October 19, 2006

Do You Shop on EBay?

Recently -ok, not so recently, -last month, I read in this article by FT titled 'Fashion labels sue Ebay over sales of fakes'. If you're not bothered to read it, basically the article says that Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior (both part of LVMH) are sueing Ebay as they believe that most of the products sold on Ebay bearing their names were fakes. The article mentions that Ebay is currently also being sued by Tiffany. And, in the past, Louis Vuitton had successfully sued Google for linking to sites that sold counterfeit versions of LV products.

Now obviously, I'm no lawyer or expert, so I'm not going to talk about the legal issues involved here. (If any of you know anything, feel free to comment.) This article just got me wondering, do any of YOU currently shop, or have shopped on Ebay? What did you buy and how much did you pay? Did the product turn out to be the same as shown in the sellers' photos? Basically, what was your experience like?

Personally, I've browsed Ebay before, hoping to understand why some people actually get addicted to Ebay, but I really don't get how anyone could ever tell if a product is real or fake, esp by only looking at the sellers' photos. And to be honest, why would anyone why to buy shoes that have been worn by someone else (?) -talk about unhygienic!

I realise that some people like shopping on Ebay for second-hand stuff so the product will be cheaper than buying first-hand, and that some people find products that aren't in stores anymore and want to get them. Also, I've heard many personal and magazine stories where shoppers are happy with EBay. But at the end of the day, I'm just too 'playing it safe' to shop on Ebay. Oh well.

39 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I bought a real hervé chapelier bag on ebay for $40 including shipping, but would never by a louis vuitton or anything.

10/19/2006 9:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i personally dont like wearing secondhand shirts or shoes either esp since its hard to make sure everything fits right, but ebay is good for things other than clothing. like cds, or dvds.

tips! if the seller is a one time seller and not a store, their goods are more likely to be real. they are probably just a regular person like me and you and want to make some money on the side selling stuff they dont want anymore.

my biggest purchases are usually perfume. perfume is soo expensive and buying it on ebay is a lot cheaper. also, i get perfume ADD so i switch around a lot and then i don't even use
that much, so better to buy cheaper.

10/19/2006 10:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with above- it depends on what you want to buy and who you buy it from. I only buy from individual sellers. I bought a beautiful dining suite for about one fifth of what I would pay for anywhere else... I met the previous owner picking it up and it was sort of nice to know where it came from- ebay makes shopping a more personal experience I think. I would never buy clothes or shoes online but for things like furniture, dvd's, perfume and make up it is fantastic...

10/19/2006 11:32 AM  
Blogger victoriaying said...

I never buy high end things on ebay, its way too risky. I usually just buy unique vintage peices or things of that nature.

10/19/2006 11:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've attempted buying "branded goods" several times and every single time it turns out to be fake.

I've stopped buying clothes and accessories over ebay now.

10/19/2006 3:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ebay is NOT just for secondhand goods and fakes...there are MANY sellers who sell new items (including those who have online stores) - just like you would get at an outlet store - they may be last season - but they are brand new. I've bought a gucci bag from a US ebay store that was brand new...it was something that came out several years ago, and I never bought at the time and kicked myself for (a black bucket bag)...I have 2 gucci bags bought straight from the gucci store, and I know that the one I bought on ebay was genuine too - upon close comparison, everything, down to the dustbag was identical. Still - there are a lot fakes on there - you just have to choose a seller with a good reputation. I also bought pink birkenstock slippers from an ebay store. They were imported straight from Germany - and were identical to the ones I've seen in the store in London. The stores here had them for £30, I got mine on ebay for £20 plus £5 shipping - not a massive discount actually - but the only reason I bought it was because my store was out of stock in my size and I couldn't wait any longer...

10/19/2006 8:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

^ yup, ebay is not for used merchandise only. i've bought new books. got designer jeans via dailydenim (who was affiliated with fashion blogger closettherapy). not much though as i'm very careful with what i buy on ebay.

i won't buy designer handbags though. i got burned when i bought a fake gucci bag which i fortunately was able to return for a refund. i do know how to spot the fake LVs but i just personally prefer buying straight from the designer boutiques.

10/19/2006 11:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like buying vintage clothes on ebay- things you could buy nowhere else because they are so unique. I have bought one Abercrombie shirt; I think it was a fake (the chinese seller had a reputation of selling fakes every now and then) but it was only like, 6 dollars, and it looked authentic enough that I didn't care all too much. I always like to stay away from brand names unless they're so cheap it's okay if it turns out to be a fake, and I never buy shoes. Gross! You have no idea who's feet have been in them!

10/19/2006 11:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I work at eBay but I was addicted to it before I started working here, so I swear I am not biased. I love eBay for tons of different things. I get lots of new discontinued items there like these gorgeous black Diesel Betty boots that I could not find ANYWHERE. And a stunning new Dior bag that was half the price and authentic. Now if only I could find a skirt from Betsey Johnsons My Blue Heaven 03 collection. I don't buy used things there very often except books and music and vintage clothing like kimonos.

But you have to be careful. You can, and many people do, get ripped off. I have worked here long enough that I can spot the fakes and frauds from a mile away, but for the new user, it isn't so easy. And 9 times out of 10, the people that are defrauded are new members, so it is kind of live and learn.

But my tips are: Be super cautious of sellers from china. Ask questions. If it's too good to be true IT ALWAYS IS.

10/19/2006 11:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with what a lot of people said about eBay being awesome for vintage. If you're looking to put together a certain look from a certain era, labels just do not matter. Someone earlier said to stay away from the stores if you want to avoid fakes, but when it comes to vintage, ebay stores are the way to go. An individual just is not going to have 70 different 60's dresses to choose from like a store owner does.

10/20/2006 12:19 AM  
Blogger LovaGirl said...

I would never and will never shop clothes/handbags from ebay! It's hard to trust if you cant see the item for yourself.

10/20/2006 12:57 AM  
Blogger Frapp said...

I still don't understand the whole addiction thing, and I won't ever buy any handbags or clothes from Ebay because I know I'll just get picky! I've only ever bought one thing and that was a £4.99 The Who album for my Dad for Christmas!

10/20/2006 1:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I bought a genuine Marc Jacobs Stam (fall 05) bag from eBay. It was about $200. The bag was gorgeous, and even if it was a fake, I thought that I would love it. I got it, and from looking at the real bags, I'm almost positive that it is genuine! I absolutely love it! :)

10/20/2006 1:46 AM  
Blogger Gloria said...

I don't buy high end items, period. Simply because I can't afford it. However, most of the accessories I've bought from eBay I really like.

10/20/2006 2:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Like others, I do NOT buy high end products on ebay. I buy clothing, beads (for making jewelry), yarn and the occasional DVD. I never buy from international sellers (especially China as even the DVDs from there will be counterfeit & unlikely to play or be of low quality.)

The reason I shop ebay is the same reason I shop sales. The mark up on retail is ridiculous and I feel ripped off paying full price. Ebay is a great alternative for hard to find or unique items.

10/20/2006 2:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

theres this girl in my year, she started bragging about how she bought a marc jacobs wallet for a really cheap price on ebay. when it came, she started showing it off. its fake. the buckles aren't shiny like like the real ones and the material is plastic... never never nevER buy branded stuff on ebay. its sad and gross. and always fake.

10/20/2006 2:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

theres this girl in my year, she started bragging about how she bought a marc jacobs wallet for a really cheap price on ebay. when it came, she started showing it off. its fake, ew. the buckles aren't shiny like like the real ones and the material is plastic... never never nevER buy branded stuff on ebay. its sad and gross. and always fake.

10/20/2006 2:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I rarely buy clothes off eBay, period. Rather, I buy new products from sellers that have very high feedback. I made my most expensive purchase on eBay a few weeks ago, a new w810i Sony Cellphone - because I couldn't buy the phone through my cell carrier. It was a positive experience (and I love the phone). As long as you are smart, and read feedback carefully, buying off eBay can be a positive experience.

10/20/2006 3:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have purchased several things from ebay and have been happy with all of my items. You definitely want to do your research on the sellers. They have this deal that grades the seller on past transactions. I'm not addicted to ebay but if there is something I really want and cannot find it in stores then I turn to ebay. I found the Little Mermaid DVD brand new and unopened months before it hit the stores for my God daughter. So it is great for some things. Again, you just have to do your home work.

10/20/2006 4:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

eBay has almost everything, old and new, and it really depends on what you're looking to buy there. If you're worried about fakes, then buy retail. However, usually checking out a seller's credentials (for e.g. the ratings and comments given to him by other buyers) would be a fair gauge as to whether it is worthwhile doing business with him. However, eBay's not for everyone so if you really can't bear the thought of shopping online, just don't. :)

10/20/2006 7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I recently bought a Balenciaga bag of eBAY for AU$200 approx. The bag is absoloutley stunning, made of real leather, everything perfect. I'm 100% sure this bag is genuine, and even if its not, i've got a beautiful brand new goatskin bag for only 200 bucks. Also, most of the items on eBAY are brand new any way, although its great to sell your clothing from last season to earn $$$ to buy new clothes for the next season!!!

10/20/2006 7:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a self-confessed ebay addict. I've never had a problem with secondhand clothes, (I've always loved thrift stores, & I come from a family that counf not necessarily afford new clothes at the rate we needed them), so I find myself buying wardrobe staples there quite frequently. I have bought quite a few highend items off there too. One Marc Jacobs dress I am almost sure is geniune (everything about it checks out fine), and then the rest I am not so sure. But they are beautiful items, and that's why I bought them. The label isn't really a deciding factor.

10/20/2006 10:00 PM  
Blogger Isabel said...

I adore ebay! I buy band t-shirts and books from there, only things that don't have logos. That way, I've never been ripped off.

10/22/2006 6:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I often buy and sell on eBay, but you have to be careful! I usually buy vintage American bijoux or vintage rock t-shirts, and I have always found nice and honest sellers. I usually sell things I don't use anymore or double presents: I have just sold a Juicy Tube Lancome (I already had that colour) and a LV Monogram Multicolor mini-carrè (bought personally at the LV boutique in Milan but never worn).

10/22/2006 11:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love ebay! If I'm looking for something online, I usually go to ebay first because you're almost always guaranteed to get it cheaper. I buy make up, skin care products, clothes both new and vintage, etc. I don't usually buy shoes as every shoe is different, but I have gotten some great deals- a Catherine Maladrino pair of suede heels for $50!! The workmanship is exquisite, and they were dirt cheap. I don't buy much designer stuff, because that does become hard to tell. or if it is designer it's something like a gently used bag, so you know it's probably real. Checking with the seller's feedback is important, but I have to say in my 6 years of buying on ebay I've rarely been ripped off.

10/27/2006 9:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love shopping at ebay. I get to buy things at the fraction of the actual price. I think as an shopper, you should do your homework. YOu have to research on the designer and the items first before bidding. I collect Custo Barcelona shirts, so prior to my first purchase, I already knew the history of the custo line, where the shirts are made, etc. You should be smart and know what's the real thing from what's not.

10/31/2006 9:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ebay is great! This is where you could shop at the convenience of your home and shop a lot without feeling guilty of spending too much afterwards. Nothing beats that! Hope ebay stays!

10/31/2006 9:56 PM  
Blogger grammargirl said...

Hey, It totally depends what you're buying on eBay. If it's Abercrombie or many purses and Louis stuff, there are plenty of fakes. I would check out the eBay "guides" written by buyers and sellers about the products you're looking at. They have good tips about what to buy, what not to buy, how to tell a "fake," and stuff.

11/09/2006 5:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The most expensive things I've bought on ebay were Herve Chapelier bags, and that's because I knew they were brand new and from a trusted seller who has his store and sold thousands.
I also knew about the bags before and once you see items in real life, or have a chance to try them on, it's convenient to shop on Ebay for a better deal.

There's all sorts of gadgets and items that are impossible to find where you live sometimes, so I find it great that I can shop around the world, online.

For whatever occasion, do your research, ask questions and compare prices and sellers. That'll save you some trouble.

4/30/2007 5:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,
I think I am a victim of a counterfeit purchase.

2/23/2008 1:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I bought a Marc Jacobs purse on Ebay. The seller swore it was authentic...i paid 570 for the purse including shipping. When i got it, i realize it wasn't the same picture as described on ebay and so I figured if the person wasn't honest in the first place, they wouldn't be honest enough to post up "non authentic" about the purse..so now i'm going through ebay to see what will happen next. the seller do take refund but not of the shipping..in this case if the seller was honest in the first place, i wouldn't have bid on the damn thing so it is not a question of preference..it is misrepresentation!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2/23/2008 1:45 PM  
Blogger Girl Without Fear said...

Beautiful Things And Stuff is my store on Ebay. Everything is Guaranteed Authentic or your money back I promise! If you pay with Paypal you are protected, and can always dispute with Ebay if unhappy with a purchase.

9/11/2008 2:04 PM  
Anonymous Big8captain said...

What do you do if you bid a designer bags but find it's a counterfeiting fake bag after received it? any suggestion?
It's a $2200 Fendi bag; I got it for $600, you can't tell weather it's real or fake from the web photos. Seller was a known bidding website, vendor was a distrubution company from Canada. I haven't done any thing yet. wondering If I can get my money back or go for the legal path.

6/15/2009 10:38 PM  
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