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Models123
USA
196 Posts |
 Posted - 05/10/2012 : 19:35:23
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Earlier today, another rip-off from China was brought to my attention by a business associate. This time, my company CMA is one of their latest victims. The Chinese have just added my company to their extremely long list of individuals and companies they have ripped off - stolen from over the years in the model industry.
Currently there are three unauthorized copies/models of my CMA Models “Black Horse Model Collection” 1:43 scale, Siata 208S Spider for sale on eBay from a Chinese seller connected to ATC who is the thieving company. The versions so far are Red, Yellow, and Silver. These have been illegally made from all of my tooling which also stemmed from all of my research. They have been produced by ATC, which was the factory I contracted for my production. The models might be sold in some places as their own items, which they are NOT. The only good thing about this is that my brand labels, plaques, certificates, etc are not provided and the ATC models are poorly built with mistakes as I noticed in the photos they have shown through their eBay seller whose eBay ID is: zdy-0553.
They have cleverly photographed the models so you can’t clearly see their new plaques attached to the acrylic display bases. Each model is mounted at a specific angle and position on the base as per my original specs, and using the same bases which I paid for.
Aside from alerting eBay’s department they have for problems such as this, and posting on Forums, and in my Newsletter, there is not much else that can be done. The money involved is not worth pursuing, nor is the time worth while.
I went in with ATC forewarned by many about all of the problems and lawless ways in which the Chinese operate in this industry, and I took my chances. I even had written assurances that nothing like this would happen. I have known for years that they do not know what the words honesty and ethics mean, and that they rip-off, copy and lie to their clients every day of the week. I've seen it happen to big and small manufactures who dare to produce in China, but did not want to believe it would happen to me, and I thought that I had taken enough necessary precautions. My production over there of my Siata models was my first and also my LAST time doing any business with the China. I had enough problems with them before they stole from me, and now.... well......As much as I hate to say it, but I will, everything negative that people say about the lack of ethics and honesty of the Chinese with manufacturing anything in China is very true and very well deserved.
All of my products will now continue to be only made in America and the UK, which is how I have done things since I began, and I should have just stuck with that.
Am I angry? Yes, very. I am also disgusted, and not too surprised, if anything the Chinese are living up to their reputation. I always wondered if they would stick it to me and they have.
There is so much more that could be said and has been said on this subject, but I don’t feel like writing a book.
Marshall |
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Ferrarinut
USA
1489 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2012 : 22:05:21
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| Very sorry to hear this Marshall. I can only imagine the feeling considering the time and effort and expense you put into that project. The timing of this is somewhat coincidental. I just traded some models with a customer and one of the models I agreed to take from his collection was one of your yellow Siata 208Ss. I just photographed it today and will list tomorrow. This is one of your authentic originals and looks beautiful. I remember selling your line when these first came out. The Steve McQueen version was my favorite. I got to see the real car at Fantasy Junction, although the car is back to red now. That was a brilliant choice you had, gorgeous cars and so rarely seen even at concours events. |
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Models123
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2012 : 13:44:28
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Thanks Mike. At least they waited a couple of years.....
Marshall |
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dave w
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 05/11/2012 : 17:08:57
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Marshall, Sorry about this situation, I know it must be extremely frustrating. As a collector who frequently buys on EBay, your post makes me wonder just how many fakes/counterfeits are being sold. I often see "limited" models from BBR, etc. for sale from sellers in that area, and have to question if some of the factories are producing a few "extra" models. I often have no way of knowing by looking at the auction listings.
Again, sorry for your problem.
Dave
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Rip-Off from China.....Aagain!!
