by Todd Pheifer

Created on: December 09, 2011

Buying gifts and other items for Christmas and other holiday seasons can be expensive, and in a down economy consumers are always looking for a way to cut costs.  The problem is that some individuals may want particular items, and if certain goods are especially unique, there may not be a lot of viable substitutes.  Some buyers may address this problem by buying fake or “knock-off” products.  While this strategy may suffice in some situations, there can also be some dangers when pursuing this type of shopping solution. 

Particular expectations

One problem with buying fake goods is that some people are very particular about their gifts.  This can be true with adults as well as children.  While some may lament the reality that people are enamored with a brand name, this is a factor that must be considered with certain individuals.  If the person in question finds the fake item to be unacceptable, the strategy of saving money may backfire and everyone will be unhappy. 

Quality, features and performance

Another problem with buying fake goods is that they may be lesser in terms of quality, and in some cases they may not do everything that the “real” product can do.  The old phrase that “you get what you pay for” may apply if a knock-off is unable to perform up to expectations.  Fake products may be built with inferior materials, or the company manufacturing the substitute may not have the technology to create an acceptable duplicate. 

Repairs and returns

If the fake version of the good turns out to have problems, there may be a danger that returning it or getting it repaired could be problematic.  As mentioned, some fakes may work or meet certain functions, but are still viewed as inferior.  In other cases the good may fall into disrepair in a shorter period of time than expected.  When people want to return the item, they may run into problems.  If the fake product was purchased online from an individual, or from an unrecognizable organization, customers may experience a lack of customer service and difficulty with returns.    

Buyer beware

Saving money is certainly a positive strategy to pursue, particularly during the holidays.  However, buyers should remember that nothing is guaranteed if they go away from standard products that are sold by known companies.  A “name brand” does not guarantee success either, but customers at least know that there is typically an infrastructure in place to meet their needs if something goes wrong. 

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