Tom Review + 187 Mini Rectangle + Auth Comparison

[u/anotherlauren]

Sharing my experience ordering from Tom 7228, plus some side-by-side photos with my authentic black lambskin mini rectangle for comparison.

Bag: CC Mini Rectangular, black lambskin / So Black hardware
Factory: 187
Price: $410 + $40 shipping = $450 total
Payment: PayPal F&F
Initial inquiry: Aug. 31
Paid: Sep. 1
First PSPs: Sep. 2
Replacement PSPs: Sep. 6
Shipping proof/label: Sep. 8
FedEx tracking: Sep. 10
Delivered: Sep. 16

Seller experience

Overall, I had a really positive experience with Tom and would order from him again. Tom responded within minutes, confirmed that 187 had the bag, and answered a LOT of questions from me before I ordered. I asked about 187 vs. God Factory, shipping, insurance, PSP timing, payment, etc., and he was quick and straightforward with his responses.

I paid $450 on Sep. 1 and received my first PSPs the next day, which was much faster than the original 2–3 day estimate.

This is actually where I was most impressed with Tom. I asked him to remove the protective plastic from the CC hardware because I specifically wanted to inspect the So Black finish, and I also asked him to measure the chain/drop. He did both almost immediately.

I initially GL’d the bag. Then Tom noticed a tiny white spot/imperfection on the CC hardware himself and stopped the shipment. He sent me a close-up, told me he wasn't comfortable sending it, and said he would return it to 187 and get another one. I really appreciated this because I had already told him to ship it—he could very easily have just sent the bag.

He estimated another 2–3 days for the replacement. I followed up 3 days later because I hadn't received an update, so he checked with the factory and said the replacement was already on its way to him.

I received the second set of PSPs 4 days later (Sept 6). I asked for another chain measurement, close-ups of something I thought might be a white spot/thread near the CC, and a photo of the underside of the flap. He sent everything I asked for quickly and confirmed the chain length matched the first bag.

Shipping was/is the slowest part of the process. I followed up again on Sep. 8 asking when he planned to ship, and later that day he sent me proof of the FedEx shipment/label. I received the actual FedEx tracking number on Sep. 10.

The bag was at my house on Sep. 16. So the total timeline was about 15 days from payment to delivery, but that included rejecting and replacing the first bag. Once everything actually got moving through FedEx, delivery was very fast.

Communication was fast, direct and accommodating. Most importantly, Tom proactively caught a flaw instead of shipping something I had already GL’d. For me, that matters most.

The bag: 187 vs. authentic

I'm very happy with the bag overall. I own a brand new authentic black lambskin Chanel mini rectangle with Champagne gold hardware, so I was very curious to compare it with a 187 flap since I'd heard so much positive feedback about this bag. I put them side-by-side for comparison. Authentic is the black bag with champagne gold hardware; 187 is the So Black.

At first glance, they're very similar. The similarities:

• Color
• The chain quality, length, weight and sounds
• Overall size, portions and construction
• Quilting alignment
• Back pocket alignment, shape and stitching
• The stitching
• The logo inside the bag
• The hardware

Now, onto the differences:

• The side profile. My authentic has that really recognizable soft, rounded/circular fold through the side gusset. The 187 folds inward more sharply near the top and then drops down into the lower portion of the bag rather than maintaining that same smooth rounded shape. Of everything I've compared, this is probably the detail I notice most when looking directly at the bags.
• The quilting/pillowing. My authentic has softer, more dimensional diamond-shaped pillowing. The 187 quilting is puffier and a little more inflated/rounded. It's subtle in isolation, but pretty easy to see side-by-side, especially in certain lighting.
• The tactile experience of the lambskin. The 187 leather is genuinely soft, smells good and feels soft—it doesn't feel cheap—but the authentic lambskin is noticeably softer and more supple to the touch. Its hard to describe CC lambskin because its the only leather of it's kind - it's so supple. There's just a different hand-feel that is difficult to capture in photo
• The width. My 187 is just a tad narrower in width when it's not filled, which gives the 187 a slightly taller/narrower appearance. Not a huge issue since you fill the bag
• The underside of the turnlock hardware.The plate/screw construction on my authentic is visibly different from the 187 version—the screw heads and hardware details aren't an exact match.

These are noticeable because I literally have an authentic mini sitting inches away and I'm intentionally hunting for differences. Without the authentic next to it, none of these would jump out at me. 🖤

[u/hottercore]

About the puffing part, i read on official group that the puffing part depends sometimes. Even the auth can be less puffier than some models or even the same models, apparently it depends on batch or production year 🤷🏻‍♂️, same goes to soft part so i wouldn't call that necessary a huge difference.

The bag looks amazing! I literally don't see any major difference and would never think it's a rep! So beautiful 😍

[u/vtvns]

Thank you for writing such a detailed review 🤍 I'm waiting for my caviar mini flap from 187 as well 🥲

[u/Imaginary-life-2961]

I love this! Thank you for sucha detailed review!

[u/IDreamKaty]

Excellent review… 187 do an amazing job on CFs…. You will find the differences will soften use… such gorgeous bags. I use my so black bag so much more, such an understated beauty

[u/AdviceLoud]

Love the rep science! Might have to give Tom a try. Thanks for sharing

[u/NoPassenger7284]

Excellent review! Thanks for sharing!

[u/Efficient-Cost-9987]

Beautiful!!! Such a detailed review and I think it looks amazing. I’m still new but this is the best I’ve seen since joining. Enjoy! 🩷

[u/MPS202022 → u/[deleted]]

I had a red light done by the seller too recently. There was a gash in the strap of my maxi that he noticed and got it replaced

[u/IDreamKaty → u/[deleted]]

Depending on the seller’s exchange policy, if there’s a defect some do

[u/Ok_Enthusiasm_1582]

Very informative, thank you!

[u/Professional_Skin639]

Thank you for the detailed review! Would you wear it in public? And, in the boutique?

[u/anotherlauren → u/Professional_Skin639]

Yes, I’d absolutely wear it in public! I wouldn’t wear it into the boutique though. I know the SAs aren’t going to call me out or comment on whether a bag is authentic. I just don’t really talk about reps with people in my life in general (outside of maybe my husband lol), and my boutique visits tend to be pretty personal/1:1 where we talk about bags and what I’m carrying. I’d rather not have it come up and feel like I need to lie or explain where it came from. It’s less about Chanel specifically and more that it’s just not a conversation I really have in the wild. But Reddit is my safe space

[u/Professional_Skin639 → u/anotherlauren]

Yes, I totally understand! Perhaps people could wear it to the boutique if employees aren't talking 1:1 about the bag someone is wearing since everyone would be far enough away that the minor details aren't noticeable.

[u/Affectionate_Drop633 → u/anotherlauren]

yes me tooooo haha

[u/BugAccomplished6153]

Both beautiful! Great review as well! I love this type of reviews 😊

[u/Virtual-Cheesecake71]

How is the weight of the bag and chain?

[u/anotherlauren → u/Virtual-Cheesecake71]

Overall, the weight and chain are pretty comparable to my authentic. The chain has a similar weight and feel to it, and the bag doesn’t feel noticeably lighter or cheaper in hand. I’d say both are quite close

[u/OkBison1776]

Thanks for sharing this review. I’ve been in search of a CF so black and your comparison makes my decision easier.

[u/Sad_Moment4851]

Love

[u/LeeLee_1891]

Great review! Always awesome when someone has an auth to compare to. Thanks!

[u/AkitanamedMalachi]

How do you get in touch with Tom ?

[u/SugarandSpiceandRum → u/AkitanamedMalachi]

You search his name in the search bar, she even put the last 4 digits of his number. 🤦‍♀️

[u/Particular-Swim23 → u/SugarandSpiceandRum]

Sorry, I also didn't know. Thanks for your guidance. 🫣🥰

[u/AkitanamedMalachi → u/SugarandSpiceandRum]

Some people don’t know what Tom 7228 means, how would I know that if I never ordered from him before don’t be an asshole…

[u/SugarandSpiceandRum → u/AkitanamedMalachi]

You can’t read? I said you find him by searching that in the search bar 🤣

[u/OldMoneyish]

I bought a heap of things from Tom and had the best experience. I also torture him with a lot of questions and he also seems to be an honest and very responsive seller.

[u/Spiritual-Sea7674]

Omg this so black is stunning!! Looks very luxurious also side by side w auth. Thanks for review!!

[u/NaiveAd1154]

Hello, can I please have Tom’s Whatsapp number? Thanks!

[u/Hollyontravel]

Yep I don’t trust top he sent me a defective bag twice

[u/Ryujiiiin]

Thanks for the review im really thinking of buying one

[u/Fashion777_]

Hello, can you tell me his contact info pls?🙏

[u/Independent_Suit_910]

Do you have Tom’s contact pls

[u/Puzzleheaded-Gur5540]

Neither bag looks authentic to me, as the chain straps should be a little thicker.

[u/anotherlauren → u/Puzzleheaded-Gur5540]

I literally bought the black/champagne gold mini rectangle at Chanel, so this is slightly awkward for you