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Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

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Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#281

Post by tracker1 »

phil21 wrote: post #21
dmix wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can't the review system help deal with this problem? I always check reviews of the product and vendor to make sure it's legit. Only a few could get burned before the vendor is flagged as a counterfeiter which would stop further purchases. That should reduce the amount of money you could make scamming people and make it a less viable criminal business. Amazon also seems diligent in refunding people as well. So the sol…

The problem is that it can say "Sold by Amazon" and still be co-mingled stock some third party seller tossed the same SKU on. So there is no way to even know who the actual seller is. Amazon could end this particular fraud literally overnight by no longer co-mingling, but I suspect that would be wildly expensive for them to do. Your method is fine for actual accounts selling scammy things - the problem is when those…

Or, upon receiving goods from a seller, they could add an additional label-sticker number indicating the real provider of the goods so they could be readily tracked down, and singled out.

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#282

Post by dkarapetyan »

Isn't the obvious solution to have some kind of registration process? Or am I missing something?

If I'm publishing a book then anyone else that wants to sell that book in large quantities must register with me and get my sign-off. Large quantities being somewhat vaguely defined.

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#283

Post by dba7dba »

bonestamp2 wrote: post #72
Lasher wrote: post #4

I purchased Quickbooks Pro 2017 (PC) on Amazon last week, said it was "sold by Intuit" so wasn't even supposed to be an FBA (fulfilled by Amazon). Figured if it costs no more I might as well get the physical disk. What showed up was a DVD case with a very clearly photocopied cover for a Mac version with a Verbatim CDR inside and a hacked version of the software. Amazon processed the refund just fine but didn't seem p…

Amazon isn't going to take this seriously until a major company gets burned and the FBI gets involved. Then Amazon will experience what every other company does that gets burned for selling counterfeit goods... the FBI will raid their warehouse and hold all the inventory as evidence until they complete their investigation. Like you said, Amazon doesn't seem concerned that they're selling counterfeit goods -- probably…

"the FBI will raid their warehouse and hold all the inventory as evidence until they complete their investigation"

Considering the strained relationship between Bezos and Trump, I can actually see that happening.

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#284

Post by rexf »

ikeboy wrote: post #124
home_boi wrote: post #99

Have you found any alternative to online shopping? I generally just roll the dice with Amazon on anything that is not food or electronics. The convenience trumps the money wasted on buying a bad product. For electronics, I've looked at Walmart and Jet.com which have shady 3rd party sellers that are worse than Amazon sellers. I believe BestBuy gets all its inventory from authorized sellers so I trust them, although th…

Food is not commingled, or anything with expiration dates. Buy from a seller with good feedback and you'll be fine.

That's great to hear, but source? I've bought food from Amazon, but I'm really hesitant to do so anymore

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#285

Post by cnst »

AdamJacobMuller wrote: post #207
bonestamp2 wrote: post #72

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Amazon isn't going to take this seriously until a major company gets burned and the FBI gets involved. Then Amazon will experience what every other company does that gets burned for selling counterfeit goods... the FBI will raid their warehouse and hold all the inventory as evidence until they complete their investigation. Like you said, Amazon doesn't seem concerned that they're selling counterfeit goods -- probably…

> hold all the inventory as evidence With the FBA situation, why would amazon even care? Amazon will just tell the seller, "X from your inventory was just sized by the FBI, talk to them if you want it back" The seller has no leverage against Amazon, Amazon is out no money, Amazon will just get another shipment of counterfeit widgets the next day.

> Amazon will just tell the seller, "X from your inventory was just sized by the FBI, talk to them if you want it back"

No, if you have FBA, once your item enters their system, it's their item. If it's seized by the FBI, AMZ will pay you fair market price for your item they've lost the possession of, or will replace it with a likewise item.

I mean, if they had any actual idea/proof that you're the one who supplied them with the counterfeit, they'd not put it into their space in the first place; once it's on the shelves, it's all shared property, and sellers don't own any individual stock.

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#286

Post by cnst »

AdamJacobMuller wrote: post #258
cookiecaper wrote: post #248

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sellers can opt-out of commingling, but many don't because a) they don't understand the implications, as Amazon doesn't really make it clear; and b) because it requires them to individually add a separate sticker/identifier to each unit of their product, adding significantly to preparation and packaging costs.

I think Amazon charges more for storage fees if you disable commingling too.

I'd imagine fulfillment would be pricier, too, since items could no longer be located at every warehouse at no extra effort.

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#288

Post by bamboozled »

throaway2137582 wrote: post #188

Throwaway for various reasons. Amazon seller / vendor here with over $5MM in annual sales. We sell to both Amazon directly and fulfill via FBA when PO's are delayed due to their archaic purchasing system. Let me tell you guys what the real problem is, you ready for it? CHINA When Bezos opened up the platform to Chinese sellers in 2015, they FLOODED the market with not only counterfeit items but straight illegal busin…

I understand you, but maybe it's now a race to the bottom.

As a consumer, you may want nice things, but most people want cheap things, Amazon is a business, they just want to make maximum revenue. If they're making profits operating this way, it will continue and unfortunately, maybe the competition is catching up too quickly to turn it all around.

I have family who actually buy from Alibaba because, they know it's dirt, dirt cheap, consumers love paying the lowest price, even if it means damage to society and in my opinion, Joe six pack doesn't give a damn about "quality". They don't care, so log as they're getting $5 dollar bed sheets.

How will Amazon change that?

Re: Amazon's Tepid Response to Counterfeiters Frustrates Sellers

#289

Post by Neliquat »

grandalf wrote: post #167

Amazon makes massive profit from counterfeits. I've been the unwitting purchaser of several counterfeit products and it's rarely worth the hassle of returning them. I just realized the other day that some wifi cameras I purchased in 2010 are knock offs!

Its worth the hassle if you care about the next guy.
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