Not too long ago, I was burned by a seller who thought saying "alligator skin" didn't necessarily mean GENUINE alligator skin unless he said so specifically. He also thought the same thing about a trademarked brand name. He was not a nice person and his practices will catch up with him eventually.  But you shouldn't have to wait. Be more careful than I was and avoid getting skinned.

When you are looking at an item on eBay, sometimes it is a good idea to ask the seller the obvious question: IS THIS GENUINE?  Sometimes, it may not matter to you. Sometimes, the no answer may be implied. The REAL Mona Lisa is in the Louvre. Chances are, that dinosaur egg either has a certificate of authenticity or it is just a piece of sculpture. Sellers who say things like "all correct markings" may well want you to understand that this is a replica or knock-off, but a pretty good one.  Asking won't hurt their feelings and not asking may hurt yours later.

Here are a few other hints the article may not be quite what it seems to be:
1) No original packaging for a "new" item.
2) Seller says it was a gift.
3) Coloration or features not usually found on this item
4) Words or phrases like "Appears to be" or "Just like"
But the biggest one is PRICE. If someone has an item that is clearly worth much more than the Buy It Now, or would be if it were genuine, you would do well to inquire and investigate further.  See what other buyers have to say in the seller's feedback. See if he or she has sold three "gift" watches in the last month or so.  Of course, every situation is different. You may have found a true bargain that others missed. Just be as sure as you can and bid accordingly.

In some cases, a seller will allow you to fill in the blanks, and you will wind up having assumed things that are not in the listing. Be sure to read all of the fine print. Twice. Does the word "replica" appear? Is the item one that would ordinarily be solid gold, but is described as "layered" or plated? Does the seller tell you the item is "similar to"  what you are really looking for?

Copyright issues aside,  a knockoff is not always a bad thing. Maybe you keep the real thing in your safe deposit box and wear the fake everyday.  Maybe you want it as a joke gift. But there isn't anything funny about paying a third of the price of the real thing, thinking you have a bargain, when you are actually overpaying for a cheap copy.

Another area where copies and replicas sometimes frustrate buyers is the "fine  print" of features. For instance, is the  Moon Phase dial on that bargain watch a true moonphase feature, which changes daily over a 28 day cycle, or does it rotate  every 24 hours to show you whether it is day or night outside?  If you ask, you will know. If you don't, you may find out only after it is too late.  Does "no winding" mean the watch has a self-winding movement, or does it have a battery operated quartz one? Do you have a preference?  Are those four dials stopwatch features, or do you have three different ways to know what day it is?  Does your potential dream watch have a rare mechanical alarm, or is it a mass-produced electronic one?  

Of course, the likelihood that your item is not exactly what it appears to be is  not limited to watches.  Considering the cost of leather,  it is very easy for a seller to make money selling vinyl shoes, or jackets, or  even upholstered furniture.  When you ask sepcifically, an honest seller will usually tell you, even if the listing doesn't, that the item is made from something other than leather.  Silk scarves and ties usually cost more than polyester, rayon or nylon ones. If you are a collector, you already know what your favorite brand is made of. If you are just starting, why not ask a friend or even a seller?  This is a community and we all benefit by being helpful.  In the long run, we also all benefit by being honest.

I hope you have found this guide to be helpful and that you will take a minute to vote on its helpfulness. Please see my other guides and reviews on a wide range of topics.

Thanks,

Wentworth Tradd