I Got Scammed

Buying second hand is an amazing thing, but there is always a chance you get a dud or worse...a scam. I'm usually very diligent about comparing the pictures from ads with the expected product and buying from specific sites that I trust, but I let my game slip since we were in Dothan and I found a great deal on an Ergo Baby Carrier. 

It wasn't a 'too good to be true' scenario, so I didn't question anything. Even after meeting the woman and physically holding the carrier I was satisfied with the quality. However, when I got back in the car I noticed the Chinese writing on the box and felt that sinking feeling in my stomach. I should have said something right then and there before she got too far away, but I was embarrassed, blamed myself, and simply believed that I would never get my money back. We even made it all the way home before I voiced my concern to Will, who immediately looked up the counterfeit information and confirmed I was right. He suggested I contact her, and I figured what have I got to lose? Surprisingly, she agreed to meet us the next morning and give us our money back while playing the victim herself saying she didn't know it was fake. She was a dern liar and I could see right through her, but I played along all the way up until I had the money in my hand and said 'deuces'. So here are a few tips to avoid this scenario:

#1 Giveaway: The box will not be in Chinese. {Duh...Janna}

#2 Giveaway: The padding won't be as thick on the straps.

#3 Giveaway: The Buckles will say 'STEALTH'. Although some fakes still do.

. Find even more tips here and here.

It's sad we live in a time where people peddle fake baby products, but to be honest, it was a really good knockoff. I think I would have kept it if she had charged something more like $25, but I'm thankful we will now have a carrier that I know will be safe and warrantied.