Prada Serial Number Check
Step 8: Serial Number New Prada sunglasses feature a serial number etched into the right lens. Older sunglasses may not feature this mark. Older sunglasses may not feature this mark. Using Prada batch codes reader, you could find the production date, get information about general shelf life, and figure out when the product was launched. You can use the registration number to register your product with the company for service, or to find out your timepiece's history.Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Locate the two numbers on the back of your watch. The top number is your watch's model number. Find the bottom number. This is the serial number.
Prada makes high-quality and expensive merchandise. There are some good deals out there, but you want to be sure that anything you buy with the Prada name on it was legitimately made by the company. Prada has serial numbers and model numbers associated with all of its merchandise, so you can verify the authenticity. If you have all of the right information, checking the serial numbers is a simple task.
Locate the Prada authenticity cards or certificates that came with the merchandise. Any authorised retailer has these cards for Prada products. Many people selling an older product second-hand still have these items, as well. Genuine authenticity cards have Prada's name engraved on them, and are not just printed.
Read your authenticity cards. The plastic card lists a model number on the back. The black paper card lists the same information as the plastic one, in addition to a serial number with a bar code. Depending on the product, it may have two bar codes with serial numbers.
Call an authorised retailer, like Saks or Neiman Marcus, to have them check the model number. You can also e-mail client service at Prada directly and ask them about the model number or the serial number. They can provide you with the information about whether the serial number is legitimate or not.
Most recent
- Prada sunglasses have a serial number engraved on the inside of one arm, if you cannot locate your authenticity cards or you bought the sunglasses second-hand.
- Some Prada bags come in a plastic drawstring bag with the Prada logo which has all of the authenticity card information printed on a sticker on the outside. The serial number and model number are also available there.
- The quality of the materials, the evenness of the stitching and the legitimate Prada logo can also help to indicate whether or not the product is genuine.
- Franco Origlia/Getty Images News/Getty Images
There are certain traits to look for when determining the authenticity of a Prada, and tips you can use to help verify if it is real. This guide contains information and knowledge that I have built up over time through experience and researching articles from experts and peers. I'm happy to share what I've learned to help make your Prada buying experience safe and happy. I will update this guide from time to time as I come across new information or tips ...
I also have a Miu Miu buyers guide that will help if your are looking at Prada's other line.
Things That Come With The Bag
These items come with new bags, but not always with vintage ones as they may have been discarded or lost over time. If the cards are available it is important to check that they match the bag being offered. See the next section for tips on doing that.
- Authenticity card - a small plastic card about the size of a credit card, with magnetic strip and the article number, material name and color printed on. Sometimes there is an additional cardboard card with the same information and a bar code. If purchased from a Prada boutique it may have the store name and date written or stamped on the bottom. However bags can also be purchased from authorized stores who don't add this info, e.g. I have purchased new Prada bags from Neiman Marcus and Saks online and that information was not on the card.
Tips: - If there is no information printed on the card it cannot be considered proof of authenticity. It is probably a fake card.
- Check that the article number, material, and color match the bag, see the listings of each down below
- There are 2 types, sometimes both come together, sometimes one or the other. One is plastic like a credit card, with the Prada logo on the front and item information imprinted on the back. The other is cardboard with a decal on the back showing the item info. The card(s) typically come in a small black envelope with PRADA stamped on the front ... but again with vintage bags they may not always have both cards complete with envelope
- Care card - Often accompanies the authenticity card, this is a black folded card with care instructions for the particular material, in multiple languages.
Tip: - Check the material named in the care card against the list of exterior materials down below
- Dustbag
- Typically white cotton with a drawstring top and Prada logo in navy or black. Also out there but not as common are navy blue bags with the logo in gold or light blue. The Sport line has a grey vinyl bag with red stripe.
Is It The Right Card For The Bag?
Unfortunately the cards can be faked, or mismatched (taken from another bag or even another Prada item). Check the information on the authenticity and care cards against the reference lists below to ensure that they are, in fact, the ones that go with the bag.
- Article numbers - The first letter or two of the article number indicates the type of item. You may sometimes see a bag offered with a card that clearly is for a different item, for example a handbag with a card whose number starts with '1M'. Here's a list of article numbers that are commonly seen:
- 'B' is a handbag
- 'V' is a briefcase, portfolio, messenger bag, or waist pouch
- '1M' is a small accessory (e.g. wallet, cosmetic pouch)
- '1N' or 'MV' is a small bag commonly called 'pouchette'
- Tip: Another thing you can do is google the article number, e.g. 'prada br2375 bag'. You may/not get hits, if you do it can help to confirm the style of bag. You could get hits for valid internet sellers of overstock or older designs, and if so can compare what you could get the bag for new. You may even get hits for sites that manufacture and sell replicas - unfortunately there are lots out there that make convincing ones. Usually these are pretty blatantly advertised as replicas. All this will help increase your awareness if nothing else.
- Exterior materials - check that the material name on the authenticity card is the same as the description, e.g. if it is advertised as a leather bag but the card says Tessuto it is not the correct card for the bag.:
- Bufalo - Buffalo Leather
- Camoscio - Chamois (suede)
- Canapa - Canvas (hemp)
- Cinghiale - Wild Boarskin
- Coccodrillo - Crocodile
- Daino - Deerskin
- Feltro - Felt (wool)
- Lucertola - Lizard
- Nappa - Lambskin
- Neoprene - Cloth Vinyl
- Paglia - Straw
- Pelliccia - Fur
- Raso - Silk/Satin
- Saffiano - Textured Leather
- Scamosciato - Suede
- Spazzolato - Polished Leather
- Struzzo - Ostrich
- Tessuto - Woven Nylon/Microfiber
- Vela Sport - Nylon
- Vernice - Patent Leather
- Vitello - Calf Leather
- Color names - check the COLORE name on the card. Some are not intuitive. If you see a bag with a card saying COLORE SABBIA but it is red for example, it is not the right card for the bag. I've started compiling the ones I know below ... but there are others of course. I'll add to the list as I confirm additional ones.
- White - BIANCO
- Beige or Tan - SABBIA
- Camel (medium brown) - CAMELLO, CUOIO, RAME, SUGHERO
- Dark brown - ORO
- Black - NERO
- Red - ROSSO
- Pink - ROSA
- Light Blue - PERVINCA
- Burgundy or Wine - BORDEAUX
MUST HAVE Characteristics
All Prada and Miu Miu bags will have these characteristics, with no exception.
- Quality Workmanship - no open edges, small even stitching, straight seams with consistent space from edges, logo plates mounted perfectly straight.
- Logo - The Prada logo is always displayed on the inside and outside of the bag.
- Commonly on the outside there is a triangle plate with the words PRADA MILANO DAL 1913. Some bags have the Prada logo or name embossed in the leather instead of a metal plate on the outside. On the inside there is a rectangular plate on the inner pocket that says PRADA MADE IN ITALY or PRADA MILANO MADE IN ITALY. The inner pocket plate is usually metal or with newer designs may be leather.
Tips: - Metal plates will have a background color matching the material, and border / lettering matching the hardware color
- If stitched on, the stitches must be small, even and evenly spaced from the edges
- Lining -
- Most common is the silky canvas lining with the Prada monogram woven throughout, one line right side up, the next upside down. Some designs have smooth leather or satin lining with no pattern, in a matching or contrasting color to the exterior.
Other Common Characteristics
The characteristics below are often found on authentic bags, but not all of them are typically on all bags. The Prada line varies extensively in design, and some characteristics differ depending on the original country of purchase and of course the age. Designs do vary over time. So, lack of any particular characteristic below doesn't mean the bag is not authentic, but the more of these it has the more proof and comfort you will have.
- 'R' curve - The 'R' in PRADA has a partly open curve between the round part of the R and the right leg. Where the rounded part indents to meet the leg, there should be a small slit which curves partway through underneath the rounded part separating the two. Please note that older vintage styles may not have this curve, don't worry about it as long as it has other important characteristics noted in this guide.
- Numbered tag - sewn into the inner pocket - usually but not always
- Hardware - Prada stamped on metal buckles and hardware - usually but not always
- Miu Miu bags tend to have the logo on the zipper pulls and other hardware and trim, sometimes the zipper pulls or other hardware is in hard rubber rather than metal .. rubber is typical Miu Miu (not Prada)
- Zippers - back of the sliders often have Lampo, IPI, ykk, riri, or Opti on them - usually but not always
Additional Buyer Resources
Listed below are additional things you can do to help verify the authenticity of an item you are considering.
- Always check the seller's feedback
- Check other buyer's guides and take advantage of free authentication services. Quirky-Princess is a highly respected eBay seller who offers both: Quirky-Princess FREE authentication service & pictorial guides
- Use eBay's Clothing and Accessories Board to ask the opinion of other experienced eBayers. Include a link to the listing of the item you are considering so they can check it out first hand and offer advice.
I'd really appreciate knowing if you find this guide useful after reading it. Please do select one of the buttons below to let me know - thanks!!