Are Name Brands Bought In Higher End Places Real?

[grumpyoldman]

Have a pair of New Balance running shoes, product line in the U.S. I would swear by.

Bought a pair at Sportmart in Central about a month and a half ago, not cheap, U.S. price, 4000thb.

I tell you what, they are already falling apart, which leads to the question, are the name brands you buy at a Robinson's or in this case Sportmart real, or are they just the same knockoffs off the road in BKK?

At least my Billabong trunks bought at an exorbitant price are holding up, but feeling pretty burned about my running shoes.

[iSabai]

I've had three pairs of Nike shoes, purchased in the USA, that fell apart on me once I had them here in Thailand for a while. I really think there's something about the climate, heat, humidity or whatever that wreaks havoc with the glue they use. I never had any fall apart in that way in the US, even after years of use and abuse.

Ironic thing is that most of them were mfg'd in Thailand or Vietnam to begin with!

[petercallen]

some things are the real item and some are copies, the copy shoes fall to bits very quickly because they do not use the correct type of glue, copies use water based glue which does not last especially in a tropical climate

You will quite often find genuine and copies in the same shop even in places like Jungceylon

[phl]

I once bought LV bag from LV shop in Chitlom, 33 000 baht

After my bag was wrapped up i noticed the authenticity card was not present, so i asked where the card was.

In reply they told me that authenticity card does not come with this model, which was total BS

So i insisted, sales girls rudely kept telling that it does not come with this model, worldwide.

I asked her if she has been anywhere outside of Thailand for her to make comment what happens world wide and if she ever shopped at original LV shop.

At this point she got very aggressive and manager who appeared out of nowhere immediately refunded the money.

Point of this story is, no doubt the store sells original products, BUT also very likely either manager or staff introduce some fakes to make some money on the side.

Edited July 7, 2012 by phl

[Jimi007]

Well since you bought New Balance shoes, it's an interesting question as to where they are made these days, mostly in China. Here's an article about their labeling back when more were "made in the USA":

http://routingbyrumor.wordpress.com/2007/12/27/new-balance-shoes-made-in-usa-yeah-right/

Then of course there is the question of anything bought in Thailand...

[phl]

Well since you bought New Balance shoes, it's an interesting question as to where they are made these days, mostly in China. Here's an article about their labeling back when more were "made in the USA":

http://routingbyrumo...usa-yeah-right/

Then of course there is the question of anything bought in Thailand...

From what i know all the soles for Nike, Rebook, Adidas, New Balance are made in Thailand and the rest is made in China, then some are assembled in China and some in Thailand

[Semper]

I once bought LV bag from LV shop in Chitlom, 33 000 baht

Just out of curiosity, why? No offence intended.

[phl]

I once bought LV bag from LV shop in Chitlom, 33 000 baht

Just out of curiosity, why? No offence intended.

Birthday gift, for myself i shop at Patunam markets where same bags cost 1000 baht-lol

[petercallen]

Well since you bought New Balance shoes, it's an interesting question as to where they are made these days, mostly in China. Here's an article about their labeling back when more were "made in the USA":

http://routingbyrumo...usa-yeah-right/

Then of course there is the question of anything bought in Thailand...

From what i know all the soles for Nike, Rebook, Adidas, New Balance are made in Thailand and the rest is made in China, then some are assembled in China and some in Thailand

A few years back the sixty minutes show in Australia had a program about Nike shoes at that time they were the most popular brand

They sold in Australia for about $150 retail and were being manufactured in Indonesia at the time for $5 using cheap labor

People stopped buying them

[phl]

Well since you bought New Balance shoes, it's an interesting question as to where they are made these days, mostly in China. Here's an article about their labeling back when more were "made in the USA":

http://routingbyrumo...usa-yeah-right/

Then of course there is the question of anything bought in Thailand...

From what i know all the soles for Nike, Rebook, Adidas, New Balance are made in Thailand and the rest is made in China, then some are assembled in China and some in Thailand

A few years back the sixty minutes show in Australia had a program about Nike shoes at that time they were the most popular brand

They sold in Australia for about $150 retail and were being manufactured in Indonesia at the time for $5 using cheap labor

People stopped buying them

But i think it applies to most brands, the costs of manufacturing are very very low, but you then need to count in the cost of marketing and advertising,and brand names spend millions if not billions on advertising and sponsorship to become a brand name,

Billabong is another perfect example, the cost of 1 pair of boardshorts to make is $1 but sold for $80 or more

[chiang mai]

The Rolex I bought on Bangla is almost certainly not fake, I mean, how could it be.

[grumpyoldman]

The Rolex I bought on Bangla is almost certainly not fake, I mean, how could it be.

The coffee has worn off mate? Bangla isn't high end retail outlet (see thread topic title), but understand your joke anyway......

Once saw a knockoff Rolex that had two L's, Rollex.

[Shot]

I bought a pair of North Face walking/hiking shoes in the US, about 150 USD. They held up great, but like iSabai, once here they fell apart.

GOM, you could always email New Balance with label info, or even a picture of the label. Not that it matters at this point, but at least you would know.

[Felt 35]

I usually by my running shoes home if there in the fall, but now and then I have bought at Central and Junk Ceylon. I don’t think I have got a fake here but not sure. I know I got a fake in Malaysia some years ago. Nike to Rm 420 which I brought bake home and had the National Nike representative to check. However they are selling a lot of old stock here which sometimes stand in the humidity here for years before it’s sold. Every brand name of running shoes has production date printed on them, usually on the size tag where the date of production is printed and a production number. It’s easiest to see on Asics, Adidas and Nike shoes. Go to the shop write down model name and production number and search the net. I have seen 3 year old Asics shoes for full price in Central which in the US would be classified as endangered shoes with 50% discount. In Europe they are as many know already sold because a model coming in early spring usually sells with a 50% discount in August/September.

[phl]

The Rolex I bought on Bangla is almost certainly not fake, I mean, how could it be.

The coffee has worn off mate? Bangla isn't high end retail outlet (see thread topic title), but understand your joke anyway......

Once saw a knockoff Rolex that had two L's, Rollex.

speaking about coffee, i think my one is a fake.

Every time i drink it, i want to fall asleep

[Hostile17]

To be safe i would try the model/size and order it frrom a reputable guy on ebay. Just user regular shipping to avoid UPS/DHL/FEDEX employees(massive scammers/thieves).

Best shoes i ever bought were japanese addidas from ebay. Cool models only found there and great quality. They lasted 1.5 years through normal use and an other 1 year in mud/water

[iSabai]

The coffee has worn off mate? Bangla isn't high end retail outlet (see thread topic title), but understand your joke anyway......

Once saw a knockoff Rolex that had two L's, Rollex.

Years ago in Bangkok there was a guy on Suk selling what looked like real Levi's for a good price. Everything looked authentic, good denim quality, and even the leather patch with the size on it along the beltline and the red tag alongside the back pocket.

Upon closer inspection I saw that they weren't Levi's at all, but....... Live's! At a quick glance you'd never notice that subtle spelling difference.

[overherebc]

To be safe i would try the model/size and order it frrom a reputable guy on ebay. Just user regular shipping to avoid UPS/DHL/FEDEX employees(massive scammers/thieves).

Best shoes i ever bought were japanese addidas from ebay. Cool models only found there and great quality. They lasted 1.5 years through normal use and an other 1 year in mud/water

I would love to get a pair of addidas green stripe squash shoes, they always seemed to last for ever and they didn't have high tech interior sprung super bounce with flashy light and rap music incorporated soles and heels. They were just good shoes.

[Ping]

I've been buying Reeboks here off and on for many years (at Central and downstairs at the Big C on bypass). A third the price of the same ones back home, very long lasting and undoubtedly original. There was a story going around quite a few years ago that many of these types of original product were 'grey' (or similar); they came off the same production line but bypassed the paperwork (a back-door truck, if you will). A big business at the time. There was something in the media about it. Who knows if my shoes fell into that category...

Edited July 7, 2012 by Ping

[phl]

I've been buying Reeboks here off and on for many years (at Central and downstairs at the Big C on bypass). A third the price of the same ones back home, very long lasting and undoubtedly original. There was a story going around quite a few years ago that many of these types of original product were 'grey' (or similar); they came off the same production line but bypassed the paperwork (a back-door truck, if you will). A big business at the time. There was something in the media about it. Who knows if my shoes fell into that category...

Rebook has a factory here, this is why its so cheap

[arkom]

I once bought LV bag from LV shop in Chitlom, 33 000 baht

After my bag was wrapped up i noticed the authenticity card was not present, so i asked where the card was.

In reply they told me that authenticity card does not come with this model, which was total BS

So i insisted, sales girls rudely kept telling that it does not come with this model, worldwide.

I asked her if she has been anywhere outside of Thailand for her to make comment what happens world wide and if she ever shopped at original LV shop.

At this point she got very aggressive and manager who appeared out of nowhere immediately refunded the money.

Point of this story is, no doubt the store sells original products, BUT also very likely either manager or staff introduce some fakes to make some money on the side.

I'm guessing the store you mentioned is the one at Gaysorn, which I know for a fact is owned and operated by LV.

My cousin has bought a couple handbags from there and they didn't come with authenticity cards, just a care booklet.

If you think the staff are selling knock offs, I can give you the contact info for the regional hr manager.

Edited July 7, 2012 by arkom

[petercallen]

I've been buying Reeboks here off and on for many years (at Central and downstairs at the Big C on bypass). A third the price of the same ones back home, very long lasting and undoubtedly original. There was a story going around quite a few years ago that many of these types of original product were 'grey' (or similar); they came off the same production line but bypassed the paperwork (a back-door truck, if you will). A big business at the time. There was something in the media about it. Who knows if my shoes fell into that category...

A few years back there was and probably still is a Lacoste (french brand) factory near Bangkok

Shops near bye were selling there T shirts for $3 genuine and $2 copy both made in the factory

but the Alligator was back to front on the copy and they had made in France on the label

[nkg]

Patong's Jungceylon has a "New Balance" shop that sells nothing but New Balance (at full price).

If money isn't a big consideration, probably your best chance of getting hold of "the real thing".

[Ping]

I've been buying Reeboks here off and on for many years (at Central and downstairs at the Big C on bypass). A third the price of the same ones back home, very long lasting and undoubtedly original. There was a story going around quite a few years ago that many of these types of original product were 'grey' (or similar); they came off the same production line but bypassed the paperwork (a back-door truck, if you will). A big business at the time. There was something in the media about it. Who knows if my shoes fell into that category...

Rebook has a factory here, this is why its so cheap

Given that they have a 'Made in Thailand' tag on them, I actually worked that out. (I must be getting clever in my old age.) But thanks for your input...

[phl]

I've been buying Reeboks here off and on for many years (at Central and downstairs at the Big C on bypass). A third the price of the same ones back home, very long lasting and undoubtedly original. There was a story going around quite a few years ago that many of these types of original product were 'grey' (or similar); they came off the same production line but bypassed the paperwork (a back-door truck, if you will). A big business at the time. There was something in the media about it. Who knows if my shoes fell into that category...

Rebook has a factory here, this is why its so cheap

Given that they have a 'Made in Thailand' tag on them, I actually worked that out. (I must be getting clever in my old age.) But thanks for your input...

Given that you did not mention anything in your previous post , you are welcome

[grumpyoldman]

@nkg-thanks, will look into the New Balance Shop at Jungceylon

@Ping-yes, you know, my previous pair were Reeboks, and they were quite good, gave them to my pal fiddlehead once I had the New Balance, may have to ask for them back !

@phl-someone is slipping you the decaf

[phl]

I once bought LV bag from LV shop in Chitlom, 33 000 baht

After my bag was wrapped up i noticed the authenticity card was not present, so i asked where the card was.

In reply they told me that authenticity card does not come with this model, which was total BS

So i insisted, sales girls rudely kept telling that it does not come with this model, worldwide.

I asked her if she has been anywhere outside of Thailand for her to make comment what happens world wide and if she ever shopped at original LV shop.

At this point she got very aggressive and manager who appeared out of nowhere immediately refunded the money.

Point of this story is, no doubt the store sells original products, BUT also very likely either manager or staff introduce some fakes to make some money on the side.

I'm guessing the store you mentioned is the one at Gaysorn, which I know for a fact is owned and operated by LV.

My cousin has bought a couple handbags from there and they didn't come with authenticity cards, just a care booklet.

If you think the staff are selling knock offs, I can give you the contact info for the regional hr manager.

Thats the one, but this was years ago, so nothing to worry about.

Yeah, see thats the funny thing, all LV products come with authenticity card as all have a serial number.

Customs in some countries want to see the authenticity card when you bringing in new bag especially if you coming from Asia.

Not saying its not possible NOT to have the card, but BKK shop is the only place i came across where bags did not come with it. Just little strange

[Guest]

Thats the one, but this was years ago, so nothing to worry about.

Yeah, see thats the funny thing, all LV products come with authenticity card as all have a serial number.

Customs in some countries want to see the authenticity card when you bringing in new bag especially if you coming from Asia.

Not saying its not possible NOT to have the card, but BKK shop is the only place i came across where bags did not come with it. Just little strange

I guess one possibility is also that the bag was original, but the seller wanted to keep the authenticity card so that he/she could sell it to someone else who is selling fake bags as originals? Or do the bags come with serial numbers which match the card number?

[phl]

Thats the one, but this was years ago, so nothing to worry about.

Yeah, see thats the funny thing, all LV products come with authenticity card as all have a serial number.

Customs in some countries want to see the authenticity card when you bringing in new bag especially if you coming from Asia.

Not saying its not possible NOT to have the card, but BKK shop is the only place i came across where bags did not come with it. Just little strange

I guess one possibility is also that the bag was original, but the seller wanted to keep the authenticity card so that he/she could sell it to someone else who is selling fake bags as originals? Or do the bags come with serial numbers which match the card number?

Yes the serial number on the bags must match the serial number on the card, and that number is unique, ie will not be on any other bag or card

[Guest]

Thats the one, but this was years ago, so nothing to worry about.

Yeah, see thats the funny thing, all LV products come with authenticity card as all have a serial number.

Customs in some countries want to see the authenticity card when you bringing in new bag especially if you coming from Asia.

Not saying its not possible NOT to have the card, but BKK shop is the only place i came across where bags did not come with it. Just little strange

I guess one possibility is also that the bag was original, but the seller wanted to keep the authenticity card so that he/she could sell it to someone else who is selling fake bags as originals? Or do the bags come with serial numbers which match the card number?

Yes the serial number on the bags must match the serial number on the card, and that number is unique, ie will not be on any other bag or card

Ok. Thanks for the info.