Fake Parts, again
 

Got a call from a guy that just bought this manifold.

http://houston.craigslist.org/pts/4448879727.html

Unfortunately this is a cheap Chinese knock off of one of our products. I have no problem with cheap import stuff, if you want to buy it go for it but know that that is what you are getting. What I do have a problem with is unscrupulous people selling knock off products as the real deal. It does nothing but make my products look bad when the buyer sees the lack of quality.

With over 300 Precision Metalcraft manifolds out there, there are bound to be used ones coming up for sale now and then. If you find one please give me a call or send me a link so that I can confirm what you are buying. I won't give you a high pressure sales pitch or try to talk you into a new one. From one car guy to another I hate to see people being taken advantage of.

Rant over,
Thanks, Jeff Davis
760 751 0378
Precision Metalcraft

I can speak to the quality of your manifolds. That sucks that they did a copy so close that people are fooled.

Sorry for not knowing this, but do you put a plate on your products with a serial number? I would think that plus a page on your site that states 'how to identify the real deal' might help a bit.

I don't think you'll eliminate knock offs and phone calls to authenticate but it might be a good start.

Good thinkin'.

Thanks for even making this offer in the first place. It's a same there is so much piracy out there. Its bad enough to copy something exactly but to say its the real deal is horrible.

Sorry, a serial number won't stop this! The Chinese company will just come back and make the product with the serial number. The US and European automakers have been battling the copycat cars, and parts. The latest copy was copy of the F150 Raptor. http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/...es-ford-f-150/ (There is several videos on Youtube about the China Copycat cars.)

To the OP, a way to slow it down knock offs is offer your customers a place to sell their used manifolds. Depends if you have the customer list, but this way that people would get authentic manifold from the original manufacturer. I know a few local companies that do this for their customers and it seems to work.

Jeff

I don't know if I said it before but Jeff, your the f-n man! thank you

I collect a lot of stuff including Watches. I always see a particular TAG-Heuer Limited Edition watch for sale. The Fakes Always have the Serial #1996/2000. I've tried to warn Sellers that they are trying to sell a Fake, but they never take down the Auctions.

...Just seeing you come out openly like that, to try and help/protect your customers by trying to ensure they are buying safely says SO MUCH about you and your integrity! Im seriously stomped by your move!! Not a whole lot of people that act like that these days man!

You really are... a real MAN. I dont know you personnally but i totally mean that.

Hat is off to you!! And when i need a manifold ill be sure to make all i can to support you and your company. ( such a bad ass piece!!!)

:thankyou:

Lead.

Hey guys, Thanks for the kind words. As for serializing them, up to this point I have not done so. I am afraid the cat is out of the bag at this point, but I may consider it going forward although I don't like to clutter up a product with extra stuff.

I work 6 days a week as is so somebody making a cheap copy really does not bother me, just don't sell it as one of mine. Please contact me if you find a used one you are interested in. I can tell them apart quite easily and can at least tell you what you are buying. One big give away is that all of ours since manifold #1 have included fuel rails, so if a guy is trying to sell one without them all the more reason to contact me.

One more thing to mention is that I can not/will not supply fuel rails for anything but one of our manifolds, sorry it's a liability thing.

Thanks, Jeff