Authenticate FirstReviews of authenticatefirst.com

Response from Authenticate FirstFeb 28, 2026

We would like to provide clarification for context. Authentication requires very specific detail visibility, particularly for areas such as stamps and hardware. A photo that appears clear on a phone screen can still be insufficient when enlarged for close examination, which is why additional photo requests are sometimes necessary. Turnaround times also depend on when all required information is received. Our turnaround expectations and refund policies are clearly disclosed prior to placing an order, including situations where additional photos are required to complete an evaluation. These conditions are agreed to at the time of purchase. Authenticate First has been in business since 2013 and continues to perform evaluations using trained human experts. Authenticate First

Response from Authenticate FirstMar 1, 2026

We would like to clarify several important points for context. Brand boutiques — including Prada — are not professional third-party authentication services and do not issue independent Certificates of Authenticity for items submitted by consumers. Boutique staff are trained in **sales and customer service**, not forensic authentication. In fact, many brands instruct employees **not** to provide authentication opinions because they are not trained or authorized to do so. While associates may sometimes offer informal comments, these should not be interpreted as professional determinations, and they are frequently incorrect. The common belief that boutique employees can reliably authenticate items is unfortunately one of the most widespread misconceptions in the resale market. Second, authentication cannot be directed by client instructions to “disregard” certain characteristics. Experts are required to evaluate all observable indicators of an item. If specific features present authenticity concerns, they cannot simply be ignored because they are attributed to age or wear without supporting evidence. Professional analysis requires considering the totality of what is visible. Authenticate First has been in business since 2013, and evaluations are performed by trained human experts using detailed analysis of submitted images and proprietary reference materials developed over many years. Our process does not involve public tutorials or generalized online information, but specialized experience developed through extensive exposure to authentic and counterfeit production. Authenticate First

Response from Authenticate FirstMar 1, 2026

This review does not reflect how our service operates. Authenticate First is a **photo-based authentication service**. We do not receive, handle, ship, or take possession of any physical items. Customers upload images for evaluation, and all determinations are made remotely by experts reviewing those photos. There is no scenario in which we would have access to — or the ability to “lose” — anyone’s shoes or personal property. It appears this review may be referring to a different company or process entirely. Authenticate First