In recent years, we have seen a tidal wave of foreign sales platforms such as Wish, Ali Express, Temu, and Shein offering items in all categories at unbeatable prices. All industrial sectors are affected, including cosmetics. Analysis by Estelle Dehier of Labosphère.
There are countless examples, and some influencers even promote them.
But what about the quality and safety of these low-priced products?
What are the differences between a dupe and a counterfeit?
The dictionary definition is as follows: dupe: noun (from huppe, due to the stupid appearance of this bird). A person who is deceived or easily deceived: “to be the dupe of a swindler.”
Dupes and counterfeits
A “dupe” is a product that aims to resemble a brand-name product as closely as possible, at a lower cost, and promises the same qualities as the targeted brand-name product: it is a lower-cost copy of a luxury product. It closely resembles the brand-name product without being an exact replica.
A counterfeit is a copy of a branded product (including the logo). Counterfeiting is a crime for the counterfeiter but also for the buyer: it is a violation of intellectual property rights.
Consumers, always on the lookout for “good deals” and savings, are therefore tempted by counterfeit goods (often) found on sales platforms. But at what cost?
The cost of dupe products
Imported products are a cause for concern for both manufacturers and authorities:
• 100% of Shein …
