Customers should be aware of the dangers of counterfeit products in the aftermarket industry and learn ways to avoid being scammed.

The Heavy Duty Truck Aftermarket industry is growing and innovating in many exciting ways. However, along with the growth and modern advances there comes a responsibility to be mindful of safety and quality control issues as the number of counterfeit parts increase in the market. According to a recent report from the Brand Protection Council of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, counterfeiting is becoming a significant problem for the global motor vehicle parts industry. The Federal Trade Commission and World Customers Organization in Interpol estimate that counterfeit trade costs the industry nearly $3 billion dollars a year in the United States. However, this is not a domestic issue alone: the global expense of counterfeit parts reaches nearly $12 billion dollars. Because of this, manufacturers are encouraging customers to be conscientious of what they purchase and who they purchase products from.   Unless a part if purchased from an authorized brand dealer, buyers cannot always trust that a part is genuine even if it appears to be legitimate due to packaging and appearance.

The Problem with Counterfeit Products

One of the reasons counterfeit products are able to infiltrate the industry so easily is because of the internet. Online sales of deeply discounted parts attract buyers looking for the best deals despite quality or authenticity concerns. These illegal parts are sold at prices nearly fifty to sixty percent below standard costs but are not built to the same quality and safety standards as legitimate brand name products and consequently, they pose a significant risk to those who purchase and use counterfeit parts.

In addition to being unsafe or low quality, counterfeit products are highly illegal because they infringe on trademark protections by posing or packaging products under a popular brand name. Customers believe they are getting products of a higher quality than they actually are, and counterfeiters are stealing the intellectual property and hard-earned work of other companies.

How to Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Products

As a consumer of aftermarket products, there are many ways you can protect yourself by avoiding counterfeit products. Here are a few suggestions for avoiding fake products:

  • Check for accurate brand markings on all products you purchase
  • Build a strong relationships with your suppliers by researching the company and staying in contact with your brand representatives
  • Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true…they probably are!
  • Source high quality products directly from domestic manufacturers

Guarantee Top Quality with Huron Automatic Screw Company

By purchasing aftermarket supplies from a reputable domestic manufacturer, consumers can be confident that products they are purchasing meet the highest standards. At Huron Automatic Screw Company, we pride ourselves in adhering to rigorous standards and investing in leading edge technology to create products that are of exceptional quality and reliability.

About Huron Automatic Screw Company

With over 80 years of experience, Huron Automatic Screw Company is highly regarded in the fastener manufacturing industry for product excellence and quick turnaround, making us an ideal partner to handle your prototype through production quantity jobs.  Leading fastener distributors and component manufactures from around the world rely on the quality of our U.S. made fasteners such as double end studs, wheel studs and specialty bolts made from carbon, alloy, stainless, aluminum and high temperature materials. Our precision machined threaded fasteners, pins, spacers and other parts are purchased by fastener distributors, component manufacturers and OEMs across the United States and go into a wide variety of components such as axles, power trains, suspensions, engines and steering components.

Our tradition of quality and our use of innovative modern manufacturing practices have been our company’s competitive edge in manufacturing precision machined products.  Add to that our reputation for on-time delivery and competitive prices, and you’ve got every answer you need to give us a try on your next project.

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