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, LV, Prada, and YSL. Marble has limited inventory, and unless it’s one of their best sellers, they will not reproduce styles once the first and second runs have sold out. Preordering is a must. However, be prepared for a long wait as they work very slowly. Marble’s main upsides includes good craftsmanship consistency and branding accuracy. The downside is their leather can be lacking compared to top tier factories like OF and AF. Marble purchases authentic bags for reverse engineering and, unlike most factories, have excellent packaging.

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MBB

• AKA - MBB Uncle (Bank)
• Specialty - Chloé
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Bank, Linda

Popular for classic and seasonal Chloé. Also produces Loewe staples such as the Puzzle and Gate.

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Mingxing

• AKA - Mingx (Alice)
• Speciality - Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Martha, Nancy, Nina, Oli, Redden, Vken

Known for their classic and seasonal LV bags.

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Nickloe

• AKA - Nick (Alice), Nickole (Heidi)
• Specialty - Fendi
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Bank, Darcy, Emily, Erica, Heidi, Linda, Marcia, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Vken
• Acknowledgement - Thanks to u/yerbamate420 for contributing to this section

Nickloe is to Fendi what Marble is to Celine. They’ve earned a reputation among buyers and sellers alike for making the best Fendi in the rep industry. They also make Fendi SLG, accessories (e.g. Strap You and bag charms), and extremely limited quantities of specific Tom Ford bags. There are other factories that have similar backdrops that can easily be mistaken for Nickloe (i.e. Ounifan).

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Orange Couch

• AKA - Judun (Heidi), Jundu (Aaron, Alisa, Anna, Linda), Mona (Zippy), Xinlong (Bank), OCF (RL)
• Specialty - Gucci, Dior, YSL
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alisa, Anna, Bank, Heidi, Linda, Marcia, Martha, Min, Redden, Wendy, Zippy

Made famous by their Gucci loafers and Dior J’Adior slingbacks, they are now the undisputed RL favorite for YSL specifically the Loulou and Kate. More recently, their LV PSM and Pochette Metis have been gaining popularity, too. Their nickname is derived from one of their stock photo backgrounds which depicts products atop an orange tufted chair. The factory also produces Gucci and Loewe. They offer two qualities levels: regular and the higher tier, more expensive original leather.

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Original Factory

• AKA - OF (RL), Wooman Factory (Marcia)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alisa, Heidi, Linda, Marcia, Martha, Min, Redden, Vken

OF began as a Chanel-only factory and has quickly branched out to include Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Celine (some style still use the Philo-era logo with the accent aigu), Dior, Gucci, Givenchy, Goyard, Hermès, Prada, Valextra, and YSL. Considered a top-tier factory, OF has been praised for their impressive leather quality, and according to them, are from Haas and Bodin-Joyeux. Their accuracy level can be inconsistent specifically with branding. They will use incorrect typeface that usually gets corrected in later batches. They will occasionally release fantasy colorways and use incorrect edge paint color for certain colors. Do your research and QC thoroughly before buying.

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Ounifan

• AKA - Ouni (Alice)
• Specialty - Fendi
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Heidi, Linda, Oli

According to multiple TS, they are roughly equivalent to Nickloe for Fendi reps although many still insist that Nickloe is best. Their stock photos are very similar to and can be easily confused for Nickloe. The best way to distinguish between the two is the size of the bronze shelves in the background. Ouni’s are thicker with more prominent beveling than Nickloe’s.

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Pomegranate

• AKA - Pomegranate Girl (Heidi), Stripes (RL)
• Specialty - Celine, Gucci
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Bank, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden, Vken
• Acknowledgement - Thanks to u/misshufflepuff for clarification

Specializes in Gucci, Celine, Prada, and recently, Bottega Veneta. They are considered mid-tier and has a tendency to use incorrect branding and medium-grade leather. Related to another factory we previously listed separately as “Stripes.” Pomegranate has two main sales contacts that operate under different names hence the confusion on the part of the seller during the identification process. For now, we’re going to classify them as one factory.

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Qiutian

• Specialty - Loewe
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Martha, Redden

Another factory that solely concentrates on Loewe reps.

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Red Brick

• AKA - BSH (Alice)
• Specialty - Gucci
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Candy, Darcy, Emily, Linda, Nancy, Oli

Mid-tier, lower priced factory that is popular for budget-friendly Gucci.

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SYmode

• Specialty - Hermès
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Elaine, Fang, Mr. Birkin

Considered one of the best if not best Hermès factory on RL and outside of RL based on numerous reviews. They only produce fully hand-stitched Hermès bags (they also offer Chanel, but there’s some doubt as to whether they produce the bags themselves or source from another high quality factory and up-charges significantly) and claims the leather they use is from Tanneries Haas. Like most H factories, Symode accepts custom orders, which can take anywhere from two to six weeks depending on volume.

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VV

• AKA - Qiqi (Linda)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Candy, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Redden, Vken

A well-regarded factory that isn’t as popular as GF, 187, and OF. The Boy bags have the correct strap end shape and most of their bags have the right logotype for the interior stamps, but verify with the seller beforehand and double-check during the QC stage.

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Wenfa

• Speciality - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Aling, Alisa, Bank, Linda, Martha, Nina, Redden, Tina, Vken

Wenfa produces mid-grade Chanel bags and SLG. A cost effective option for moderately accurate Chanel. They offer exotic skin bags such as python and lizard at low prices ($200 range), but they make fantasy colorways and the interior logo stamp typeface is inconsistent across various styles. They claim to use Haas leather for their higher-grade Chanel reps.

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Xiao C

• AKA - Little C, Small C, 小C (Alisa), Shengchang (Morgan), Walnut (Morgan), Changsheng (Linda), Picao (Oli), SY (Heidi), 元素/Element (Min)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aadi, Aaron, Alisa, Anna, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Min, Morgan, Oli, Redden
• Acknowledgement - Thanks to u/tripleaw and u/BS_bagsandshoes for clarification

Previously known as CD-Ming. Xiao C, or Little C is a positively reviewed Chanel factory that may have had some connection to CD factory in the past. Both CD and Xiao C share common sales agents and Xiao C had been previously categorized as CD, but the general consensus is that they are two independent suppliers. Like many rep factories, Xiao C claims to use Haas leather. According to some TS (Morgan and Oli), they also produce limited Dior styles like the Lady Dior, Bobby, and 30 Montaigne. Their speciality is the Chanel 19.

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White Branch

• Specialty - Fendi
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alisa, Audrey, Candy, Darcy, Linda, Martha, Min, Oli, Redden, Tina, Vken

Produces several brands such as Chanel and Gucci using good materials with a decent level of accuracy at reasonable prices. Similar in profile to Golden Tile. They favor Fendi and are cheaper than Nickloe and Ouni, but the quality is fairly comparable. Their bestseller is the Peekaboo.

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White Chair

• AKA - Changjiang (Alice)
• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Audrey, Bank, Emily, Linda, Nina, Oli, Vken, Zippy

Mid-tier factory with persistent, yet minor accuracy issues spanning hardware and logotype according to the sellers we’ve spoken to. They make both classic and seasonal Chanel styles. Their speciality being the latter.

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Yellow Wall

• Speciality - Louis Vuitton
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Martha, Redden

Known for their classic and seasonal LV bags.

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Yi

• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Min, Marcia, Martha, Oli, Redden, Vken

Low mid-tier reps of Chanel bags and accessories. Their interior logo stamp is incorrect. Some of their factory pictures can be easily confused with GF.

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Yisili

• Specialty - YSL
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alice, Alisa, Linda, Oli

Similar to Feite and popular for YSL.

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Yoyo

• AKA - Xueling (Oli), Aoao家 (Min), S Factory
• Speciality - Exotic Chanel and Reissues
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Alisa, Linda, Min, Oli, Pink

Yoyo is both a factory and wholesale distributor, which means they sell products from other factories (i.e. S Factory, Miss Bag known for Givenchy). Yoyo’s factory is primarily known for lower priced, mid-tier Chanel bags. They are popular for their Reissues and python CF and Boy bags. They have access to other factories that claim to use Bodin-Joyeaux lambskin for their Chanel reps along with other brands like Hermès, LV, Loewe, Dior, and more. Since not all sellers have the same sales contacts, not all of them will be able to procure inventory from other factories through Yoyo.

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187

• Specialty - Chanel
• Stock Pictures
• Sellers - Aaron, Alice, Alisa, Emily, Elaine, Heidi, Linda, Martha, Oli, Pink, Redden, Vken

187 is one of the top Chanel factories in the market. Their nickname came from the first three digits of the serial number found in their bags at the time they became popular. Their strengths include the CF line most notably the caviar Jumbo, which has the most accurate current seasons flap shape compared to the other top Chanel factories. They are also known to produce the best distressed calfskin Reissues and Gabrielle bags. 187 is expensive. They recently introduced a higher quality tier referred to as “Extreme” or “King, that’s priced between $600-700 per bag and supposedly are made using superior materials compared to their “High,” or regular level bags. They have different pricing depending on leather type and hardware color; something other top-tier Chanel rep suppliers don’t do. Their stock pictures are poor (i.e. bad lighting, taken at a distance, situated at odd angles, no detailed close-ups) and there are (not always valid) criticisms of the piping on their Boy reps. Since they’re so popular, preorders can take several weeks to months to complete. They sell out quickly and are slow to restock. They’ve made fantasy colors from time to time, so do your research before paying.

Guide to TaoBao

Taobao (TB) is the Amazon and Etsy of China. It’s a massive marketplace of stuff, and sometimes it’s the same products that popular RL sellers are selling. Operative word here is sometimes. As with WeChat/Yupoo sellers, there is a lot of bait and switch (B&S) on TB.

Shopping on TB can be less expensive than going through a traditional rep seller, but there is a big learning curve. You will have to work for it. If you just want an easy, “I know I want this [insert name of a very specific high quality item here], and I just want to pay for it then have it shipped to me,” TB may not be for you and you’ll be better off buying from a regular seller. However, if you like online browsing and hunting for good deals, after you get the hang of it, TB is a rabbit hole of addiction, and in no time, you’ll be posting for help on how to manage your impulse buying.

Where to Start

1. Use Google Chrome and install the Google Translate extension.

2. Go to Taobao.com and click the button to translate.

3. Register for an account. You will need to in order to browse listings. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll also be able to save favorites for future shopping. However, buying directly from TB is Next Level and you are not there yet.

4. Understand the difference between buying direct, or TB Direct vs. using an agent. Most people go through an agent for greater convenience and additional buyer protections.

What to Buy

Do your own image search on TB to find what you’re looking for.

Which Taobao Agent Should I Use?

Once you’ve amassed your “haul,” it’s time to choose an agent. Superbuy is the most well known and, by far, the most popular. That being said, it’s recommend that new TB shoppers use a smaller agent with better customer service (e.g. Basetao or Ytaopal). This way, when you get stuck, you can email someone and have a better chance getting a helpful, hand-holding response. You might have questions about what colors are available, sizing, etc. Ask your agent to ask the seller. You are paying them to make things easier for you, so get your money’s worth.

If you’re looking for an agent, you can refer to the sellers and agents list. Each member has their own preferred agent. You may have to try a few before finding one you like. In so long as you stick with one of those options, you should be fine. You take a risk dealing with other unknown agents, and like other rep sellers, there are many scammers out there looking to take advantage and steal your money, so be careful.

TB agents can be reached through private message and/or live chat through their websites, by email, and, for some, by WeChat. If you get confused along the way with order processing, payment, or shipping, contact your agent. This cannot be stressed enough. You’re going to pay anywhere from 6-10% in added service fees on top of the item purchase price and shipping cost, this is what that fee is for.

Where Can I Get More Help?

Again, this is a very basic starter guide for TB. There are many guides to help you get comfortable with shopping on TB. Refer to the below for more ordering how-tos, shipping and customs best practices, various other TB agent services like warehouse storage and parcel forwarding, store/seller ratings explanations, and additional invaluable tips to help you score everything on your wishlist.

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Taobao Agent Services

• RL Common Issues and Suggestions for TB Agents

• Basetao - How to Order

• Basetao - Payment with Credit Cards or PayPal

• Superbuy - Beginner’s Guide

• Superbuy - Expert Service and Buying Branded Items

• Note - Contains affiliate links benefiting r/euReplica moderator

• Superbuy - Parcel Forwarding

• Ytaopal - Shopping, Purchasing, QC, and Shipping Guide

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Taobao Direct

• How to Buy from TB - A Step-by-Step Guide

• Comprehensive TB Direct Guide

• How to Ship From TB

• FashionReps Abbreviated TB Direct Guide

• How to Use AliWangWang to Chat with TB Sellers

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Searching on Taobao

• Chinese Search Terms

• Chinese Search Terms (Part 2)

• How to Find Good TB Sellers - Ratings Guide

• How to Search Using an Image Visual Tutorial

• How to Search Using an Image

• How to Search Using Your Wishlist

• FashionReps Comprehensive TB Search Guide

• FashionReps Abbreviated TB Search Guide

• How to Resurrect Dead TB Links

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Shopping on Taobao

• How to Create a TB Account

• Clothing Shopping Tips - Fabric, Sizes, and Factors to Consider

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Additional Taobao Resources

• TB Frequently Asked Questions

• TB Mobile to Desktop Link Converter

• QC Suite - A tool that allows you to view user uploaded PSP of previously purchased items

• FashionReps TB/AE Beginner’s Guides Link Compilation

• RL Shipping Wiki

• TB Agents Services Comparison Chart

Guide to AliExpress and DHGate

There’s no question, I love AliExpress. There’s just something about chasing an elusive bargain, a secret find, a hidden link, that sets my rep lady heart a flutter. Here’s some top tips I’ve picked up as a ~Diamond~ AE Member (aka I’ve spent way too much bloody money there).

• First up, download the AE app. This is the easiest way to browse the site.
• The AE app has an Image Search button which is amazing for tracking down items you are on the lookout for. Click the camera icon in the search bar and other snap a picture or upload one. You can also use this button while you’re in a listing and have an image selected.. This will bring up other similar listings, so is a great way to price check.
• As a general rule, treat any store score above 90% as a mark out of 10, so 97% positive feedback works out as a 7/10. Don’t touch anything below 90% and try stick to 97% and above wherever possible. (Note: I am impulsive, poorly behaved and often throw caution into the wind and ignore this advice 😂).
• Look for photo reviews, but be aware that many rep sellers specifically ask people not to share photos so their shops aren’t taken down.
• Learn to distinguish a fake review from a real one, very quickly. Fake reviews are pretty easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for: find reviews from your home country, in your native language. They should sound fluent and natural, if they don’t, they’re probably fake! Also, photos are fantastic, but make sure they’re legit! If they look professional, staged, like the listing photos, or you see gloves on the hands, they’re probably fake! Try to look and make sure that reviews haven’t all been published on the same day, as that’s often a big giveaway they’re fake 😅
• Rep links don’t stay live for long - if you notice a bargain with a large number of sales, jump on it as it may not be there when you next check (see warning about impulse purchases above 😅).
• When sharing AE/DHG links to high traffic sites, its often best to break/hide the link to help protect the listing/store from being taken down prematurely (it’s been rumoured that AE/DHG notices sudden upticks in traffic so this helps stem the flow a little). Add a space before .com.
• In my personal experience always pick AliExpress Standard Shipping over cheaper alternatives like Cainiao, China Post etc. Unless of course you like waiting 3 months for a parcel that looks like it’s been put through your dryers spin cycle then stomped on several times.
• If you buy several things at once from different buyers under AE Standard Shipping, AE will often consolidate these into one mega parcel. This saves on their shipment costs, is better for the environment, and they claim your service is often upgraded to a faster shipping option.
• It’s a good idea, but particularly with consolidated parcels, to film yourself opening the package once it arrives. That way, in the unlikely event something has been left out or you have been sent the wrong thing, you have video proof to send to AE to get a refund.
• Some sellers work through ‘Hidden Links’ where you purchase an item that looks completely different from the actual product. There are many different ways hidden links are shared - Telegram/FB Groups being popular platforms. Personally I would recommend proceeding with caution, as you have no grounds to stand on for a refund if you order a ‘computer cable’ and that’s what turns up 😂
• When you find an item you like, always message the seller to ask if they have an album (use “album” instead of yupoo or szwego which are more likely to get flagged). In addition to more items, often higher tier, they will often list alternate contact info. If you want their wechat or whatsapp, you can also ask them over AE/DHG chat, but write it like wh***ap* or something like that — the system may still figure it out, but it’s more likely to slip through. And if they give you their whatsapp etc FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE SAVE IT!!! If you don’t, and they have good stuff, I can guarantee you’ll regret it when the store gets shut down and you can’t buy from them through AE/DHG anymore!
• You can message sellers directly for more pictures and to ask if an item has logo/branded box etc. and many will then move the chat to WhatsApp. I’ve received a temp ban from AE for using the word WhatsApp too many times in private chat however (yes that can happen 🤡) so be warned
• If you do need to open a dispute, avoid choosing the option where you ship the item back to the seller, as you’re just asking for a logistical nightmare. Rep items are not supposed to be sold on the site, so don’t open one unless there is something seriously wrong with it (e.g. it’s damaged, never arrived, or the wrong thing was sent). No disputing wrong stitch counts from the auth or slightly skewed logos 😉
• Items can take about a month to get to you. So the reviews you’re seeing are from items sent out months ago. DHG/AE sellers often switch suppliers, or even if they don’t, batches will vary; so what you receive may not be as good as what someone ordered last month. So just keep your expectations reasonable!
• Lastly, enjoy AE/DHG for what it is and like all rep purchases, never spend what you can’t afford to lose. AE/DHG is best for low/mid tier reps, so manage your expectations and you might just walk away with some affordable gems 💎 lord knows I sure have

Additional AliExpress Resources

• How to select good & reliable sellers and products
• Common scams on Aliexpress and how to avoid them

Guide to WeChat

Since there are lots of newbies struggling with getting started with WeChat, I invite you beautiful RepLadies to share what has worked for you in terms of getting started, staying active, staying unblocked, and even getting verified/unblocked when necessary. At what rate did you add sellers? Did you add any RepLadies? Post in your moments? Find a WeChat group? What worked for you?

It's also pretty confusing to figure out when and why one needs to get verified, and other details. So let's get into it. This is what I have figured out is the most current information on this topic.

There are different reasons why you are not able to access your account. See WeChat's own guide for more info and guidance per type. TLDR on the relevant ones here: new user, account block (temporary or permanent). NB: there is a guide in the wiki which suggests getting a Google Voice number. WeChat says it is blocking virtual numbers, so this seems to be outdated advice.

Each reason has its own method and rules for getting a friend's help. So before posting for help in this sub, you'll want to be specific about which type of help you need. I would propose that WeChat requests on the sub follow a format, such as: I need to be [new user verified/account unblocked], I'm in [Country/Region], and I can [send a QR code/need a phone number verification/other]. Here's why:

• New user verification. From what I have seen, it is only possible to verify your account if prompted to do so. I have never friend-verified my account and have never been prompted to do it. Please don't ask in the WeChat verification threads to be verified if you are not prompted for verification - it makes it harder for people on the sub to help people who really need it. For users not based in China, it seems that you are able to help someone get unlocked if you have had your account for at least 1 month and haven't helped someone in the last month. You might have the best luck getting verified if you find someone from your same country/region. WeChat seems to change these rules from time to time, check the instructions on the QR code or elsewhere before asking for help. I have personally seen two methods for new user verification recently:

1. The QR code method. The QR code expires very quickly. It has worked well for me to book a time to meet online to exchange and scan the code. For this to work, it's helpful to be in a similar timezone.

2. The method where the new user inputs the phone number of a WeChat user who has offered to help. This also expires fairly quickly. For the friend to follow up on this, you go to Contacts > Search "WeChat Team" > Tap Account > Help Friend Log In, and follow the instructions to complete verification.

3. Have you used another method recently? Let me know and I will update.

• Account blocked: This is trickier. Check the WeChat guide to see if any of these situations apply to you. The rules to help a friend get unblocked are stricter: have had an account for 6 months, can unblock 1 account per month, 2 per six months, 3 total within 1 year. I have no evidence of this, but it probably helps to find someone from your same region, i.e. North America/Europe/Asia etc. I have not successfully helped anyone with this. If you have, I'd be glad to update this section. Some people have had success on Fiverr, for example. Tell us who and how much.

If nothing works, it is possible to contact WeChat directly for help. YMMV. Make sure to select “Email” at “Prefer Being Contacted by” section. Sources elsewhere on the internet suggest to be very descriptive while you are telling your problem with the application, and to write in Chinese for fastest service. The trick of translating into Chinese and then back into English to see if the words still make sense is probably the best approach for non-Chinese speakers.

WeChat Tips and Tricks

The video covers how to Search Moments, translate your findings and how to add them to your favourites…. enticing right! 😂😂😂

So I’m going to begin by saying there some excellent guides, which can be found here too, that can help answer some of your WeChat questions.

📱 The setup 📱

My biggest tip for WeChat is as soon as you set up an account, navigate to Me and select your > WeChat ID and rename your account. It usually defaults to a lot letters and numbers to begin with, so change it and your name as soon as possible.

I would also recommend changing your password, you can do this by going to your Me page, select Account Security and set a Password.

🔎Searching 🔍

When searching moments, you can use Google Translate to help.

So for example if you’re looking for a hat use google translate and then paste it into your search function. ( don’t worry I show you this, in the video)

I also URGE you to look at this post and this post by u/lamebbqduck as it contains most of the words I use on Taobao and WeChat. I’d recommend you save these posts too, as they always come in hand.

❤️Adding to Favourites ❤️

So I covered adding to favourites, as I do it daily and it’s a great way to not forget the items you like and may want to purchase at a later date. It also helps me tally costs of items from various sellers.

📘Translate📘

Many know how to translate, but thought I’d add it to the video regardless. Because even if it helps just one person it’s worth it for me.

Translation even works if your seller responds to you in Chinese, you can still hold your finger down onto the words and translate should appear.

WeChat Moments Search Terms

正品开版 / 正品开模 / 原版购入打版 / 正品起版 - Factory bought authentic to copy

拆解 - Dismantled, means factory bought and deconstructed auth to make reps

正品品质 - Authentic quality

进口 - Imported (if looking for high quality leathers etc.)

零误差 - Zero difference

专柜 - Retail

正品 - Authentic

一比一 - 1:1

定制 - Custom

原单 - 'Yuan dan'. As explained before, could be auth that didn't pass QC, or rep made with auth fabrics, or 'stolen' auths

原广 - Original factory (could be similar meaning as above, or parts of the item were from auth factory)

对比图 - Comparison photos (one of my faves!!! for size/color comparisons, auth vs. rep, high vs. low quality, etc.)

顶级版本 - Best version

原�?� - Original tags/branding

全套包装 - Full packaging

A guide to Chinese bag nicknames and useful search terms

first stop: classic nicknames

chinese is a pictorial language, and i think this translates to mandarin-speakers having a penchant for coining nicknames which are sometimes literal, a little confusing, but always evocative (as long as you get the reference).

handbags are not exempt from this phenomenon. in fact, some assert that a bag is not a classic unless it has been nicknamed. the easiest way to inquire about/search for a popular style is therefore to use these colloquial names - this has the added benefit of making you look like a real pro in front of our TSs

without further ado and going from top to bottom of the chart linked above, here is a list of 'classics', their nicknames, and the origins of said nickname

English name	Chinese nickname (and romanisation)	Why</thead>
Celine Box	豆腐包 (dou fu bao)	'tofu bag', as it's shaped like a block of bean curd
Lady Dior	戴妃包 (dai fei bao)	'princess diana bag'. simple enough
Chanel Square Mini	方胖子 (fang pang zi)	'square fatty'. asia: where even bags are fat-shamed
Balenciaga Motorcycle	机车包 (ji che bao)	'scooter bag'
Gucci Dionysus	酒神包 (jiu shen bao)	'alcohol god bag' LOL
Chanel Gabrielle	流浪包 (liu lang bao)	'vagrant bag'. because it's a hobo.........
Prada Galleria	杀手包 (sha shou bao)	'murderer bag'. it was worn by a killer in mission impossible
Celine Trapeze	秋千包 (qiu qian bao)	'seesaw bag'. the term for trapeze is more commonly used to refer to seesaws!
Celine Luggage	笑脸包 (xiao lian bao)	'smiley face bag'. self-explanatory (although imo it is less a :) and more a :l )
Chloe Drew	小猪包 (xiao zhu bao)	'piglet bag' not because it resembles swine, but because 'drew' sounds like 'zhu'
Bvlgari Serpenti	蛇头包 (she tou bao)	'snake head bag'. also self-explanatory.
Celine Belt	鲶鱼包 (nian yu bao)	'catfish bag' cos the two dangly strips resemble the whiskers of a catfish!
Fendi Baguette	法棍包 (fa gun bao)	'french baguette bag'
YSL Sac De Jour	风琴包 (feng qin bao)	'pipe organ bag' as its sides resemble the folds of an accordion
LV Alma	贝壳包 (bei ke bao)	'seashell bag'. supposedly shaped like a clamshell?
JW Anderson Pierce	牛魔王包 (niu mo wang bao)	'ox demon king bag'. my fav one! the hardware looks like a cow's septum ring right? 牛魔王 is actually a famous bull-man hybrid villain from the chinese classic journey to the west
LV Pochette Metis	邮差包 (you chai bao)	'postman's bag' because of its satchel silhouette
Simon Miller Bonsai	盆�?�包 (pen zai bao)	'bonsai bag'. duh.

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second stop: brand names

less interesting, but still useful to know. note that a lot of these are abbreviated to [first letter/character of brand name]家 e.g. Hermes is H家, Dior is 迪家; or 小[something] e.g. Chanel is 小香. entering these names into wechat search is a great way to narrow your options in a sea of moments, but it's more common for factories/sellers to use the nicknames instead of formal ones so you might get more hits if you try the former.

english name	chinese name	chinese nicknames</thead>
Chanel	香奈儿	小香 / C家 / 香家
Celine	塞林	CE家 / also C家
Dior	迪奥	D家 / CD / 迪家
Hermes	爱马仕	H家 / 爱马家
Loewe	罗意威	罗家
Valentino	华伦天奴	VT家 / V家 / 华伦家
Gucci	古驰 or 古奇	G家
Fendi	芬迪	F家
Louis Vuitton	路易威登	L家 / LV / 驴家 / LOU
Balenciaga	巴黎世家	巴家
Chloe	克洛伊	克家
Givenchy	纪梵希	GV
Burberry	巴宝莉	B家 / 战马家 (*house of warhorse) / BBR / BUR
Prada	普拉达	P家
Saint Laurent	圣罗兰	Y家
Goyard	戈亚德	戈雅
Versace	弗塞奇	美杜莎家 (*house of medusa)
Bvlgari	宝�?�丽	宝家
Bottega Veneta	宝缇嘉	葆蝶家

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final stop: types of bags

i touched upon some of these in my guide, but for completeness:

english name	chinese equivalent (and romanisation)</thead>
handbag (*generic term)	手提包 (shou ti bao)
shoulder bag	肩包 (jian bao)
backpack	背包 (bei bao)
fanny pack/bumbag	腰包 (yao bao)
bucket bag	水桶包 (shui tong bao)
crossbody bag	斜挎包 (xie kua bao)
flap bag	翻盖包 (fan gai bao)
tote bag	托特包 (tuo te bao)
saddle bag	马鞍包 (ma an bao)
clutch	手拿包 (shou na bao)
minaudiere	晚宴包 (wan yan bao)
wristlet	手腕包 (shou wan bao)
cardholder	卡包 (ka bao)
<make up> pouch	化妆包 (hua zhuang bao)
wallet	钱包 (qian bao)

Guide to chatting with WeChat sellers in Chinese

Finally got your WeChat account unlocked? Want to buy reps from WeChat sellers but don't know what to say? Here's the guide for you. Note: any other native Chinese speakers, please feel free to chime in and add to the list, I'd love to edit your suggestions in.

While most of our sellers have an excellent to a basic understanding of English, a lot of them speak primarily in Chinese. I'll go over some common greetings and general phrases related to rep buying.

General Rules and Etiquette

1. Keep it simple. I have seen so many screenshots of conversations about reps and it's all just paragraphs rife for mis-translations. Concern upon concerns in a giant wall of text -- don't do that. Cut out all the small talk especially if you're talking to a seller whose english is more iffy.
2. Tell them hello, introduce yourself, and say something along the lines of "I'll be browsing your moments, thanks!"
3. Go download some stickers. go crazy.
4. Familiarize yourself with wechat emoji meanings. Reference article here and another one here. Sellers often will use emojis to communicate and there are some differences to wechat emojis and our standard western emojis. (Side note: I went down a road of posts trying to explain chinese wechat sticker memes, and that was glorious. The new generation has really been owning up to these terrible mistranslations of chinese to english)
5. Be patient. Have some empathy. Double text is fine but just don't be like this person. We have almost 50k users now, and if every seller got a fraction of that and had to respond and promptly reply to each one.... that's crazy.
6. It‘s okay to ask sellers for a price without buying. Just make sure you thank them for their time.

Below, I have listed some common phrases you can use and their chinese translated counterparts.

Introduction

您好，我是【your name】。我是从Reddit Repladies来的, 想看看�?家的微信。

Translation: Hello, I'm [name]. I'm coming from reddit/repladies, and I'd like to look at your wechat moments.

我的中文能力比较差，我用英文可以吗？

Translation: My chinese ability is poor, can I use english?

谢谢 | 多谢 | 太谢谢了| 感谢�?了

Translation: Thanks | Many Thanks | Thank You Very Much | Thank You/Thankful of you

If you download stickers - use a thanks sticker!

麻烦�?了

Translation: Sorry to bother you

Send a waving emoji too

Item and Price requests

这款【item】�?有没有吗？

Translation: Do you have this style/item?

这款【item】工厂有货吗？

Translation: Is this item in stock at the factory?

�?有没有工厂照片？

Translation: Do you have factory pictures?

这款【item】有什么颜色？

Translation: What colors do you have?

这款【item】是用什么皮料做的？

Translation: What kind of leather is this [item] made of?

这款【item】是用什么布料做的？

Translation: What kind of fabric is this [item] made of?

这款【item】是什么工厂做的？

Translation: Which factory makes this [item]?

这个工厂是高级的妈？

Translation: Is this a high quality factory?

这个工厂质量怎么�?�？

Translation: How is the quality of this factory?

我想从高级工厂买。

Translation: I'd like to buy from a high quality factory.

高级质量对我很重要

Translation: High quality is very important to me.

这款【item】多少钱？

Translation: How much is this item?

运费多少？

Translation: How much is the shipping?

我要想一想，谢谢�?的时间！

Translation: I need to think about it, thank you for your time!

照片看起来很好，【items】都可以发！

Translation: PSP/Pictures look good, you can send the items! (Essentially meaning GL)

Rep Arrival

【item】收到了！

Translation: I have received item

我很喜欢【item】！

Translation: I really like it!

它的质量特别好！

Translation: It's quality is exceptionally good!

我在Reddit上写了一个评论

Translation: I wrote a review on reddit for you

Final notes

Wechat translate function is iffy at best. Google is a bit better.

My personal favorite translator is MDBG translator -- this one can break it down word by word so if a translation feels weird in both wechat and google, this one will help you get a word-by-word translation and you can have a better feel/jist of the phrase.

In general I've found english to chinese translations on MDBG better too.

Always translate the phrase back to English to make sure the message is correct. Sometimes you need to try different English phrasing for the translation to properly convey your message. (From /u/haalo)

Another translator of help is Baidu Translate - baidu is China’s answer to google. Thanks /u/shirleybenz

• 
  

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Bonus - Keywords for wechat search：

If you don't know how to wechat search -- here is a handy image guide I made

1. Go to contacts, pull down a little so that a search bar appears (I think iphones can now do this on the chat page too)

2. Select moments

3. Type in keywords. Voila!

Since I know in the past some of these sellers loved to put speci@l characters or stars i * n e * a * c * h brand name to get past filte* s or give it new names like Ohanel, so we can't search easily for it. I've noticed some sellers will put the full chinese name of brand in. There may be some colloquial character differences, but I think most of these are the "standard" version. I think Weidian has more clear brand names listed in the listings.

• Chanel -香奈儿

• Celine -塞林

• Dior - 迪奥

• Hermes - 爱马仕

• Loewe - 罗意威

• Valentino - 华伦天奴

• Gucci - 古驰，古奇

• Fendi - 芬迪

• Louis Vuitton - 路易威登

• Balenciaga - 巴黎世家

• Chloe - 克洛伊

• Givenchy - 纪梵希

• Burberry - 巴宝莉

• Prada - 普拉达

• Saint Laurent - 圣罗兰

The Intermediate (Advanced?) guide to chatting with Wechat sellers (in Chinese)

Stage 1: Where one wrestles with self-restraint aka pre-purchase

sometimes i like to ask sellers i've established a connection with for recommendations of bags in a certain style by telling them what i'm looking for, e.g. "a backpack with black hardware from [brand]". if a bag is popular, i occasionally ask if they can send me actual photos of the product from past PSPs. this section is meant to cover those questions. of course, you can also search wechat moments with these terms to filter out stuff you are interested in.

i have included the romanised version of each phrase so if you add a chinese pinyin keyboard to your device, you can simply type it in to produce the characters. note that mandarin is a language with a tonne of homophones, so be sure to check you're not inadvertently saying something else!

english phrase	chinese equivalent	romanisation</thead>
i want / i like [insert any of the below italicised terms]	我要 [x] / 我喜欢 [x]	wo yao / wo xi huan
GHW / SHW / BHW	金扣 / 银扣 / 黑扣	jin kou / yin kou / hei kou
handbag (*generic term)	手提包	shou ti bao
shoulder bag	肩包	jian bao
backpack	背包	bei bao
fanny pack	腰包	yao bao
shoes	鞋子	xie zi
calfskin / cow leather / lambskin	小牛皮 / 牛皮 / 小羊皮	xiao niu pi / niu pi / xiao yang pi
necklace / bracelet / ring	项链 / 手链 / 戒指	xiang lian / shou lian / jie zhi
solid gold	纯金	chun jin
gold-plated / silver-plated	金电镀 / 银电镀	jin dian du / yin dian du
small / medium / large (*size)	小号 / 中号 / 大号	xiao hao / zhong hao / da hao
fully hand-stitched	全手缝	quan shou feng
half hand-stitched	半手缝	ban shou feng
full packaging	盒子 or 包装	he zi / bao zhuang
could i trouble you to send [insert any of the below italicised terms]	麻烦�?发 [x]	ma fan ni fa
more detailed photos	细节图	xi jie tu
actual photos	实际照	shi ji zhao
is the item in stock at the factory?	工厂有货吗?	gong chang you huo ma
in stock item(s)	存货 or 现货	cun huo / xian huo
special price (*usually sale item, may be denoted by a circular red emoji)	特价	te jia
are there any sale prices? i have to ask haha (*a playful way to ask for discounts)	现在有特价吗？我不得不问哈哈	xian zai you te jia ma? wo be dei bu wen
does the sale item have any flaws?	请问特价货有瑕疵吗?	qing wen te jia huo you xia ci ma
no returns / no exchanges	不退 / 不换	bu tui / bu huan

Stage 2: Where one has paid aka welcome to shipping limbo

congrats! you bought something! you might feel embarrassed about the sheer number of questions the seller had to answer before you proceeded with the sale and therefore want to express your appreciation. this section covers miscellaneous terms of gratitude (+10 effectiveness if coupled with appropriate sticker) and some common queries about shipments.

english phrase	chinese equivalent	romanisation</thead>
<i am> extremely grateful	非常感激	fei chang gan ji
thank you for your hard work (*literally translates to 'it's been difficult for you' lol)	辛苦�?了	xin ku ni le
<i am> looking forward <to receiving it>!	期待中!	qi dai zhong
have you received the payment?	�?收到款了吗?	ni shou dao kuan le ma
which shipping carrier is the safest?	哪一个货运公司最安全?	na yi ge huo yun gong si zui an quan
what is the difference between shipping costs if i choose full packaging versus no packaging?	有全套包装跟没有盒子之间的运费差别是什么?	you quan tao bao zhuang gen mei you he zi zhi jian de yun fei cha bie shi shen me?
if you have shipped the parcel, please give me the tracking details (*i prefer saying this instead of straight up questioning whether my stuff has been dispatched)	如果货寄出去了，麻烦�?给我邮件号�?�	ru guo huo ji chu qu le, ma fan ni gei wo you jian hao ma

stage 3: where one evaluates the PSPs aka time to squint at your screen

self-explanatory. if you have noticed a legitimate flaw in/mistake with an item, you may use the below phrases to point it out to the seller. again, don't be an asshole!!

english phrase	chinese equivalent	romanisation</thead>
could you take pictures of the [top / bottom / interior / left side / right side] of the bag?	麻烦�?拍包包 【上面 / 底下 / 内部 / 左边 / 右边】的照片	ma fan ni pai bao bao [shang mian / di xia / nei bu / zuo bian / you bian] de zhao pian
the [insert any of the below italicised terms] is wrong	[x] 不对	[x] bu dui
colour	颜色	yan se
size	尺寸	chi cun
material	质料	zhi liao
hardware	五金	wu jin
style/model	款式	kuan shi
this is wrinkled (*send markup of photo)	这边皱了	zhe bian zhou le
there is a hole here (*send markup of photo)	这里�?�洞	zhe li po dong
this is crooked (*send markup of photo)	这边歪了	zhe bian wai le
can this mark be wiped away? (*send markup of photo)	这点能擦得掉吗?	zhe dian neng ca de diao ma
there is a problem with the stitching	针法有问题	zhen fa you wen ti
handles <of a bag>	手腕	shou wan
cover <of a bag>	包盖	bao gai
base <of a bag>	包底	bao di
it's perfect!	非常完美!	fei chang wan mei
there is no problem <with the item>, please ship it	没有问题, 请寄吧	mei you wen ti, qing ji ba

Wechat album guide (微商相册)

Actual App VS Mini Program

Actual App: You can have more control over who you follow, set nicknames, unfollow albums. You can also upload photos and share albums, but that might be unnecessary as a buyer

Mini Program: No separate app, simple control, but you cannot unfollow people or set nicknames

Browsing WeChat album without downloading the app using Mini Program

1. Go to search
2. Click on “Official Accounts”
3. Type in “微商相册”
4. Click into the account (with two green triangles)
5. Click on “进入相册” (the left one out of the three, with a little “S” icon next to it)
6. Click on “微信登录” (the big green button)
7. Give permission
8. Tap on the top right corner (the two circles like target) to close
9. You will be back to your home page, with the message “Mini Program entrance has been enabled. Find and open previously used Mini Programs via Discover -> Mini Programs
10. When you slide down on the chat list, you will see it in recently used. It will also show up under the tap Discover -> Mini Programs

How to follow an album

1. Find a QR Code that looks like this, from a seller's WeChat moment, or sent it to you by a seller
   *Alternatively, if you find a QR code somewhere else and not on WeChat (for example, someone posted it on RL), use the scan/camera function to scan the QR code if you have it pulled up on a computer, or have it saved/screenshotted on your phone and choose the QR code from your album (top right corner). If you do this, skip step 2 and 3.
2. Long press on the photo with a QR code on WeChat
3. Choose extract QR code
4. A message will pop up “Leaving WeChat and opening “App Store”, click cancel
5. Close the page by clicking on top left corner
6. It will look like nothing has happened, but when you go back to the mini program, you will see the person’s album on the bottom right tap (己关注)
   • This will show up if you already have the app downloaded

Navigating Mini Program

• Bottom left tab (相册动态) is like WeChat moment, it updates as there are new posts from people you follow
• Bottom right tab (己关注) is a list of people/album you are following
• Top right corner (the two circles like target) is close
• The one right next to top right corner (the three circles) is options, but there isn’t much you can control on there (It’s in English so self explanatory)
• When you are inside an album, [ bottom left button (�?�签与分类) can help you sort through brands really quick]. (Note: not all sellers/albums are super organized and have this set up)

Navigating the App

• Bottom left tab (相册动态) is like WeChat moment, it updates as there are new posts from people you follow
• Bottom second to the left tab (己关注) is a list of people/album you are following
• The rest of them we probably won't use, as they are mainly for uploading photos

Setting Nickname/Unfollowing albums on the App

1. In the bottom bar, go to the second to the left tab (己关注), you will see a list of people/albums you are already following
2. Click on any of the album you wish to edit
3. Click on the three dots on top right corner
4. Go to "Set Note Name" or "Cancel Attention"

!Bonus! Browsing WeChat album on web

www.szwego.com

Go to the website above, choose “微信登录” (the big green button), scan the QR code with your WeChat app (Discover->Scan; or click on the “+” on the top right corner under chat tab, then click scan).

WeChat album guide Part 2

How to save a post to your own album

• If you are in the home page, click on the green button in the bottom of the post, or;

• If you are in a seller's individual page, click on the green button to the right of the post

• You will then come to this page, where you will be able to edit info, add text or label

• The factory blurb (red) is automatically included, but you can add or delete any text to help you find the post easier (eg, a brief english description of the item, item name, color, or model)

• Alternatively, you can add tags (blue) to classify the post (eg, brand, item type) *more on how to do this below

• *It is also a good idea to add seller's name onto the post so you know where its originally from

• When you are done, click the big green button on the bottom to post

• After you successfully saved a post, the original post on the seller's page will look like this. Notice it will say "already added" (yellow) so it's easy to avoid having duplicated posts. The hyperlink on top (red) will take you to your own post

How to find your own page

• On the home page, click on your own photo/name

• On the second tab where you can see a list of people you follow, yours will be on top

How to add tags

• In your own page, bottom left, click on the tab that says "category"

• Then click on the green button to add new ones

• *If you already have one or more tabs set up, click on the "+" sign instead

• Click on the first tab

• Enter the desired name (red)

• If you already saved a few posts, use the bottom (blue) to select all the post you want under that tab all at once

• You can also add tags as you save a new post, the steps are pretty similar

• Alternatively, you can organize tags in settings, then click on tags management

Privacy

• You can set who can see each post as you save them

• When it says “all friends”, they have to follow your album to be able to see posts. You can check who follows you here

• You are probably safe because someone would need to scan your QR code to see your posts, same as how we need to scan seller’s QR code to see their stuff

• You can also go to setting and turn on follower request as well

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So, what about the mini program?

• You can still download photos, save posts and add/delete texts while you browse, but you cannot add tags or edit tags. Which is why the function of adding a bunch of post (in the app only) to a tag all at once would be useful.

• Saving posts is very similar to using the app. But you will click on the bottom left button to save. You can still save with the bottom right button, but it will ask if you also want to share it in other ways, and you need to click "no" and exit, which has extra steps.

• However, my favorite browsing mode is only available in mini program. You can pick which browsing mode you want, and I like the first and second the best, because it shows both text and a relatively large picture, so I can glance on the item and price really quickly.

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Ta-da! Searching for items would be much easier than scrolling thru a million screenshots. It's also much easier to look at full size pictures without saving each individual photos!

• Use keywords in the search bar (you have to add those keywords while you save the post)

• Use tags (of course you have to set it up with instructions above)

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Bonus

• You can also save all the photos in a post with one click on the home page or on a seller's page

• Using the three dots on the top right corner on a seller's page, you can pin your favorite seller's album! You will find them very easily on the second tab right under your own page

• You can also give them nicknames and put each seller's album into different categories (eg. shoes, bags, clothes, etc)

RepLadies Guide to Quality Check (QC)

Before we begin, give your QC skills a test!

It wasn’t easy, was it? In the public mind, fakes will always be defined by the endlessly creative Canal Street frankenbag creations that wouldn’t past muster with most people including your uncle who doesn’t give two shits about fashion and has been proudly donning the same pair of Dockers since 1992. A lot has changed. High-end reps are quickly closing the gap on their authentic counterparts in both appearance and quality. The outrageous, often unjustifiable annual price increases spearheaded by major brands like LV and Chanel are driving consumers towards other alternatives and diminishing the stigma of purchasing counterfeit designer goods in the process.

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What is QC?

Whatever it is you’re looking for, we can all but guarantee that the options available to you are plentiful. It’s both a blessing and a curse. How are you supposed to know what to choose? Quality check/control, or QCing will answer that question. Arguably the most important step in the ordering process and a worthwhile skill to develop if this isn’t going to be a one-and-done purchase for you. QCing really isn’t as complicated as it seems. Even though there are multiple factors to consider and many details to be aware of, anyone can do it and it’s fun. It might even become your favorite part of rep-buying. Remember Highlights Hidden Pictures? It’s like that except far more rewarding.

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The Basics

It’s imperative for all buyers to do their research and do it well. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. We should start with the number one QC faux pas so we can purge it from the onset: having unreasonable expectations.

There are limits to reps. 1:1 is a fallacy that causes buyers to have unrealistic hopes resulting in a great deal of consternation when they’re inevitably dashed. Anyone chasing perfection will be sorely disappointed. We must accept that there will be some deviation even in the highest quality, most well-reviewed rep. Let’s not get carried away here. We can’t hold reps to a higher standard than we would the genuine article that costs thousands of dollars more.

Secondly, do not QC with confirmation bias. What we mean by this is that buyers have a tendency to designate one auth specimen as their incontestable QC standard, then use it to reject everything that isn’t identical to it. If only it could be so simple. You should not attempt to validate your disappointment by seeking out auth examples that look different from your pre-shipment pictures (PSP) while purposely overlooking everything else that shows the variation in question is well within the range of accuracy, thus acceptability. You are doing yourself a disservice with this approach. It’s not only wrong, it will it make you terrible at QCing in the long run and it will cause you to discard fantastic reps for no good reason. Sellers will rightfully deem you impossible to please and refuse to work with you. You’ll wind up feeling like you wasted a lot of time, and worse, money. We want to help you avoid that. This is supposed to be fun.

To do this right, you have to consider various references and compare against multiple pictures of the same bag, wallet, shoe, piece of jewelry, what have you from The Purse Forum (TPF), Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, and resale sites. Avoid the brands’ websites as some of them photograph samples for their stock images and certain design elements can and do change during the final production run.

QCing requires conviction in your own judgment. You may not feel all too confident about it now, but give yourself some credit. You know what you like and you know what you want. That’s already half the battle, and the best part is you have a good support system in RL. There’s no shortage of knowledgeable, helpful members here who will gladly give you their advice and teach you a thing or two. However, no one is the sole authority on rep accuracy. That includes our best reviewers, us mods, and the individuals who wrote the guides in this very wiki. We’re all looking for and prioritizing different things. There is a lot of ingrained bias when it comes to QCing because so much of it is nothing more than someone’s personal opinion. The best rep, best seller, and best factory is entirely subjective.

Ultimately, it is your money^†, so your decision is what matters most. Learn to trust your instincts and you will come to find that no one can QC your rep better than you can.

^†No amount of money buys rep perfection because it doesn't exist.

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The Method

• What’s most important to you: price, quality, or accuracy?
• Thoroughly study and become familiar with the details of what you are looking to buy. Remember to use several auth references. Buyer photos on TPF and IG are infinitely more useful than professionally lit, airbrushed stock images. You’ll get better at this part of the process the more you do it. If you think this much work is unnecessary and you have no interest in being so fastidious, that’s fine too. It’s up to you how in-depth you want to get.
• Don’t allow others to dictate what your standards should be. You’re allowed to have your own preferences even when it runs counter to popular consensus. That said, be self-aware enough to realize when you’re taking it too far.
• A forcibly delivered assertion is not necessarily expertise. Just because someone sounds like they know what they’re talking about, doesn’t mean they actually do. It does not make them right nor you wrong.
• Be mindful of who you listen to and take everything with a healthy dose of skepticism. You never know who has ulterior motives. Not every seller is willing to provide honest feedback on their suppliers. They’re focused on making the sale. The rep world, as with all illegal enterprises, is sketchy.

Auth vs. Factory Photos vs. PSP

PSP should always be compared to factory stock photos not to the authentic. Comparing the rep to the auth should be done prior to ordering. If that doesn’t make any sense and goes against what you’ve been led to believe, allow us to explain. Choosing an accurate rep is a time-consuming, multi-step process. There are so many factories in China producing products at various quality and price levels. The abundance of choice is what’s understandably overwhelming and confusing to most buyers. Every factory provides stock pictures that sellers use to show customers what they have to offer. When researching a rep, use those images to QC. Don’t just limit yourself to one factory either. Seek out other options from your seller or multiple sellers by searching WeChat Moments and browsing Yupoo/Szwego albums. Afterwards, compare all the images you’ve collected to the auth and to each other. Soon enough, you’ll be able to whittle it down to the one.

Once you’ve made your decision, pay, and receive PSP, that’s when you should be comparing the pictures to the stock images only. At this stage, your primary concern is quality not accuracy. Evaluating accuracy was the purpose of the preliminary QC and you’ve already completed that step. Now, if the product differs substantially from the factory photos, you can request your seller to exchange it for you although you should not assume that the factory will allow this. If it is not a noticeable difference - and be honest about what’s actually noticeable to the average person - then that’s what you’re stuck with even if you’re convinced that one flaw makes the whole thing an #instantcallout or a “dead giveaway.” We despise both those terms, and no, it probably isn’t as bad as you think it is. There’s no need to get upset. This is the way the rep game works and if you want to continue playing, then you’ll have to learn to accept the L graciously. You’re not always going to get exactly what you want, but you’ll get pretty damn close and for 10% of the authentic price. Some compromises are worth it.

The Accuracy Scale

We’ve firmly established that product details will differ between seasons, collections, and even bag-to-bag. We cannot emphasize enough how flawed the auth we’re comparing our reps to are. TPF is filled with sad tales of misalignment, discoloration, peeling edges, broken chain straps, tarnished hardware, and crooked logos. It’s become such a pervasive problem that the brands have trained their own sales staff to explain away defects by pushing the “everything’s handmade” excuse. For the amount of profit they generate on the sale of luxury accessories, they could stand to come up with a better one considering most things are made by hand including your iPhone, your underwear, and even your reps. They will never admit it, but the output of LVMH and their ilk isn’t what it used to be now that shareholder returns supersede standards.

Don’t be shocked when you come across the real deal in a department store and your rep feels equally nice if not better, or if an item has a feature inconsistent with what’s been accepted as QC criterion on RL especially for classic styles that have been around for decades such as the Chanel Classic Flap or LV Neverfull. Steadfast rules don’t mean a whole lot when the auth varies as much as they do. As you QC your rep, never forget that the notion of accuracy exists on a sliding scale not an exact target. That’s a positive thing. It means there’s more than one right answer. It means your rep is likely to be “passable” than not. It means QCing isn’t that difficult after all.

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The Guides

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As you continue your transformation into a QC master, we’ve complied an assortment of resources to help you through the journey. Although they will prove helpful in establishing some fundamentals, try not to take everything literally. These are basic reference guides. It’s not meant to be a checklist of what to approve and reject.

The wiki will be continually updated as we discover more helpful links. If you’re still uncertain and confused after reading through them, you can always consult the sub. Additionally, if you have a guide you like to use that isn’t found here, feel free to message the mod team. We’ll be happy to add it.

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General Guides

• Bragmybag
• The RealReal
• Spotted Fashion

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Brand Guides

Balenciaga

• Classic City
• Triple S and Speed Trainer

Bottega Veneta

• Daniel Lee-era Bottega Veneta
• Note - Proving our point, the authenticator is incorrect about the branding. BV’s logo has changed since Daniel Lee replaced Tomas Maier as creative director.

Bulgari

• Basic Authentication
• Serpenti Watch

Burberry

• Burberry Scarf

Cartier

• Ballon Bleu- Auth vs. Fake Comparison
• Juste un Clou
• Love Bracelet
• Tank

Céline

• Luggage
• Box, Edge, Luggage, and Edge
• Phoebe Philo-era Céline
• Nano Luggage

Chanel

• Basic Authentication
• The Purse Forum - Stitch Count is a Myth
• Boy
• Classic Flap
• Classic Flap - Rep Comparison
• J12
• Jacket
• J12
• Jumbo
• Shoes
• Serial Code Guide
• Serial Code Guide 2

Chloé

• Basic Authentication

Christian Louboutin

• Basic Authentication
• Vero Cuoio Stamp

Dior

• Lady Dior
• Saddle

Fendi

• Zucca Monogram Print Bags

Golden Goose

• Basic Authentication

Goyard

• Basic Authentication

Gucci

• Alessandro Michele-era Gucci
• Ace Sneakers
• GG Marmont
• Loafers
• Soho Disco
• Soho Disco - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• T-shirt

Hermès

• Basic Authentication
• Leather and Fabric Guide
• Color and Leather Catalog
• Blind Stamp Year Reference
• Blind Stamp Change
• Belts
• Clic Clac
• Constance
• Constance Belt
• Evelyne
• Kelly
• Scarf
• Watches

Louis Vuitton

• Basic Authentication
• Basic Authentication 2
• Date Codes
• Monogram
• Virgil Abloh-era LV
• Croisette Damier Azur - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• Neverfull
• Montsouris Backpack
• Neverfull - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• Pochette Metis - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• Speedy
• Speedy and Speedy Bandouliere - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• Speedy - Rep Comparison

Moncler

• Basic Authentication
• Jacket - Auth vs. Rep Comparison
• Logo Badge - Auth vs. Rep Comparison

Prada

• Logo
• Nylon

Rimowa

• Basic Authentication

Rolex

• Basic Authentication
• Basic Authentication 2
• Datejust
• Daytona

Stella McCartney

• Falabella

Tiffany & Co.

• Basic Authentication

Van Cleef & Arpels

• Basic Authentication

YSL

• Basic Authentication

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User Submitted Guides

Bottega Veneta

• Arco QC

Canada Goose

• QC and Sellers

Céline

• Micro Luggage QC
• Auth Logo Stamp Reference

Chanel

• Classic Flap QC
• Classic Flap Popular Factories List and Flap Comparison
• Boy QC and Factories
• Espadrilles QC

Dior

• Diorama QC

Goyard

• “Touching Ys” Variation

Gucci

• Marmont QC
• Marmont Logo

Hermès

• QC and Factories
• QC and Factories (Part 2)
• Garden Party QC
• Herbag QC
• Auth Logo Stamp Reference

Loewe

• QC and Factories

Louis Vuitton

• Neverfull MM Reps - Flaws and How to Fix Them

Off-White

• QC and Factories

Prada

• Re-Edition 2005 Nylon Shoulder Bag

Rimowa

• Topas - Auth vs. Rep Comparison

YSL

• Loulou Toy QC and Factories
• Sac De Jour QC
• Sac De Jour Handles QC