79 replies to this topic

[BCC]

Great posting msfix13....Makes it extremely difficult for us Authorized Dealers to move a great product when the eBay temptation to nut a great price is there.  Best thing I tell customers is the old " If it's too good to be true--IT IS !!!  Mitsubishi is doing the best they can to deter this, so it's great you called this out for people to recognize and hopefully contact these Manufacturers with info on where the fakes are purchased !!
It is a plague on eBay right now for Fake Golf Equipment and even harder on Golf Shops who produce the real deal......

Edited by BCC, 14 December 2009 - 02:16 PM.

[golfasaurus]

There are actually custom fitting shops in Singapore selling fakes. Funny thing is the local offices know about it but can't seem to be doing anything about it. Had quite a few of my customers and up with fakes. From Mizunos, to "Tour" issued taylormades, vokeys, etc etc. And like Joe said, it can be hard to tell unless you have both the real deal and the fake side by side.

[marrigo]

delrmx01, on Dec 14 2009, 02:08 PM, said:

Nuttygolfer, on Dec 13 2009, 05:00 PM, said:

Dasenergi, on Dec 13 2009, 03:50 PM, said:

another seller selling the fakes exactly like the ones pictured above is seller fxxxxe_s he also sells a ton of Rombax shafts that are known for being one of the top faked shafts. Buyer beware.

Here are a few more selling counterfeit Kai'li

namebrandsgreatdeals
cantfindclubs
proclubsdirect

I can account for "namebrandsgreatdeals" as selling counterfeit.  I purchased a Kai'Li several weeks ago.  Luckily, she returned my money.

Did you report them to ebay and MRC?

[David Hillman]

Quote

And
   like Joe said, it can be hard to tell unless you have both the real
   deal and the fake side by side.

   You know what would be really cool?  If this or some other site had an archive of reference pictures, close-up high-resolution detail shots, of real equipment, that people could use to compare with.  Then, eventually, we might not have counterfeiters with 100% feedback ratings.

   [ Recently bought two clubs on eBay that I haven't received yet for 'steal' prices from 100% sellers... and this thread is making me nervous. ]

[delrmx01]

The whole refund transaction was completed about two weeks ago.  I purchased the shaft more than 90-days ago after finding out it was a counterfeit.  Ebay nor Paypal didn't do squat about it.  I have all my paperwork at home, including email's, the paypal transaction, and ebay messages.  All I was really concerned about is getting my money back.  

However prior to the receiving the refund, I went ahead and contacted the local authorities in her county and they directed me to the feds internet crime division, IC3.gov.  I haven't had a chance to finish my complaint given my busy schedule at work.  I should have it completed soon, once I get some free time at the end of this month.

[golfasaurus]

Buying off ebay is probably as safe as you can get. Auctions are generally covered under a buy protection scheme if you are paying with paypal. For the unlucky golfers who buy from the shops here, they pretty much are stuck.

[msfix13]

David Hillman, on Dec 14 2009, 02:34 PM, said:

Quote

And
   like Joe said, it can be hard to tell unless you have both the real
   deal and the fake side by side.

   You know what would be really cool?  If this or some other site had an archive of reference pictures, close-up high-resolution detail shots, of real equipment, that people could use to compare with.  Then, eventually, we might not have counterfeiters with 100% feedback ratings.

   [ Recently bought two clubs on eBay that I haven't received yet for 'steal' prices from 100% sellers... and this thread is making me nervous. ]

Very good idea. I'll start a section on my web site for the interim, and if WRX provides the space more information could be gathered from other legit dealers. This link won't be up for a couple of days, but it will be www.highlaunchgolf.com/fakeshafts.htm , will begin taking submissions only from dealers that can be verified through the manufacturer.

[msfix13]

David Hillman, on Dec 14 2009, 02:34 PM, said:

Quote

And
   like Joe said, it can be hard to tell unless you have both the real
   deal and the fake side by side.

   You know what would be really cool?  If this or some other site had an archive of reference pictures, close-up high-resolution detail shots, of real equipment, that people could use to compare with.  Then, eventually, we might not have counterfeiters with 100% feedback ratings.

   [ Recently bought two clubs on eBay that I haven't received yet for 'steal' prices from 100% sellers... and this thread is making me nervous. ]

It's up. Already have some interested contributors. www.highlaunchgolf.com/fakeshafts.htm Some of the manufacturers keep lists of counterfeiters, I'll see if any of them are willing to share for public posting.

[leet74]

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item518ef7b55f

see pic above, this is from "proclubsdirect" current listing on ebay,  no butt sticker and the Hologram sticker matches the fakes posted in this topic

we do know though proclubs was selling Authentic ones

Edited by leet74, 15 December 2009 - 05:32 PM.

[msfix13]

leet74, on Dec 15 2009, 05:30 PM, said:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item518ef7b55f

see pic above, this is from "proclubsdirect" current listing on ebay,  no butt sticker and the Hologram sticker matches the fakes posted in this topic

we do know though proclubs was selling Authentic ones

Absolutely no reason to remove the manufacturing sticker if the shaft is legit. It's not uncommon to see some legit and counterfeit products in the same store, inadvertant or not it's still illegal.

[evanseze]

Just did an Ebay search for the seller beastar7 and what pops up under "beastar7 items for sale" is the name firstgolf.  Apparently he uses this seller id as well.  Just wanted to post this for those of us that do business on Ebay.  If someone does more research on this and finds that I am doing something wrong in my search for this fraudster (beastar7), please remove this post as I do not want to tarnish the reputation of a legitimate seller

[Tour50]

Here's a company selling 'genuine and authentic' Kai'li's for $149 with free shipping.
Discount Golf Inc.

Doubts?

Regards,
Dan

[msfix13]

Dan Twomey, on Dec 15 2009, 09:04 PM, said:

Here's a company selling 'genuine and authentic' Kai'li's for $149 with free shipping.
Discount Golf Inc.

Doubts?

Regards,
Dan

You know the old saying, if it seems too good to be true....the web site is owned by a chinese national operating out of China. Here is the information minus the scumbag's name:
luohu district,shenzhen city,guangdong,china
shenzhen
guangdong
518000
CN

[desaille]

evanseze, on Dec 15 2009, 05:03 PM, said:

Just did an Ebay search for the seller beastar7 and what pops up under "beastar7 items for sale" is the name firstgolf.  Apparently he uses this seller id as well.  Just wanted to post this for those of us that do business on Ebay.  If someone does more research on this and finds that I am doing something wrong in my search for this fraudster (beastar7), please remove this post as I do not want to tarnish the reputation of a legitimate seller

I'm pretty sure if you check the ebay postings and you will see the same template for both sellers

[desaille]

proclubsdirect diamana looks to have laser etched imprintings.

Its a pull, usually the grip tape wont take off the manufacturer stickers but it can sometimes.

[msfix13]

desaille, on Dec 16 2009, 11:13 PM, said:

proclubsdirect diamana looks to have laser etched imprintings.

Its a pull, usually the grip tape wont take off the manufacturer stickers but it can sometimes.

The Ebay ad clearly states: "Shaft is new, just has had the tip prepped for install, has not been cut down still 46" in length"
So again, why remove the manufacturing label for a legitimate, new product? As far as I know, authorized, legitimate dealers not only don't engage in this type of behavior,
shaft only sales are not allowed (they can be installed into R9 or imix tips).

[muxi87]

I'm no expert on the Kai'li, but the photo below (from proclubsdirect) does look legit.  You can see the laser etched serial just to the let of the hologram sticker.  Also, the hologram sticker looks like a legit Mitsubishi sticker.  Again, I can't  verify without it in hand or without very detailed close up pics, but it looks legit to me.

leet74, on Dec 15 2009, 05:30 PM, said:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item518ef7b55f

see pic above, this is from "proclubsdirect" current listing on ebay,  no butt sticker and the Hologram sticker matches the fakes posted in this topic

we do know though proclubs was selling Authentic ones

[msfix13]

Intersting that Mizuno's web site specifically identifies globalgolfexchange as an unauthorized entity and warns potential buyers that Mizuno will not honor any warranty requests for clubs purchased from them. Why is this interesting? Global Golf Exchange is the same company as Pro Clubs Direct, Global Golf Exchange was dissolved by the state of Arizon for failure to supply their annual report, Pro Clubs Direct was created immediately thereafter. Both owned by the same individual. Just go to http://www.cc.state.az.us/ and start following the paper trail.

And you're certain that the Mitsubishi shaft is legit from the same?

[laseranimal]

David Hillman, on Dec 14 2009, 02:34 PM, said:

Quote

And
   like Joe said, it can be hard to tell unless you have both the real
   deal and the fake side by side.

   You know what would be really cool?  If this or some other site had an archive of reference pictures, close-up high-resolution detail shots, of real equipment, that people could use to compare with.  Then, eventually, we might not have counterfeiters with 100% feedback ratings.

   [ Recently bought two clubs on eBay that I haven't received yet for 'steal' prices from 100% sellers... and this thread is making me nervous. ]

and you know that the scammers will simply look at the high res photos and then use them to make better fakes

it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if people are using the typeset to spot fakes then the counterfitters need to do a better job getting the typeset correct.  Its pretty clear that the counterfeit guys are getting better and better at what they do.

counterfeit golf equipment isn't going to stop until the forgers can't make obscene amounts of money selling fake merchandise.  So either the price of golf equipment needs to drop precipitously so their margins get squeezed, or companies need to start bringing there factories and production lines back to places where the workers get paid a decent amount of money and are less likely to pass of molds/dies and intellectual property to people who want to make knock offs.(and we'll have to pay those costs in higher retail prices)

Edited by laseranimal, 19 December 2009 - 08:09 PM.

[chewed]

laseranimal, on Dec 20 2009, 08:52 AM, said:

and you know that the scammers will simply look at the high res photos and then use them to make better fakes

it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if people are using the typeset to spot fakes then the counterfitters need to do a better job getting the typeset correct.  Its pretty clear that the counterfeit guys are getting better and better at what they do.

counterfeit golf equipment isn't going to stop until the forgers can't make obscene amounts of money selling fake merchandise.  So either the price of golf equipment needs to drop precipitously so their margins get squeezed, or companies need to start bringing there factories and production lines back to places where the workers get paid a decent amount of money and are less likely to pass of molds/dies and intellectual property to people who want to make knock offs.(and we'll have to pay those costs in higher retail prices)

laseranimal,

well said.

[Scanlun]

I need some of your help in determining whether or not I have the real deal here.  I purchased this off one of the individuals mentioned earlier in this thread.  Some of the items discussed at the beginning of this post seem to match up with what I have while others do not.  Your comments/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  I have already sent a message to the seller regarding the speculation surrounding the item(s) he sold/is selling.  Thanks for all of your input.

[Qegurezi]

Looks fake to me sorry.

[SimonC]

I've recently purchased an ozik xcon 6 from 'willpga' on eBay. It was a very good price so I'm getting a bit worried now, has anyone ever bought a shaft from this seller?  He has over 25,000 positive feedback so I thought it would be ok. Thanks in advance.

[Qegurezi]

willpga is ok from my travels.

[SimonC]

Thanks for the quick reply, looks like I have a bargain then.

[Bubbalongball]

Alot of us are guilty off helping ebay grow stronger with alot of sellers selling fake crap and why do they do it, because there are far to many people that think there getting a deal and just add to the cheapness of ebay. The part that upset me is that members will buy off ebay thinking there super smart and getting an amzing deal then they try selling it on our BST forum and try to make a buck, we need to start paying close attention to listing and make sure there are no devious idiots on here but some will slip thru our hands, I guess what im trying to say is if you care about the golf community quite buying on ebay, there are so many great deals on here that paying a little more is well worth it for piece of mind, stop fueling the fire.

[ph00ny]

Bubbalongball, on Dec 20 2009, 08:24 AM, said:

Alot of us are guilty off helping ebay grow stronger with alot of sellers selling fake crap and why do they do it, because there are far to many people that think there getting a deal and just add to the cheapness of ebay. The part that upset me is that members will buy off ebay thinking there super smart and getting an amzing deal then they try selling it on our BST forum and try to make a buck, we need to start paying close attention to listing and make sure there are no devious idiots on here but some will slip thru our hands, I guess what im trying to say is if you care about the golf community quite buying on ebay, there are so many great deals on here that paying a little more is well worth it for piece of mind, stop fueling the fire.

i have to disagree with your statement that the buyers are the ones that should be controlling these fakes rather ebay should step in start monitoring these more carefully. After all they're the ones providing us with the platform and they're the ones that should provide the buyers with the safety net

[Bubbalongball]

Absolutely, i agree with you, but ebay is just a house to sell stuff on and dont know squat about what is legit and not, thats why i said buyers because if you buy a Kai'li brand new for less than say $150 then obviously its fake because no warehouse golf store would be able to buy a big enough bulk to sell  them at that price, but people buy them and fuel the fire. Alot of us do a great job of reporting counterfieters which is great, but still so much stuff is hard to tell till you have it in front of you.

[SimonC]

Can someone please take a look at the two pics in this link for me http://www.auctiva.c...m...,0&format=0
this is what I've just bought on eBay but I'm waiting fr the e-cheque to clear. Does it look geniune?

[chipaputt]

Another Fake eBay seller is "firstgolf". This guy was mentioned earlier in this thread and he is dealing in fake shafts.
See my thread at http://www.golfwrx.c...howtopic=326673

Edited by chipaputt, 20 December 2009 - 03:23 PM.