Louis Vuitton: From Data Code to NFC – the benefits of digitalizing your bag!

Hi Vintagina, these days we have often had to explain the mystery of the disappearance of the datacode from the latest Louis Vuittons with the fear of having purchased a Fake!

Before getting to the point, I'll refresh the first rule of the Fight Club of ONLINE purchases. The codes inside the bags are not equivalent to originality . I've seen fake bags with codes and authentic bags without, there would be 10 years of experience to condense into a few lines and I can't do it, nor do I want to stress you!

What I want to talk to you about today is a significant change in the world of luxury bags, which has seen Louis Vuitton replace traditional date codes with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

Here is the mystery solved! The Datacode has been replaced by something present (but not visible ( The chip itself can be as small as 1 mm².) and sometimes difficult to find with specific Apps) by this new technology capable of conveying much more information than the simple period and place of production of the bags!

This step not only improves the safety and authenticity of products, but could also offer a more interactive and modern customer experience in the future. Let's find out together what it is and why it is so revolutionary.

The History of the Data Code
For decades, Louis Vuitton has used date codes printed inside its bags to indicate the year and place of production. These codes, often hidden in pockets or seams, helped customers and authenticity experts to date the bags, but also verify their authenticity by having an in-depth knowledge of how and where they were written. However, as technology advanced and counterfeiting increased, a more secure method was needed that could also have marketing implications for the house!

NFC Innovation
NFC is a technology that allows the exchange of data between devices over short distances. By integrating NFC chips into bags, Louis Vuitton could, (which it does not do today using this technology only for internal use) offer customers a series of advantages:

Instant Authenticity: With a simple tap of their smartphone, customers can verify the authenticity of their bag. This significantly reduces the risk of purchasing a counterfeit product.

Detailed Traceability : Each NFC chip contains detailed information about the product, including when and where it was made, the materials used, and even the design history. This level of detail was not possible with simple date codes.

Enriched Customer Experience : Through NFC, customers could one day access exclusive content such as videos on the production process, styling tips and invitations to special events. This creates a closer bond between the brand and the customer.

How does it work?
Using NFC technology is simple and intuitive. Here's how it works:

TODAY
Scan : Place your smartphone near specific parts of the bag, where the NFC chip is integrated. Often finding it is more complicated than finding the datacode in vintage.
Connection : Your phone will automatically detect the chip and open a dedicated web page or app.

TOMORROW (?)
Check: You will be able to view all the information about your bag, the history, the materials, the purchase price and maybe receive assistance from the specific parent company.

Why is this a major turning point?
The move to NFC is a significant step forward in the fight against counterfeiting. With millions of fake products circulating on the market, it is essential that luxury brands like Louis Vuitton adopt advanced technologies to protect their customers and their assets, but also for us at Vivo Vintage, always committed to the fight against counterfeiting, with investments of thousands of euros per year and the adoption of modern technologies, we feel we have an extra arrow in the quiver of the fight against the fake market.

Replacing date codes with NFC technology is a perfect example of how Louis Vuitton is evolving to meet modern challenges. It is not only about protecting the integrity of the brand, but also about enhancing the customer experience, making every purchase an interactive journey into the history and craftsmanship of the product.

A curiosity!

We at Vivo Vintage have, in our own small way, stood on the shoulders of giants and are in contact with a company in the NFC sector to also apply a TAG to our bags , to protect ourselves in the event of a return, but also to have a history of the bag just a click away in the event of a future repurchase to show, for example, the state of conservation of the bag at the time of our sale.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow us for more news and insights from the world of luxury fashion!