Rip Off Products

There's a big problem in the world with rip off merchants stealing designs and profits from creative people around the world........you are the only ones who can make it a non profitable venture for them.
Enjoy your coffee
Ceri
Ceri The Crafter on Etsy www.etsy.com/u...
FaceBook @Ceri The Crafter
FaceBook @Ceri The Cake
Website www.cerigriffi...

[@gayleagostinelli_ct]

Great video, Ceri! One of my heartbreaks early on was purchasing a paper pack only to find the designs had been ripped off from Artymaze. I also recently saw some Tsunami Rose designs in a vellum pack from China. So sad that these folks can steal others art with no worry of prosecution. I’m so sorry that you have experienced this as well. Thanks for educating everyone on this important topic. Love and hugs to you, dear friend! ❤️

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@2close2themoon]

I'm coming at this late, but a college friend was a glass designer, things like backsplashes, tiles, any kind of glass you'd make with a torch. She found out people were coming to trade shows and taking pictures and then like you said, a short time later, her actual designs were being sold en masse. I also remember a jewelry artist who found some of her own protected designs showing up in the low-end range at Michael's craft stores. It's disheartening as an end user, too. I will most definitely stop watching any crafter/maker who says they buy off Temu or Ali Express. Too risky and I don't want to be the person who exploits an artisan or the workers who make these things. I am even very skeptical about buying things now on Amazon.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@CreatorsCall]

Thank you, Ceri, for presenting this topic in a matter-of-fact way, There are so many sides to this issue. First, there is the defrauding of the people who actually create and develop innovative products. When we choose to buy a product based only on price, we support the dishonest practices of such companies by buying their goods and keeping them in business. Consumers have lowered their standards and figuratively cheapened themselves simply to save a dollar or two. Second, this is the grim consequence of companies having handed over the production of their goods and services solely on the basis of it being cheaper. The reason it is cheaper is because materials and labor are cheaper. And when labor is cheap it is often being exploited. Much of these products are produced at the expense of people, sometimes children, working in poor conditions for a pittance of a wage. It's one of my deepest convictions, to stop purchasing cheap products made in certain countries who steal ideas and then reproduce them on the backs of what is essentially slave labor. I personally try not to purchase cheap junk from a certain country whenever I can knowingly do so. Of course, we cannot always control where the products we enjoy are manufactured, but we can demand better product for our money and goods that don't oppress those already at a disadvantage. Additionally the customer service is woeful. If the customer is dissatisfied, there is no attempt to make things right. No accountablilty on the part of the merchant. There is usually an offier for the customer to keep the lousy unwanted product and receive a small portion of the purchase price back. If there is one thing Covid 19 should have taught us, it is that we need to have more than one place for the production of the majority of the world's goods. We should be finding more creative and ethical ways to provide income in other impoverished parts of the world, offering dignity by supplying jobs that produce products mutually beneficial to both producer and purchaser. Didn't mean to vent, but I feel deeply about this. Consider this long comment a loud round of applause for sharing your thoughts and experience on this topic. ~Marci

[@CeriGriffiths]

Marci, I agree totally with all you’ve said, I try to effect things by my own actions although I must admit I’ve been fooled a few time thinking I’m purchasing from a reliable source only to find it was not. As a designer I’ve had all of my product designs ripped off and when we’ve tried to do something legally about it the process is futile, they just change their company name and keep going or just ignore you as they know you can’t really do anything about them. They make their money then move on, the legal process is long winded and expensive and costs more than your product losses in revenue. Child and almost slave labour bothers me but it’s a bottomless pit when governments try to help, there will always be the greedy exploiting the vulnerable. I do what I can with the little powers I have but until everyone does the same this unfortunately will never change. Thank you for your detailed comment Ceri

[@devonrex4]

Great food for thought! Tfs

[@robynrosenau5986]

I always try to buy from the little guy first! It’s important to support them and stop the big companies from taking over the world!!! You get much better service and products.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@BB-cl1wc]

So true Ceri, it's so refreshing to hear a top designer being honest about pricing.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@michelel3372]

I love "coffee with Ceri." Your subject matter is always interesting. This one certainly pointed out some things I wasn't aware of. As always, thank you for sharing. ❤

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@lisbethkelsey6622]

I've never bought from Wish, Ali Exp., or Temu. I also do not support Hobby Lobby or Chick-fil-A due to their employee policies, stolen antiquities, etc. I really hate to hear about products being copied, so sad for the artists!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Unfortunately it’s now part of the world of selling nowadays and since everyone is wanting to get as much as they can for their money rip offs and copies are very tempting if you’re on a budget.

[@kerriewyer]

Another problem is bug brands ripping off smaller brands and putting them under their own ‘house’ label. Seen a lot of that too!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Me as well, Thank you

[@cathybeige3603]

I used to buy from Ali Express when, then I realized what you are telling us about today. I now buy the original products only. saving a few cents isn't worth the harm done to the artist.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@melaniemonti8115]

I agree with you 100%. People on KZbin in the craft community, even copy you with a technique that you teach us, making tickets for example and using the hole punch to notch out the side so it looks like a ticket. They should at least give the person verbal credit for the idea!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@GraceBlossoms4U]

Sadly this has been happening for years. Found my designs on a foreign website about 12 years ago.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Grace I’ve now given up trying to do anything about it as it’s just become part of a culture, those who support me try to only buy genuine products but even I’ve been caught out in the past…..it’s so easy to be duped into buying copies if you’re not diligent and even then it’s not easy.

[@debbiev.1311]

So true the saying "you get what you pay for"...really appreciate your advice to be wiser & more discerning when buying, & YES to supporting the "little guys"!! 👍🏻☕

[@CeriGriffiths]

You are so welcome!

[@DutchJoan]

Couldn't agree more!! I'm so happy that since over a year products from China get more heavily taxed, making it less advantageous to buy them. Shipping costs from China and how long it takes for the products to get here have gone up significantly too. This levels the playing field.

[@CeriGriffiths]

I hope so, thank you.

[@MsShanarun]

I always stay away from items or companies that I am sure are stolen. And I do not upvote videos or hauls that use those companies. All I can do! Thanks for the video!

[@CeriGriffiths]

I understand but every little helps, thank you

[@ginamcdonald7854]

I only buy from reputable sites and/or the original creator of the products. Those internet sites such as the popular one now beginning with the letter “T” do not get my business! If they’re selling something for 99 cents and I’ve seen it for $15 or $20 on reputable sites I steer clear. I have friends who love those rip-off websites!

[@suebrown7882]

Interesting chat - it's often hard for us crafters to know if items are originals or copies. I buy lots of craft items locally on Facebook marketplace and got some bargains - and am also touched by how appreciative and helpful small business sellers usually are.

[@CeriGriffiths]

The small businesses are the jewels of our artistic community.

[@angelashock9837]

I purchased something unbeknownst to me it was a copy! I was so mortified! I even purchased from Amazon, not Wish or AliBaba. Just purchase from the company itself, not an aggregator (a site that brings lots of products from many merchants, not checking their authenticity).

[@CeriGriffiths]

Angela it’s so easy to be misled its happened to me also.

[@wendyzilli9735]

That’s horrible Ceri!! I’m telling you, this just ticks me off when people do this. And people who steal other peoples property too!! (Like out of their yards). I don’t get it! Why can’t they come up with their own ideas instead of ripping off someone else. So sorry you went through this. Sending hugs 🤗. I’m so glad you shared this video with us. ❤️

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you, they steal because it’s easy money and they don’t have the talent to create for themselves.

[@wendyzilli9735]

@@CeriGriffiths It really makes me crazy. Well, crazier 🤣

[@annelawver8495]

Thank you for this! I have felt this way about papers and other products featuring the work of artists. Too often, it is just out of copyright.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Unfortunately I don’t know how we’ll ever beat them.

[@kerriewyer]

So true Ceri, I’ve seen so many of our cake friends ripped off, it makes me so sad 😞

[@CeriGriffiths]

It makes me angry

[@user-pv2yx6tp1w]

That is horrible. You are a creative genius. They do that with so many people and designs. They aren't creative China needs to be held accountable. Remember it is a compliment to be copied. Love you.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you, I feel sorry for those who end up with inferior product and then struggle to use them.

[@duckigrrl]

Thank you, Ceri. Most of the time I keep an eye out for fake versions of craft items but I did get stung by a seller on eBay. I didn't carefully read the post but I saw the brand name being used. When it came in, it was an obvious copy.

[@CeriGriffiths]

It happens, I also get fooled sometimes, the fakers are clever

[@kaylinfrancis8751]

Very well said Ceri. Thanks for sharing.

[@CeriGriffiths]

You are so welcome!

[@artcuriousbymnw]

Great chat Ceri. Is so annoying when you have a product that cost you time to develop money and you took good care of the quality and then you see someone else is selling it. That happens to my dad when he developed a line of furniture and another company with more connections and money to invest copy his idea and saturate the market (a little different but the same) even provide furniture to tv programs in exchange of promotion. It was so bad. Good thing my dad also was very creative so he develops something else and continue make a living from it😁 I’m with you in that, if the price is suspicious stop and think before buy. Thank you for share your thoughts ❤

[@CeriGriffiths]

Sad but true.

[@jukes243]

Exactly right. I bought some cheap stamps once. They melted.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Sometimes when purchase products and don’t know they’re rip offs, it’s so hard to tell nowadays.

[@kiminalaska9363]

So many new crafters don’t realize when they purchase from certain sites that they are all rip off products. So thank you for the information and for bringing out the other side too. The originall producer of the product adding a few dollars on the price because a “celebrity “ designed/created this product

[@CeriGriffiths]

Unfortunately the culture nowadays promotes the sale of cheap rip offs and not the respect of craftsmanship and craftswomanship

[@Undeercover]

✨ 🌼 ❣️ ⭐⭐⭐❣️🌼✨ Ill hear you Ceri ❣️❣️❣️ Thanks for bring it up, cant say i havent buy a copy's sadless even it was with the Logo/Brand and 25%off the normaly price ... its still a copy😔😮😢

[@CeriGriffiths]

I understand

[@ChicagoDreamer5]

Very brave, sharing this. I'm impressed. You can be brave, you can be vulnerable. Difficult to find these days, I commend you.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you so much!

[@debbiebeasley6169]

This makes my blood boil! 😡 This also happens with people’s tutorials on fb.. after the person put all that blood, sweat and tears into producing a video and gets a lot of followers, here come the wolves! They change the name just ever so slightly and then get the benefits from the original posters work! When I try to explain this, most people just get a blank stare on their face and won’t listen to just how easy this could be avoided.. the original poster has a blue circle 🔵 with a white check mark on their picture at the top of every original post that they post. Just make sure that is there before you give your support!! It’s so easy!! And you’re absolutely right Ceri !!!! It is up to us! We MUST educate ourselves and do better as consumers! 💜

[@CeriGriffiths]

Too true, thank you

[@JoMamaLuvsReptiles]

I love coffee with Cheri! I am new to your channel. I have been binge watching. Thank you for sharing.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you and welcome.

[@LadyLeda2]

So glad you brought this up Geri. This is such a problem, because China does not regulate their people on copyright laws. They also stole my eco dyed papers a few years ago. I remember the day because I thought it was a bit strange that a person with a chinese name would buy these papers. I mean let's face it, I do not know anyone of chinese descent that makes junk journals. There may be some but I have not come across any. But yep, there they were. The sad thing about it is there is not a darn thing we can do. So I got to tell you a story. When I was doing research on this problem I came across this video. It's outside in China with this long tarp as far as the eye could see. The one side is open to the elements. Under this tarp were a bunch of chinese men who were painting Van Gogh's sunflower pictures. This is a business in China that sells these Van Gogh pictures to motels and restaurants. Unbelievable!!! No they do not sell them as a real Van Gogh, but it's a real painting instead of a print. So the next time you are in a fancy restaurant or at a motel look for a Van Gogh sunflower picture. It probably came from China!!!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Sadly it just can’t be stopped.

[@nameissturdy1390]

If Tim Holtz can’t keep imitators off of Aliexpress, how is the little guy supposed to? Read reviews when shopping on Amazon! Read the wording of the description and if it’s broken English, no. (They’re actually kind of funny.) No reviews, don’t buy it. Read the bad reviews for consistency. Ignore the good reviews. And please be aware of cheap cosmetics. I’ve heard about what may be in them and it’s not worth the eye infection. (Just my 2 cents, or pence) Love ya Ceri!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you and well said.

[@AG-vg6yk]

But even the stamping platform design had an issue with copyright infringement from My Sweet Petunia who had the patent....

[@JannyHaak]

Yes this is a concern for artists and other industries as well. Original stuff can be a bit pricey, but hey a lot of work went into that! The copy cats only have to copy it, no thinking and designing and testing involved, so yes that would be a lot cheaper. I usually save up for the things I want, or wait for them to be on sale. I respect the time and effort, and love that artists put in their work. That's why I prefer the original stuff over the copy cats any day 🙌 Thanks Ceri!

[@CeriGriffiths]

I would rather spend a little more on safe quality products and support the original designer than line the pockets of thieves.

[@lucy7b]

I agree, Tim Holtz stuff is really too expensive for me. Good idea taking a screen shot. I’m more upset by rip offs from Etsy designers in the junk journalling world.

[@CeriGriffiths]

I always view Tim Holtz products as a considered purchase, I do buy them but only if I have a specific project in mind, never impulse buys.

[@user-godzilla57373]

Hi Ceri, thank u for your wonderful craftsmanship. I think you’re awesome. U r the one that I watch the most. I found a calendar of flowers at the thrift shop .. it’s a soft textured card stock. What can I do with it? I’m just starting crafting! I’ve made some of your stuff but not as good as yours.. thanks!! 0:44 I can’t upload my pic!

[@CeriGriffiths]

You could fussy cut the flowers or cut the images out in rectangles and squares and then make a floral master board.

[@user-godzilla57373]

@@CeriGriffiths sounds good to me!! Thank u!

[@waukonstandard]

It's too bad the big corps like Tim Holtz charge so much. On the other hand I have reported websites to the original designers when I see copy cats of their work.

[@CeriGriffiths]

I try to report them but I’m not sure it’s making any difference, the rip off merchants don’t care.

[@suzannefreeman7290]

Thank you , great chat .

[@CeriGriffiths]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@annettem4672]

Years ago I painted a tool bucket lid for my husband who was an electrician. The very first day he took it to work, the lid was stolen. He was furious! About 25 years later I was driving down the highway and looked over to see MY painting on the door of an electrical company! They had it as their logo!

[@CeriGriffiths]

That’s crazy Anne.

[@ginamcdonald7854]

That’s horrible!!!

[@billiejoethomason6075]

So agree. We are a hometown store & I always support the small dealers.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Me too when possible.

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

Good talk. Hi&hugs to you and Biscuit

[@CeriGriffiths]

Much appreciated

[@papercraftingwithmisstommi]

I had purchased what I thought was the field notes stamp set on Facebook marketplace for a decent price. It was a ripoff. I was disappointed because it was a ripoff.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Sorry to hear that, we all get ripped off now and then, the fakers are really cleaver.

[@janinewoodhull3611]

I am just now seeing this, but it is still relevant. Can you shed some light on which companies to avoid buying from? I am assuming sites like Wish, AliExpress, Temu? Any others? I have not purchased from these companies, because I am "suspicious" of them doing exactly what you are talking about, but I don't know that for certain. I am just about as disgusted with the well-known companies charging an arm and a leg for their products! Thanks for helping us to help out our artistic friends in this community.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Janie, it is so hard to list them as they've become very clever at hiding themselves behind legitimate names and banners, they are everywhere.

[@janinewoodhull3611]

@@CeriGriffiths Okay, I understand. Thank you!

[@joanfriant211]

I was so mad about this, I sent in previous message!!!! I have been learning from Laurie and she and her husband created wreathing boards that are made of recycled plastic, not wire!!! So I refuse to use a knock off!

[@CeriGriffiths]

If only everyone refused knock offs there’d then be no market for the fakers.

[@Ahlora1]

Absolute truth!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@Poyser68]

Where can I buy your molds? Please post a link. 🙂

[@CeriGriffiths]

katysuedesigns.com if you search the creative cake system on this website you'll find some of my designs.

[@daisy3690]

[@lucy7b]

👍👍👍

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@daniellelombardi180]

Well said!

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@Poyser68]

Hi please post a link where I can by your molds. Thanks.

[@CeriGriffiths]

katysuedesigns.com if you search the creative cake system on this website you'll find some of my designs. Thank you

[@dotmorton4540]

Dot from Derbyshire Hi Ceri, I'm so sorry you have been ripped off in such a heartless way and there's nothing you can do about it. Your such a nice guy too. Thanks for bringing it too our attention. I've been looking for a base for my wig head when it's completed, but not been successful with Amazon. Can you remember where you got yours from? I've ordered the Carnival tissue paper, not found my wig head yet it's in the house somewhere, I hope, I don't think I gave it to the charity shop, I wouldn't have put it in the bin. So I'm trying to prepare myself for the challenge. If I'm successful, would you mind if I gave one or two to the local volunteer centre to sell in their shop to raise money towards running the place. Before Covid I used to go there to the handicraft group. Lots of love, Dot and take care x

[@CeriGriffiths]

Dot when you search for styrofoam shapes try searching for cake dummies as thats what I used, they come in various shapes and sizes however it doesn’t have to be styrofoam you could use anything you can cover. If you mean selling your finished heads by all means sell them to raise money, the original idea was not mine and I’m sure its been done many times before. Good luck and have fun with it.

[@elainel4348]

☹️

[@CeriGriffiths]

Thank you

[@LauraMe...]

It must be so disheartening to find out you've been ripped off that fast. I have often wondered if the company that manufactured the real product wasn't responsible for the knock off versions since manufacturing at a reasonable cost is often done in other countries where labor is cheaper and laws on TM are not necessarily honored. I have heard stories of employees of these places being responsible for pocketing a product and beginning the process on the side. It's a dog eat dog world. I am a budget girl. I love shopping 2nd hand, ebay, coupons, etc. The thrill of the discount us sometimes better than the product.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Yup I love an auction for buying supplies, you find the neatest things

[@eileennielsen5165]

I agree. I (personal opinion) think China the biggest culprit.

[@CeriGriffiths]

I do too

[@joanfriant211]

I know this video is 6 months old but I know of this, it's going on in the wreathing community now!

[@CeriGriffiths]

It’s going on in every creative arena, thank you.

[@kathylowry4813]

Sorry this is happening to you small independets. A good heads up for us to consider when purchasing.

[@CeriGriffiths]

So true

[@koskaloca]

I normally research before buying anything, I do prefer the original product, even if I need to pay a little more, I know what I will receive. Nothing worse than an intellectual rip off. That is also applicable to cake decorators that don't give credit when recreated ideas and use photos from others artist and or pass them as theirs. Once I was told that I should feel honoured someone like my picture ( of me wearing a knitter sweater I make). I said yes, I feel happy, but no when you streal my photo and pretended I was one of your group class =)=)=) The craft world has so much plagiarism, which is so sad.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Too true.

[@Undeercover]

copy*

[@joycegifford8826]

There is no such thing as an “ORIGINAL” technique and or product in the crafting industry. There is NO LAW stating you MUST give credit to the crafter. Unless, you have a PAID FOR PATENT and or Registered Copyright and prepared to pay legal costs, move forward. My projects are all over Pinterest without my posting them and without any credit given. When I come across a project, I simply thank them for posting and put my socials links. I’ve also seen people copy my project completely and again; I thank them for their support and post my socials links. Chastising people and virtue signaling on the behalf of others is unprofessional and ridiculous.

[@CreativeCrisis-Art]

I believe Ceri is speaking about original product designs, which are in fact intellectual property. In the US, such designs are typically protected under trademark laws. Companies that knowingly manufacture knock-offs are unethical, period. Ceri is not "virtue signaling" or chastising anyone; he is completely correct.

[@CeriGriffiths]

Joyce i give credit where I know it is due out of common courtesy, and I find the amount of people who rip off digital art appalling but there's no way to realistically police it. I believe the stencils and masks I design and the silicon moulds I've designed for the cake industry to be unique as I created them and not copied someone else's design. When my products were launched they were immediately ripped off by China trying to make quick money out of my designs, we did try to get them legally stopped but it was impossible as they'd close down one day and then continue manufacturing the next day under a different name. I gave up trying to stop them but felt sorry for those who purchased the inferior products as they didn't get the joy out of them that I designed.

[@minngael]

But are you selling any of your projects? He's speaking not just as a hobbyist but as a professional artist. I try to give credit when I get ideas from someone else, out of common courtesy. And if it's a specific product or design support the creator.