One of the biggest black market industries around at the moment is the manufacture of counterfeit Ugg boots from China. The majority of these fake Ugg boots are being sold on-line, with very little obstruction. One of the most common questions I get asked is how to tell if Uggs are fake?
More on that later. First I would like to discuss what counterfeit means and why it’s not a good thing.
“Adjective – made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive or defraud” is the Online Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of counterfeit.
“To deceive or defraud” – This really sums the industry up in a nutshell!
It’s Illegal
Counterfeiting effects the global economy. Thousands of legitimate jobs are either lost or not awarded which costs the economy over $500 Billion of turnover every year.
It Is Not a Victimless Crime
Victim number one is the consumer. She is deceived into buying the fake Ugg boots by traders who sell them, at an attractive price, as authentic.
Retailers suffer as they lose out on a portion of the market. Manufacturers are victims for the same reason. The economy suffers too. The counterfeiters don’t pay any taxes and are not answerable to anyone regarding the treatment of their employees. They are often involved in terrorism and are, by definition, organized criminals. It is not uncommon for child labor to be used in the manufacturing process. You will be funding and supporting organized crime if you decide to purchase counterfeit Uggs.
Human Rights? More Like Human Wrongs!
Fundamental human rights are often exploited by these criminals such as child labor and anti-sweatshop laws. Restricted substances laws are also often compromised as well as the standard and quality of workmanship.
Fake Ugg Boots Are Seriously Bad For Your Health
This is no joke. You are in danger of permanent damage to your feet and back if you buy fake Ugg boots.
Dr Ian Drysdale, who is in charge of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, said, ‘Because these boots are warm and soft, young girls think they are giving their feet a break. In fact, they are literally breaking their feet.
‘Their feet are slipping around inside. With each step, the force falls towards the inside of the foot and the feet splay. This flattens the arch and makes it drop.
The result can be significant problems with the foot, the ankle, and ultimately, the hip.’
How To Tell If Uggs Are Fake
1. The sheep fur lining on the inside of genuine Ugg boots is made of grade A sheepskin and is of a beige color. The lining of fake Uggs is synthetic, a bit prickly to touch and is a more white color.
2. You will notice the paint-like smell of brand new fake Uggs, which is a result of the dyes used to color the synthetic materials. Brand new genuine Ugg boots are pretty much odorless.
3. The price is a big factor in determining how to tell if Uggs are fake. Genuine Uggs are quite expensive at around $150 per pair. If you’re offered a brand new pair at a lot less then chances are they’re fake.
4. Ugg Australia prohibit their authorized dealers from selling Ugg boots on eBay and other on-line auctions. So, if it’s on eBay, and claims to be brand new then it’s got to be fake.
5. Check out the quality of the stitching. Genuine Ugg boots have faultless stitching and the label on the heel will be dead centre and level.
6. Finally, you will find that the soles of fake Uggs are rigid in comparison to real Uggs. Also the soles of real Uggs are about 1/2 inch deep compared to 1/4 inch for fakes.
I think it would be a wise choice for you to follow my advice about how to tell if Uggs are fake.
Before commiting to buying your Ugg boots on-line, make sure you check out Imogen Davies’ Site on How to tell if Uggs are fake. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.
Tags: counterfeiting, fashion, organized crime, Shoes, Ugg Boots, womens fashion, womens shoesNo comments yet.
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