Tips On How To Spot and Avoid a Knock-off Item

Hi! We all hate it when we got the bootlegged stuff. Because bootlegs/knock-offs/fake stuff easily breaks, have overall low quality build. Fake stuff sucks, right? It sucks even more if their price is the same, or higher than the original. Well I'm no expert in spotting something fake, I too can unknowingly get fake stuff occasionally, but I can give you some tips on how to spot and avoid one. Remember this applies not only on toys but also on gadgets and other stuff too. Now click that [Read more >>]

ALWAYS CHECK THE PACKAGING

When buying stuff, inspect the packaging first. Check the box if the prints around it looks off (lacks color, over saturated, have high contrast). Also check if the box texture is different, some originals are using matte-type boxes and/or special fonts like "metallic foil letters", the fakes doesn't have these. Be skeptical if you encounter this anomaly

Update 06-26-2016: The knock-offs have improved packaging, they now use metallic foil letters on the boxes. Still, the box's quality and print is still off, you can still tell the difference between the fakes the authentic.

CHECK ITS CONTENTS

If the box is window-type/coffin-type, take a look of its contents, see if the item inside is loose or have missing parts, or flat-out broken. Don't buy the item if you see these symptoms.

THE ITEM IS UGLY AS F*CK!

This is most common on knock-off toys. For toys, always check its appearance, knock-off toys look stupid especially their faces. For gadgets, check if they rattle, they also look ugly (even slightly) compared to the originals.

TRY THE ITEM BEFORE BUYING IT

Ask the store owner or salesman/saleswoman to let you try and test the item first. Note that some stores and it's salespeople doesn't let you do this. If you encounter this, go look for another store that lets you try their product. Just be careful not to break the item when you try to test it.

FAKE AND GENERIC ITEMS ARE DIFFERENT

Fake/bootlegged items are different than the generic item. Fake items are poor and illegal clones of the original. There's no guaranty  if you're safe when using/having a fake product, heck it doesn't even have any warranty. Generic items are branded items that are functional, cheap and have low build quality. The good news is that they have warranties in case that you encounter factory defects with the product after buying it.

RESEARCH

The Internet is your friend, if you're planning to buy an item, search the net first for the originals or find articles that compares fakes from the original/authentic item. Also check out the forums, lots of people share their awful memories with the fake items they purchased.

HAVE A FRIEND HELP YOU SHOP

Two heads are better than one. In case that you missed or overlooked something off in the item you're holding, your friend or relative can help you spot if it's bootlegged or not. 

MINIMIZE SHOPPING ONLINE

Some online sellers sell fakes. They have different MO's (Modus Operandi), most common is that they show original items online, but when you buy it and they send it, you'll receive a fake item. It's best to visit a store to see and check the item yourself. But if you don't have a choice, then find an online seller that's got a very good reputation on selling authentic products.

THE "SPECIAL" FAKES

These are the new breed of fake items, they are called OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer). They have original parts, but they are made from third party factories. The experience the OEM products give rivals the original plus they're cheap and durable. Sometimes I call these "Class A+" items and I am guilty on having some of OEM products.

There you have it. The ultimate tip that I can give you guys is that you must buy products on stores that have great reputation on selling original products. But let's face it, we all like cheap alternatives. The tips I mentioned is not perfect, but it will help you guys minimize the percentage on acquiring a fake item.