This is becoming a big problem. I've gotten burned a few times and now I look a lot more closely.

The latest was a pair of work boots, the same kind I always buy. The listings (3) did not look right and all three were identical. The reviews were terrible.

I bought them somewhere else.

In New Mexico, we're quite aware of this with regard to native arts.

Santa Fakes

Most tourists who buy "turquoise" jewelry in New Mexico wind up with a knock off piece of factory made turquoise paste (dust glued together) put together in a Philippines sweat shop and passed off as native American "hand made" work. Unscrupulous dealers will even make up "artists marks" to make their fakes seem more authentic.

Same goes for native American pottery. The real stuff commands a premium, but the fakes take money off the Navajo and Pueblo table.

Sounds something like you get what you pay for...but what a shame...from the trumper on down, things are fake.

My last foray into Amazon fake products was to attempt to buy a cell phone battery. Photos of the original OEM part, guarantees, yada yada yada.

Whe it arrived, it looked like something that was assembled in a preschool crafts project. I didn't even bother putting it in my phone--I was afraid it would just explode and ruin it.

Yeah, Amazon doesn't screen its merchants at all, as far as I can tell.

quote:

Originally posted by Nina:
My last foray into Amazon fake products was to attempt to buy a cell phone battery. Photos of the original OEM part, guarantees, yada yada yada.

Whe it arrived, it looked like something that was assembled in a preschool crafts project. I didn't even bother putting it in my phone--I was afraid it would just explode and ruin it.

Yeah, Amazon doesn't screen its merchants at all, as far as I can tell.

No doubt Amazon does not screen its merchants. Cannot remember what it was, but it was carp.
Also realized from the reviews of harmonicas that there must be a lot of counterfeits.

Wow, I had no idea this was such a problem. I am going to start paying more attention on Amazon, for one thing. Also, I’ve already been trying to avoid buying Amazon when possible, but this just gives me more reason to do that!

Seems like an easy problem to fix. Make the platform responsible for the actions of its sellers. A counterfeiter sets up shop on Amazon and sells a car seat that does not comply with federal law, someone is harmed, and Amazon gets a $35 million fine for not policing the fraudster. This isn't a free speech issue. This is interstate commerce. I'm cool with that. The deep pocket in this case has the incentive to fix the problem, and it better positioned (with information) to do so. Customers are more assured that they're getting what they think they're getting.

Will this raise prices? Sure. Some "legitimate" low-priced but reasonable quality knockoffs will be refused on sites because of financial risk to the platform. Those risks will be factored into final goods prices. And brand names will have more market power. Lower income people will be harmed disproportionately from these price increases and from the reduced range of cut rate options.

quote:

Originally posted by Piano*Dad:
Seems like an easy problem to fix. Make the platform responsible for the actions of its sellers. A counterfeiter sets up shop on Amazon and sells a car seat that does not comply with federal law, someone is harmed, and Amazon gets a $35 million fine for not policing the fraudster.

Easier said than done. It would have to begin with a particular injured consumer (who would sue Amazon - and win - a huge punitive award).

How to find such a consumer?

What's more, there are only a small subset of products capable of causing demonstrable injury.

Reminds me I've had to return 3 - 4 electric blankets and throws this season all purchased from the Amazon site, for reasons ranging from "didn't heat", "failed in the first month" and (pertinent here) heated up so much it almost scalded me.

I saw when checking the low ratings for products when shopping that a large number of consumers reported fires. (FTR They really are sleazy products, often clearly made by the same manufacturers under different names.)

Note that one purveyor wrote to me pleading hardship if I let my extremely negative review stand, and offering me $40! No, I didn't even consider it especially as this was one blanket that came close to catching fire.

Thus, I was ALMOST one such consumer. However would one sue the manufacturer or Amazon (legal opinions?). What's more, much fine print gives elaborate instructions on handling controllers. I wonder if Amazon wouldn't find a way to weazle out of payments (speaking of deep pockets).

quote:

Easier said than done. It would have to begin with a particular injured consumer (who would sue Amazon - and win - a huge punitive award).

It begins with a statute. I'm under no illusions that passing any consumer protection legislation though Moscow Mitch would be a walk in the park. By "easy" I meant that a statute that made 3rd party platforms legally responsible would change THEIR incentives. The mere THREAT of tort would likely lead to a dramatic decrease in the number (and severity) of Fake products, and especially ones that might cause suit-producing harm.

quote:

Originally posted by Piano*Dad:
In New Mexico, we're quite aware of this with regard to native arts.

Santa Fakes

Most tourists who buy "turquoise" jewelry in New Mexico wind up with a knock off piece of factory made turquoise paste (dust glued together) put together in a Philippines sweat shop and passed off as native American "hand made" work. Unscrupulous dealers will even make up "artists marks" to make their fakes seem more authentic.

Same goes for native American pottery. The real stuff commands a premium, but the fakes take money off the Navajo and Pueblo table.

As an aside, Navaho and Pueblo jewelry and pottery were relatively plentiful in the '40's. My late grandmother collected some beautiful pieces when the family was stationed there. They would be worth a small fortune today.

quote:

Originally posted by ShiroKuro:
Wow, I had no idea this was such a problem. I am going to start paying more attention on Amazon, for one thing. Also, I’ve already been trying to avoid buying Amazon when possible, but this just gives me more reason to do that!

SK, I'm curious. What are your reasons for wanting to avoid buying Amazon products? I buy them occasionally but can think of a few reasons myself for wanting to avoid Amazon.

If it needs to be genuine, I buy from the manufacturer or authorized seller.

Take tennis rackets. They cost $200 each and can last me 8-10 years. There are fakes out there, which will crack.

Or my Hydroflask water bottle. Bought it from the company because I wanted the real deal.

If it comes with a warranty, I won't get it on Amazon.

Cindy-- who doesnt rely on Amazon reviews either