Ebay "Authenticity"

[darrickpe]

I have buddies that swear by EBAY when it comes to buying gear...but for whatever reason I always have doubts with all the counterfeiters out there. I'm sure everyone's experience is different but in general how authentic are the products? I've had my eye on this GD AD-DI but afraid to pull the trigger...

 

please weigh in good or bad......

 

 

Regards

[dieselmd]

I understand your scepticism. Look at their feedback and customer reviews. Also look at their negative reviews closely. There are times when negative reviews are not warranted.

[eagles1]

[quote name='darrickpe' timestamp='1392389977' post='8666681']
I have buddies that swear by EBAY when it comes to buying gear...but for whatever reason I always have doubts with all the counterfeiters out there. I'm sure everyone's experience is different but in general how authentic are the products? I've had my eye on this GD AD-DI but afraid to pull the trigger...

please weigh in good or bad......


Regards
[/quote]

darrickpe

Welcome to Golfwrx.

By chance, have you done a search on this topic in this forum? You will find endless threads on this issue that may prove helpful.

Good luck!

[Hateto3Putt]

If you're scared, get your stuff at the golf stores.

That said, due diligence is the key. I've "Ebayed" hundreds of items, so far so good. (savings over retail to this point would be in the thousands)

Counterfeiters don't last long on Ebay.

[Upgrayedd]

not a big problem. a lot of people/businesses on there are authorized dealers. others do very high volume. sellers live and die by their reputation.

[Micah J]

99% of my business with golf equipment transactions have been on ebay. I have never been disappointed in over 100 transactions in buying. I normally don't sell golf equipment but I do have one complete set for sale on the bay as we speak.

[pmcuk]

Take a look on the Chinese websites and you'll see the makes and models that are most often faked. It's an interesting experience. You'll see which provinces and factories they come from and the prices you can buy them. Masses of Callaway, Cleveland wedges and so on. Less Nike and some other companies, so no doubt you're safer with those companies.

Just to give you a feel for what's out there have a look at how many different sets of AP1 irons there are. I gave up at this point - there were several more listings.

[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10429628/Titleist_AP1_710_Golf_Iron_Set_3_PW_with_Steel_Shaft_Titleist_golf_equipment.html"]http://www.diytrade...._equipment.html[/url] AP1 710 H&H, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10663161/Titleist_AP1_710_Irons_at_Lower_Price_with_Excellent_quality_Golf_Clubs_Discount.html"]http://www.diytrade....s_Discount.html[/url] AP1 710 Hope Import, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/11643340/Titleist_AP1_710_irons_golf_irons_set_golf_accessories.html"]http://www.diytrade....ccessories.html[/url] AP1 710 Fashion Sports, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10441237/Titleist_AP1_710_Forged_golf_iron_set_clubs.html"]http://www.diytrade...._set_clubs.html[/url] AP1 710 RUIJIE, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10296596/Wholesale_Titleist_AP1_712_Irons_Set_Steel_Shaft_3_Pw.html"]http://www.diytrade....Shaft_3_Pw.html[/url] AP1 712 Spark Golf Clubs, Guang Dong
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/11384401/2012_New_Brand_golf_irons_Titleist_AP1_712_Golf_iron_set.html"]http://www.diytrade....f_iron_set.html[/url] AP1 712 RUIJIE Sports, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/11640553/Titleist_AP1_712_irons_set_golf_club_titleist_golf_clubs.html"]http://www.diytrade....golf_clubs.html[/url] AP1 712 Fashion Sports, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10663133/Titleist_AP1_712_Irons_Golf_Clubs_Golf_Discount_Golf_Equipments_Online_Titleist.html"]http://www.diytrade....e_Titleist.html[/url] AP1 712 Hope Import, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10135900/Titleist_AP1_712_irons.html"]http://www.diytrade...._712_irons.html[/url] AP1 712 Fengze Robin, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10035816/Wholesale_Titleist_AP1_712_Golf_Iron_Set_with_Original_Head_Golf_Item_Golf_Clubs.html"]http://www.diytrade....Golf_Clubs.html[/url] AP1 712 Top Golf, Guang Dong
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10429581/Titleist_AP1_712_Irons_with_Steel_Shaft_3_9PW_Golf_Iron_Sets.html"]http://www.diytrade...._Iron_Sets.html[/url] AP1 712 H&H, Fu Jian
[url="http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/12093764/Titleist_newest_AP1_714_golf_irons_set_3_P_come_with_steel_shafts.html"]http://www.diytrade....eel_shafts.html[/url] AP1 714 Golfmaster, Guang Dong

[Holy Moses]

If you are the buyer, typically you have control. You can return it if it turns out to be fake. If the shaft is eBay market price, that is also a good sign. Post a link. The posters here are really good at recognizing fakes.

[tocino]

I'd avoid any new titleist or taylormade gear unless it came from a reputable shop. I'll take a chance on something that looks well-used, though.

[Upgrayedd]

Is the shaft listed as new or is it a pull? Have bought a few new shafts but have seen some REALLY crummy pulls on ebay. Also, how is the seller's reputation? If I were to buy pulls I would trust a wrxer before an ebayer.

[jaskanski]

Ebay can be awash with counterfeit products, but these are usually bought by people who are dumb and don't do their homework.
If you buy something from as seller with....
1.Low feedback score
2. No returns policy
3. No photos of item for sale
4. Clearly too low in price to be true
....you are dumb, or you should expect the worst and hope for the best. If you want genuine items from Ebay, look for genuine sellers with rock solid credentials - just as you would in buying anything really. Yes, there are occasional one-off genuine bargains from (surprise surprise) dumb sellers. Be careful and selective and you find it a lot harder to go wrong.

[darrickpe]

[quote name='Upgrayedd' timestamp='1392391770' post='8666913']
Is the shaft listed as new or is it a pull? Have bought a few new shafts but have seen some REALLY crummy pulls on ebay. Also, how is the seller's reputation? If I were to buy pulls I would trust a wrxer before an ebayer.
[/quote]

New and/or shafts already installed with Titleist adapter

"pulls" i'm trying to stay away from mainly due to all of the unknowns...bad pulls, lengths etc

[darrickpe]

Thanks for all the feedback

[bluedot]

This very issue worries me enough to stay away from Ebay golf purchases except from the largest online sellers. Never from a private seller or even a smaller retailer.

[the bandit]

It's a great price and from a reputable seller just buy it. Call the company and check to see if the serial number is legit when you get the item.. If I it's legit great if it's not contact eBay and PayPal and u will get your money back easily

[tdelam]

I buy from reputable sellers, never had an issue.

[Micah J]

The only thing I buy from China on ebay are neoprene iron head covers....never golf equipment. On ebay I use Mikes golf outlet, Dallas golf, 3 balls etc....all reputable sources and US based guaranteed authenticity.

[Balloon]

I once bought a counterfeit driver through Ebay. It was a used offering from a private person. He refunded my money after I offered him to send the club to Callaway for inspection.

I never got sold fakes from any reputable seller on Ebay.

[pmcuk]

There are a few other little things to look out for - off the top of my head:

- short listings, like 2-3 days. Seller hopes to sell quickly and not get too many questions.
- new items in cellophane wrapping
- sets of wedges. The fakes are usually 52-56-60. You're safer with 54* and 58*
- as I listed above, look on the Made in China websites and avoid models that are widely counterfeited.

[jons1]

[quote name='darrickpe' timestamp='1392389977' post='8666681']
I have buddies that swear by EBAY when it comes to buying gear...but for whatever reason I always have doubts with all the counterfeiters out there. I'm sure everyone's experience is different but in general how authentic are the products? I've had my eye on this GD AD-DI but afraid to pull the trigger...

please weigh in good or bad......


Regards
[/quote]


1. I find the generic ads with purely stock offerings are the most suspicious. [size=4]For example, I think to myself, if I were going to try and sell knockoffs, I'd pick a driver (largest profit to be made), with a stock regular or stiff shaft, in a 9.5/10 head. I wouldn't pick a X flex driver, because it's less popular. I wouldn't choose an 8.5 head, cause that's less popular. I wouldn't upgrade the shaft or grips, cause that cuts into my profit.[/size]

[size=4]2. Check the history of the seller, and attempt to communicate with them. Responsive sellers are better sellers.[/size]

3. Check their refund policy, and make sure you can return the club if needed (like after you verify the serial with the manufacturer it's legit).

4. Check to see if they mention in their ads that they guarantee they are authentic (cause people usually make a point of this when they are legit).

5. Use common sense. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Don't buy anything out of the country.

[Laznasty]

The last 2 purchases i made on ebay were counterfeits. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time. Just pay the extra bucks and support a local shop or go to a trusted website.

[Meanmachinemoe]

Be careful. Last year I bought a hybrid from a very reputable seller. I asked about them in the Deal or No Deal forum and was almost scolded for even questioning their authenticity.. I got a great deal. Then, I noticed the finish wearing very badly. More so than a like-hybrid that I had gotten from Golfsmith. Turns out this guy was selling factory rejects. Authentic, but sub-standard equipment that did not meet the mfg quality standards. There are great deals out there but there are also a LOT of wolves in sheep's clothing.

[jons1]

BTW, it's not hard to have legit serials stamped on fake clubs, and sometimes the same serial will be used over and over and over.

I wouldn't tell someone to avoid eBay, but I would tell people to use common sense.

[OldGolfer87]

[quote name='Hateto3Putt' timestamp='1392390596' post='8666741']
If you're scared, get your stuff at the golf stores.

That said, due diligence is the key. I've "Ebayed" hundreds of items, so far so good. (savings over retail to this point would be in the thousands)

Counterfeiters don't last long on Ebay.
[/quote]


I agree wholeheartedly .. if you have doubt buy from a store ..period .. like this poster I have had hundreds of purchases on e bay and have received
good equipment and saved a lot of money .. not everyone has confidence about spending money on e bay and there is nothing wrong with just saying
no to e bay

[Holy Moses]

There was a post here a few weeks ago with a huge list of people to put in your block list on eBay. The list was from another site. But if you are thinking of buying anything that is somewhat expensive, link it here. These people here know their stuff.

[naths]

Its very easy to be caught out on ebay both buying and selling, I was caught years ago when I bought a R9 super tri....I didn't know it was fake, didn't even cross my mind, on the 3rd tee the head went farther than the ball!!...the screw had snapped, so took it to the local golf shop...FAKE...he spotted it straight away!!...crappy paint job and a cheap shaft wrapped!!!..when comparing it to the real deal it stood out a mile!!...never ever again on ebay!!...its good for balls, tees and gloves, but be very very careful on clubs...if its cheap then its probably fake..i check everything about the seller...feedback, other stuff they are selling etc etc...bargains can be had but just do your homework...

[kmac02576]

I use eBay all the time and use and buy most of my golf equipment there. One thing to put your mind at ease is using PayPal. They can put a stop on the payment if you find an item you got to be counterfeit.

I usually buy used Scotty putters, customise or refinish them and sell them for profit. The profit almost always goes to buying new clubs and more Scottys to refinish. That's how I took an old Scotty for less than $150 and turned it into a set of clubs totaling over $1500 in my bag (which I also got from eBay).

If you just have some patience for the right deal and do your homework, eBay is an excellent place to get your golf equipment.

[jons1]

If someone is selling a driver for $100 less than any where else you can find it, you just have to use some logic. It's either fake, or stolen. I've used ebay for 15 years and have never bought a fake. I've bought and sold a whole bunch of equipment too, driver to putter.

Sellers with fakes are pretty easy to spot, imo. The only gotcha is buying something used from a guy that thinks it's legit, sells it as legit, and he honestly had no clue it wasn't. If you're buying from someone that's sold 20,000 items with nearly 100% positive feedback, and they accept returns, provide a guarantee of authenticity, etc. then they are either the greatest con artist on the planet, or it's legit.

I'm not saying local retailers aren't important, but to be honest, they can't compete with online stores. Even if sniping clubs with 10 seconds to go isn't your thing, buying from an online retailer with a coupon will always be way cheaper. Golf shops will be as popular as full service gas stations where someone ran out and checked your oil while they pump your gas. It's over. Pro shops have almost no leg to stand on these days. Most clubs will be bought online or at the golf courses where golfers play in the near future.

[dunn]

[quote name='jaskanski' timestamp='1392392134' post='8666963']
Ebay can be awash with counterfeit products, but these are usually bought by people who are dumb and don't do their homework.
If you buy something from as seller with....
1.Low feedback score
2. No returns policy
3. No photos of item for sale
4. Clearly too low in price to be true
....you are dumb, or you should expect the worst and hope for the best. If you want genuine items from Ebay, look for genuine sellers with rock solid credentials - just as you would in buying anything really. Yes, there are occasional one-off genuine bargains from (surprise surprise) dumb sellers. Be careful and selective and you find it a lot harder to go wrong.
[/quote]exactly...do some research and use common sense...

most have good experiences because after awhile they see same co popping up over and over again from where they have already purchased from.....most of co are solid....USE COMMON SENSE!.....if someone has an item for half of what everyone else is charging then cmon, you know

[MrB121]

first of all i saw a list of titleist irons a bit up the page...... anything from hong dong is probably going to be fake. Stick in the country.

as to the "if it seems too good to be true it probably is", I sort of disagree. I have had great luck getting deals far below retail. Im talking about brand new clubs but the catch is its usually on models a year or two old or just about ready to be replaced by a newer model.

in 2011 i bought a set of Callaway xforged 2009 px6.0 shafts, brand new for $330 if my memory serves me correctly. They were still going in stores for $699. It was not a "buy it now", I did win a bid but the seller had multiple sets in varying flexes. I simply waited until I could score one below $350. I did all my due diligence in terms of researching the seller and browsing their feedback score and negative reviews. The only negatives seemed to be regarding shipping delays or sending a wrong size shirt etc..... I was still a little nervous and when i got the set and they looked spot on, I still went to some local shops to compare. No one could find any reason to believe they were not legit. Still, I was not 100% confident so i contacted Callaway directly. They told me that even a valid serial # did not mean a legit club. The rep was really awesome and he asked if i could remember the ebay seller name. When i told him, he assured me they were legit as that seller is one of their purchasers and known to sell online. Said seller is still around today, with great feedback.

In short, if the company had lots of feedback and a very high score, and you read the reviews, they are likely legit. especially if the great deals are on slightly older clubs / products.