Active Member
Frankly I love the Chinese system.Because the Butterfly China office did it themselves.
They did it based on stock that was imported by Butterfly China (they would import the SN into the system)
they don't have the full database of serial numbers to service the whole world, they only have access to SN of China's legitimate stock.
and secondly, it started because it was to combat the fakes in China (which is ALOT there).
I have seen many landed in SA waters, and its mostly from the likes of Ebay and Taobao. I had to explain to the customers that it is fake.
I would say it is a wise system to have, but then each region needs to do they own. And then when you have some one from Oceania, buys from Asia and want say Europe or NA to service it, then you get a pretty much awkward problem.
That is why in South Africa, I try to educate the consumers, it is not always about price, but supporting your channel distribution. There is a lot more than just saving a few bucks, there is customer service, warranty, marketing developing fund/budget support and funding to sponsor local players through sales generated from the legitimate channels.
Of course, it is consumer right to purchase online anywhere, but most times they can dodge import taxes and duties, thus out pricing local distributors, but then expect the whole channel to function, why they are not support locally. Then also complain when the brand isnt' doing enough in the country.
You just don't get win-wins. But for the sake of Butterfly blades, there are many fakes. In SA, there was once also a big batch of "half priced" tenergy 05 rubbers.
It makes Butterfly the only brand where you can be sure if your product is genuine or not.
If I ever decide to move, I think I’ll just hoard a bunch of BTY products so I don’t have to deal with fakes.
PS: I can find a bunch of “tacky” T05s on Taobao if anyone want them, it even comes with a protective film on the rubber like an H3!🤣