My Vortex Optics debacle

[roseburger]

I've bought several scopes second hand successfully. But stuff from the 60's and 70's is much less likely to be fake.

The odds are slim, but in this thread alone we've heard from two people that have fakes. This is why I never dated orientals, too high of a chance of getting an adopted sibling.

 

[TTSX]

I typically use primary arms stuff and I've never gotten a fake. You know why? Because I buy primary arms stuff directly from primary arms.

In a world where everything is a scam, you need to do everything to can to reduce your risk. That includes not buying easily, often faked stuff from websites that are notorious for precisely that. Paying a small premium to ensure a genuine item is worth it in the long run.

 

[orygun]

Paying a small premium to ensure a genuine item is worth it in the long run.

Absoultely!

 

[Steel Head]

Honestly though, OP and his situation is exactly why I'm hesitant to purchase second hand optics. There's too many people out there willing to take a deal that sounds too good to be true.

I generally only buy owed optics from friends.

 

[Medic!]

I typically use primary arms stuff and I've never gotten a fake. You know why? Because I buy primary arms stuff directly from primary arms.

In a world where everything is a scam, you need to do everything to can to reduce your risk. That includes not buying easily, often faked stuff from websites that are notorious for precisely that. Paying a small premium to ensure a genuine item is worth it in the long run.

I buy directly from them to.

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

On Amazon

 

[Koda]

I buy directly from them to.

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

On Amazon

Most legit companies have a store on Amazon, if your careful to select from their Amazon page its usually legit, assuming there is a price savings worth using Amazon however I imagine Amazon gets their cut, I still try to buy the important purchases direct from the mfg for that reason to support them.

The thing to look for is once you add something to your cart pay attention to the "Shipped From" label, Ive seen this switch to some other company and that's when I know I wasn't on the mfg Amazon storefront.

 

[64MercurysRule]

What is this Amazon you all speaketh of ........ don't know who she is .

 

[orygun]

What is this Amazon you all speaketh of ........ don't know who she is .

 

[JayDeep]

Probably purchased on Amazon, am I right? Amazon is loaded with fakes of everything. You'd be surprised how little it costs them to make the fakes. You'd be surprised how little it costs vortex to make the team thing. Pennies on the dollar in both cases! It's not expensive to rip people off, sadly. I'm guessing Vortex was right and honestly, it's not too difficult for them to tell. Circuit boards will look different, as will all the circuitry, nodes, etc inside.

 

[Pete F]

I bought a prism scope on Amazon - open box, as new. Guess what - broken. I couldn't get a clear dot no matter what color I dialed in.

I can't remember the brand, but it was common and had great reviews. I don't think anyone even looked at it before sending it to me. For some reason, that I don't remember, they wouldn't take it back. Maybe the seller went out of business.

I always buy from Amazon, or the original manufacturer. I take care to make sure that refunds and exchanges are offered. Not sure what happened.

 

[Sxsnuf]

View attachment 2286371

She looks like a wholesome, trustworthy lil' gal. I'd probably buy whatever she was selling.

 

[MichaelJosh]

Had the same thing happen to me with a Eotech a few years back except they offered me a 30% discount. Lots of fakes being sold with the proper packaging, I guess people buy the real product then package the fake one and sell it.

This is why I always buy all of my products from a reputable dealer or straight from the manufacturer. Yes, sometimes it's more expensive and yes, it's more expensive but they can never say you bought a fake and they do have to repair or replace because you bought it direct.

 

[MymuttBear]

This is why I always buy all of my products from a reputable dealer or straight from the manufacturer. Yes, sometimes it's more expensive and yes, it's more expensive but they can never say you bought a fake and they do have to repair or replace because you bought it direct.

The other side of the coin is those that have been fortunate/lucky not to have had an issue buying from an online seller sight unseen. However there are ways to lessen the risk:
Does it have a serial # that you can verify through the manufacturer
Does it look like a deal that is too good to be true
Does the seller have good feedback
Is the seller willing to add more pics
Does the seller offer a return policy.

Not saying it's foolproof but if you're willing to accept a little risk you can get some great deals. Just ask some of the better known sellers here.

For example I saw this on Gunbroker a while back. Bunch of red flags with it but some research, and people on this forum adding comments, it became obvious it was a counterfeit.

Loading…

www.gunbroker.com

 

[Steel Head]

She looks like a wholesome, trustworthy lil' gal. I'd probably buy whatever she was selling.

Or rent whatever she's renting