We're just going to say it - a large percentage of the vintage designer sunglasses being sold at online auctions are fakes, and most of the rest are either new models or are essentially worthless because they are all scratched up, have chips or other damage, have replaced parts and screws, or have missing or heavily worn brand logos. Outright counterfeits are being sold knowingly by a small group of sellers, and then other sellers who have purchased the fakes resell them unknowingly. This is how counterfeit sunglasses propagate through the marketplace, even by honest sellers who just don't know that they themselves have been taken.

As for condition, some of the claims and perspectives people make would be funny if so many people weren't getting cheated. You'll see casual statements about scratched lenses including obsesrvations that "typical" scratches "to be expected" are from "normal wear" and that scratches can be "buffed out" (a total fallacy). After noting the presence of scratches, they try to downplay it by stating that there is "nothing major", nothing that "impairs vision" or "affects being able to see through them" and that they have "no effect on vision". Vague affirmations that an item is in great condition "for its age" and that reference "minor" flaws but are still "wearable" usually mean that you're not going to want to wear those sunglasses. Sellers who have no idea how to determine the authenticity of vintage sunglasses affirm that they are "100% authentic", and we regularly see Buy It Now listings of "rare" vintage sunglasses that are clearly counterfeit or are actually new styles produced in the last 5 years. Auction sellers protect themselves to prevail in dispute resolutions with a buyer by the inherent vagueness of the descriptive words in their listings.

If you buy vintage sunglasses from someone you don't know, can't call, and will never see again, you are trusting a stranger to know the truth and tell the truth about your merchandise. In the event that's not the case or that you encounter outright fraud, a third party will be an arbiter for often ugly back and forth accusations and conflicting claims of truthfulness. Meanwhile, the seller has your money and you have worthless sunglasses.

Vintage Designer Sunglasses and our sister site the Vintage Sunglasses Shop are based in Pawleys Island, SC, and we are the world's largest retailer of authentic vintage designer sunglasses. We are here to protect your investment - and your eyes. Don't be fooled by fakes and auction misrepresentations - read about our vetting process and our condition & authenticity guarantee. If you are ever displeased with anything you buy here, you can return it for a full refund - no questions asked.

It's our annual customer appreciation sale - enter promo code 444971 at checkout and save 10% on your entire order plus always free shipping in the US and subsidized express shipping worldwide.

We buy finer vintage designer sunglasses that meet our standards; learn how to sell your vintage sunglasses at better prices than auctions and with no fees, hassles, or competing with counterfeits.

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