I think "Buyer Beware" covers most of what is being said here, and I agree.
Things to look out for,
- Counterfeit articles, looks like the real thing, isn't
- Fakes, somewhat obviously different to an experienced purchaser, but someone unfamiliar might see the name and think it is it.
- Bait and Switch, look at pictures closely, is everything pictured going to be sent? is it the same as advertised?
- Seconds/Factory rejects/Sub-par - not meant for retail market
From my experience, and from what others have told me, the worst to not as bad companies, roughly, are:
Ali Express, Amazon, EBay (special case, see below), Etsy
Ali Express really does seem to be the worst of them.
EBay if it is a company run through EBay, seems okay, and in some cases you can get enough info/pics from sellers to have a better idea if you are being taken for a ride. You can't really ask Amazon or Ali Express to send more pictures or answer a lot of questions.
Etsy really started more as a craft space. I haven't been on in ages. I always found it on the expensive side, but at least a few years back they seemed on top of the game at keeping out fake/forgery stuff. It may have changed.
I think the rule of thumb is... if what you get is crap, and you can't return it or get your money back... can you live with that loss compared to the gamble on what it might have been? Then go ahead. Is it worth putting in a bit more money for a more reputable dealer/situation?
I suppose the final question is, of all the places you might be able to get the item, which business model do you most want to support?
Things to look out for,
- Counterfeit articles, looks like the real thing, isn't
- Fakes, somewhat obviously different to an experienced purchaser, but someone unfamiliar might see the name and think it is it.
- Bait and Switch, look at pictures closely, is everything pictured going to be sent? is it the same as advertised?
- Seconds/Factory rejects/Sub-par - not meant for retail market
From my experience, and from what others have told me, the worst to not as bad companies, roughly, are:
Ali Express, Amazon, EBay (special case, see below), Etsy
Ali Express really does seem to be the worst of them.
EBay if it is a company run through EBay, seems okay, and in some cases you can get enough info/pics from sellers to have a better idea if you are being taken for a ride. You can't really ask Amazon or Ali Express to send more pictures or answer a lot of questions.
Etsy really started more as a craft space. I haven't been on in ages. I always found it on the expensive side, but at least a few years back they seemed on top of the game at keeping out fake/forgery stuff. It may have changed.
I think the rule of thumb is... if what you get is crap, and you can't return it or get your money back... can you live with that loss compared to the gamble on what it might have been? Then go ahead. Is it worth putting in a bit more money for a more reputable dealer/situation?
I suppose the final question is, of all the places you might be able to get the item, which business model do you most want to support?