Even a Rose can be Faked!

In the week before Valentine’s Day 2008, Customs authorities in the main airports of six EU countries were on high alert, checking thousands of boxes of commercially grown cut roses from South America and other target countries. Some 20 shipments were confiscated. Either the roses were grown without the breeders’ permission, infringing their plant rights and trade marks, or they were actually fake, using the brand names of existing genuine rose varieties.

Since 1999, Sollatek has been suffering with counterfeits, which almost entirely emanate from China. However, our research shows that despite these copycats imitating our hard work and development, our customer base remains loyal to us.

First and foremost, Sollatek appreciate the importance of safety and our products are tested to the highest level to ensure Sollatek products safe and reliable. With Sollatek, our consumers are in safe hands. Counterfeits use poor components, compromising on quality, this means compromising on safety. Such a compromise could be fatal risking electrical fires. One simple example, modern standards insist on the plastic enclosure of products being made from flame-retardant material. Counterfeit products are hardly ever made from this (as it tends to be far more expensive). So in the event of an accidental short-circuit, they could easily catch fire. A catastrophic result that Sollatek would never risk.

Consumers recognise quality and fakes are always of inferior quality, no matter how good the cosmetic appearance is or how closely identifiable it is to an original Sollatek product. Poor quality can be either at component level, where the key functions boasted by the original Sollatek are lacking, or where key specifications are incorrectly used. For example, a Sollatek Switcher will disconnect at 260-265 on high voltage in order to protect an appliance. The fake might miss out this function entirely, or have it set at completely the wrong level.

Whilst many (if not all!) counterfeits copy the original manufacturer’s packaging and the service and warranty promise, the customer will always be left disappointed when the counterfeit fails. When this happens, the retailer selling the counterfeit won’t be able to deliver on this promise.

Genuine Sollatek products are sold through authorised resellers, who are able to meet the full warranty commitment made at the point of sale.

So, how easy is it to spot a copycat or avoid fakes? Some fakes are notoriously difficult to spot. Fakes can also improve their shortcomings in appearance over time and become more difficult to differentiate form the genuine product. However, there are telltale signs:

• Low quality packaging - the first thing to look out for. Sollatek’s products are well packaged to protect the product.

• Misspelt logos, words, company name

• The vendor (and the biggest clue). Genuine Sollatek products will be sold at authorised distributor outlets only.

For all the latest listings of authorised sellers and distributors of Sollatek products, please check www.sollatek.com 

Remember, say no to fakes and always insist on genuine Sollatek products.

STAY ORIGINAL