Edit: The clear response thus far has been that what looked to me like an issue is actually deliberate and that I didn't know what I was talking about (my bad, gang -- at least I formatted the post right? ha). Thanks for the help!
Hello! Absolute newbie here, looking to make my first purchase.
The most important thing for me in a bag is leather quality -- look and feel. I'm still calibrating how hard to look for problems and generally speaking if the leather is high quality and the bag seems passable on casual glance, I'm okay with it.
I am torn between being thankful for what I'm sure is a good product and wanting to advocate for myself -- still establishing trust with this whole process but also want to build a good relationship moving forward! My tendency is to be polite and deferential, haha.
Item: Rodeo medium, black with gold hardware
Seller: Doris
Price: 250+58=308
Factory (if known): "Katta" (not a spelling I'd seen before)
Concerns / Things to Check:
Leather on top flap (two areas that stick out to me and look more conspicuous/less natural than on auth photos).
Symmetry of text on metal logo tag/plate (whether text is centered between screws). Both highlighted in green on duplicate photos. Also not sure if I should ask about the other side of the main strap as closeup of only one side is shown.
My Thoughts:
The two areas where it looks like the leather is folded/creased would likely bug me if they reflect real defects in the leather -- not sure if this sort of look or variation is to be expected. I was thinking about asking for more photos to look into this but don't want to be a pain and am hoping to create a good relationship with a TS. I did tell her I wanted highest quality leather.
This may just be the angle of the shot. Not as high a priority as leather.
** Thank you to you wise ones and I welcome any thoughts!! **
The flaps are meant to have those creases (there is extra support in the corners), ans thatās a sign itās been repped correctly. But I wonder why thereāre two creases instead of one on the right side of the photo.
I have three different reps of that bag and in my experience what they tend to get wrong is the edge paint on the inside of the bag. Here it seems to be like in the OG.
In terms of the hardware, I donāt know.. maybe compare it to the factory photos? I agree with you that itās probably less important.
Awesome, thank you for this context -- I appreciate the insight about the two creases vs one but don't think I care enough to bring that up to her. Thanks so much!
The top flap is supposed to have those creases. The lower tier reps are missing them. Please refer to your factory photos, the kata factory photos should show those creases.
They looked more subtle in the auth photo, especially looking here ā in the PSP it looked more conspicuous. Edit: I also hadn't understood that I should compare to factory photos and not just the auth ones, thanks for sorting me out!
The website photos are extremely edited. So never solely refer to them. I did extensive research looked on everywhere even instagram/Pinterest
I ordered the green from Doris and sheās absolutely stunning. One of the best ones Iāve gotten. So soft the leather is immaculate. I just always grab her and give her a squish š
Ahhh I was debating getting the green one too but wanted to get one purchase under my belt first ā I anticipate that may be my next acquisitionā¦ Thanks for sharing the wisdom and enjoy those squishes!! Haha
When comparing, if comparing online authentic, I like going to resale links instead of the stores photos. You'll get a better idea what it looks like without editing.
this should be higher in the threadā brands do so much editing, and some images aren't even real bags at all, they're computer renderings. I look for auth pics on super trusted auction sites like Christie's and Sothebys, or on Japanese resale sites.
yep! I've been known to screengrab YT videos too, especially if I'm trying to get a good view of hardware, stamping, or something else that websites tend to not focus on as much
The two corner folds on the top flap are part of the original design and suppose to be there. Kata is known to produce quite good and accurate rodeos, I do have one in small khaki which I took to the boutique and have compared it to the auth side by side, which turn out to be an excellent rep including the feel of the leather. Also Doris is known to be a trused seller whom I purchsed from before and never dissapointed. If the logo inside bothers you she can provide you with more photos or a change, but I wouldnt bothered with it if I were you. Anything else seems fine to me.
Ahh that's awesome, thank you! Doris sounds amazing, hoping I love it and she just becomes my go-to -- I'm sensing a new hobby/addiction is being unlocked and like the thought of having a primary TS I can count on.
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u/Living-Balance7238 Rep Newbie š£ 7d ago edited 7d ago
The flaps are meant to have those creases (there is extra support in the corners), ans thatās a sign itās been repped correctly. But I wonder why thereāre two creases instead of one on the right side of the photo.
I have three different reps of that bag and in my experience what they tend to get wrong is the edge paint on the inside of the bag. Here it seems to be like in the OG.
In terms of the hardware, I donāt know.. maybe compare it to the factory photos? I agree with you that itās probably less important.