10 tips to avoid counterfeit products overseas
When it comes to shopping overseas, if an offer seems too good to be true often that’s because it is. And while that Gucci handbag you purchased for 20 Euros might seem like savvy shopping, there comes a time where you do have question the discount.
Counterfeit products are a real problem, and are often manufactured illegally.
We’re going to take a look at 10 tips for spotting fake things while travelling. This way you can ensure your valuable travel dollars are only going towards the real deal.
1. Shop at reputable retailers
At times it’s be difficult to determine which retailers are more reliable than others, but if you’re concerned about counterfeit goods it’s best to avoid the discount shops.
2. Be wary about items purchased from markets
While local markets are a great place to get unique souvenir, if you ever see a brand named product at a market stall you’re correct to question its legitimacy.
3. Examine the product before buying
This is particularly important for products like electronics. Examine the corners and lines of a product before purchasing and check for any signs of shoddy manufacturing.
4. Look out for logos and certification marks
Familiarising yourself with the size, sign and shape of logos and certification marks generally provides a good way of determining if a product is in fact counterfeit.
5. Red flags in their marketing
Shady retailers generally overuse words like, “genuine”, “real” and “authentic” in their marketing for products, so make sure you keep an eye out for these buzzwords.
6. Check in the box
If everything that should be there isn’t there then that’s a sign that the product you’re purchasing is not the real deal. This is particularly true for items like owner’s manuals.
7. Ask for a receipt
If you’re not sure the retailer you’re shopping at is on the level, ask for a receipt. If they won’t give you one, or incorrectly implement sales tax, that’s a bad sign.
8. Observe the salesperson
If the salesperson is using high pressure tactics like telling you the product is heavily discounted and the offer won’t last long, that’s a sign it could be counterfeit.
9. Check for errors in the labelling
Sometimes hastily made counterfeit products will feature labelling that has spelling and grammar mistakes, so make sure you keep an eye out on the packaging.
10. Train your eyes
Key details like zippers, buttons and hems are all indicators of whether a product is real or not. By constantly scouring these details, you can get a good sense how real a product is.
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