More Americans are now shopping online than ever before; around 96% of U.S. adults have at least tried it and 45% use it frequently. However, e-commerce does come with its own issues, one of which being the proliferation of counterfeit products. Manufacturers and brands increasingly have to turn to certified and secure product destruction to manage their reputations.
Counterfeit Products are a Major Problem for Commercial Enterprises
Brand knock-offs have been around for as long as recorded history; one can imagine cave men being tricked into trading for stone tools they thought were crafted by the tribal stonesmith. When the consumer is the target, the legal ramifications are typically quite minimal for them. However, when businesses are discovered using unauthorized merchandise – or especially passing it along to consumers – they can face serious civil and even criminal penalties, sometimes regardless of intent. Similarly, brands desperately wish to protect their identity, IP, and products from shoddy production or likenesses that come with being the subject of counterfeit products.
Third-Party Sellers Enhance Your Risk
Most online shoppers use third-party sellers for their ecommerce. Some major brands have a very good reputation for selling licensed products, but others have been accused of having less rigorous vetting. When buying for your business – especially bulk orders – ideally go straight to the manufacturer or authorized dealer.
Third-party sellers can still be fine but check their reputation carefully, using websites that have earned a reputation for credibility. Some ways to assess the credibility of reviews include:
- Look for websites with a well-established blog that offers information on many subjects
- Skim a few random posts to see if they have an agenda
- After a brief overview of their website, trust your gut if it says to move on
There’s a Lot of Counterfeit Junk Out There
Seriously – it’s scary; during a recent Government Accounting Office test, over 42% of the products they purchased from third-party sellers were knock-offs. When businesses are found with counterfeit goods, they may face an investigation, headaches and possibly serious legal fees and penalties. If they passed along the goods to consumers, things get more complicated. Consumers have been hurt or even killed by these rip-offs, and any business even remotely involved in the chain can expect to spend hard money on attorney’s fees.
But Sometimes It’s Too Late
It happens – even the best due diligence isn’t perfect. Probably the best-case scenario is that you’re stuck with what you got. Depending on the product, you may be able to simply dispose of it. However, some electronic waste can’t just be put in the trash. Businesses who knowingly introduce certain types of e-waste into landfills or lose customer data may be subject to personal criminal liability. Moreover, manufacturers or the brand that has been hijacked usually do not want any chance of the counterfeit products reaching the public for distribution again.
In that case, you need a responsible electronics recycling and product destruction company familiar with business e-waste recycling, counterfeit and overstock product destruction. TechWaste Recycling will be happy to give you advice about the best solutions for your present and future needs.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s product destruction services here: Secure Product Destruction Services
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469