We typically like to keep things lighthearted here at Envy Wigs, but we’ve been struggling with an issue that also impacts you, the customer. We want to make sure we get this information out there so that you can make informed choices and be sure that you are getting quality products for your hard-earned money.
What is a counterfeit wig?
It has come to our attention that there are online companies who are stealing our and other reputable wig makers’ images, producing counterfeit wigs based on our styles, and duping customers into believing that they’re getting something other than what they really paid for. These companies pose as legitimate wig retailers and often adopt names similar to trusted sites, to give the illusion that they are legitimate, as well.
These counterfeit wig companies are based in China, and the products they turn out are made of low quality materials with shoddy workmanship. They are typically made from photographs of our products—the same photographs they put up on their sites to have you believe you’re getting a quality wig—so the specifications are not exact, and the measurements are imprecise, at best. It’s not uncommon for them to post fake reviews on their sites, in order to give the illusion of customer satisfaction. In reality, many who purchase these wigs get something completely different than what they thought they ordered. Many complaints we’ve read have mentioned not just that the color and fit are nothing like what was pictured online, but that the wigs started to fall apart after having only been worn once or twice.
Because these companies are located in China, the wigs often take several weeks to arrive, and getting them to accept a return is nearly impossible. If they do agree to refund your money, they will most likely require that you pay the shipping fees to return the counterfeit product. As you will be sending it all the way back to China, this can be incredibly costly—often more than what you paid for the wig in the first place.
How to recognize a counterfeit
When you’re browsing through a website’s collection of wigs, do the prices seem almost too good to be true? They probably are. We understand that sometimes it’s just not possible to spend top dollars for a quality hair piece, but $30 will almost never get you a wig worth wearing.
Is it nearly impossible to find contact information—a mailing address and phone number—for the company? Reputable sites will not make it difficult for you to get in contact with them and often have toll free numbers displayed on their homepage.
What are the names of the wigs? Most authentic wigs have proper, descriptive names. We name ours after women who inspire us—Miley, Scarlett, Celeste, etc. If you’re on a reputable wig retailer’s site, they will provide detailed information about the wig and will name the manufacturer. If you see a photograph of a celebrity but the name of the wig is “Deep Brown Curly Fashion Woman’s Short Wig”…it’s counterfeit.
This issue is problematic, not just because counterfeiters are stealing our images and styles to make a quick buck for themselves, but because they are taking advantage of women who are often at a very vulnerable time in their lives. We want to make sure you have the information necessary to make safe, informed choices when it comes to your looks and how you spend your money.
For a list of honest, legitimate retailers who sell our wigs, please visit the Online Sales section of our website. For more information on this topic, both E-Wigs and Simply Wigs have write-ups of what they’ve been through, as well as lists of sites to avoid. E-Wigs also offers advice on actions you can take if you have purchased a counterfeit.
The Internet is a big place. Be sure to do your research, and shop wisely!
