Not about sales but about shopping



Beware fakes on Ebay

Laugh all you like at the cartoon, but fakes are a very real concern when you shop on Ebay, or on any online auction site for that matter. Whilst it is not always possible to spot a fake item, there are some telling signs that should ring warning bells when you see such auctions:

  • The seller does not have many photos of the item from different angles. This is true for items like handbags. It would be advisable to ask for more photos of the item and satisfying yourself of the authenticity before bidding.
  • Do not assume that if the seller says its “Authentic” it is. This used to be a benchmark but not anymore.
  • The Buy it Now price is too low. Usually, sellers of authentic products do not sell their items for very low prices so this is a clear warning sign.
  • The seller does not offer a money back guarantee. Usually, sellers of authentic items will offer a money back guarantee because they know their items are real and cannot be challenged.
  • The seller has many of the same item. If it is an item that is easily found then its hard to tell if its fake. However, if it is a limited edition item e.g. a limited edition handbag, a seller who has many similar items up for auction should send warning bells ringing.
  • The item ships from China or Hong Kong or Taiwan. This is usually in the case of clothes or handbags or shoes. I have nothing against people from these countries. I come from one that has such a stigma too and I too have been discriminated against. But if the seller puts their location as the USA but ships the item from countries outside, beware.

Fake items are not limited to clothes or bags or shoes. Even makeup and skincare are not spared. So, if you plan to buy something expensive or limited edition on Ebay hoping it will be cheaper, do your research first and make sure you know what the original item looks like. You don’t want to spend all your money and then find out that what you have in your hands are a worthless copy. In the case of makeup and skincare, it might even be damaging to your health.

So, beware fakes on Ebay and shop safe!

This post is part of the Daily Blog Tips Blog Writing Project: Tips and Tricks.

September 13, 2007 | Filed Under Ebay, Online shopping, Warnings 

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22 Responses to “Beware fakes on Ebay”

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