Hello
You are receiving this information because someone using your email address requested it, if
this wasn’t you then except my apologies and reply asking to be removed from future emails,
as I will send updates as I become more familiar with Fred Perry.
All my Fred Perry items for sale on ebay are purchased from Fred Perry in the UK this
information is based on my experience. If anyone can add to this or spots any mistakes
please let me know.
Copy or Fake?
A Copy is a cheap imitation of a genuine article. It will probably shrink in the wash after very
few washes, become misshaped and fade. Usually of poor quality when compared to the
genuine item. This email deals mainly with how to spot a copy.
A fake is the genuine article purchased for sale through illegal means. For example Fred
Perry ask their manufacturer to make 1000 Polo’s, they actually make 1100. The 1000 are
sent to FP the 100 (called an overrun) go out the back door and enter the market. These 100
although the genuine articles are still fakes and illegal – any honest genuine clothes
wholesaler will confirm this. In the long run damaging to the Fred Perry brand as they are
usually sold cheaper then the ones from FP. As I’ve said I purchase my FPs from Fred Perry
and can produce the receipts.
Spotting a copy
I spent months trying to find decent genuine Fred Perry on ebay. At the time my knowledge of
FP wasn’t good enough. This included 4 purchases from Asia, 3 were copies. Strangely
enough I purchased twice from the same person one of which was a copy the other been
either genuine or a fake/overrun.
Neck size label
I have seen 4 different types of labels used on Polos. 1. Double label one showing size as
S, M, L etc the other saying 100% Piquet Cotton
2. Single one showing size as S, M,
and L etc
3. Single one showing size in cm
and inch’s
4. Single one with size attached to
one size
Size labels are also different colours. I’ve seen dark blue, light blue and green used on FP
items.
This is the one most commonly used by the copiers-:
This is how it should look -:
The layout is different. Plus when you compare them next to each other there is a noticeable
difference in quality. When purchasing from Fred Perry I have never seen a neck label that
looks like the top one.
Here are other examples of genuine labels -:
I suspect the label used is linked to the style i.d. number contained on the wash instruction
label. I intend to confirm this as I become more familiar with Fred Perry.
Other labels are used by Fred Perry this info only applies to Men’s Polo’s. I’ve seen woman’s
Polo’s with white labels for example.
Buttons
Men’s Polo’s have Fred Perry on the buttons – or at least I have yet to find one that hasn’t.
This is not always the case with other items – I have purchased a ladies Polo from FP without
Fred Perry on them. I have also purchased some shirts without Fred Perry on the buttons.
Here are two examples of Fred Perry on Buttons -:
The one with Fred Perry printed on in a different colour to the button is a copy. On original
FP’s the wording is engraved into the button – that’s why it is difficult to make out on the
photo.
Washing Instructions/material made of label
This label is stitched into the seam. As well as the usual material identifier (100% cotton etc)
and washing symbols will have -:
1. Style identification number
2. Spare button
3. Fred Perry laurel crest – you cant see this in the top photo because it’s behind the
button.
Because it is stitched into the seam people buying cheap Polo’s and doctoring them to make
them appear genuine cannot replace the one that’s there with one that looks authentic – as
this would leave the Polo looking damaged. So instead they just cut the one that’s there out.
Here’s what it should look like -:
Not like this -:
There may be a genuine reason for cutting the washing instruction label out but I cant think of
why anyone selling something as brand new with tags would do this and I would never
purchase any Fred Perry item on ebay that did not contain it.
Tags
I am not going to say anything about tags in this email. Again Fred Perry use different Tags
and they are just printed cardboard and easily copied.
Finally.
Due to Fred Perry using different labels across their product range the key for me is the
washing instruction label.
In my ideal world you will read this, check what I’ve said is correct and then bid on every item
of Fred Perry I ever list on ebay. If that were my intention I would not have provided this
information, instead I would just stick a photo of the receipt on the listing. I have been ripped
off in the past and didn’t like it, ask the right questions – put the copiers out of business.
Some of this information can be used for other makes as well. There’s a lot of top brands
been copied and sold as originals. Consider this -:
Top name designer Jeans retail at £150+ sold on ebay for £20. OK so a seller selling one pair
only could mean they’re the wrong size or unwanted present etc but if one seller is selling a
lot of them at that price then in my opinion they must be fakes or copies despite their 100%
authentic or money back promise and 100% feedback(not enough people know enough about
what they are buying.) If you purchase them your not getting a bargain pair of designer jeans,
your purchasing £1 mass-produced Jeans at £20 and making it very difficult for the genuine
trader to compete also damaging the name and reputation of the designer concerned.
For more information on websites dealing in fakes (and who to trust) check out the forums on
http://www.thewholesaleforums.co.uk
Thank you,
Paul