How to Tell If a Reborn Is Authentic: Recognizing Counterfeits
- therebornhub
- Sep 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Introduction: My First Experience
When I bought my first reborn, I was anxious. I didn’t know what to look for or how to know if the listings were real. After browsing several sites, I finally found a baby I loved and I bought him without knowing the correct information. Lucky for me, he arrived as an authentic reborn, but not everyone has been so fortunate. Too many collectors have been scammed by fake dolls, and I don’t want to see that happen to you. That’s why I’m here to share exactly how to recognize authentic reborns so you can shop rest assured.
What Is a Counterfeit Reborn?
Before learning how to shop authentic, it’s important to know what a counterfeit reborn is.
A counterfeit reborn is an illegal copy of the sculptors kit that has been mass produced without the sculptors permission. These copies are often produced in factories, instead of being carefully poured and quality checked. Counterfeits are often made quickly and sold at low prices.
Here’s why this matters:
They hurt the community. Counterfeits steal money and recognition from sculptors who spend months, sometimes years, creating original sculpts.
They lower trust. Unknowingly buying fakes may cause new collectors to feel disappointed or misled, pushing them further away from the hobby.
They are poor quality. Counterfeit vinyl is often harder, and the baby is lighter. Many of these counterfeits are being advertised with stolen photos so when the doll arrives, it’s nothing like what the pictures showed.
Purchasing counterfeit dolls is not just about having a lower quality doll. It's disingenuous and it disrespects the artistry and authenticity of the reborn community.
Look for Details in the Listing
Every authentic reborn listing should include clear and specific details. If the description feels vague and nonspecific, be careful.
Here are some details you should expect to see:
*Kit name like Liam, Pickle, or Maeum.
*Sculptures name like Bonnie Brown or Laure Lee Eagles.
*Artists name and experience. Most choose to share how long they’re been reborning, showcase their past work, and their nursery name is on the main page.
*Photos taken by the artist often with unique props.
Authentic sites usually have clear payment, shipping, and return policies. Scammers, on the other hand, tend to avoid policies altogether.
COA: Certificate of Authenticity
The most reliable proof of an authentic reborn is the Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Think of it as the sculpts birth certificate.
A COA proves that the kit was designed and sold by the original sculptor. It often includes:
*The sculptors name
*The kit name
*Photos of the blank kit
*An official stamp or signature
For limited editions, COAs may also list the sculpts edition number. For example, #563 out of 1,000.
Tip: Always keep your COA in a safe, dry area. If you ever intend to resell your reborn, the value of the baby dramatically decreases without the COA.
Check the Back of the Head
If you already have a reborn and you’re unsure about the authenticity, the back of the head can tell you if it’s real.
Located at the base of the head, where the head meets the neck, an authentic kit will include:
*Sculptors name
*Kit name
*Edition info (if its limited)
These markings are usually engraved into the vinyl so they don’t fade. If the head is completely blank, that’s often a red flag for a counterfeit.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love.
Pricing: The Biggest Red Flag
Price is often the first clue when spotting counterfeits.
*Blank kits from authorized websites can run $100 or more.
*Finished reborns painted by artists are typically $400 and up into the thousands.
So, what about the “$70 reborn doll” you see online? Unfortunately, these are scams. No artist can create an authentic reborn at that price when you consider the cost of supplies:
*Vinyl kit = $100+
*Paints, brushes, sponges, mohair, needles, glass beads, polyfoil = $100+
*Artists time = 30-60+ hours
If the finished doll is under $200, it’s most certainly counterfeit, mass produced, or not a reborn at all.
Check Reviews Carefully
Reviews can tell you a lot about a seller
Here’s what to look for:
*Detailed reviews: Previous buyers will talk about sculpt names, how the artist communicated, or how the baby arrived.
*Buyer uploaded photos: Many buyers love to share their new reborn and thank the seller.
*Balanced Reviews: Some reviews may receive small critique. That is to be expected. Not every review will be 100% glowing.
Red flags in reviews:
*Comments like “doll didn’t come as pictured.”
*Complaints about sellers not responding after purchase.
Look for Website Details
Checking a sellers website can lead you to conclude if they’re selling authentic:
*About Page: Artists typically show their name, their nursery name, and a little about themselves.
*COA Mentions: A trusted seller highlights legitimacy.
*Photos: Their own photography, not stolen from another site.
*Contact Info: Reliable sellers provide a valid way to contact them.
*Policies: Payment, shipping, and returns are clear and easy to find.
If the site has dozens of dolls at identical prices, or endless sales at 80% off, it’s most certainly fake.
If Unsure, Ask Questions
An honest artist won’t mind answering questions. In fact, most enjoy talking about their work! You can ask:
*“Does this baby come with a COA?”
*“Can you send me additional photos of the sculpt?”
*“What is your painting technique?”
If the seller ignores you, refuses to answer, or seems annoyed, it’s safer to walk away.
Why Buying Authentic Matters
It’s tempting to think, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a knockoff if it’s cute” But here’s why it does matter:
*Supports artists. Sculptors and artists put months of work into each creation. Buying authentic confirms they’re compensated.
*Protects collectors. Collectors are often hit with disappointment when a reborn arrives and looks nothing like the photos.
*Strengthens the community. By avoiding scams, you keep the reborn world safe, supportive, and thriving.
Final Thoughts
Buying a reborn should be an exciting time, not stressful. By knowing what to look for, COAs, head markings, pricing, reviews, and website details, you can shop with confidence and protect yourself from scams.
Remember:
*Check the details
*Look for the COA
*Inspect sculpt markings
*Compare pricing realistically
*Read reviews
*Ask questions
Take your time, do your research, and choose sellers who value honesty and artistry. Remember, “when in doubt, reach out.” A true and authentic reborn is always worth waiting for.
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