24-01-08, 05:59 PM
I actually have some insider information on this topic...
As many of you know, I work as a Corporate National Account Rep for FedEx here in the US.
I used to have a customer that was an online retailer for Sneakers and trainers. They specialized in Nike's but sold many other brands as well. Much like pickyourshoes, FlightClub, SportieLA & others they really prided themselves on the authenticity of their items.
In my many conversations with them about the fakes in the market, the CEO took me out in the warehouse and handed me two pairs of AF1's. He told me to pick the fake. Of course I couldn't tell. The only way he knew was the barcode on the box. These particular pairs were identical.
He let me know that Nike, just like ALL major shoe companies have contracts with various and rotating manufacturers in Asia. The shoe companies don't own the manufacturers and plants. They're all 3rd party contractors. He said that the most common issue is that these companies keep running the production lines AFTER they've fulfilled their order and obligation. They can then send the finished goods out on the open market and make additional money.
Now this is a much bigger problem with Nike than any other company. We all know that they are the major player in the sneakerhead circles.
But to answer the question that was posed...
YES, It happens all the time
Quick sidenote, He also let me know that Nike and other companies actually contract several retailers like himself to purchase shoes from various retailers in an effort to determine who is selling fakes and try and shut them down. He said he purchases about a dozen pairs per day just for this purpose. That's good to hear.
As many of you know, I work as a Corporate National Account Rep for FedEx here in the US.
I used to have a customer that was an online retailer for Sneakers and trainers. They specialized in Nike's but sold many other brands as well. Much like pickyourshoes, FlightClub, SportieLA & others they really prided themselves on the authenticity of their items.
In my many conversations with them about the fakes in the market, the CEO took me out in the warehouse and handed me two pairs of AF1's. He told me to pick the fake. Of course I couldn't tell. The only way he knew was the barcode on the box. These particular pairs were identical.
He let me know that Nike, just like ALL major shoe companies have contracts with various and rotating manufacturers in Asia. The shoe companies don't own the manufacturers and plants. They're all 3rd party contractors. He said that the most common issue is that these companies keep running the production lines AFTER they've fulfilled their order and obligation. They can then send the finished goods out on the open market and make additional money.
Now this is a much bigger problem with Nike than any other company. We all know that they are the major player in the sneakerhead circles.
But to answer the question that was posed...
YES, It happens all the time
Quick sidenote, He also let me know that Nike and other companies actually contract several retailers like himself to purchase shoes from various retailers in an effort to determine who is selling fakes and try and shut them down. He said he purchases about a dozen pairs per day just for this purpose. That's good to hear.