When Are Dupes Worth Your Money? | Talking Point - Dupes Revealed (Part 2/2) | Full Episode

The word ‘dupes’ has taken over popular culture as Gen Zs brag about their cheaper, but said to be of similar quality, alternative products online. In this second episode, the Talking Point team finds out how quickly factories in China can create dupe products, what that means for production costs and quality, and how they navigate the grey legal area of possibly creating replicas. Host Munah Baghrib also tests more products to find out the category of dupes that’s most value for money FOR YOU.
WATCH Part 1 on dupes: • Why Gen Z Loves Dupes:...
0:00 Previously in Part 1
1:24 Munah stress-tests dupe activewear
2:27 Inside China's dupe business
5:12 Headphones: original vs dupe
9:24 Dupe activewear stress test: update
10:20 Hairdryer: original vs dupe
12:30 Inside a dupe factory in China
16:11 Dupes are a legally grey area
17:10 Dupe perfumes: better than the originals?
20:00 Dupes: the new future?
About the show:
Talking Point investigates a current issue or event, offering different perspectives to local stories and revealing how it all affects you.
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#CNAInsider #CNATalkingPoint #Singapore #China #Dupes #GenZ
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[@siewfongng8189]

Watched Part 1 and had been waiting for Part 2 to come out as the competition between dupes and originals is fun to watch. Keep it up, CNA Insider!

[@VivaSardina]

I love this. I’m a luxe shopper and love high quality goods. However, high quality doesn’t mean it needs to be high priced. I always go for *suluxs* , their quality is great. Great video.

[@manolokonosko594]

Even at a French perfume factory I visited last year, they told us that it costs about USD $5 to make a 100 ml bottle of perfume but because there is a lot of competition and they have to spend a lot of money on marketing the product, the selling price to the consumer is $100. Besides, if they sold it for $20 they would still make a profit, but people would now think of the product as "cheap and inferior" so a high price makes people think they are buying "quality".

[@froigen]

Hey there! I'm Josh from the show itself. It definitely can be as low as $5 (especially at cologne/edt doses) and if they're using cheaper perfume materials - the hobbyist profile will be vastly different from what's used in mass appeal mass produced markets. LV released their margins for perfume recently, and to no shock as a manufacturer - but maybe to the public, fragrances were at a 14% margin despite what's wide spread on "how cheap it is." A lot of costs of perfumes, considered a dangerous good, goes towards licensing, border checks, and keeping proper manufacturing practice, and of course - ethical labour sources. It's extremely disheartening as the average consumer understanding of perfume seems to be "high margin", when reality, it's really far from that. LVMH also posted that consumer goods were at 40%, more than 3 fold. Just wanted to add this as it is a far cry from a "95%" profit margin, unless you dodge all the compliance and safety - then yes, those random pop-up 'dupe' places probably do profit that much when you remove all legislation and checks. To be transparent, post-taxes, we're at about 19% operating margin, and this is assuming a Q4 market (high spend, vs a Q1, a harsh falloff). If you're curious on the finances or anything else hobby or business, do ask away :) Quick edit: Owner of Sunnamusk also discussed on 10-25% profit margins too! It's just there's a ton of legally obligated costs associated outside of just materials/processing before it gets to the consumer.

[@bd1982]

interesting content, please keep them coming!

[@mosqutio88]

As an e-commerce seller on Amazon, you also need to differentiate between dupe vs private label. Otherwise all items are either original or dupe, which is NOT the case.

[@Sllee93]

21:48 that condescending tongue roll

[@Charmaine296]

Interesting content,do more of this

[@appleish5043]

The main cost about dupes is the cost of R&D that the original company did. Once these companies die due to suffer huge losses to these dupes, we have no innovation, while having bad knock off, without much quality control, with harmful chemicals. It might be all good and great quality at the beginning, but nothing hold the Chinese companies/products accountable if something goes wrong. So over time, they will cut cost because how else would they make money. Think about the real cost. I’m not saying you should go out and buy high end products, but live within your means? All of these are just contributing more to our current problems: waste!

[@mysticery]

I suppose If brands didnt charge exorbitant high prices. I think there wouldn't be such a demand for dupes. It's the crazy prices that steer people towards cheaper alternatives. But I guess people are always finding ways to make money.. so if there's a market for it, they're gonna create a business to do so.

[@jego207]

I guess that's true to a certain extent, but originals and dupes have different target markets, and these different markets will always exist. The former shops for quality and self-esteem, while the latter only shops only for functionality.

[@just1ed]

Dupes are not knockoffs. Do some research before commenting. They are different brands and be vastly different from originals. They also do not all copy original designs and are not always manufactured by China. Like a Uniqlo sweater that looks similar to an expensive Hermes sweater can also be called a “dupe”. If someone wants to carry-off a Channel bag but finds one that has similar vibes at Charles and Keith, that bag can be called a “dupe”. They simply mean a product that can perform or look reasonably well compared to a more well-known or expensive product. There are a lot of products that are hunted down by consumers themselves who promote certain brands as a “dupe” for another product. Customers know they are buying something that may not be as good, but they just want to have something that performs reasonably well.

[@noproblematallmate]

So how long are they gonna charge for the R&D surcharge? Forever? Just like a restaurant, they should be responsible for keeping their recipe a secret.

[@appleish5043]

@@just1ed “dupes are not knock off” - yet the styles/the material/the feel are the same (or almost the same…)… that’s basically what knock off means. If each brand starts out as duplicate exactly or 90% close to the original product, suddenly they have revenues obtained with very little investment: no need for designing the garment, the material, or which market they are targeting, or the pricing. Then after that, they now have funds to diverge out to do something different. And that’s basically how most Chinese companies started, and it’s literally facts. Different brands - sure, but they are certainly not vastly different from the original, not based on this video: same colour, same feel, or same style… how is this vastly different from the original? Are you hearing yourself? Do you even watch the video??? Next, your example of Uniqlo looks like Hermes - do you see Uniqlo marketing themselves as Hermes‘s dupe? Because if they do, I’m pretty sure Hermes will sue them out of the park. Whereas this video literally promote unknown brands that specifically making themselves like the real things. Even your example of same vibe, while seems innocent, but it still reaping the rewards that the original brand has built over 50+years! None of these dupe companies are in it for the long haul. They possibly look for 5-10yrs profit, and if it die after a few years, so what, they just make a new company with the same practice. You argued the “definition” of dupes, and I’m arguing a lot of the companies that produce these dupes are basically hurting innovations. Look at the fashion styles, the clothes are basically repeated in endless cycles and the quality is just getting worse. “Not always manufactured in China” - does not matter, especially if most of these dupe companies are Chinese companies 😒 case in point - even the one appeared in this video was Chinese companies!!! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I do not care for high end fashion, nor do I care for dupes or ppl who chase dupes or high end fashion, I care for sustainability. And these dupes aren’t helping anyone 😒😒😒 let the Chinese kills every other players, become a monopoly, and that’s when the real cost kicks in: high price, ugly designs, harmful to the environment, and we have no other great option 😒

[@CunningHamster123]

I think electronics dupes are usually the worse, clothing wise tbh most dupes are almost as good as the real one. Even if they are not as good, they are 10% of the original price that you can replace them easily

[@Maige2900]

There’s plenty of China oem non dupe products still more competitive than the bigger brands, they also are comparable on audio quality and noice cancellation etc if not better in some instances

[@Lu5ck]

Dupes are trying to copy the designs and not necessarily the complete functions, most importantly not trying to sell itself as the original product thus minimize getting into IP lawsuit. While there's plenty of things that can be reasonably duped but there also plenty of things that not wise to purchase as dupes. If you getting dupes for "fashion", that is sensible because fashion shift rapidly. However, if you getting dupes for sports like shoes, I don't think that is wise because good reliable shoes is very important, you don't want your feet to be injured because of bad shoes, heck, may not even end at your feet.

[@allinmybyylove]

The bracelet looks nice 😂

[@hongliang]

I think there's a study I read before that shows that there are quite a lot of consumers who started off with dupes, and graduate into buying the original real product. Not sure if these would have been better off just buying the original product to begin with, but hey, at least conversion happens.

[@ignatiusee3564]

Dupes or originals, all are made in China. I will take the savings.

[@user-bz9yb7yn3h]

Am in love with the dupes ohhh

[@danltm]

Thing is testing Bluetooth headphones? Bluetooth headphones can only be in the range of 20hz to 20k hz. If u r so much into sound, u will not go for Bluetooth..

[@syrupybrandy2788]

Pretty much all new music released after 2000 are heavily truncated to suit modern headphones and heavy compression though. If the source material is only in that range, better headphones will not make any difference at all. But if you are into old music that didn't have too much editing done, wired cans are still the best.

[@manolokonosko594]

Regarding the tights, at such a low price you'd be expected to buy several pairs so that each doesn't get stress tested as much, and combined they'd last longe than the one original pair, and still save money. Nowadays no one will know it's a dupe and no one will be checking out the label. Though owning a real pair or a few is still a long term investment and gives peace of mind that the garment will not fall apart. You can wear the cheap dupes to clean the house, garden and other dirty work instead of wearing the expensive pair. There's a purpose for everything.

[@mysticery]

I have a question about the perfume one. Wouldn't higher concentration mean more expensive? Or is it because brands mark up their prices so much that even with fillers they still charge much higher?

[@paradaiseu]

I would think it's mostly due to branding, maybe partially R&D but perfume dupes also do their own R&Ds but not sure if it's as extensive... Cost price of luxury bags are waaaay lower than what it's sold at, same goes for the perfume all these luxury brands sell.

[@boy638]

Hopefully next time you could look into dupes/copies of the watch world and how they copy them so well.

[@TheCatcat1212]

17:20 What is the name of the business?

[@RayrayTgh]

U cannot compare dyson and laifen because the tech they use are diff

[@joanned2743]

Anyone knows the brand of the dupe headphones?

[@krollpeter]

You do all the effort to invent the product from the core, you do all the marketing to be known in the market ... and then someone comes and jumps aboard. "Dupes" is like you are buying a car, then someone else opens the door and takes a seat to get a free ride.

[@leothebear4842]

For ecstatic, dupe wins. For quality and functionality, originals win.

[@adpxc0626]

Interesting episode although it might have been more accurate to have average Singaporeans test the dupes versus the originals because at the end of the day, Munah (the host) has the purchasing power and exposure to branded goods. Like duh she works for CNA, she probably earns quite a lot compared to the average employee 😅😅😅 Also, I think having a professional hairdresser test out the Dyson versus the dupe will really lead to a biased opinion 🤣 Perhaps you can conduct your tests with ordinary Joes and Janes next time.

[@Sllee93]

Ouch, but yes true

[@domidomi917]

I think part of the point being made here is also that unless you're an expert or someone who pays or paid close attention, a dupe may be perfect for you! Also, I believe the quality of a dupe also depends on how complex the original product might be to produce, where a simple product with minimal engineering required to achieve the same quality of production, would fare better (dupe maybe indistinguishable from original)

[@Masterlikers]

But the point IS the have a professional to be able to tell the difference, and then tell the average person (AKA probably you reading this) all the differences it has, and then for you to be able to make an informed decision. If anything, that headphone comparison is a good example. If you just want an OK headphone, go for the dupe. If noise cancelation, proper bluetooth etc matters, then go for the real deal.

[@achocolatelily0804]

I rather have someone who is more discerning give me a critical review than someone who doesn’t know anything to tell me how good a dupe is only for me to waste money on a bad product

[@kinokunia]

Dyson vs laifen. Laifen smell plastic, hair slightly damp no matter how long you use Sony xm3 already cheapest for its quality any cheaper its gonna be suck, anymore expensive like airpod max or px8 not gonna matter much since its Bluetooth.

[@Laieon420]

Just need to shamelessly plug this here.BPS has crazy worth dupes.

[@ECOSAM_]

It's more important than ever to support each other. Buying local helps all of us in Singapore thrive. Let’s do this together! 🌟

[@loveneutrality3057]

Supporting local is not just good for our economy, it’s good for our spirit. Let’s keep our local industries strong and vibrant!

[@munandfun]

an interesting videos. but not everything is duped some are private label as well

[@olivialin9021]

I have the dupe hair dryer, it's not great but worth the money I paid. However, I would suggest avoid it for a good health of your hair. That aside, plzzzzzz I need the names of those dupe stores for clothing, haha

[@diyanaznl7807]

i love the subtle watermelon sticker making an appearance at 17:12. ^.^ thanks Munah.

[@foxwitch]

one thing that worries me about dups is CE marking. That the material is skin safe and does not leak toxic substances. Because there are actually toxic plastics (such as in headphones or training clothes) as well as dyes (in clothes, make-up, etc.) etc. which can be harmful to have skin contact with. People often forget that the skin is a living organ that has pores. You can absorb skin products, but also much more than you wish :S

[@edmundtan8506]

perceived value vs real value

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

She looks like actress Jessica Liu

[@jowechu4153]

It’s alright … I’ll pay for it

[@SRRMCS]

does lulu lemon advertise to wash everyday? if not, then the dup won.

[@ryangoh6074]

Tldr: always

[@stargazeronesixseven]

Buying dupe slippers or home wear are OK but must select Genuine Safe & Reliable Products when buying Electronic Devices , Batteries , Foods , Healthcare , Vitamins or Medicines! 😊🙏

[@MrChubhub22]

Dupe clothes is great for women gives them more opportunities to buy more clothes.

[@martinbrock713]

People, by and large, are pleased, excited even. They forget that they are getting temporary reprieve for forever pain. Goods & Services Tax (GST) increase is forever, but that cash bonus can be gone in a jiffy.

[@jer2911.L]

The VAT/GST average is 19.2% for OECD countries.

[@roystonling5115]

A lot of these products are not really advance technology. Yes, quality might be better but relative to the price, are you getting the best value. I suspect you are paying more for the honour of having celebrities wearing the same stuff as you rather than actual R&D. Dupes helps to keep cost of loving low and should be welcomed.

[@kinokunia]

Audiophile and bluetooth hmm...

[@anziar3038]

S'poreans are spending so much more nowadays. Many thanks to the PAP govt for bringing them wealth by means of high-paying jobs. Remarkable PAP!❤❤

[@martinbrock713]

If you think the money given out is a windfall from the state, think again.

[@jer2911.L]

Any money given by the state is appreciated. You can give yours to charity if you don't need it.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

i have 9 accords with roommates 65 accrods with mom threee accrods with the hoa and four chores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arissajoan]

She look so sexy and pretty 🥰

[@jzlly.c]

Y’all are comparing the wrong things 😅

[@martinbrock713]

Has profligate spending led to the necessity to raise taxes which in turn leads to the necessity to give out handouts?

[@jer2911.L]

We need tax money to build the hospital that will look after you when you are old and sick.

[@martinbrock713]

Jewel Changi Airport - built at the cost of S$1.7 billion. Gardens by the Bay - developed for around S$1 billion and costs over S$50 million to maintain annually. Which country wouldn’t want to showcase such gleaming jewels and gardens - but at what cost to taxpayers?

[@jer2911.L]

When USA send a man to the moon, any idea what does it cost the US taxpayers?

[@martinbrock713]

MediShield Life Premiums are up, healthcare bills are up, utility rates are up, ERP rates are up, public transport fares are up, and property tax is up…what else is going up? Perhaps Ministers’ pay, due for a review later this year.

[@jer2911.L]

AHTC conservancy fees are also up.

[@martinbrock713]

Singaporeans must know there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Why is the casino never afraid to dole out freebies to please people? Because it knows it cannot go wrong, the house always wins.

[@jer2911.L]

So buy their stock and prosper.

[@roxydbest11]

can someone tell me what's Munah's social Tiktok / IG? I've been watching her a lot here on YT and I want to see her more.

[@KellyLund-xi5bh]

OMG I just got back from Bali! I hope I see you at *suluxs* there. Love from Indonesia