Don't get conned by the internet for your prom dress
Picture this. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect prom dress. You found ‘the one’ online and what’s more, it’s discounted and designer. You rip open the packaging and, ta da, it’s fake.
How can you go to the event of your life in a dream dress that’s a designer rip off?
Sadly, this scenario is happening all too often. The growth and anonymity of the internet has made it easy for companies to sell fake and pirated goods.
Unfortunately, some of the biggest prom dress brands are amongst those businesses commonly targeted by online counterfeiters. Nearly 7% of worldwide merchandise bought online is counterfeit so when you’re choosing your precious prom dress – you need to be extra wary and use your common sense when shopping on the web.
As online brand protection specialists, MarkMonitor can’t pretend to be experts in the latest prom dress fashions, but here they offer essential advice on safe internet shopping.
For starters, if you’re looking to grab a bargain ahead of the big night out do not be blinded by the look and design of the website.
Some companies might have a fantastic, professional-looking site, but that doesn't mean it's law-abiding. Look for clear signs that you are buying from a reputable company:
- Price. If the price sounds too good to be true, take notice of those ringing alarm bells and be extra vigilant. A clear indicator of counterfeit products often comes down to price. Shop around first and research the recommended retail price (RRP) of the designer dress. As a rule of thumb, if it’s less than 50 percent of the RRP, there is a high possibility the goods will be fake
- The site itself. Some sites look really professional at first glance, but brandjackers aren’t always so careful about the “About” page, or a “FAQ” page. Look out for spelling mistakes on both the website and the URL address as many counterfeiters use branded terms in domain names.
- Returns policy. Reputable sites spell this out for you up front. It crucial to check out the returns policy as a bona fide seller should always provide an option of how to cancel and where to return goods
- Privacy policy. Counterfeiters and other brandjackers don’t usually invest the time to craft a clear, strong privacy policy. Genuine sites will have a detailed privacy policy, which explains how its customers’ personal details are used
- Reputation. Research their online reputation to check whether the site or seller is mentioned on any of the scam warning sites. If you do suspect you may have found a dodgy dealer you can do a search for ‘vendor+scam’ and see what comes up.
So, whether you’re looking for short or long, flippy or flirty, just remember that if a dress deal does sound too good to be true, it probably is. A counterfeit big bargain really isn’t worth ruining one of the best party nights of your life.
Tagged in fashion tips