World wide luxury handbag and accessories authentication services. We authenticate for both buyers and sellers. Is that handbag real? Authentication is necessary to avoid scams.
Authenticate First (authenticatefirst.com) has 80 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 2.7 out of 5.
Also known as
authenticatefirst.com
Website
authenticatefirst.com
Category
Accessories
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
About these reviews
Replies
The company replied to 56% of reviews.
Latest
Most recent review: May 2026.
Edits
Reviews are shown as their authors wrote them. The company can reply, but cannot edit them.
Score
This company cannot pay to remove reviews or change its score.
Owner Gina Nixon proudly posts online that she doesn't hire mothers with infants. When confronted about it she laughs it off. Discriminatory Hiring practice.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
This statement is incorrect.
Authenticate First does not engage in discriminatory hiring practices. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to meet the requirements of the role. In fact, many members of our team are parents, including individuals with young children.
Additionally, the individual making this claim is not a client and has not conducted business with our company. Reviews are intended to reflect actual customer experiences, and statements from individuals with no business relationship to us do not represent our services or practices.
We take fairness, professionalism, and accuracy seriously in all aspects of our business.
Authenticate First
OH
OhBoy
Be Cautious 🚩 🚩🚩📢
I paid $25 to authenticate and identify a bag I got from Italy that was supposedly vintage. They requested photos of tags but this bag does not have any. It only has nameplates. I received an email stating that, unfortunately, they can't accept the item for authentication because of missing identifiers and were going to issue a credit. A few hours later, I received an email stating that the order was completed and the bag deemed fake. I asked them why did they accept the order if they didn't have enough identifying information to determine if the bag was real or fake like they stated in their email? They said it was a mistake. I feel like that wasn't truthful. It's a red flag on their part and gives me second thoughts about using them again. They refuse to give me the credit that they said they were going to give me. This was the second time I request their service and I had a good experience the first time. This time, not so much.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We would like to clarify what occurred here for accuracy.
Some items require specific identifiers — such as tags, stamps, or other manufacturing markers — in order to provide a reliable authentication opinion. When those identifiers are not present, the correct process is typically to decline the order, as initially communicated to you.
After further review by the expert, however, sufficient indicators were identified to allow a determination to be made based on the available information. As a result, the order was completed with an authentication outcome rather than declined.
If there was any confusion regarding the earlier message about acceptance criteria, we apologize. Our goal is always to provide the most accurate assessment possible based on the information available.
Regarding the credit referenced, if you believe there is an outstanding issue, we encourage you to contact us directly with the order number so we can confirm the status and address it promptly.
We appreciate that you previously had a positive experience and regret the frustration this situation caused.
Authenticate First
DF
Diana F.
Amateur Authenticators that needs more training
Their expert does not know how to spot fake items of a real one. We were concern of the logo of a Prada bag. They said it was real, so I ask again to take a look at the stamp, and they told us :
This order has been completed, and the item deemed REAL.
I did ask again if they did take a look at the stamp as it shows terrible, I even had to show them what I was talking about. Again they said it was real, however, some hours later they told me:
Our expert has reviewed them and has changed her opinion. It's my pleasure to help. Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns.
It is not acceptable, we purchased the bag after they did confirm it was real for a second time and now their ¨ expert change her opinion... Now I am stock with a fake item, did not apologize and offer 40 dollars for their ¨ mistake It is not a Mistake because I did ask two times more about the conditions of the bag.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We would like to clarify what occurred here so there is accurate context for readers.
Authentication is based on the information visible in the submitted images at the time of review. In this case, after additional discussion and a closer re-examination of the specific area of concern you raised, further indicators were identified that warranted updating the opinion. When new or clearer information becomes available, it is both responsible and necessary for an expert to reassess rather than maintain a prior conclusion that may no longer be supported.
That is not a lack of training — it is the correct professional process when evaluating complex items from photos.
We also want to note that we cannot control purchasing decisions made outside of our service after an evaluation is issued, and our policies — which are agreed to prior to placing an order — outline the scope and limitations of photo-based authentication.
Based on the information provided here, we are unable to identify the specific order referenced. If you would like us to review the situation further, please contact us directly with your order details so we can examine it through the appropriate process.
Authenticate First
JU
Julie
Stay Away
so I ordered a bag authentication service from them, because I saw physical damage on my bag, immediately after uploading numerous photos + receipts they wrote to me in a chat and asked what the problem was since they don’t see anything suspicious and the bag looks perfect,
to which I replied that I was worried about the damage on the handles of the bag,
about an hour after my last message they issue a certificate stating that the bag is counterfeit.
I wrote to them and asked why they changed their minds so drastically and how damage to the bag can be equated with counterfeit ?!?
and even asked to clarify why and how they came to this conclusion,
and how come that they said that the bag is in perfect condition with all documentation included,
And then when i point on a damaged handle suddenly its a counterfeit ? really ?!
Since then - Ignore from their side.
(p.s - I already sent the bag to be repaired through the official boutique due to a manufacturing defect)
Be aware, they have no clue in what they are doing
terrible service
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We would like to clarify the sequence of events for accuracy.
Concerns about condition (such as handle wear or damage) and authentication are two separate matters. An item can have physical wear and still be authentic, and conversely, authenticity determinations are based on brand-specific construction and manufacturing indicators — not on the presence or absence of damage alone.
The initial message you referenced related to the condition concern you raised, not the authentication outcome. After the expert completed the full evaluation of the submitted images, indicators were identified that led to the authentication determination. The conclusion was not based on the handle damage itself, but on other factors observed during the review.
Regarding communication, every order includes a message window, and responses are provided within normal business timeframes. Based on the information provided here, we are unable to locate the specific order referenced. If you would like us to review the situation, please contact us directly with your order details so we can examine it properly.
Authenticate First has been in business since 2013, and all evaluations are performed by trained human experts using detailed analysis of submitted images.
Authenticate First
MA
Marlo A.
Authenticate First is a complete SCAM!
Just saw a fake Michael Kors bag on Poshmark with a COA from Authenticate First. Item has no authenticity tag and the interior name tag is misshapen with a glued-on metal nameplate. Obvious counterfeit details.
Same seller also sold a pair of fake Prada pumps with a COA from this company. The metal logo was connected by a metal strip. Completely messy.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
There is no information here indicating that the reviewer is a client of our company or has had any direct business relationship with us. Reviews are intended to reflect actual customer experiences, not third-party observations about items seen elsewhere.
Certificates of Authenticity are issued to the original client based on the specific item and photos submitted at the time of evaluation. In secondary marketplaces, documentation can unfortunately be misused, reused, or associated with a different item than the one originally reviewed without our knowledge. This is why verification with the issuing company is always recommended when questions arise.
Authenticate First has been in business since 2013 and uses trained human experts with extensive experience in luxury goods authentication. Assertions about what is “obvious” without direct examination or professional evaluation do not constitute an authentication determination.
If there is a specific certificate in question, we encourage the individual to contact us directly with the certificate number so it can be verified.
Authenticate First
MB
Mrs. B.
Authenticate First policy potentially puts sellers at risk
I am looking at an Authenticate First certificate for a purse being sold by a charity. The certificate promises that the bag is a certain style, and it is not correct. Authenticate first told me via email that they do not verify the style, that the customer puts whatever label they want in the certificates title. This charity can actually LOSE money due to the faulty info that the certificate certifies as true. The charity is liable for the faulty title. The customers ability to alter this companies own certificate puts a seller at risk and should not be allowed.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We would like to clarify several points so there is accurate context for readers.
First, the individual posting this review is not a client of our company and has not conducted business with us. Reviews are intended to reflect actual customer experiences with a service, not third-party opinions about documentation they have viewed elsewhere.
Regarding certificates, order titles and item names are entered by the customer during the automated submission process. This information reflects what the client inputs and is not independently verified unless the optional **Item Identification** service is selected. We offer this service specifically for situations where a client would like confirmation of the correct model or style name prior to certification.
Authentication and item naming are two separate functions. Our certificates confirm the authenticity opinion based on the item submitted; they do not automatically verify the style designation unless that additional service is requested. It is the responsibility of the submitting client to ensure the accuracy of the descriptive title if they choose not to use the identification option.
Certificates also cannot be altered by third parties after issuance. If there is ever a question regarding a certificate or the item it corresponds to, verification can be completed directly with us using the certificate number.
Authenticate First has been in business since 2013 and works with both individual clients and organizations, including charities. We are always available to clarify documentation when contacted directly.
Authenticate First
DB
Disappointed but not S.
If there was an option for zero stars
Update: Authenticate First, thank you for your reply. It has been 3 years since this review was posted and your services were rendered. If the company prides itself with timely customer service as you mentioned, then why has it taken 3 years to receive a response? Thank you kindly however I no longer require service.
If there was an option for zero stars, that would be what I rate Authentication First. I have an authentic vintage Chanel 2.55 double flap bag that I wanted a valuation on. It was deemed a fake when I know it has been purchased from a Chanel boutique. Save your money and don’t bother with Authenticate First. I am also wondering what professional, world-wide authentication business responds within 3 hours of order submission on a Friday night (PST)…….Lesson learned, and I will be going to the boutique in person.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We would like to clarify a few points for accuracy.
This response is being posted several years after the original review because we were not previously registered on this platform and did not receive any notifications that reviews had been posted. It is also not our company policy to actively monitor or seek out review sites.
The comment regarding a response being sent on a Friday night is also being mischaracterized. Authenticate First works with clients worldwide and operates across multiple time zones. When an expert is available and able to complete a review promptly, the timing simply reflects availability — not anything negative. Providing timely service should reasonably be viewed as responsiveness and dedication to clients, not a concern.
Statements about where an item was purchased do not, by themselves, establish authenticity. Authentication must be based on the characteristics of the item itself, as documentation or purchase history can be incomplete, transferred, or misrepresented in secondary market situations.
Authenticate First has been in business since 2013, and evaluations are performed by trained human experts with extensive category-specific experience. Based on the information provided here, we are unable to identify the specific order referenced. If you would like us to review the matter further, please contact us directly with your order details so we can examine it appropriately.
MF
Margie F.
They are not professional…
They are not professional authenticators and I wouldn’t put my trust in this company to authenticate any item.
Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026
We are unable to identify any communication from you regarding a concern with your order.
After reviewing our records, the David Yurman authentication referenced appears to have been completed without any messages, questions, or feedback submitted through the order. If there had been a concern, we would have welcomed the opportunity to review it directly.
Authenticate First has been in business since 2013 and uses trained human experts with category-specific experience to perform evaluations. Broad statements about professionalism without any supporting details or prior contact do not give us the ability to understand or address the issue.
If you would like us to review your order or discuss any concerns, please contact us directly with your order information so we can assist you.
Authenticate First
