VIP gifts and gift-with-purchase items are some of the most popular and most confusing pieces in luxury resale. Buyers love them, but they often don't look or feel like a brand's regular retail products, which leaves a lot of people unsure what they're holding.
What are VIP and GWP items?
A gift-with-purchase, or GWP, is an item a brand gives away when a customer buys something, often from its beauty or fragrance line. VIP gifts are usually given to loyal clients, at events, or as part of special promotions. These pieces are made for or given out by the brand but were never sold on their own in a boutique.
Why they're so easy to confuse
Because VIP and GWP items weren't sold at retail, they often use different materials, tags, and packaging than a brand's regular handbags. Many don't have serial numbers or date codes. That's one reason they're so widely copied, and it's why comparing them against a regular retail bag can lead people to the wrong conclusion.
Why authentication helps
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about something you own, an authentication review looks at how the item was made and whether its details are consistent with genuine pieces of that type. A certificate also gives buyers more confidence, which can make a VIP or GWP item easier to sell.
How to submit a VIP or GWP item
Use our online submission form and select Yes when asked if your item is a VIP or gift-with-purchase item. Upload clear photos of the front, back, sides, interior, tags, hardware, and any packaging it came with. Authentication is a flat $15, you never have to ship your item, and your result and digital Certificate of Authenticity are sent by email.