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> On Ebay, you directly know if you are buying from a legitimate distributor, small time grey market / surplus dealer, or a knockoff shop. Would you mind expla

• mindslight 7y ago
  From the combination of store name, item description/template, quantity, other items by the seller, and comparable items. These things are up front and in your face, with each seller having a vested interest in creating a reputation. Once you see the patterns, you don't have to "investigate" each thing, you just get a feeling. Legitimate distributors generally have recognizable names and other web presences - Best Buy, Adorama, Beach Camera, Anker Direct, Rosewill, etc. The value here is being able to search prices across all these stores at once. Surplus distributors usually have conditions Open Box / Seller Refurbished, fixed quantities, many such listings. Knockoffs/generics either ship direct from China, or have basically identical listings that ship directly from China. This of course all depends on what you're actually buying, but being able to weigh such details is the whole point. Many generic computer cables/adapters/etc are great, but you'd be foolish to buy lithium ion batteries that way. Specifically searching for "Ove Glove", I do see an item that is direct from China. So right away I know this is an item that has been heavily copied. Which is a given, with this article. But knowing this means I can either opt for the cheaper generic version (and self-verify it has similar utility), or be extra sure to order it from a legitimate channel.
  • greenyoda 7y ago
    Thanks, that was very helpful. I'll check out eBay the next time I need to shop for something.