Taobao shopper disappointed to get 'obviously fake' blind box item: 'Don't end up like me'
A Taobao user was left frustrated after receiving a product he believes to be counterfeit.
When questioned, the seller claimed the item was a "China Mainland version" of the original.
Stomper Allan told Stomp he had purchased a blind-box collectible from the e-commerce platform, which came with a "4× refund if fake" guarantee.
"I thought it was safe," he said. "But when the item arrived, it was obviously fake - the quality was completely different from the original version."
When Allan contacted the seller to request a refund, he was told that the item was the "祖国版," which translates to "China Mainland version." He said this term appears to be a new way for sellers to market imitation goods as legitimate.
"The difference in quality was undeniable - poor packaging, rough finishing, and cheap materials," Allan said.
He filed a complaint through Taobao's refund policy but was told that the case had been closed without any explanation.
"Taobao sided with the seller and refused to issue any refund. The seller is still active and selling these fake 'China Mainland versions'," Allan added.
The Stomper said the experience has made him lose trust in Taobao's consumer protection policies, calling them "misleading."
"Don't end up like me - paying for a knock-off with no refund and no support."
