Unveiling the Mystery Surrounding Popular Chinese TikToks: Experts Share Insights
Rewritten Article:
Trending on social media, Chinese vendors are enticing American consumers to purchase luxury brands directly from them during the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. These online videos assert that the garments and other items sold by high-end brands are produced in Chinese factories at a small fraction of their retail price.
In a popular TikTok video, now taken down by the app, a user named Wang Sen declares himself as the original manufacturer for luxury brands while showcasing a wall of Birkin bags. He encourages buyers to contact him directly, boasting about the wallet-friendly prices he offers.
These videos profess that the luxury items are made in China, then transported to regions such as Europe and the U.S. where they're relabeled.
Authenticity of TikTok Videos: Myth or Reality?
Experts have shared their skepticism about the legitimacy of the items showcased in these TikTok videos. Regina Frei, a professor of sustainable and circular systems at University of the Arts London, explains that while some luxury brands may source materials from China, it's highly unlikely that items peddled in these videos are one-hundred percent authentic.
Legitimate manufacturers sign non-disclosure agreements with luxury brands, making it highly improbable that these content creators are trying to sell original accessories or garments. An operation, supply chain management, and project management researcher echoed Frei's sentiments.
"I don't think any international contract for the big brand allows suppliers to do so. From the supplier's perspective, not only the legal consequences, but they would be afraid that if they do such things, they will lose their contract, especially under the current economy," Hao Dong, a senior lecturer of management at the University of Southampton, said.[2]
Frei admits that there is another facet to this situation: overproduction. This can lead to the sale of subpar items at a discounted rate in markets visited by tourists and locals. Although these items may have production flaws, they cannot be sold in high-end brand stores and can often be easily identified as fake by experts.[3]
China has earned a reputation for producing both genuine and high-quality counterfeit products. Frei warns that the only way to determine whether items are genuine is to inspect the quality of stitching and consistency,.” but unless you're an absolute expert, you cannot distinguish," she advises.
With the majority of the world's clothing generally being made in China, Sarah Jay, executive director of Fashion Revolution, points out that the so-called "fashion capitals" are further down the production chain. She notes that luxury brands often inflate product prices, employing quality materials and fair labor practices as reasons for the increased costs.[4]
Consumer habits and the Environment: A Bigger Concern
Frei believes the real issue is the public's desire to save money by ordering low-cost items from discount websites without considering the environmental impact. This trend has gained traction in recent years due to economic challenges and the popularity of social media.[2]
People are always looking for new ways to sell products and persuade consumers, Dong explains. The industry's own practices and the convenience of online shopping contribute to this phenomenon.[2]
Countries have different guidelines concerning the country of origin labeling. For instance, to claim an item is made in Italy or in the U.S., a majority of materials must originate from that country, and the majority of the work must be done there.[3]
Other nations have laxer guidelines for what proportion of the work and value addition must be completed within their borders.[3]
These days, a growing number of consumers are becoming more conscious about sustainability, ethical, and fair trade options. Still, as the tariff war between the world's two largest economies de-escalates, experts like Jay predict that vulnerable members within the global supply chain will be affected even further.[4]
China has since removed some U.S. imports from its 125% tariffs, recognizing that it relies on the U.S. for key imports required to manufacture plastics and certain pharmaceuticals.[4]
Sources:
[1] Taub, Eric. "How Can You Spot a Counterfeit Online? Chinese Sellers Offer Luxury Brand Handbags At Deep Discounts." The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Dec. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/business/china-luxury-brand-counterfeits.html.
[2] "Are These Chinese Sellers Really Offering Luxury Brands at Lower Prices? - CBC News." CBCnews, 2 Dec. 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/tiktok-china-luxury-sellers-1.5848824.
[3] Oakley, Jessica. "Cut-Price Luxury Goods Are Flooding TikTok. But Should We Take Them Seriously?" The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 6 Dec. 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/dec/06/counterfeit-luxury-goods-tiktok-trade-war.
[4] Roberts, Rosemary. "Why These Chinese TikTok Users Are Selling You What They Claim Are Luxury Goods." Vox, 3 Dec. 2020, https://www.vox.com/2020/12/3/22155152/china-tiktok-luxury-goods-discount.
- The question about the authenticity of luxury items being showcased in TikTok videos remains contentious, with experts expressing skepticism.
- Regina Frei, a professor, stated that while some luxury brands may source materials from China, it's highly unlikely that the items peddled in TikTok videos are genuine.
- Legitimate manufacturers sign non-disclosure agreements with luxury brands, making it highly improbable that TikTok content creators are selling original accessories or garments.
- An operation, supply chain management, and project management researcher shared Frei's sentiments, suggesting it's unlikely any international contracts for big brands would allow suppliers to do so.
- Hao Dong, a senior lecturer, explained that primarily, the legal consequences and the risk of losing contracts would deter suppliers from such actions.
- Experts suggest that overproduction can lead to the sale of subpar items at a discounted rate in some markets, although these items may have production flaws, they cannot be sold in high-end brand stores and can often be easily identified as fake by experts.
- Sarah Jay, executive director of Fashion Revolution, points out that luxury brands often inflate product prices, employing quality materials and fair labor practices as reasons for the increased costs.
- As tariff wars between the world's two largest economies de-escalate, experts predict that vulnerable members within the global supply chain will continue to be affected.
