Of course, recognizing the difference can sometimes be difficult. It isn't, however, impossible, and if you're willing to err on the side of caution you can likely avoid ever finding yourself in the position of having paid for the genuine article and instead received a pale imitation. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you buy.
- Does it seem to good to be true? The number one indicator of fake or counterfeit goods is cost. Keep your eye out for and avoid goods that are selling at a significantly lower cost than seems appropriate, or at a significantly lower cost than other similar items on eBay. In short, the $15 Buy It Now auction for a $400 software package is probably not genuine, and the same goes for the camera that one seller seems to be selling for 50% less than all of the competition.
- Is it a real product in your market? Mass-market products for sale on eBay that you've never seen in local stores are likely not intended for your nation or region of the world, if they are available at all. This goes both for the half-price video camera (that you later find works only with European PAL-standard television sets, while you are in the US NTSC-standard market) or the aforementioned Indiana Jones DVDs being sold on eBay long before the studio released such a product.
- Is the seller cagey about the product and its origins? Sellers of authentic goods often use strongly indicative keywords and terms to encourage buyers to buy. Do look for words like "genuine," "authentic," "original equipment," "licensed," "legal," and "real," but take care to avoid pitfall phrases like "genuine compatible," "authentic reproduction," "provide your own license," or "legal in many areas." If in doubt, read and re-read the auction listing, and if still in doubt, err on the side of caution.
- Are other authenticating materials included? Though these items, too, can be counterfeited and/or faked, it never hurts to look for auctions that include a certificate of authenticity, a hologram-printed license certificate, a manufacturer's warranty card, or other authenticating materials. At the very least, be extra wary of sellers that sell without them.
- Should the seller have access to this material? Use your common sense about points like this one. A seller that lists shipping times from China while selling goods by a prominent American designer is not likely to be selling the real thing. A seller with items that have belonged to "A list" Hollywood stars, yet lives in a small midwestern town rather than in Los Angeles, should also raise questions. If you can't see how a seller could have legitimately come to possess the products in his or her auctions, there's a good chance that either they or their source aren't legitimate at all.
- Does the seller's feedback indicate authenticity problems? Check the feedback of any seller you're considering buying from and be wary of indications that previous buyers have been unsatisfied about the legitimacy of the goods on offer.
If you're serious about buying legitimate designer, collectible, or custom-produced goods, consider buying from members of eBay's Verified Rights Online (VeRO) program. Though there are many, many legitimate sellers on eBay who aren't members of VeRO, buying from VeRO participants ensures that you're in the clear for many types of items. As a shopper, consider also reporting items that you believe to be counterfeit to eBay's VeRO team, taking care to include the item number of the listing in question.
None of this is meant to scare you away from eBay buying, even of international or unusual goods. Indeed, buying rare, unusual, and limited-release goods is one of the more rewarding hobbies that eBay shoppers engage in. If you're interested in protecting your investment and staying out of trouble, however, it is always a good idea to shop smart—and ask yourself these questions before you buy.
