Did I buy fake TABAC balm?

[1904]

So I bought some ASB off of this ebay listing:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-x-Brand-N...vrzt4wcknRksQk9JVivtM%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Now, I know the logo's not right, but I thought maybe it was an international distribution thing. But the stuff came in the mail, and the fragrance doesn't resemble that of the soap or of the cologne at all. And on the back, it says it's distributed by "Tabac Cosmetics Ltd.," not Maurer & Wirtz.

Anybody encountered this before?

 

[daflorc]

I find it hard to believe that anyone would put in the effort to fake TABAC balm.

 

[1904]

I find it hard to believe that anyone would put in the effort to fake TABAC balm.

Well, the balm doesn't really smell like any other TABAC product. It's more like they're just trading off the brand name.

 

[Shutterbug57]

You may want to take some pics and send them to the folks who actually own the rights to the Tabac name. They will be able to confirm or deny the authenticity of the product you got. Also, if it is a fake, they will likely be interested in where you got it. Most companies are pretty aggressive in protecting thier IP rights.

 

[Wingnut]

So I bought some ASB ...and on the back, it says it's distributed by "Tabac Cosmetics Ltd.," not Maurer & Wirtz

It troubles me that it doesn't have the Maurer & Wirtz trademark on it as well--although I'm not familiar with the product myself. I DO know that Tabac = Maurer & Wirtz, though...

 

[Shutterbug57]

He's is what the back if a legit tube of Tabac balm looks like.

 

[1904]

He's is what the back if a legit tube of Tabac balm looks like.

Definitely no resemblance. Hate to pay the postage on the return to the UK.

 

[1904]

Or maybe I'll put it on the B/S/T as a white elephant.

 

[morseman]

I think that i would be reporting them for selling fake goods as its against ebay rules.

 

[1904]

I think that i would be reporting them for selling fake goods as its against ebay rules.

Interesting. I'll see what the seller's reply is. I'd like to see if I can get my money back.

 

[Shutterbug57]

I would report them to the legit Tabac folks. They will likely pay to have the product sent to them and replace it with the real thing. Piracy is no laughing matter to the trademark owners. Most of them get pretty aggressive in protecting trademarks, patents and other intellectual property.

 

[1904]

I would report them to the legit Tabac folks. They will likely pay to have the product sent to them and replace it with the real thing. Piracy is no laughing matter to the trademark owners. Most of them get pretty aggressive in protecting trademarks, patents and other intellectual property.

I've contacted them, too--hopefully they'll make an offer to do that!

 

[brucered]

keep in mind, Tabac is in no way obligated to replace it. hopefully they do, but that's the chance you take when you buy stuff off ebay.

the seller has 100% feedback and high sales....i'm guessing it's marketed for another country or samples or something similar, who knows.

if it's fake and you or Tabac confirm, report them to ebay/paypal and you will be covered for a full refund without having to pay shipping back.

 

[orchestrion]

Based on the small size it's possible that they came from a gift set or something similar. Good luck finding a resolution--hopefully the seller will be able to offer some insight.

 

[mftoms59]

Definitely no resemblance. Hate to pay the postage on the return to the UK.

First contact Maurer & Wirtz to see if it's legit, Tabac Man does come in a Black bottle so this could be the companion balm, if not open a grievance through e-bay. It is troublinfg it doesn't have Maurer & Wirtz stamped on the package.

 

[1904]

Update: I told the seller what's going on, and he's offered a full refund, shipping incl.

 

[Wingnut]

WHEW! Glad to hear that at least you're not on the hook for the cost of what might be imitation (or worse) product.

 

[1904]

Update: I told the seller what's going on, and he's offered a full refund, shipping incl.

Definitely. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Wingnut]

Any time--that's what we're all here for!

 

[patrickthebassbash]

I thought about this thread while at a (kinda shady lookin') beauty supply store today. I was pleasantly surpised to see they had in their stock Lucky Tiger and Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum. I wanted to pick up a bottle of Lucky Tiger but the bottles looked pretty beat up, so I picked up a bottle of the bay rum. I noticed the VIBR bottle didn't have the little "thingy" around the neck and cap, it was just down around the top of the neck. I opened one of the bottles and took a whiff of Jif (remember that commercial?!) and said to myself, "This does not smell like VIBR. It's some kind of bay rum, though." Then I looked at some of the bottles next to it, with the VIBR label, and lo and behold the bottle wasn't brown it was clear! I believe they may have been refilled Lilac Vegetal bottles with VIBR labels! Man, someone went through a lot of trouble to do that. I wonder if they used one of the home brew bay rum recipes. Anyway, a very strange sight.