Safety In Aesthetics: Grey Goods

Nowadays, it is incredibly easy to find whatever service/product you may be looking for online. And as much as a positive this is, in terms of convenience and fulfilment, there can be downsides. In a world where information can be accessed at the tap of a finger, and almost anyone can create an online presence, there appears to be a surge of misinformation, false advertising, and fake news circulating, especially online. One of the biggest culprits, which is affecting multiple industries, including aesthetics, is the rise in ‘grey goods’. In this post, we will be discussing what they are and how to avoid them.

What is the Grey Market and Grey Goods?

The Grey Market is a type of sales channel where authentic, legitimate products are sold by unlicensed resellers — These products are referred to as Grey Goods. They are cheaper than the same legitimate goods as they are not being sold through official sales channels; they are usually brought in from other countries. Confusing isn’t it? Think of it this way:

You have legitimate brands selling legitimate products through official sales channels.
Then, you have the Black Market, which sells counterfeit products through unofficial sellers.
The Grey Market combines the two by selling legitimate products, but through unlicensed resellers.

Is it against the law to buy Grey Goods?

The short answer is no, you will not be breaking the law if you buy Grey Goods off the Grey Market. In fact, it can be easily done without an individual even realising. So, if it isn’t against the law, why can’t I save money by buying cheaper Grey Goods? It’s a fair question, though there are some major reasons why you should stay clear of shopping for such products. Firstly, a common problem Grey Market sellers face is the offence of trademark infringement. Licensed brands could sue the Grey Market sellers for breaking the law, getting them in big trouble. If you have bought a product with one of these resellers, you could lose out by not receiving what you paid for and then struggling to get your money back. Buying through official channels means consumers can benefit from proper insurances and warranties. It’s a way of shopping with more assurance. Another reason to not shop through the Grey Market is the fact that some criminals will seek to pass off counterfeit products as Grey Goods. Sometimes it is extremely difficult to tell of a product’s legitimacy. Should you receive a product that is faulty or causes harm, you, as the consumer, are not protected/covered, because you purchased through an unlicensed reseller.

Grey Goods in Aesthetics

The aesthetic industry is, perhaps, the hardest hit by Grey Goods – not, necessarily, in terms of the volume of unlicensed resellers, but the risk that can come with it. Any product purchased that has direct contact with your body — such as a face moisturiser — must be safe to use from a reliable source. If you’re injecting something into you or applying something directly to your skin, you want to know that it is safe and comes from a reliable source, right?

How to combat Grey Goods in Aesthetics

If you plan to order a product or book a service for any type of aesthetic treatment, be sure you are buying from a reliable source. Check reviews, look at whether the reviews appear to be genuine, and check the grammar and spelling on websites. The safest way to avoid Grey Goods is to work with a licensed clinic, such as Rejuvenation Rooms. We have an impressive portfolio of market-leading technologies and products that are 100% safe and genuine. Get in touch today and see how we can help you attain the best version of yourself.

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