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Protect Yourself; Spotting Fake And Counterfeit Perfumes
By Michael Rares | February 25, 2008
I recently began selling to the retail market after being a Perfume Wholesale Distributor in the Discount Perfume industry for over 28 years. I started selling on eBay and soon noticed some items from my competitors had substantially lower pricing than I could purchase from perfume distributors and the fragrance manufactures. I came across an item by Chanel that caught my eye. This is a company that has strict distribution and limits its supply to all of its distribution channels.
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4oz, which retails for $110.00, was on eBay for $39.95. This item, when it is available, sells in the wholesale market for around $85.00. As a consumer, this should immediately put up a red flag as it did for me that this product was either counterfeit or stolen. Based on the price I ruled out stolen merchandise. There is no need to cut the price of perfumes this low. In fact, you can sell perfumes close to or at market price.
Here are some things to look for that will let you spot counterfeit perfume. You can do this by comparing the item in question against one from a department store.
1. Examine the outside packaging. Is the lettering the same font and type?
2. Is the wording on the box in the same place?
3. Is the box folded and glued in the same manner? Is the seam even and properly connected? Does it fall apart when handled?
4. The detail bordering need to be the same. In the
5. The UPC Bar code on the box should be in the same place. Do the numbers match up?
6. Are the trade marks present and in the right places?
7. Is there an inner lining inside the box and is the construction consistent with the perfume box you are comparing with?
8. Look at the details, angles and coloring of the cap and its construction. Does it fit properly on the bottle? Does it slide on and off easily.
9. The bottle construction is very difficult to copy. Are the angles of the glass smooth and even? Quality bottles are seamless.
10. Check the clarity of the color and print work on the bottle.
11. Another good indicator is the sprayer. Examine the sprayer detail outside and inside the bottle. In this case the gold sprayer and the stem inside it were completely different.
12. Finally, see if the coloring of the juice and the smell are consistent with the department store product. The smell test is always the first test for consumers, but it can be hard to tell the difference unless you wear it for a period of time.
I concluded with my 28 years plus in the business that this Chanel Perfume product was counterfeit. I read the consumer reviews. 50% thought something was wrong, while the other half were deceived by this counterfeit product. I reported the counterfeit perfume to eBay. They didn’t adequately respond nor did they penalize the company selling the counterfeit products. It is buyer beware when buying from eBay.
Consumers should look for reputable websites that have good ratings and guarantee their Discount Perfume products. Price comparison using legitimate websites when purchasing any product is a good rule of thumb. If the product price is not relatively within the market price, stay away from it.
About The Author
Michael Rares, has 30 years experience in the Perfume Industry and is America’s first perfume wholesaler. He offers you a large selection and amazing prices on your favorite Designer Perfumes , Fragrances, Skin Care And Fashion Accessories. Shop now from people you can trust. Visit us at BigDiscount.com
Topics: Useful Information | 9 Comments »
9 Responses to “Protect Yourself; Spotting Fake And Counterfeit Perfumes”
Comments
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February 29th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Thanks for the article, Michael. I have heard so many horror stories regarding eBay disatisfaction that I limit my consideration to only those sellers I know. I think it’s fair to point out that there’s more to a purchase than just the selling price. There’s timely, reasonably priced shipping and customer service after the sale. Sellers like BigDiscount know that repeat business is just as important as the first sale. Keep up the good work – I look forward to your next post.
February 29th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Thank you for the article. I buy cologne on eBay and this article was very helpful. I am actually afraid now that some of the cologne that I have now and that I have spent $40 on, may be fake and I don’t realize it. It is $100 cologne. Jean Paul mens cologne is one of them. I don’t even know if its worth buying like this anymore, unless I buy from this website. thank you so much for taking the time to give us this information!! Big Discount .com will be where I get my cologne from now on!!! Thanks again!!! Pat
Michael Rares reply on February 29th, 2008:
Thanks Pat, BigDiscount.com is very careful that it buys from reputable distributors and manufacturers.
Please shop for all your Discount Perfume and Fragrances and feel secure that your purchasing genuine Brand Name Fragrances.
Michael Rares
February 29th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Thanks for the information Michael.
In the UK where I live we have Trading Standards Offices who take up any claims of false items (perfume, DVDs clothes) and prosecute the offenders. Isn’t there anything similar in the USA that protects the public?
Michael Rares reply on April 1st, 2008:
Thanks Rita, Unfortunately, I contacted the FBI, Ebay and Chanel And they all did nothing.Buyer beware.Ebay is a bad place to Shop.
Mike
April 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I just found a website selling fake goods.Dejavuperfumes.com is selling Light Blue sp 3.4 for $32.00 .the wholesale price C.O.D is 55-60
Dollars. What do you think.
Mike
April 7th, 2008 at 9:54 am
The information is extremely helpful to me as a consumer. The perfume industry is huge and Michael’s comments help to sort out the true meaning of the word discount. There are so many fake Internet sites, which seem to have no standards.It is troubling for me, who likes to but quality perfume at a wholesale price. I have always been greatly satisfied with my purchases at BigDiscount. Thanks to Michael for his candor and expertise!
Susan
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
[...] the city street corner, it’s more than likely fake. There are also visual clues to help you detect the fakes even if your nose may not trained to smell the difference. Typically, counterfeit packaging will [...]
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I recently purchased what was advertised as “vintage” Hermes Caleche. I am sure it is fake and I have filed a complaint with PayPal and the seller.
I am not hopeful that I will get my money back but I would like to pursue the issue as individuals should not be allowed ( even unknowingly) to sell a counterfeit product. If it was called a knock-off or a “like” Caleche, at least a buyer would know what they were getting.