Counterfeit Fragrances

I have been following the issues that cosmetic companies including our counterparts are facing regarding counterfeit perfumes as many of the challenges are similar to those we face in salon products being sold in unauthorized outlets such as grocery stores and mass retailers. I came across this article (link to article) about the differences regarding a Coco Mademoiselle product sold on eBay versus sold at the Chanel counter of a department store. The author of the article points out that the first thing to look at if a product is real is the pricing. If the price is too good to be true, then you should be suspicious the product is fake. Ironically, with professional haircare in the United States, we find that diverted products are expensive in mass. He also points out to examine the packaging as well which is something we found with products sold outside of our salon partners. His article concludes that the product sold on eBay was fake.

I want to reinforce the “three C’s” for salon products sold in unauthorized outlets—Counterfeit, Contamination and Cost.” As Good Morning America and ABC15 have reported, the “bargain” you think you are purchasing in your discount store appeared to be watered down and packaging was not in the original materials and was very noticeable in the cap. Unlike the fragrance industry, we learned that you are not getting a better deal when you purchase outside of an authorized salon. News outlets such as ABC and Good Morning America continue to show that you are paying MORE than you would from your hairdresser.