Authentic Knock-Offs? WTF?

I love shopping at the mall and even at home through my notebook. I often buy from highly-reputable and authorized US-based online shops to ensure the value of the money I'm paying for. However, being in Manila, sometimes I get so impatient with waiting for the item to get shipped to me and the cost of shipping is really heavy on the pocket. So at times, I tend to search some items locally.

Instead of the ebay.ph, the most popular online shopping experience for Filipinos is through multiply.com--where galleries become shop windows of different types of goods. It's quite convenient, though. So far, I've had nice experiences. All the items did arrive as expected and it was fast. Moreover, I have made some online friends in the process--though multiply.com has become a network of shops, it's still a social network.

I noticed alot of designer items offered at low prices (like less than $20) and the seller claims them to be "authetic," which is really too-good-to-be-true. There are also some items offered at a higher price (like more than $100 but still hella cheaper). For a brand-conscious shopper, he/she would consider buying the higher priced designer item as he/she feels like it is the real thing as the seller would guarantee. It's saddening, actually, especially when you see the supplier's website of the knock-off items from China!

Alot of these shops have a "bogus buyer" section for people who ordered items and cancelled them. "Bogus," ya? It's really ironic how they hate bogus buyers when they sell "bogus" designer items and claim them as authentic or genuine.

I really suggest that those who wants to buy designer stuff to open their eyes and be aware of what they'll be buying. There are helpful sites and forums out there who helps with authenticizing designer items. I recommend, ThePurseForum-- I was surprised to find out that there are plenty of Pinay members in there. Most Filipinos are,indeed, brand-conscious buyers. LOL.

So it's really not authentic, eh? Will you still push through with the purchase? It's your money and it's your choice. If you're into knock-offs or fine with it and it's really cheap enough and the difference is not that great when you personally go to the "DV" and buy them, then go. Just make sure you won't look like Samantha in one of the episodes of Sex and the City where she used a counterfeit/fake purse at a party. YIKES. Goodluck.

If you don't wish to buy the item then good for you. I suggest you just choose from nice non-branded items that look good. There are stylish Korean clothes you can buy there, just make sure you check the sizing chart as they have smaller sizes. At least, you will have a peace of mind that you won't get a shameful experience using or wearing them and the price is okay.

As for the online stores, please stop using the term "authentic" when it's not. If you're not sure then have your items authenticized. Fooling for other's people's hard earned cash is a shameful act. If you value customer trust, then be honest in your item descriptions and pricing. A shop selling "bogus" items as authentic, is a "bogus" seller.