Yes, it is possible to sell fakes on eBay and get away with it. Although EBay claims not to allow counterfeit items or unauthorised copies to be listed, it does not in any way violate EBay policy.
Actually, the EBay VeRO program has been in place for a very long time to curtail the sale of fakes and counterfeits. The issue now is since eBay is basically just a place where just about anything can be listed, it would be impossible for them to supply experts on every brand in existence to police fake items.
The only way anyone could achieve this is by partnering with the rights owners to have them advise when an item should not be listed. It really is common sense, actually. They don’t want fakes listed, and when they know something is a fake, it is removed, but it has to be verified or they would probably end up removing a bunch of items that are valid.
Basically speaking, the best way to sell fake items on EBay without getting caught is to term and sell them as replicas. In the internet business, nobody knows you; nobody also cares about you as long as you successfully deliver their items to them after they have paid. You don’t need a physical store to start selling your goods to interested customers.
No one can report you to the police once they have discovered that you have sold them a replica or fake item. So you can easily set up your store on EBay and start selling your items. Most times, fake shoes are sold on eBay through sponsored links and this has been happening for a long time.
Though it is against EBay policy, these sellers claim that these items are just replicas; and this is one of the success secrets.
In fact, it is said that eBay allows you to sell official replicas and not counterfeit items. These official replicas really look the same as the original product but are only cheaper. So it can be quite hard to tell the difference between manufacturer approved replicas and fake products.
Knowing how to sell fakes as replica items has been helping lots of online sellers. It is even a lot easier on eBay because these replicas can be designed to look just like the original item but without the original brand name. With this, these replicas are considered legal and not counterfeit.
6 Steps on How to Sell Fakes on EBay and Get Away With It
When it comes to selling all manner of new and used goods on an international scale, eBay is the go-to service. Whether they are original, fakes or replicas, eBay seemingly knows no bounds. It allows users to post and edit listings for everything from fashion accessories to foreign cars, all within an easily navigable web interface and accompanying mobile app.
Table of Content
1. Create an Account
The first thing is to sign into an eBay homepage or link your account from another service like Facebook or Google. If you need to create an account, think carefully about what it is called. Also since your username is always visible when you bid, buy, and sell, choose something that is both professional and possibly speaks on behalf of what you intended to use your account for.
2. Link your PayPal Account
If you haven’t already linked your eBay account to PayPal, it is pertinent to do so when signing up. If you already have an account without a PayPal link, hover over your name in the top – left corner when viewing any page and click your blue Account settings link from the resulting drop – down menu.
Once there, select the PayPal Account option on the left – hand side and click the Sign up Today button. Enter your personal information when prompted and complete the sign – up process.
Next, return to the eBay PayPal Account panel and click the gray Link My PayPal Account option on the right – hand side of the page enter your PayPal login information on the resulting page. You can also “verify” your PayPal account to help link bank accounts, qualify for Seller Protection, and more, so this is a really good step to include when you are finished.
3. Craft the Perfect eBay Listing
To create an eBay listing, click the Sell link in the top – left corner when viewing any page and enter the item you are trying to sell in the resulting text field. Note that succeeding with listing and selling fakes boils down to a few things. The quality of the fake, the way your listing is structured, and the times you post the listings.
But as far as listings go, it really varies between brands as to how they decide whether a listing is authentic or not. Again a large part of this comes down to the quality of your items. It also comes down to the smallest of things like how your return policy is worded.
You might choose to copy other people’s listings but it might not work and you will be taken down. Note that this part really comes down to trial and error and you will probably burn through a few eBay accounts so you need to expect that.
4. Attaching photos
Your listing on eBay requires a photo — preferably more than one. It is best to use photos of the original product when looking to sell fakes and replicas. It is also best to avoid stock images found on the Web, instead use photos directly from the manufacturer as it helps convince prospective buyers you actually possess the item in question.
You can upload up to 12 photos without borders or text, or even choose Gallery Plus which charges you a fee for uploading larger photos. Choose your photos carefully. Simpler listings may only require one or two photos, which is fine in these circumstances.
5. Deliver Item
Assuming the listing has ended and the buyer has paid successfully, it is time to carry out the grunt work. Note that the specifics should have already been determined as you previously outlined the shipping conditions and any fees associated with them, so all you need to do is deliver accordingly.
Sale items are expected to be placed in a box slightly larger than the item itself, packaged neatly and securely using paper, bubble wrap, or a similar packaging method, and properly labelled with both the buyer’s address and a return address.
Irregularly shaped and fragile items may require alternate shipping methods and include additional fees, but they should still be shipped within the previously specified amount of time regardless. If issues arise for whatever reason, inform the buyer of the details and further discuss shipping means.
6. Generate Reviews
As long as your prices are favourable, you will soon make so many sales when you sell these replica items on EBay. The only challenge you might face is the challenge of negative reviews, which can be easily combated by opening new accounts once the old account is done.
You can also use a product ID which pulls relevant information from a central database to make the listing process simpler, including reviews. As a result, reviews from all listings claiming to be the same item can be shared, regardless of the seller or the condition of the product.
Conclusion
Unarguably, there is a huge market for selling fakes and replicas, as part of its success rests on a seller living in one of the countries where they can easily get away with it. Most times too, when you are very open to customers that you sell fakes or replicas, they know and they say nothing about it.
Honestly, most fakes in the online space are considered to be of more quality than the products from the so – called genuine reputable brands. However, tips from knowing how to sell fakes and replica items without getting caught are a sure method for every seller to adopt, seeing that it creates that awareness and confidence to excel in the trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can You Fake eBay Reviews?
Yes, you can fake eBay reviews, but please note that while a seller may be able to use a few IDs to inflate their feedback numbers, they can’t inflate them by that much. Feedback can only be left if a sale was made. Then the seller would have to pay listing and final value fees, to eBay for each transaction.
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Are There Fakes On eBay?
eBay don’t allow counterfeit items or unauthorized copies to be listed on eBay. Items that bear a company’s official brand name or logo can be listed, as long as the products were lawfully made by, for, or with the consent of that company.
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What Happens If You Sell Fake On eBay?
You will be delisted or other punitive measure can be meted on your by eBay.
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Are Clothes On eBay Fake?
Of course no, but we cannot rule out the fact that some sellers might want to sneak in fake clothes.
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Can You Get Scammed On eBay?
eBay involves a lot of trust on behalf of the buyer and the seller, but it’s relatively easy for that trust to be exploited. The company has put in some safeguards, but you can do a lot to protect yourself as an eBay user.
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Can I Sell Fake Designer Bags On eBay?
Counterfeits, unauthorized replicas (such as counterfeit watches, handbags, or other accessories) or unauthorized copies (such as copies of software programs, video games, music albums, movies, television programs, or photographs) are not permitted on eBay.
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What Happen If I Buy An Item From eBay And I Receive A Fake?
If the merchandise is fake, report the listing to eBay and let them take action to enforce their policies. Your purchase is covered by the eBay Guarantee, which entitles you to receive your money back if the item you receive doesn’t match what is listed. The seller has three days to respond.
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Can You Block eBay Buyers?
You can block individual buyers or set buyer requirements based on specific criteria. If you’ve had an issue with a buyer and don’t want them to purchase or bid on your items, you can add them to your Blocked buyers list. They’ll be unable to place bids or buy from you until you remove them from the list.
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What Happens If You Are Caught Selling Fake Items On eBay?
Selling a counterfeit item is fraud and can be prosecuted. If eBay does not do anything, they are liable because it is their platform. If they contact eBay before you they may even be told to destroy the item. They get a refund and you get your account dinged.
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Is It Okay To Sell Replicas On eBay?
Counterfeit products are illegal and not allowed on eBay. Examples include: Fakes, copies, or replicas of brand name items (for example, a shoe with the Nike name or logo that wasn’t made by Nike).
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What Percentage Does eBay Take?
eBay standard selling fees are typically 10% of the total sales price as a final value fee, and a $0.35 insertion fee for listing the item. Sellers registered and listing on eBay.com receive 50 free insertion fee credits a month, and store subscriptions can provide additional insertion fee credits monthly.
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What Happens If You Buy A Stolen Item From eBay?
Once you contact the police, they will confiscate the item. Once you change your dispute from not received to not as described, you would have to return the item for a refund (but the police have it). Once you contact the police, you need them to contact eBay.
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What Is Not Covered By eBay Money Back Guarantee?
The eBay Money Back Guarantee protects you in case you do not receive your item, or if the item is not as described in the listing. Vehicles, real estate, items sold by Sotheby’s, websites and businesses for sale, classified ads, and services are not covered.
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Can You Get In Trouble For Selling Fake Designer?
This law, known as the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984, carries substantial monetary fines (up to $5 million) and prison time (up to 20 years imprisonment or in some cases life) for individuals and companies who violate the Act.
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How Do You Tell If You’re Getting Scammed On eBay?
Check to see if the image used to show the item is being used on other listings as well, or if it’s a stock image from the web. If it is, and the seller is unwilling to send other photos or information about the item, it could be a scam and should be avoided. Compare the price to other similar items.
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How Long Does It Take eBay To Authenticate?
After you purchase your eligible item, it is sent to eBay’s authentication partner who will inspect your item within two business days of receipt. Once authenticity is verified, the item will be shipped to you with three-day delivery, covered by eBay.
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Will eBay Refund My Money If I Was Scammed?
eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn’t arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn’t match the listing.
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Is It Illegal To Resell Items From AliExpress?
No. Generally, it’s not illegal to resell an item that you have legitimately purchased. Once you have purchased something at retail, it is yours to do with as you choose.
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Does Aliexpress Sell Fake Stuff?
AliExpress is one of the largest platforms for ecommerce entrepreneurs to find drop shipping products. The majority of suppliers who list their products on AliExpress are legitimate business owners, but a few bad apples list copyrighted or counterfeit goods on the platform, which can cause issues for drop shippers.
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Is Buying Shoes On eBay Safe?
Yes, buying shoes on eBay is safe but you should be aware that most scammers on eBay sell high grade replicas, which are good enough to trick the average consumer.
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Does eBay’s Buyer Protection Protect You From Problem Purchases?
If you bought something on eBay but didn’t receive it or you received something that’s significantly not as described, eBay Buyer Protection can help. eBay Buyer Protection covers eligible transactions for the full purchase price plus original shipping charges.
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Are eBay Purchases Protected?
eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn’t arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn’t match the listing.
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How Do You Know If eBay Items Are Authentic?
Items included in the eBay Authenticity Guarantee program display a blue Authenticity Guarantee check mark badge. Buyers will see the badge in the search results page, the view item page, the checkout page and their Purchase history page.
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Is It Illegal To Sell Replicas In UK?
It is definitely illegal to sell counterfeit goods in the UK.
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Why Does eBay Not Have Reviews?
The biggest reason is the lack of a structured product catalog (which Amazon has). If you look in most Consumer Electronics categories on eBay, there are reviews and that’s because eBay invested in building out a catalog to unify the 1000s of individual seller listings of the same product in a useful way.
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What Happens If I Buy Something On eBay And They Don’t Send It?
If your item doesn’t arrive, you’re protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee and can ask the seller for a refund. Some sellers may also be able to send you a replacement item, if they have one.
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Can The Police Get Involved With eBay?
Reports about transactions outside of eBay or PayPal may not be investigated by law enforcement, although your report will help the police to build intelligence and monitor fraud activity. eBay will always assist in a criminal investigation received from Law Enforcement.
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How Do eBay Sellers Sell So Cheap?
Most eBay sellers get their goods directly from factories or suppliers and they buy mostly in bulk to get the best wholesale price possible. Then, these retailers would pass off the savings to the buyers by pricing the goods cheaper hence, smaller profit margin for them.
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Can You Ask eBay Sellers To Lower Price?
You can ask for a lower price directly, ask for free shipping, or offer a reduced price if you purchase multiple items. Most buyers won’t ask for a discount if the listing doesn’t include the Best Offer option, but that’s a mistake.
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Is Selling Fake Shoes Illegal?
The Federal criminal laws that prohibit any person from trafficking in counterfeit goods and services apply not only to the counterfeiter—the law applies with equal force to any individual or company that knowingly resells a counterfeit product.
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What Are The Consequences Of Getting Caught Selling On eBay Under 18?
You may be subject to a range of actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.
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Does eBay Check Your Age?
No, but if you end up in a situation where you need to verify your identity (such as potentially losing a password, having a big dispute, etc) your account is closed and your money is gone.
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Can You Go To Jail For Selling Fake Items?
Yes. Up to 10 years for the first offense and up to 20 years for a repeat offender. An offender who knowingly or recklessly causes death as a result of an unlawful sale faces up to life in prison.
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How Can You Tell If Nikes Are Fake?
One of the most obvious signs of fake Nikes is an unbelievably low price tag. If the shoes seem ridiculously low-priced, they’re most likely not authentic. However, this does not mean that all discounted Nikes are fakes. You should be suspicious if the marked down price is less than 50 percent of the original price.