Fool's Gold: Is Buying Dupes Immoral?

When writing for Absolootely, a common issue I find myself facing, and ignoring, is whether or not it's ethical to purchase a product that has ripped off another. Is it unfair to the original designer/brand?

I don't think it is, to be honest. Most of what is in chain stores has trickled down from major brands, so it's actually hard to avoid buying clothes ripped off, or just 'inspired' by, other designers. It's a part of the fashion industry that is generally accepted. Chanel are doing just fine, don't worry.

A bigger grey area, I find, is whether buying fake merch is okay. I have a collection of band tees that each cost me over $30 each. I love supporting my favourite artists by buying their products, and I also have a dream that someday I will make a new BFF when some random notices the Devendra Banhart logo on my shirt. It hasn't happened yet, but I remain hopeful.

I do have three band t-shirts that aren't official merchandise, but I feel as if I can justify owning them because I've already given money to the bands. I own an official The Vaccines baseball shirt, three of their cds and four vinyl singles, so it's okay for me to also own this tee. I have all three of Vampire Weekend's cds, so I'm justified in owning this top. If I haven't given money to an artist, I don't buy fake merch. I'm not sure what logic that is, but it works for me. Spent $100 on an Arctic Monkeys ticket. Spent $6 on this t-shirt...




Dupes are unavoidable, because upholding copyright is difficult. If a brand is confident in itself, it should be fine with dupes. However, there is a problem where people might hold the brand culpable if the fake item isn't high quality, so it should always be clear whether an item is the real thing or not. If you want to check for yourself, running an image through Google's Image Search is a fast way of checking.

I guess what it comes down to is whether or not you want to support the brand (or band, etc), both financially and through using your body as a billboard. As a consumer, you have the right to decide. I know companies make a big fuss out of buying legally, especially with the rise of piracy and all, but ultimately it's THEIR fault for not providing a superior product and by having an inefficient business model. They are responsible for their own failings. For most of us, the opportunity cost (second best alternative) to buying a dupe isn't buying the original, and is actually just not buying anything, so it's not like they're losing sales.

Someday, we'll all be wealthy beyond measure, and then we can just buy originals and fund the people who deserve it the most, but until then, we're just regular people trying to make the most out of our short lifespans. It's not our responsibility to maximise the profits of others.

Unless those 'others' are The Vaccines. They can just take my money.

"Get outta the frame, Dupe Scum!"

Have a think about this issue and let us know your thoughts. Hopefully, I've at least given you an excuse to buy dupes without feeling guilty!