DISCERNING A FAKE PRODUCT FROM AN ORIGINAL OR HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT — USING PPP IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
1. PRICE: Inferior or imitation products are cheaper.
2. PRINT: Instructions or labeling of inferior or imitation products may be illegible, matted, or missing letters.
3. PACKAGING: Inferior or imitation products are packaged in inferior materials that may be falling apart before sale. If it is a liquid product, the contents may be leaking leaving stains on the packaging.
A fraudulent manufacturer wants to save money and may print the packaging materials in-house.
When a reputable outside supplier is used, the chances of exposure increases.
FURTHERMORE
1. QUESTION THE MERCHANT: Have the merchant bring out all the products in that category as the merchant may hide the genuine products.
2. PRICE DIFFERENCES: Have the merchant explain the price differences.
While shim is doing the explanation, evaluate the different products using PPP.
If a product with poor lettering and poor packaging costs more than one with superior packaging, find another merchant.
Either the superior product was returned and placed in an inferior packaging or the merchant is trying to use price to confuse you.
Either way, it is FRAUD.
FINAL ADVICE
Know your merchant and get a written guarantee that you’ll return the product if it does not meet your expectations.
This is especially true when products are part of a larger product such as an automobile transmission.
Who wants a four-speed automatic transmission to replace a six-speed transmission?
Also inform the merchant that the police may be involved if shim products do not meet required expectations.
The merchant does not want to give bribes to a corrupt police force.
Avoid sending untrustworthy individuals to buy products for you. If you do, ensure they use PPP.
Some will purposely buy inferior products and pocket the difference.
If you do not want to be duped, go to the market and make your own purchases.
This is especially true if it is a big ticket item.
If you find a reputable merchant such as a pharmacist, stick with that merchant.