Designer dupes are all the rage. People on a budget purchase designer replica products because they can’t afford luxury products. Maybe you are one of them?
Dupe products are perfect for gift giving, especially for people living on a budget. The hottest designer replica dupes are fashion shoes, boots, clothing, handbags, jewelry perfume and makeup.
However, dupe shopping doesn’t stop there. As the term “dupe” enters mainstream, more people are searching out everyday dupe products, just not couture high fashion.
Finding dupes requires some skills. I cover how to find dupes on your favorite online shopping platforms below.
There are even dupe websites that specialize in selling dupe products if you want to save time.
Table of Contents
- What are “dupes” in fashion?
- What is the difference between “dupes” and “fakes”
- Is there an ethical issue buying dupes?
- How to avoid counterfeit and fake designer goods
- How to find dupes on Amazon
- How to find designer dupes on Saramart
- How to find dupes on Shein
- How to find dupes on AliExpress
- How to find dupes on Ebay
- The gift wrap-up
What are “dupes” in fashion?
Dupe, short for duplicate, is what many in Gen Z call products that can look exactly like brand-name items — but are much cheaper. Items range from clothes and shoes to beauty products, or even household and lifestyle items like water bottles.
Source: CBC Radio
This Google Trends diagram shows a slow uptick in interest for the term “dupes” starting in January of 2011. A spike occurs in June of 2016, and a significant spike in February of 2022. This trend could be explained by inflation (especially after the Covid-19 Pandemic) which translates to less discretionary income, but the desire to still purchase expensive designer fashion.
What is the difference between “dupes” and “fakes”
Glamour and Gains provides an clear explanation regarding the difference between “dupes” and “fakes”:
–Glamour and Gains
- Fakes are illegal, often lower quality and may not be safe to use.
- Replicas and dupes are not genuine products and do not try to pass off as the the real deal. They are not exact copies and do not use fake logos and trademarks.
What is the difference between “dupes” and “replicas”
The terms “dupes” and “replicas” are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings.
A “dupe” (short for duplicate) is a product that is similar in style or design to a higher-end or luxury product, but is not made by the same brand and does not claim to be an exact copy. Dupes are often sold at a lower price point and are intended to provide a similar look or style to the original product without the high cost.
A “replica” is a product that is made to look exactly like a higher-end or luxury product, often with similar branding and packaging. Replicas are often made with cheaper materials and sold at a lower price point, but can be intentionally made to deceive buyers into thinking they are purchasing the real thing.
Are knockoffs illegal?
Knockoffs are illegal and another name for “counterfeit” and “replica”. The issue is that the term “knockoffs” have entered main stream vocabulary and may be used interchangeably with these terms, including “dupe”.
Replicas are often considered to be counterfeit products and can be illegal to sell in many countries. However, replicas as not always illegal. It’s important to point out that duplicates can be sold legally.
Creating a replica of a product is legal, but selling the product you created as the main product is what becomes illegal and punishable by law... In many countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, it is illegal to sell REPLICAS when you make a direct counterfeit of the original product and brand it with their trademarked name.
Hustle Detective
Hustle Detective thoroughly details how and where to sell replicas legally. For example, advertisements or listings clearly state that their product is a replica. It’s imortant to read product details carefully and know exactly what you are buying.
Is there an ethical issue buying dupes?
The Guardian asks fashion expert Tansy Hoskins, author of The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion (the impact of fast fashion) if dupes are ethical. Tanshy brings up some valid points to consider.
“…it’s likely the true cost is being paid by a garment worker. And the environmental sustainability of that garment is probably nonexistent.”
It’s true, some brands that ask a premium price are also sourcing from sustainable products and making sure that workers are being paid fairly.
Hoskins blames the rise in dupes to the “desire” for the product that luxury brands create. Couture are not within the average person’s budget, so they seek out the dupes. But there’s a a catch: Some dupes are made by the same factories as the “originals”.
This is no different than name brand foods making the same, if not similar products, in the same factory. Hip2Save lays out 18 store brands that share the same factory as the name brands.
How to avoid counterfeit and fake designer goods
Dupes are accepted products, counterfeits are not and are illegal. There is no worse thing than to put good money down thinking you are buying and authentic name-brand product, and later finding out, “you’ve been duped.”
My son spent a stint on the U.S. Virgin Islands where college kids and island residents had fun visiting the local thrift store. The store was filled with donations from wealthy tourists, a goldmine for name brand products. His girlfriend spotted a Vera Bradley bag and with the help from Detect a Fake, determined that she had found the real deal.
There are plenty of websites and videos online that will coach through identifying fake brands. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Purchase from authorized retailers: Purchase designer goods from authorized retailers or directly from the brand’s official website.
- Check the price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Designer goods are expensive and if a product is being sold at a significantly lower price, it may be a fake.
- Check the packaging: Designer goods usually come in high-quality packaging with the brand’s logo and details. If the packaging looks cheap or doesn’t have the brand’s logo, it may be a fake.
- Inspect the product: Examine the product closely for any signs of poor quality, such as uneven stitching, loose threads, or misspelled words.
- Check the seller’s reputation: Research the seller’s reputation before making a purchase. Look for reviews and ratings from other buyers to see if they have had positive experiences.
- Avoid street vendors: Be cautious of street vendors or online sellers who offer designer goods at a low price. They may be selling counterfeit products.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and don’t make the purchase.
- Report suspicious activity: If you come across a seller or website that you suspect is selling counterfeit goods, report it to the appropriate authorities.
How to find dupes on Amazon
To find dupes (duplicates or knockoffs) on Amazon, you can follow these steps:
- Search for the product you are interested in purchasing on Amazon.
- Look for the “Other Sellers” section on the product page. This section shows other sellers who are offering the same product.
- Check the prices and reviews of the other sellers. If the price seems significantly lower than the price of the original product, or if the seller has a low rating or negative reviews, it may be a dupe or knockoff.
- Look for any differences in the product description or packaging. Dupes may have slightly different descriptions or packaging than the original product.
- Check the seller’s return policy. If the seller does not offer returns or has a complicated return process, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe.
It’s important to note that not all lower-priced products on Amazon are dupes or knockoffs. Some sellers may offer the same product at a lower price due to differences in shipping or manufacturing costs. However, it’s always a good idea to do your research and check the seller’s reputation and return policy before making a purchase.
How to find designer dupes on Saramart
I cannot guarantee the availability of designer dupes on Saramart. However, if you are interested in finding designer dupes on Saramart, you can follow these steps:
- Search for the designer product you are interested in on Saramart.
- Look for similar products that have a similar design or style to the designer product.
- Check the product description and photos to see if there are any differences from the designer product.
- Check the seller’s ratings and reviews to see if they have a good reputation.
- Consider the price. If the price seems too good to be true, it may be a dupe or knockoff.
It’s important to note that purchasing designer dupes can be controversial, as it can be seen as supporting counterfeit products and intellectual property theft. Additionally, the quality of these dupes may not be as high as the original designer products. It’s always a good idea to do your research and consider the ethical implications before making a purchase.
How to find dupes on Shein
To find dupes (duplicates or knockoffs) on Shein, you can follow these steps:
- Search for the product you are interested in purchasing on Shein.
- Look for the “Customer Reviews” section on the product page. This section shows reviews and ratings from other buyers who have purchased the same product.
- Check the reviews and ratings of the seller. If the seller has a low rating or negative reviews, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe or knockoff.
- Look for any differences in the product description or photos. Dupes may have slightly different descriptions or photos than the original product.
- Check the seller’s return policy. If the seller does not offer returns or has a complicated return process, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe.
It’s important to note that not all lower-priced products on Shein are dupes or knockoffs. Some sellers may offer the same product at a lower price due to differences in shipping or manufacturing costs. However, it’s always a good idea to do your research and check the seller’s reputation and return policy before making a purchase.
How to find dupes on AliExpress
To find dupes (duplicates or knockoffs) on AliExpress, you can follow these steps:
- Search for the product you are interested in purchasing on AliExpress.
- Look for the “Feedback” section on the product page. This section shows reviews and ratings from other buyers who have purchased the same product.
- Check the reviews and ratings of the seller. If the seller has a low rating or negative reviews, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe or knockoff.
- Look for any differences in the product description or packaging. Dupes may have slightly different descriptions or packaging than the original product.
- Check the seller’s return policy. If the seller does not offer returns or has a complicated return process, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe.
It’s important to note that not all lower-priced products on AliExpress are dupes or knockoffs. Some sellers may offer the same product at a lower price due to differences in shipping or manufacturing costs. However, it’s always a good idea to do your research and check the seller’s reputation and return policy before making a purchase.
How to find dupes on Ebay
To find dupes (duplicates or knockoffs) on eBay, you can follow these steps:
- Search for the product you are interested in purchasing on eBay.
- Look for the “Seller Information” section on the product page. This section shows information about the seller who is offering the product.
- Check the seller’s feedback rating and read reviews from other buyers who have purchased from the seller. If the seller has a low rating or negative reviews, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe or knockoff.
- Look for any differences in the product description or photos. Dupes may have slightly different descriptions or photos than the original product.
- Check the seller’s return policy. If the seller does not offer returns or has a complicated return process, it may be a red flag that the product is a dupe.
It’s important to note that not all lower-priced products on eBay are dupes or knockoffs. Some sellers may offer the same product at a lower price due to differences in shipping or manufacturing costs. However, it’s always a good idea to do your research and check the seller’s reputation and return policy before making a purchase.
The gift wrap-up
Summary: know your dupes! Shop ethically and responsibly while getting the best deal for your pocketbook! Bottom line, if a consumer has the craving for a more expensive product, you can be sure they will seek a dupe out and save money.
Happy dupe shopping!
