20/20 Fake Products

[mubai]

Thought this would be a good reminder / public service announcement about carefully choosing your supplier of automotive products. There are people who sell fake airbags and can pose a serious hazard for the driver/passenger.

Here is the article from 20/20: http://abcnews.go.com/US/counterfeit-items-inside-home-pose-threat-family/story?id=31023849

In Folsom, California, Bob and Tami Larson bought a used car knowing they needed to replace the airbag. They bought an airbag from Igor Borodin, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for one count of trafficking and attempting to traffic in counterfeit airbags bearing the registered trademark of automobile manufacturers and one count of delivering and causing to be delivered hazardous materials to air carriers for transportation in air commerce.

Inside Borodin’s home in Indian Trail, North Carolina, investigators found more than 1,500 fake airbags and $60,000 in cash hidden in the walls.
Authorities say he sold $1.7 million worth of fake airbags and was once a top-rated seller on eBay. Following this incident, eBay said they tightened their selling policies.

 

[freddyboy61]

That was an enlightening show, most of the fake or poorly manufactured product come out of China.

 

[mubai]

Yeah, they do some crazy around the world shipping to hide the fact it comes from China. Major takeaway I got was buy hygiene, medication and safety equipment from a reputable seller (brand name store).

 

[northcreek]

The Chinese do make some good stuff...It's usually in those little white containers with the wire handles Mike.

 

[Mooseman]

I couldn't believe about the toothpaste. So now I'm gonna have to check for Chinglish on everything.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

No surprise. They are taking over the world as everyone wants faster n cheaper

 

[Mooseman]

Speaking of fakes, just received my Tech2 clone today from China. Seems to work OK. I justify buying this cheap copy because GM asks waaaaaaaaaay too much money for the real one and try to extort absurd amounts of money through their mob network that they call dealerships.

 

[djthumper]

There are just a few things that justify buying the knock-off and their Tech2 is one of them.

 

[mubai]

Kind of on the same price gouging, I take my own water and snacks to the movies. I can't pay $6 for a bottle of water. I have the money, but refuse to pay it.

Speaking of fakes, just received my Tech2 clone today from China. Seems to work OK. I justify buying this cheap copy because GM asks waaaaaaaaaay too much money for the real one and try to extort absurd amounts of money through their mob network that they call dealerships.

 

[DocBrown]

On the flip side, while I hate it when US manufactures move things over seas, when they do contract a Chinese company to make something to a certain standard it usually is done right. As an example we have Trek bikes that are made in China and they are excellent quality. But that just further illustrates needing to know what you are buying.

 

[mubai]

Agreed. I'm just saying the companies that are making knockoff NorthFace jackets, Honda Airbags, and Louis Vuitton Handbags aren't going for top quality products.
They are just trying to make money off of someone else's hard work and brand.

On the flip side, while I hate it when US manufactures move things over seas, when they do contract a Chinese company to make something to a certain standard it usually is done right. As an example we have Trek bikes that are made in China and they are excellent quality. But that just further illustrates needing to know what you are buying.

 

[Mark20]

When companies outsource not only the product but the quality control everyone is in trouble!