Sometimes you get a WhatsApp message that makes you think: “Ouch… this is exactly why so many people end up with customs issues, returns problems and – even worse – legal trouble.”
That’s exactly what happened this week.
A customer asked why Porsche hub caps had suddenly become more expensive. A normal question. Until he said he could now “just buy them elsewhere for €17 per set”.
Fair enough, I thought — until he sent the link.
It turned out to be AliExpress.
And then reality kicks in: those are counterfeit products. And that’s not just a bit of cheaper shopping… it’s a recipe for trouble.
Let’s be honest and look at why this is such a big problem.
1. Counterfeits are illegal — full stop.
Most people think: “Oh well, it’s just a set of caps.”
But for brands like Porsche this is serious business. Anything with their logo on it is protected by copyright and trademark law. Anyone who sells or imports counterfeits risks:
- Seizure by customs
- Destruction costs (which you have to pay)
- A fine
- Problems with future orders
Counterfeits are not “almost the same”. They are simply forbidden. And believe me: customs and rights holders are watching very closely these days.
2. Cheap ≠ cheaper when your parcel gets intercepted
A product that costs €17 looks like a bargain.
Until customs scans it and decides:
“Hold on a second… this looks a lot like a Porsche logo.”
Then you end up with:
- Your parcel gone
- Your money gone
- Sometimes you also have to pay destruction costs
- And you end up on an internal risk list
And yes, after that customs will look even more closely at your future parcels.
3. The quality is usually terrible
Counterfeits are not made to be safe. They are made to look like the original.
With car parts, that is downright dangerous:
- Caps that come off at high speed
- Damage to your rims
- Poor fitment
- Paint that discolours within weeks
There’s a reason an original part costs more. You’re not paying for the logo — you’re paying for quality, durability and safety.
4. You are supporting a shadow industry
The counterfeit world is honestly a pretty nasty place. Think of:
- Poor working conditions
- No quality control
- Factories that copy other people’s products
- No warranty, no address, no responsibility
If you buy counterfeits, you support that entire system.
5. Platforms like AliExpress aren’t even allowed to offer this
In recent years AliExpress has actually introduced more measures:
- Stricter on intellectual property rights
- More automated checks
- Faster removal of suspicious listings
The products that are still online are usually:
- Codes
- “Lookalikes”
- Or sellers who just hope not to get caught
But as the customer, you are the one taking the risk.
6. Originals are sold by authorised shops — never for €17
That may be painful to read, but it’s realistic.
An original set of Porsche hub caps will never cost:
- €15
- €17
- €19
Those prices only exist in the world of counterfeits.
And if a price seems too good to be true?
Then it is too good to be true.
7. In the end you always pay more for counterfeits
The calculation usually looks like this:
| What you think you’re saving | What you actually pay |
|---|---|
| €20 on the purchase | €17 + parcel gone + no warranty |
| €0 customs fees | Risk of fines/destruction |
| “I’m buying smart” | More stress, more hassle |
| “I’m buying the same thing, just cheaper” | Poor quality, dangerous situations |
You’re not saving.
You’re gambling.
And most of the time, you lose.
Conclusion: never buy counterfeits — ever.
Whether it’s about:
- Porsche caps
- Adidas shoes
- Apple accessories
- Louis Vuitton bags
- Or anything else with a brand logo
If the original costs €300 and you see it for €17, you already know enough.
Cheap may look attractive.
But problems with customs, returns, quality and legal liability are absolutely not.
If you prefer genuine products, with a warranty and without the risk of fines or seizure, the solution is simple:
Don’t buy counterfeits. Ever.
