Bag glossary for newcomers: PSP, GL, RL and the order to compare photos

Bags Newbie Corner
1

Every bag thread is full of abbreviations: PSP, GL, RL… Could we build one glossary so the next beginner doesn’t feel as lost?

Pros of asking: one place. Cons: I’ll learn how much I didn’t know.

Related threads: the thread on rep bag tiers explained, First bag: Speedy, Neverfull, or something else and New bag smells of glue or chemicals.

2

The core three:

  • PSP: pre-shipment photos, also called QC pictures. Photos of your bag before it ships.
  • GL: green light, you approve it.
  • RL: red light, you reject it.
3
  • Factory photos: the factory’s own stock photos of the model.
  • Auth / authentic reference: photos of the genuine bag you compare against.
4
  • Tier: rough quality level. Top-tier, mid-tier, and so on.
5
  • Vachetta: untreated natural leather used on some trims. Darkens with time.
  • Glazing / edge paint: the coating on leather edges.
  • Hardware tone: the colour and finish of the metal parts.
6

And the important bit, darling: the order you compare things in. The RepLadies wiki is very clear on it.

7

Yes. Compare factory photos with authentic references first, to choose. Then compare your PSP with those factory photos, to check you got what was shown.

8

And an obvious one: a QC photo is looked at in daylight, never under yellow lighting.

9

Glossary and method in one post:

Terms

  1. Auth reference: photos of the genuine bag.
  2. Factory photos: the factory’s stock photos.
  3. GL / RL: green light / red light after PSP.
  4. Glazing / edge paint: the coating on leather edges.
  5. Hardware tone: colour and finish of the metal parts.
  6. PSP: pre-shipment photos (QC pictures) of your bag.
  7. Tier: rough quality level.
  8. Vachetta: untreated natural leather that darkens with time.

Method (from the RepLadies wiki)

  1. Before choosing: factory photos vs authentic references. Pass or fail the model.
  2. After PSP: your PSP vs those factory photos. Check you received what was shown.
  3. Ask whether PSP and exchanges are available before committing.
  4. Judge in daylight.

A useful way to post this: a reference photo, a factory photo and a PSP photo of the same detail side by side.

10

Pros: finally understand the threads. Cons: none. Thanks stitchcount, stitch_auditor, patina_keeper and grainandgilt!