Information For online shoppers and markets
Buying printing supplies online has become commonplace, and many customers appreciate the convenience of shopping online. However, online shopping also brings with it the risk of falling victim to counterfeiters trading on online marketplaces. ICCE is working to protect online shoppers and encourages them to remain vigilant.
ICCE and its members are active with various brand protection activities online. These efforts aim to protect customers, honest sellers, and marketplaces alike by combating infringing offers across the internet, from online marketplaces to social media networks and more. To achieve this goal, we work with multiple platforms. Our ICCE experts, for example, help them flagging suspicious listings and removing infringing online sellers.
ICCE also provides essential information for online buyers and resellers on how to spot suspicious offers and how to buy or sell authentic printing supplies online with peace of mind.
Spotlight on best practice examples: Find out how ICCE and Amazon work together to combat counterfeiting. In this case study, Amazon’s Global Director of Customer Trust External Relations, Katharine Lister, also explains why cooperating with ICCE is so important to Amazon. Click on the button to open our case study with Amazon as a pdf.
Whether offline or online, ICCE generally recommends buying genuine imaging consumables only from trusted vendors, such as authorised resellers. In addition, shoppers should look out for the following red flags when buying brand-name printing supplies online:
Check the price
Be suspicious if the price is significantly lower than what you might usually see for genuine printing supplies. If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Check the source
Be suspicious if information about the seller is missing. If in doubt, shoppers can check that key details are available, including contact details, company website, and VAT number if applicable.
Check the offer
Be suspicious of dubious offers, such as online auctions offering suspiciously large quantities, offers with unreasonable delivery charges or questionable payment methods, or unsolicited email offers.
Report if suspicious
If in doubt about an offer or a purchase, please contact our experts immediately. You can do so in any language via our ICCE website. Alternatively, you can reach out to the respective manufacturer, by clicking on the relevant brand name below.
Check the price
Be suspicious if the price is significantly lower than what you might usually see for genuine printing supplies. If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Check the source
Be suspicious if information about the seller is missing. If in doubt, shoppers can check that key details are available, including contact details, company website, and VAT number if applicable.
Check the offer
Be suspicious of dubious offers, such as online auctions offering suspiciously large quantities, offers with unreasonable delivery charges or questionable payment methods, or unsolicited email offers.
Report if suspicious
If in doubt about an offer or a purchase, please contact our experts immediately. You can do so in any language via our ICCE website. Alternatively, you can reach out to the respective manufacturer, by clicking on the relevant brand name below.
Various ICCE member brands provide support for consumers to check if a product may be counterfeit. To find out more, please click on the relevant brand name below:
