Poss Grey Import / Counterfeit item

[Deleted User]

Hi all

I bought a suitcase from ebay 'Power Seller' listings say all his stock is 100% genuine. Paid by paypal, delivered last Thursday I opened it and looked fine. Today I went online (no longer in stock on ebay) to buy one for my friend and realised that mine is most prob a very good fake/ copy or a 'grey import' at best. The lining fabric is different from all of the ones I've seen online but the picture the seller used on ebay listing didn't show the inside. But it could well be genuine just a versio made with an alternative lining. Called HQ of the brand who wouldn't comment either way.

So I left neutral fb saying it was diff to the other ones I've seen etc

But not happy I have been sold a poss fake and seller will just relist it. Anyway I'm wondering if it's worth raisnig a case as:

1) have already left FB
2) Travelling this weekend and it's the only case I could find to fit easyjets new cabin luggage rules for when I travel in July
3) can't afford to buy something else before we go away
4) Costs a fortune to return to seller

Inclined to leave keep it and hope all is OK. . But what happens if it falls apart whilst I'm away? Will I lose all rights if I return it to seller for a refund if I use it? If it is genuine is the manufacturers 30yr warranty valid if I bought it from ebay?

I'd be grateful for any advice
Thanks

theonlywayisup

You should have gone to the seller first to express your concerns.

The leaving of neutral feedback imho is unfair as you have no evidence the item is fake.

soolin

You've left poor feedback based on a hunch?

Quality has nothing at all to do with brand names. Some of the best selling cases , the extra light ones with a 10 year guarantee are not actually covered on that guarantee if used on a plane- purely due to the rough handling they get. The manufacturer guarantee may well not work even on a genuine item if you have not bought from a licensed reseller, but check the small print and also make sure, as above, it actually covers you for travelling.

RFW

bushbaby1103 wrote: »

But it could well be genuine just a versio made with an alternative lining. Called HQ of the brand who wouldn't comment either way.

So I left neutral fb saying it was diff to the other ones I've seen etc

Have you at any time contacted the seller, apart from feedback?

If the lining was pictured in the listing and was different, it may not have been so bad leaving a neutral, still a pretty off thing to do though.

The first thing I would have done was contact the seller and ask questions. If you'd left me a neutral in similar circumstances I probably wouldn't be too helpful right now, whether genuine or not.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Reading what you've said I agree I jumped the gun should've contacted the seller first. And I understand he might not want to be too helpful at this stage. Lesson learnt!

thanks again

ballisticbrian

The lining fabric is different from all of the ones I've seen online

Changing designs or fabrics or even the construction of items regularly is a way big manufacturers protect themselves from an ever skyward spiral of returns and problems with customers buying items and sending old ones back. (which would eventually kill any company)

Sometimes, some of the older stock or excess stock or "sale or return" goods, or factory outlet seconds etc, find their way onto eBay and they wont match the current range.

springdreams

If the buyer fails to respond within a reasonable time, you can contact your local Trading Standards with your concerns, as they also look into possible counterfeit goods purchased on ebay.