Photo credit: Schaeffler
Some may think that counterfeiting is a problem that only affects luxury brands, electronics, and cosmetics. However, the truth today is, product piracy affects all industries including the engineering sector.
The main reason for the demand of counterfeit bearings, is because it is needed in large amounts throughout the engineering sector, and the real thing does not come cheap. Today, other counterfeit products like apparel, engineering auto parts and accessories like fake bearings are freely available in Manila.
THE REAL CONSEQUENCES OF COUNTERFEIT BEARINGS
As many of us know, rolling bearings used in mining operations operate in some of the harshest conditions on and under earth, therefore, robust and reliable bearings are essential. Not only does the equipment face an operational issue, distributors and end-customers face their own set of consequences and risks too.
Distributor consequences:
- Liability for all damage resulting from the sale of counterfeit products
- Lawsuits by the injured party
- No damages can be claimed from the original manufacturer
- Loss of image and sales and financial damage
Risks for the end customer:
- Risks to personnel safety and lifespan of machinery
- High subsequent maintenance costs
- Production and operational halt
- Loss of brand image, as counterfeits reduces the quality of the company’s products
STEPS ON DETECTING COUNTERFEIT BEARINGS
Most of time, end-customers may face a hard time identifying real from fake. But with the real deal, end-customers should be prepared to pay a higher price for premium quality bearings that comes together with technical support and after sales service.
Here’s how your business can identify fake bearings:
1. Search for authorised sources
By sourcing for authorised distributors, you can guarantee the acquisition of authentic bearings due to the necessary stringent control processes put in place. Authorised Schaeffler distributors also provide expert advice and a full range of accompanying services. View the full list here:
2. Quality standards
Counterfeit rolling bearings have rough finishes, abnormal roller appearance and sometime even wreck your equipment after installation. Schaeffler’s INA and FAG robust bearings have been able to increase operational reliability and service life through continuous research and development. To ensure longer equipment lifespan, reduce unplanned downtimes and put safety of mining personnel first, Schaeffler’s engineers consider the entire life cycle of a machine in their calculations.
3. After sales service and technical support
Unauthorised distributors and counterfeit manufacturers usually do not provide any type of after sales service or technical support for obvious reasons. Buying from trusted sources such as an authorised Schaeffler distributor or Schaeffler themselves, opens the door to professional and knowledgeable experienced bearing experts. With over 100 years of experience in the rolling bearing business, Schaeffler provides a wide range of maintenance solutions for reducing maintenance costs, preventing unplanned downtimes, and increasing machine availability.
COMBATTING THE GLOBAL ISSUE
In a mission to protect brand reputation, reduce legal consequences and eliminate fake products, manufacturers like Schaeffler are proactively doing their part to end the escalating issue affecting the mining sector in the Philippines.
For several years, Schaeffler has been providing genuine rolling bearings to mining businesses in the Philippines. However, counterfeiting manufacturers have skilfully imitated the packaging of Schaeffler’s INA and FAG bearings.
The organisation’s Brand Protection Team has been working to remove counterfeits in the market, raise awareness and support customers, certified retailers and assist authorities in curbing this issue.
To further ensure that customers purchase original parts from safe sources, labels with a data matrix code is placed on all Schaeffler’s bearing product packaging. Thanks to this label, customers can check on its originality using the Schaeffler OriginCheck app.
