The answer to the RFID brand era: Can IC chips really tell you if something is authentic? A complete explanation of the changes happening in the secondhand market and the used clothing industry

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Many brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Uniqlo, are increasingly adopting RFID.

This system using IC chips is an important technology that not only improves the efficiency of inventory management and logistics , but also contributes to preventing counterfeit products and ensuring brand reliability .

On the other hand, in the secondhand market and secondhand clothing industry, many people are worried about whether an item is genuine if it has RFID or whether its value will be lower if it doesn't have RFID.

This article provides a clear explanation of the basics of RFID, the background to its introduction, the current situation at purchasing and appraisal sites, and future changes in the used clothing industry.

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RFID brand basics that buyers and secondhand clothing stores should understand

The term "RFID" is increasingly being heard in purchasing and second-hand clothing stores, but not many people yet have a proper understanding of how it works.

RFID is a technology that reads information from IC chips without contact , and has been introduced by brands to improve inventory management and distribution efficiency.

However, in the secondhand market, authenticity cannot be determined based on RFID response alone, and there are limits to the information that can be read.

In this chapter, we will explain the range of information that RFID can indicate, the roles of IC chips, tags, and readers, and the differences between RFID and serial numbers and guarantee cards, and explain the basics to help you avoid confusion when appraising or selling.

What information does RFID show and what range it can be read on-site?

To put it simply, RFID can only provide information for brand management purposes.

・RFID is a system that reads information recorded on an IC chip using radio waves.

・The tag contains identification information mainly for managing manufacturing and distribution.

・On-site purchasing and secondhand clothing stores can only confirm what the brand has disclosed.

What I don't understand

・Personal information of purchasers

・Sales price and purchase date

・Purchase history at authorized stores

👉 It is important to understand that RFID is not a "certificate of authenticity" but rather a means of verifying some management information .

Organizing the roles of IC chips, tags, and readers from an appraisal perspective

RFID consists of three elements:

・IC chip : Contents that record product information

・Tag : A part that has an IC chip built in and is attached to a product

・Reader : A device that reads information from an IC chip (smartphone or dedicated terminal)

Key points to keep in mind from an appraisal perspective

・The main purpose of RFID is to improve inventory management and supply chain efficiency.

・It will be easier for brands to know "where and how many there are"

・In the secondhand market, RFID is merely a form of supplementary information.

👉 Don't judge based on whether or not an RFID tag is present; look at the condition, accessories, and distribution route as a whole .

The crucial difference between serial numbers and guarantee cards

The biggest difference is whether you can see it or not.

・Serial numbers and cards can be visually confirmed

・As a result, there was a problem of numbers being easily copied or reused.

RFID Features

・The IC chip cannot be seen from the outside

・Just copying the number is not enough

・It is linked to information managed by the brand.

Future thinking

Serial numbers and receipts are still important

・If you can explain it by adding RFID information, it will be more reliable.

👉 "Combine multiple pieces of information" instead of "any one"
This is the basic attitude that will be required of future buyers and second-hand clothing stores.

Understanding the background behind brands' adoption of RFID from a business perspective

Counterfeit goods are not the only reason why brands are introducing RFID .

RFID, which uses IC chips, has been introduced with the aim of improving inventory management, supply chain efficiency, and information transparency .

However, this system is based solely on the management logic of the brand and does not fully correspond to the reality of the secondhand market or the used clothing industry.

In this chapter, we will explain from a trader's perspective what role RFID plays in combating counterfeit goods, what impact automated inventory management is having on secondhand distribution, and the gap in thinking that exists between brands and the secondhand market.

RFID's role in combating counterfeit goods

Conclusion: RFID is a mechanism to reduce counterfeit goods, not a guarantee of authenticity.

Why was it introduced?

・Serial numbers and guarantee cards are easily counterfeited

・By incorporating an IC chip, it becomes possible to prevent the number from being copied.

・It will be more difficult to mix in counterfeit products at the distribution stage

Points to note on site

・Even if RFID responds, it cannot be said that the product is genuine.

・It is necessary to make a judgment based on the condition, accessories, and distribution route.

👉 RFID is a realistic option for use as a reinforcement measure against counterfeit goods .

The impact of inventory management and supply chain optimization on the second-hand market

Conclusion: RFID improves management efficiency, but does not directly determine the value standards in the secondhand market.

Benefits for the brand

・Bulk reading possible without contact

・Reduces inventory and inspection work time

・It becomes easier to understand the entire supply chain

Impact on the used market

・The distinction between legitimate distribution and non-regular distribution is becoming clearer

・However, it is not possible to check all management information for second-hand items.

👉 It's not as simple as saying that products with RFID get high ratings and those without get low ratings.

The discrepancy between the brand's management logic and second-hand distribution

Conclusion: RFID is designed for new product distribution and is not a system that assumes second-hand distribution.

Brand assumptions

・The purpose is to manage everything from manufacturing to sales

-Used or re-distributed is not intended.

The reality of second-hand goods distribution

・RFID cannot tell you about usage status or changes over time.

・The value depends on whether or not the item has accessories and how well it is stored.

Typical example

・Louis Vuitton and Chanel use RFID to strengthen management

・Uniqlo's main objectives are inventory management and automation

👉 It is important to understand that the logic of RFID and the logic of used car appraisal are different .

Practical use of RFID and authenticity verification at purchasing sites

A common misconception in purchasing is that RFID tags allow for an immediate determination of authenticity.

RFID is a system that uses an IC chip to read the brand's management information, and is not a technology intended for authenticity determination itself .

However, in practice, it is true that there are an increasing number of situations where the presence or absence of RFID tags affects appraisals and explanations.

In this chapter, we will organize, from the perspective of a purchasing site, how RFID should be positioned in determining authenticity, how the appraisal differs between products with and without RFID, and how it is realistic to use it as an auxiliary measure against counterfeit goods.

The premise that RFID is not a tool for determining authenticity

RFID alone cannot determine whether a product is genuine.

・RFID is an IC chip for inventory management and distribution management.

・This system is not designed for the purpose of authenticity determination.

・Response = genuine, no response = not fake

👉 The correct understanding is that **RFID is "part of the decision-making factors."**

How does the appraisal differ between individuals with and without RFID?

The appraisal value is not determined solely by the presence or absence of RFID.

・RFID available
→ It may be easier to explain and may lead to a sense of security.

・No RFID
→ If the condition and accessories are good, it is possible to give a rating.

👉 The appraisal is a comprehensive assessment of RFID, condition, accessories, and distribution channel .

How to use RFID as a supplementary measure against counterfeit goods

RFID is not a definitive solution to counterfeit goods.

・It is invisible, so it helps prevent counterfeiting of numbers.

However, relying solely on RFID is dangerous.

Checks that must be used together

- Quality of stitching and materials

・Finish of logo and engraving

- Integrity of receipts and guarantee cards

👉 RFID is used as a secondary check to reduce doubts .

How should the presence or absence of RFID be incorporated into the assessment criteria?

How to incorporate RFID into appraisal criteria has become an unavoidable topic for buyers and second-hand clothing stores.

Just because a product has an IC chip does not necessarily mean it will be highly rated, and just because it cannot be read does not necessarily mean it will be negatively rated.

The important thing is to clarify how to treat RFID as a bonus factor, what risks there are if it cannot be read , and have standards that can be explained to customers without any misunderstanding.

This chapter provides a clear explanation of how to incorporate RFID into appraisals and practical points to avoid problems .

How to think about RFID as a bonus factor

RFID will be a bonus point, but it will not be the main evaluation factor.

・RFID can be confirmed
→ It is likely that it was under brand control, making it easier to explain.

・Handling at the time of appraisal
→ This is a "supplementary evaluation" that takes into account the condition, accessories, and market price.

point

・RFID alone will not be used as a reason to raise prices

・Combining it with other evaluation criteria increases reliability

👉 RFID is realistically a plus point as a security factor.

Risk management for cases where RFID cannot be read

The fact that it cannot be read does not necessarily result in a negative rating.

Common reasons

・Era and model that do not originally have RFID

- Tag deterioration due to use or aging

- Poor reading due to metal or structure

Points to note

・If you don't explain why it can't be read, it will lead to distrust.

・Please avoid explaining that "no reaction = counterfeit"

👉The key to avoiding risk is being able to put into words the reason why you cannot read it .

Key points to explain to customers to prevent problems

Correctly communicating the role of RFID can help prevent misunderstandings.

Important points to note in the explanation

・RFID is a system for inventory management and distribution management

・It is not a technology that determines authenticity

The assessment is carried out by taking into account multiple factors.

What I would like to convey in addition

・The importance of receipts and guarantee cards

・Why condition and storage conditions affect price

👉Explanations that do not raise excessive expectations will help prevent complaints.

RFID Compliance Checklist for Used Clothing Stores

① Basic checks before purchasing and appraisal

☐ Is the target brand part of the RFID adoption generation?

☐ Is it unnatural for the product to not have RFID, given its age and model?

☐ Luxury brand (e.g. Louis Vuitton/Chanel) or mass-market (e.g. Uniqlo)

② RFID reading check

☐ There is a response on the reader (smartphone/device)

☐ Changed the reading position and angle and checked again

☐ Consider the possibility of reading errors due to metal or structure

▶ NG judgment

☐ Don't assume that "no reaction = counterfeit"

③ Handling when RFID is present

☐ It can be explained as possibly being under brand control

☐ It is treated as a "point-adding element" in the assessment

☐ RFID alone has not increased prices

④ Check if RFID is missing or unreadable

☐ Able to explain the possibility of non-equipped models and older models

☐ Possible deterioration due to use or aging is identified

☐ Covered by other evaluation criteria

⑤ Authenticity and evaluation checks that should be used in conjunction with the above

☐ Finish of sewing, materials, and engraving

☐ Consistency of logo, hardware, and interior

☐ Presence or absence of receipt, serial number, and guarantee card

☐ Is there any discrepancy with the market price?

⑥ Key points when explaining to customers

☐ RFID is not a tool for determining authenticity

☐ Explains that assessment is a comprehensive judgment based on multiple factors

☐ Do not create excessive expectations or misunderstandings

⑦ Final checks to prevent problems

☐ No definitive statements are made based on the presence or absence of RFID

☐ I can verbalize the reason why I cannot read it.

☐ Explanations are consistent among staff

Basic rules on the job site

・RFID is not the main evaluation

・Don't immediately reject someone even if they don't respond

Always combine with other assessment factors

Future changes in RFID-based distribution in the secondhand clothing industry

In the future, it is expected that the concept of RFID-based distribution will gradually spread in the secondhand clothing industry.

As IC chips begin to be used to manage the historical information of each product, there will be an increasing number of situations in which the origin of used clothing and how it has been distributed will affect its evaluation.

This chapter will explain the difference in evaluation depending on whether or not historical information is available, the possibility of RFID being required in transactions between businesses, and how traceability will be linked to trust and price, and will also provide hints on how to respond with an eye to the future .

Difference in evaluation between used clothing with and without historical information

In the future, second-hand clothing evaluations will take into account "condition + history."
Used clothing with RFID tags makes it easier to explain the manufacturing and distribution history, providing reassurance when it comes to transactions between dealers and high appraisal values.

On the other hand, second-hand clothing without historical information does not necessarily mean that it is of low value.
In that case, traditional criteria such as condition, accessories, age, and market value become more important.

In the future,

- Used clothing with history information -> Evaluation includes this information

・Used clothing with no history information → Evaluate based on condition and explanation

As such, it is likely that there will be differences in how evaluations are constructed .

RFID may be required for business-to-business transactions

RFID is not a requirement at this time.
However, for higher-priced items and newer brand-name items, RFID understanding is beginning to affect the smoothness of transactions.

The important thing is,

-Whether RFID is available
rather than

・Can you explain RFID?

is.
The more knowledgeable a company is, the more likely it is to be trusted .

A future where traceability directly links to trust and price

In the future, "explainable secondhand clothing" will become more popular in the secondhand clothing industry.
It is easy to explain the history of products that have RFID, but even for products that do not have RFID, it is important to organize and communicate the procurement route and condition.

RFID is not a universal proof,

・Information management

・Building trust

・Price verification

It will be one of the elements that supports this.

Stores and businesses that can organize and communicate information rather than being swayed by RFID will be valued.
This is the major trend in the second-hand market going forward .

Practical evaluation criteria for handling used clothing without RFID

While RFID is becoming more widespread, there is still a large amount of second-hand clothing on the second-hand market that does not have RFID tags .

How to evaluate and explain such products is an important point that is directly related to the practical aspects of purchasing and running a second-hand clothing store.

The lack of RFID does not necessarily mean that the item is less valuable; rather, it is a matter of how you combine factors such as age, brand characteristics, condition, and accessories to determine its value.

This chapter provides a clear explanation of how to organize used clothing that does not have RFID tags, and the evaluation and explanation concepts that should be kept in mind from purchasing to selling.

Sorting out eras and brands where RFID is not the norm

First, there are some assumptions you should know.
Used clothing usually does not have RFID .

especially,

・A little while ago

・Vintage-style products

- Branded products before RFID was introduced

These are things that are commonplace without RFID .
The lack of RFID in itself is not a reason for a negative rating.

What's important is,
"Is it normal for that era and that brand?"
The question is whether you can judge this.

How much importance should be placed on condition and accessories?

Without RFID, the things to look at are simple .

To see,

·situation

・Feeling of use

·damage

·accessories

That's all.

Having a receipt or guarantee card will give you peace of mind, but it's not a problem if you don't have one .
To compensate for this, we thoroughly check the completeness of the actual product, including the stitching, materials, logo, and metal fittings .

Without RFID,
The "visible value" is the evaluation.

Accountability with suppliers and at the time of sale

The most important thing about non-RFID used clothing is
It's whether you can explain it .

Why is there no RFID?
What era is the product from?
What criteria are used to evaluate

It is enough if you can put this into words .

Rather than "I'm worried because there's no RFID,"
"I feel safe because I can explain why there is no RFID."
It is important to create this state.

Organize the information and present it honestly.
That alone will build trust.

RFID-compliant policies that secondhand clothing stores and buyers should adopt in the future

As RFID becomes more widespread, second-hand clothing stores and buyers are finding it difficult to know how to respond .

But the important thing is not to be swayed by RFID.

The results will vary greatly depending on whether you use it as a reason to stop purchasing, as supporting information for appraisal, or as explanatory information.

In this chapter, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner how to avoid making incorrect decisions due to RFID and outline response policies that are easy to put into practice in the field, as well as perspectives for continuing to create value in the future used goods market.

Why RFID Shouldn't Avoid Purchasing

Conclusion: No RFID does not necessarily mean it is dangerous.

RFID is

・All ages

・All brands
It is not something that comes with it.

In fact, genuine products from before the introduction of RFID are still in circulation today.
Therefore, if you stop purchasing just because there is no RFID, you will end up missing out on good products that could be sold normally .

Here's what you should see.

・What era is it?

Is the brand for the RFID generation?

・Is there anything unusual about the appearance, stitching, or materials?

RFID is one of the factors to consider , not a pass/fail switch.

Points to note when including RFID items in appraisal manuals

RFID is an additional check, not a definitive factor.

If you put it in the manual, the idea is simple.

・I was able to read it → a positive factor

・Can't read → Don't immediately deduct points

RFID is

・No response

・Reading errors occur

- Breakdown during operation
This is also common.

that's why
RFID does not equate to authenticity confirmation.
The final decision is always

·exterior

·specification

·accessories
This is the overall judgment .

Simply including this sentence in the manual will significantly reduce inconsistencies in judgment and trouble on-site.

The strength of secondhand clothing stores that create value even in the RFID era

Even with RFID, the store that will ultimately be trusted is one that can explain things.

Products with RFID tags include:
Tell them, "I can check up to this point."

For products without RFID,
Explain why it's not a problem.

Stores that can do this are strong.

The machine gives information,
It takes people to convince.

RFID

・Don't be overconfident

・I don't deny it

Use only what is available

A second-hand clothing store that can maintain this sense of distance is
It will continue to be chosen even in the RFID era.

summary

The first thing you need to know in this age of RFID brands is that RFID is not a system that can instantly determine authenticity .

Contactless, bulk reading using IC chips, tags, and readers is effective in improving inventory management, supply chain efficiency, and traceability, and is being introduced with the aim of increasing the accuracy and transparency of brand management.

In the secondhand market and secondhand clothing industry, products with RFID tags are one of the evaluation criteria, but the lack of RFID tags does not mean that the product is fake .

There are many products from eras and brands that predate the introduction of the system, so a comprehensive judgment that includes serial numbers, guarantee cards, receipts, product condition, etc. will continue to be the basis.

It is important to treat RFID as merely a bonus factor.

By correctly understanding RFID brands, you will be able to clearly determine what to keep when selling and calmly respond to future fluctuations in value.

Understanding how things work and not being overconfident is the quickest way to reduce anxiety and lead to trustworthy transactions.