WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO DISTINGUISH A GENUINE PRODUCT FROM A FAKE?
In a thriving sector, the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit products are inevitable. The global circulation of counterfeits is widespread and poses numerous problems for official manufacturers as well as their distributors and, of course, for end consumers.
- What tangible signs should one look for to assess the reliability of an online distributor?
- When one can physically examine the product, how can one distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products?
DOES EVERY VALUABLE PRODUCT AROUSE DESIRE?
The global aesthetics market is experiencing constant growth and is worth billions of dollars. Such a market inevitably attracts the greed of fraudulent manufacturers and distributors.
The circulation of counterfeit products creates a certain distrust among consumers. It is indeed advisable to be cautious when purchasing medical devices online.
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS ⚠
When searching for filling products online, it is important to know how to distinguish copies from originals. A counterfeit is a product designed to deceive the buyer by bearing the same name as the authentic product. The packaging is almost identical to the original product, making it very difficult to tell the two apart!
The only way to distinguish between a counterfeit product and an authentic product is to have a trained eye and to know the small details that cannot be easily reproduced by illegal manufacturers.
Unfortunately, in the aesthetic market, counterfeit products are rampant and pose significant risks to patients. Counterfeit products often contain cheaper ingredients and other unknown substances that can lead to various adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, injuries, and infections.
It is therefore important to purchase filling products from a trusted partner.
BUYERS BEWARE ✋
When purchasing filler products online, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure that you are buying authentic products from a reliable and responsible seller. To assist you in your online shopping, we have compiled a list of things to know:
1- Is anyone there? ?
The first thing to check when you find an online supplier is whether it is possible to contact the company. Is there only a contact form to fill out (hoping for a response), or is there a phone number you can call? If so, call the company. If you encounter a "real" employee, the chances that the business is reliable increase.
2-Product Identification ?
Products such as medical devices must be identifiable, thus identification using a lot number is necessary to trace and recall products if needed. Furthermore, these products must have an expiration date until which the product can be used safely, expressed in months and years. These identifications must always appear on the packaging. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to ask the seller to provide you with this information before proceeding with the purchase.
3-Where is the company located? ?
When considering purchasing filler products online, it may be wise to check where the company is located and where the products are shipped from. If the company is based in the EU, you can conduct some basic research on the company: EU companies have a tax identification number or VAT number. If you search for this number and find the company in official registers, then it is a legitimate and real business.
4-Prices ?
If the price seems too good to be true, it should raise your concerns. Generally speaking, if a product is significantly discounted compared to the usual prices observed in the market, there is a strong likelihood that the product is a counterfeit. Even though product prices vary in the market, distributors and importers of authentic dermal filler products all initially purchase these products within a given price range. This results in selling prices that are of a similar magnitude. Therefore, if you suddenly encounter a product whose price is well below the general market price, it should alert you!
5- Conditioning and Packaging ?
It is difficult to spot a counterfeit product, as the packaging is almost identical to that of the original product. However, if the product has an official holographic sticker, then it is a good point of comparison. Other elements to look for on the packaging include spelling mistakes, translation issues, the use of different fonts and characters, poorly reproduced logos, inconsistent legal mentions, or poor print quality, all of which can serve as warning signs. Also check for logos certifying compliance with European (CE) and/or national (NF) standards.
6-Social networks ?
Is the company present on social media? If so, it is a sign that the business is official. Try searching for the company on different networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, to see if it is active and regularly posts new content. If the company regularly updates its profiles and shares relevant information and images of products, employees, and facilities, its credibility will definitely be enhanced. Furthermore, does the company respond to comments left by customers? If so, this means that the company is responsive and that someone is on the other end.
7-What do people say? ?
It is good for a company to communicate and talk about itself, but it is even better if an outsider says something positive about the company. Look for business recommendations on various review sites, such as Google My Business, or customer testimonials. If the ratings and testimonials are positive and other customers have had good experiences, why hold back? Certainly, not all companies are reviewed, but keep in mind that if the company is a scam, people will spread the word. Bad experiences travel quickly on the Internet.
HAPPY SHOPPING! ?
The points mentioned above are just a few of the factors to consider when purchasing filler products online. In any case, it is always wise to exercise common sense when searching for these products online. If something seems strange or false, or simply too good to be true, skepticism is warranted!
