COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS IN THE EXTERIOR CLEANING INDUSTRY

On a recent morning, I opened an email from General Pump regarding some new pricing on their pressure unloaders. And while it looked enticing, the more I looked at the 'fine print', I realized that this was NOT in fact General Pump or Interpump Brands but rather an imposter using the VERY SIMILAR company website name of INTEPUMP Brands. Can you spot the difference?

Interpump Brands

Intepump Brands

What was really concerning is that the product labeling was EXACTLY the same using the same logo imprints as well as product identification numbers. The only outward difference was the price. 

And it didn't end there. A local customer came in with an "X-Jet" and complained that it wasn't operating properly and questioned the quality of the product. I asked where the item was purchased because this clearly was not a GENUINE X-Jet nozzle; it seems that our exterior cleaning industry and its product lines have become open-season for counterfeit products through various 3rd party market sellers like Amazon.

The next example can lead to unanticipated injuries and workplace fines if the product is used. What exactly does THAT mean? Did you know that pressure wash trigger guns cannot have a locking mechanism that holds the water flow in the 'open' position? This is a safety issue. Why? Because if a trigger gun, that is locked in the 'open' position is dropped, the water stream is powerful enough to produce water injection injuries. The counterfeit trigger gun is being sold WITH a fixed trigger locking mechanism. This is absolutely against OSHA standards. But how many new entries into this market have really studied OSHA standards? Probably not too many. If you are an employer and provide this type of gun, you have opened yourself and your business to serious liabilities.

We are seeing differences in fittings and the quality of the stainless steel. We are seeing differences in the quality of some of the plastics that are used in the industry. And when you don't exactly know what to look for, it's prime for you to be taken advantage of along with your wallet. 

Be careful out there when purchasing your equipment and supplies. I saw a statement recently that was something like "Buy Once. Cry Once". When a product price looks 'too good to be true', it probably is and it would be wise to question it. 

Stay safe out there!