Thursday, November 27, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Spotting Fake Oakley Sunglasses
At Mass Vision Sunglasses we have been retailing and wholesaling sunglasses for 12 years. At least once per week we are asked if we sell fake Oakley sunglasses. Of course the answer is no. Due to their popularity, price and technology, Oakley sunglasses are one of the most knocked off designer brands. As a consumer you must be aware when trying to make a legitimate purchase of Oakley sunglasses. I will outline important tips as to how you can tell the difference between fake and real Oakley sunglasses.
Ask for the certificate of authenticity and warranty card
Most fake Oakley sunglasses don’t come with proper documentation. The certificate of authenticity and the warranty card should be the first two things you should look into when purchasing a pair of designer sunglasses. This verification method is incredibly reliable and is recommended for individuals who aren’t confident with their ability to detect a fake pair from construction alone.
Check the case or pouch
All Oakley sunglasses come in a hard case or pouch. If the case appears to be flimsy and lacks quality logos, chances are you need to reconsider your purchase. Genuine Oakley shades are always encased in quality packaging.
Look for the serial number and markings
The only country that manufactures real Oakley sunglasses is the United States. Therefore, there should be a clear “Made in the U.S.A.” logo on the arm of the pair you’re checking out. Additionally, you may also look for the serial number on the inside of the arm that indicates the model number of the sunglasses.
Solid construction
Genuine Oakley sunglasses are built with superior, high quality materials. Moreover, they are put together extremely well. There should not be any loose ends or gaps between the hinges. When it comes to stickers on the lenses, real Oakley shades do not have any. This is a common mistake that counterfeiters make. Don’t let a vendor tell you that all sunglasses are required to have the UV protection or polarization sticker.
Feel the nose piece
Don’t forget to check the rubber nose-piece when determining the authenticity of Oakley sunglasses. A real pair comes with a soft cushion that almost molds or conforms to the bridge of your nose when worn. A rough or hard rubber nose piece is a sign that you may need to look for a different seller.
Price
An online search for “fake Oakley” sunglasses will list tons of Chinese web sites that sell them. These sites are not denying the authenticity of the sunglasses based on the keyword search terms and their price of $10 or $15. Specific styles of Oakley sunglasses do not fluctuate to much in price. The company that owns Oakley also owns many of the retail stores such as Sunglass Hut. If Sunglass Hut sells a pair of Straight Jacket's for $130 other retailers will not be far from that price in either direction. A red flag is when a site or individual is selling a new pair of Straight Jackets for example at $60 or $70.
Negative Impact
In my opinion the worst side affect of fake Oakley sunglasses is the fact that they are made in China and imported illegally. This means that the FDA is not inspecting the impact tests of the lenses as well as the UV protection. Sunglasses without UV protection and poor tinting will lull the pupils into dilating, which can mean that a day on the water or the slopes can induce a dangerous case of sun blindness. Permanent damage to your eyes’ internal lenses, also known as a cataract. With your pupils dilated by your low-quality lenses and unprotected from the full onslaught of the Sun’s ultraviolet light, you’re signing up for premature aging of your eyes and may require surgery. Other negative aspects include: loss of money, embarrassment, and possible legal trouble. When in doubt always turn to an authorized Oakley dealer such as Sunglasses Hut, Oakley.com or Lens Crafters. An online search will give you other dealers as well.
Lastly, take all the time you need to inspect the product closely. When in doubt about the Oakley shades you’re holding, ask for another pair. If you really aren’t sure, talk to the seller and voice out your concerns.
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