T-shirts, hats, key chains, plush toys and anything else you can stamp a logo on will be hot Olympics’ souvenirs and collectibles, but Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be aware of fakes which may end up flooding the marketplace before and during the Games.
“We all want to have lasting memories of the 2010 Games as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Unfortunately, other unlicensed vendors or online sellers see this as a good time to flog their fake merchandise.”
There are over 1,700 Olympics’ collectible items currently on eBay Canada and Craigslist for sale with numbers sure to balloon as the Games approach. Consumers need to be vigilant when buying Olympics’ items to ensure they are not purchasing fakes, or illegal counterfeit merchandise.
For fans looking to purchase Olympic items, BBB offers the following advice:
Get educated. Collectors should research the value of Olympics-related items before they begin purchasing memorabilia, especially if they are interested in purchasing pieces that have the potential for substantial appreciation in value.
Confirm authenticity. When purchasing Vancouver 2010 merchandise, VANOC encourages consumers to look for the unique hologram that's affixed to each item, a symbol of the product's authenticity. These holograms feature Vancouver 2010 emblems and several layers of security and have been designed to prevent unauthorized copying, protect consumers and assist customs officers.
Make purchases with a credit card. Consumers should always purchase items with a credit card if they are shopping online. If the seller turns out to be fraudulent, then the consumer can dispute the charge with the credit card company and may be eligible for reimbursement.
Purchase items from authorized sources and reputable sellers. When shopping online stores, collectors can go directly to the VANOC website (vancouver2010.com/store): or in-person, they can go to the following retailers:
· The Olympic Superstore at The Bay Downtown Vancouver
· The Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com
· The Olympic Store in Whistler Village
· Olympic stores and kiosks at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
· Hudson’s Bay Company stores across Canada
When purchasing items from an individual on eBay, research the seller’s track record by reading buyer reviews. When shopping on Craigslist, go local and never wire money as payment.
Don’t be fooled by empty advertising claims. Just because the seller claims that the item is of limited edition, it doesn’t mean that there weren’t millions made. If the item is being widely advertised, chances are, it’s too common to actually gain much value over the years.
For more BBB advice you can trust on shopping safely go to vi.bbb.org