Wolff's Flea Market Blog

Our Bottom Line:  Counterfeits are Illegal and  Banned at our Markets.  Even if they are cheap, used, cute, etc. Over the years, I have had many discussions about counterfeit purses with both vendors and customers. REAL QUOTES: "I like the purse because it is cute" "I would never buy the real thing" "I can't afford the real thing" "I don't care if it falls apart in a month" "It was so cheap" "It's not hurting anyone" "I want to wear that brand, but won't buy a real one" "Everyone knows it's not real, so it's ok" "It might be real" "No one will notice that it is fake" "It looks really good for a fake" "I know it is real and I got it at a great price" I can argue each point, but for now will focus on the "Cute Factor". Over the years I have amassed a large selection of new and used counterfeit items. Many wer...

One of the cheapest ways to make a counterfeit purse is to simply take a no-name "blank" purse and add a designer sticker or metal emblem. So obvious, so fake, so illegal. We don't allow counterfeit purses of any level at Wolff's Flea Market, and this educational post should not be construed as instructions on how to make a counterfeit purse. Don't do it. Images and links shown for purposes of discussion and education. People are arrested and imprisoned for this crime! This happened at flea markets and supports our policy of not allowing certain brands of merchandise at our markets F ive Busted for Selling Counterfeit Merchandise at Flea Market : http://wreg.com/2015/03/22/five-busted-for-selling-counterfeit-merchandise-at-flea-market/ Prosecutors Say Pagedale Flea market Owner Trafficked in Counterfeit Goods : "Purses were delivered either with counterfeit labels attached or with a generic label that a vendor replaced, again in the market’s ope...

When purchasing new name brand items, look for appropriate and proper packaging that indicate that the item is authentic. Note the differences between authentic retail packaging and improper/counterfeit or blank packaging on the right of each section.  Authentic packaging includes at least: Licensing information Company address/contact info Company logo Company font  Product and model information UPC Codes Beware of items that are priced cheaply and come in generic cello or blank packaging. The contents of such packaging is usually counterfeit.

Why do we stroll by your booth, grab a few items, turn them inside out, nod and walk away? We are inspecting certain name-brand and licensed merchandise to make sure it is legit. While we are not trademark attorneys, we study authentic products with proper labels and tags.  We can often (but not always-that would make our job too easy) discern legitimacy by merely looking at sewn labels. Brands identify their products with their names, logos and other details on well-sewn or applied tags. They do not use generic sewn tags. Period. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NEW ERA HAT, NORTH FACE DENALI JACKET, ADIDAS MEXICO HOME SOCCER JERSEY Of course, some counterfeiters attempt to replicate the real labels, but they usually don't seem to get it right.

As a follow up to our 2013 blog post: WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY: There's a Bust for That Counterfeit! We share with you links to recent significant (in our own minds) busts that have assisted us in forming cementing our opinions and policy.  Remember ongoing research regarding counterfeits remains a crucial tool. Arrests do not necessarily mean that a person has been found guilty. Please read further on subjects listed below in order to obtain the most up to date information. We will add more links as we find them. How can you find out more? We recommend that you subscribe to Google Alerts for a variety of counterfeit and brand name related key words. PERFUME BUST AT THE BORDER: http://www.wcax.com/story/28600528/430k-in-counterfeit-perfume-seized-at-northern-ny-border   STORE BUST: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/01/3-arrested-in-counterfeit-goods-raid-at-long-island-store/ FLEA MARKET BUST http://www.wyff4.com/news/mugshots-released-in-flea-market...

BREAKING NEWS!