Help me prove to Paypal that these Audio Technica ESW9 headphones are fake.
April 21, 2009 5:39 PM Subscribe
So I bought this pair Audio Technica ESW9 headphones on ebay. The item arrived in this leather pouch instead of original packaging. After looking into the matter further at the head-fi forum, I've determined that these headphones are definitely fake. Many people seem to have fallen victim to this.
After talking to paypal, I was advised that I should just escalate this dispute. Now after waiting for three weeks, paypal is asking me to provide unbiased, third party documentation to support my claim. I live in Baltimore, and I've called the two nearest guitar centers and since they don't carry these headphones, they can't provide me with the documentation. The exact request from paypal is: "Please obtain a document from an unbiased, third-party, such as a dealer, appraiser, or an organization that is qualified in the area of the item in question (other than yourself), which clearly identifies the item as not authentic. The document must specifically state how the item received differs from an authentic item and must include a detailed explanation of how the person evaluating the item determined that it is not authentic. If possible, the document should include a serial number, and must be on letterhead that includes the name, address, and phone number of the business or organization so that PayPal may contact them if necessary." Can someone help me resolve this issue? Thanks.
After talking to paypal, I was advised that I should just escalate this dispute. Now after waiting for three weeks, paypal is asking me to provide unbiased, third party documentation to support my claim. I live in Baltimore, and I've called the two nearest guitar centers and since they don't carry these headphones, they can't provide me with the documentation. The exact request from paypal is: "Please obtain a document from an unbiased, third-party, such as a dealer, appraiser, or an organization that is qualified in the area of the item in question (other than yourself), which clearly identifies the item as not authentic. The document must specifically state how the item received differs from an authentic item and must include a detailed explanation of how the person evaluating the item determined that it is not authentic. If possible, the document should include a serial number, and must be on letterhead that includes the name, address, and phone number of the business or organization so that PayPal may contact them if necessary." Can someone help me resolve this issue? Thanks.
First, I'm really sorry this happened. I know it's really incredibly frustrating. I had one recent sour eBay experience (as the seller, over a $10 item) and it made me want to physically punch PayPal/eBay/annoying transactors.
Second, definitely get in touch with audio technica. If they can't help you directly, ask them where you can go buy that pair in your area (which you can then use as a comparison.)
Third, if there are online forums documenting this scam, do they list the differences between the pairs? Because maybe you can use that somehow.
And finally, how much did you pay for them? Because, I hate to say this, at some point you'll have to figure out how much your time is worth. This can go on and on and on.
posted by barnone at 6:06 PM on April 21, 2009
Second, definitely get in touch with audio technica. If they can't help you directly, ask them where you can go buy that pair in your area (which you can then use as a comparison.)
Third, if there are online forums documenting this scam, do they list the differences between the pairs? Because maybe you can use that somehow.
And finally, how much did you pay for them? Because, I hate to say this, at some point you'll have to figure out how much your time is worth. This can go on and on and on.
posted by barnone at 6:06 PM on April 21, 2009
This site is all about the fake headphones. They don't have your model listed, but here's a similar one. Maybe they can help?
posted by barnone at 6:14 PM on April 21, 2009
posted by barnone at 6:14 PM on April 21, 2009
Here's a long thread about the fake ESW9s. There might be some identifying features in there, which you could print out and take to some store or music person...good luck.
posted by barnone at 6:19 PM on April 21, 2009
posted by barnone at 6:19 PM on April 21, 2009
Contact the manufacturer, and they should be able to identify the product, be able to provide some documentation as to what qualities your product should posess (which it doesn't), or the closest reseller in your area.
Here are the problems with each:
1. A manufacturer may be resistant to identifying a product purchased on a site like eBay because even if certain components are correct - serial numbers, color, accessories - there are many counterfitters who will pop out the drivers and put inferior ones in their place.
2. A manufactuerer may be resistant to provide you a quantified list as to what qualities your product should posess, because you - may infact - be a counterfitter looking for ways to beat their strategy.
3. The closest reseller in your area may be resistant to provide documentation, as they may not know every product Audio Technica ever produced (or even sub-versions). Moreso, there is a point of liability which they assume by writing such a letter and identifying themselves as experts (as opposed to Audio Technica who are the experts).
With that said, the manufacturer is probably your best bet for documentation indicating a counterfit product.
From the Audio Technica website (I'm assuming you are in the US):
Phone:
Please call the ATUS Service Department at (330) 686-2600 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (EST) if you have questions.
posted by Nanukthedog at 6:58 PM on April 21, 2009
Here are the problems with each:
1. A manufacturer may be resistant to identifying a product purchased on a site like eBay because even if certain components are correct - serial numbers, color, accessories - there are many counterfitters who will pop out the drivers and put inferior ones in their place.
2. A manufactuerer may be resistant to provide you a quantified list as to what qualities your product should posess, because you - may infact - be a counterfitter looking for ways to beat their strategy.
3. The closest reseller in your area may be resistant to provide documentation, as they may not know every product Audio Technica ever produced (or even sub-versions). Moreso, there is a point of liability which they assume by writing such a letter and identifying themselves as experts (as opposed to Audio Technica who are the experts).
With that said, the manufacturer is probably your best bet for documentation indicating a counterfit product.
From the Audio Technica website (I'm assuming you are in the US):
Phone:
Please call the ATUS Service Department at (330) 686-2600 Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (EST) if you have questions.
posted by Nanukthedog at 6:58 PM on April 21, 2009
Good Luck. and let us know how this gets resolved, please.
posted by milestogo at 10:29 PM on April 21, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by milestogo at 10:29 PM on April 21, 2009 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by lia at 5:55 PM on April 21, 2009