Unsure of wholesaler's authenticity

salohcin · 04-20-2006, 07:25 PM

Not really sure if I should say their name, but I've been in contact with an internet wholesaler and I'm about to spend quite a lot of money on an order - but a part of me just tells me not to.

Usually, I'm VERY suspicious of any business (internet and real life) that looks, in any way, dodgy (no matter how small the reason is). And this site...well, the site could be described as 'plain' and when I e-mail them, their replies are somehow not very professional really. Basically, they sound like teenagers.

I did ask about authenticity - they said they only do authentic items and said that they will supply, with my order, a VAT invoice with their name and address. Despite this, I'm not willing to take the risk before asking for opinions.

**Wasted** · 04-20-2006, 09:08 PM

Simply ask this source their source. Then verify their source with a letter or phone call. Very strong possibility they will be fakes.

CONGO-JOE · 04-20-2006, 09:27 PM

SMELLS CORRUPT!

salohcin · 04-20-2006, 09:32 PM

Cheers Wasted, I'll try that.

Anything else, anyone?

Also, this is something I've considered - how do you actually know for sure that stuff from wholesalers are genuine? I mean, is there a certificate of authenticity from the designer/manufacturer? I'm sure there's loads of fake-goods-selling people who pose as genuine wholesalers - how can we tell which are the genuine ones?

Daveheadhunt · 04-20-2006, 09:44 PM

The only way to be sure of buying authentic wholesale merchandise is to buy through authorised channels. If you try to buy out of the "back door" you will get burnt 999 out of 1000 times. The simpliest way to check a garments authenticity is to take it to your nearest authorised Retailer and ask them if it looks authentic - most will be happy to help.

salohcin · 04-20-2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveheadhunt

The only way to be sure of buying authentic wholesale merchandise is to buy through authorised channels. If you try to buy out of the "back door" you will get burnt 999 out of 1000 times. The simpliest way to check a garments authenticity is to take it to your nearest authorised Retailer and ask them if it looks authentic - most will be happy to help.

What is meant by 'authorised channels'?

Daveheadhunt · 04-21-2006, 01:42 AM

The Brands authorise Distributors to sell their products... or the Distributors buy a license from the Brands.

CD · 04-21-2006, 11:34 PM

Post up the suppliers website or name - so we can check it out. They may be totally legit - trying to keep costs down by not paying for expensive website designers!
You can normally tell straight away either way if supplier is genuine!! Same with the actual clothes!

AcelinFromNorth · 04-21-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CD

Post up the suppliers website or name - so we can check it out. They may be totally legit - trying to keep costs down by not paying for expensive website designers!
You can normally tell straight away either way if supplier is genuine!! Same with the actual clothes!

Yes, all it takes is a quick glance.

What was the address?

salohcin · 04-23-2006, 02:25 PM

I did post the supplier's name, but it got deleted by (I assume) the moderator or something. It was fair enough, I suppose, but it doesn't really help - in my opinion.

CD - can you check your PM when you can, please?