Fake/Real DuPont Lighter Question...

[mycroft412]

What's the deal with all those new S.T. DuPont lighters selling on Ebay for $150 - $200?

On the one hand, they seem real... they look real, come with box and paperwork, and a lot of people buy them. In fact, a lot of people who buy vintage DuPonts also buy these. No complaints (never any negative feedback about the actual lighters).

On the other hand, the lighters seem fake. They're 'new' and yet not auctioned by S.T. Dupont authorized retailers, and the auction verbiage includes all sorts of 'disclaimers' that they have nothing to do with S.T. DuPont and that DuPont will not honor the warranty or repair them (which suggests that they are not made by DuPont, because the real ones have a lifetime warranty). Also, there tend to be a ton of flagrant spelling errors in the auctions ("classical ping sound... only from Dupond!"). Clearly not a good sign.

So what's the deal? Is there a huge market for fake lighters that nobody speaks about (if so, are the lighters such *good* reproductions that most buyers don't notice?). Or, are they real and just 'fell off a truck' or something?

I've been really curious about this and was wondering what you folks think...

Matt

 

[Wascal]

Have no idea about the lighters for sale on EBay. However, if you want a great deal on a Dupont lighter check out Cigar Bid. Just keep in mind that it's a evil place, very addictive. :sneaky:

Click at your own risk

 

[Allofus123]

I would assume you are not speaking of the Dupont Extend but of their Linge and Gatsby models. Mostly fakes! Do not expect to buy a $400-$500 dollar lighter for $150-$200 new. There is not a 100-150% retail markup in this product. That in itself should be enough to know something isn't right. Most people that buy these are not interested in if its real but if it will pass as real. Its like those that buy a fake Rolex. Then you have those that just refuse to believe its not real.

Can you buy a real Dupont on e-bay....absolutly! My red flags start waving at me on any product when a price falls below 25% of retail. Not saying you can't find deep discounted deals but remember that greed is what these counterfieters work on and a low price should be scrutinized.

The obvious thing on e-bay to watch is how long have they been selling and what products..... is it only lighters? Will they except a return? I would never purchase from anyone that says "All Sales are Final". If they except returns you can buy it and have it authenticated. If it doesn't pass mustard you can return it. I would check out the seller very well prior to embarking on that venture. The last thing I would say about buying large ticket items off e-bay is communicate with the seller. Ask for a phone number to converse with him and call it at different times. Make sure you know who you are dealing with.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

 

[mycroft412]

Thanks for the info... I think you're absolutely right. I guess I just didn't realize that there could be such authentic looking replicas out there (I mean, I know it goes on with stuff like ladies' handbags, but cigar lighters too?!). The people selling these lighters tend to sell all kinds of strange stuff (and purchase even stranger stuff... it's amazing to look at the items associated with feedback). They're obviously not the real thing.

I posted this same question on another board, and someone had an interesting answer as well: DuPonts are very popular in the far east, and there's a huge black market for replicas out there. These replicas are the ones that tend to pop up on ebay. --Apparently, a lot of people are okay with spending $100-$200 on them and are well aware they're fake. Go figure. ???