For most genuine products out there, there are always going to be counterfeits – that’s the harsh reality. And the intriguing fact is that some of them look just like the original, making it difficult for anyone trying to differentiate them – especially for the uninitiated.
Well, the same goes for water filters. The Discount Water Filters site is an excellent place to start if you’re scouring the web for authentic or genuine water filters. That said, counterfeit water filters are ineffective and could harm your family’s health. It also explains why it’s critical to know how to spot a fake filter.
Here’re some easy ways to distinguish between counterfeit and original water filters:
1. Fancy or Glossy Packaging
To pique your interest, manufacturers of counterfeits often pull all the stops. And in most cases, it involves making the packaging as fancy and glossy as possible. So, if you come across a water filter with too-good-to-be-true packaging, you could be eyeballing a fake.
Unfortunately, such packaging mimics the legitimate product – including aspects such as logos, colors, and even the typeface used. To avoid falling for such tricks, familiarize yourself with what the original packaging looks like. And if you have any doubts, a reliable seller can assist you further.
2. Misspelled Words
Look for misspelled words. As they rush to release their products, counterfeiters often make typos. After all, their goal is to make a quick buck. As such, they tend to overlook what they perceive as minor details.
Consequently, if you notice spelling mistakes on the product’s packaging or manual, it’s probably a fake. It’s also worth mentioning that such misspellings are usually quite glaring. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble spotting them.
3. Weight and Dimensions
In most cases, counterfeit water filters are significantly lighter than the original product. So, if you hold a filter in your hand and it feels pretty weak, there’s a good chance it’s not the real deal.
To confirm this, you can check the dimensions too. More often than not, counterfeiters get these wrong as well. So, if the filter’s measurements don’t match a genuine product, you are probably holding a fake.
Also, given their lightweight construction, such imitations don’t work as well as their legitimate equivalents. As a result, they could end up damaging your plumbing, not to mention putting your family’s health in jeopardy by exposing you to impurities.
4. Bargain Basement Pricing
If the price of a water filter is too good to be true, it probably is. Hence, if you find a product that’s selling at a significantly lower price than what other sellers offer, you could get what you pay for – a counterfeit.
But that doesn’t imply you should only settle for name-brand filters. Honestly, these tend to be overpriced. Fortunately, most reputable sellers offer generic replacements that perform as well as brand name equivalents. Thus, you can always get your hands on a high-quality product without breaking the bank.
For instance, Discount Water Filters offers a wide range of water filters at highly competitive prices. So, if you’re looking for a seller you can trust, they could be your go-to option.
5. Poor Quality Materials
The use of low-quality materials is one of the most common dead giveaways of a counterfeit filter. Take a close look at the housing and other plastic components. If they feel flimsy or are of poor quality, you’re likely looking at a fake water filter. Sure, the packaging might be fancy, but in general, the product’s materials often leave much to be desired. And that’s something very important that can’t be overlooked when choosing a reverse osmosis water filter since that product is going to directly affect your health.
The same goes for the filter media. If it looks and feels cheap, it’s probably a knockoff. Hence, always buy your filters from a reputable seller to avoid ending up with a fake.
6. No Certification
A genuine filter must undergo tests and get certified before it hits the stores. So, if your product doesn’t sport a certification label, it probably doesn’t meet specific standards. Some counterfeits, however, may have symbols that look like certifications.
So, how can you tell if they’re genuine? Well, a simple Google search will do the trick in most cases. If the certification is accurate, you should be able to find information about it online. If not, it’s probably fake. Not sure which certifications to look for? Most credible filters generally have symbols for NSF or Water Quality Association (WQA). So, check for these if you’re in doubt.
7. No Manufacturer Information
Every genuine filter must also have the manufacturer’s name and contact details on the packaging. The product might be a knockoff if you can’t find this information. And without manufacturer information, you also cannot tell if the filter is certified.
Overall, while determining whether a water filter is genuine or not isn’t always a walk in the park, these pointers can eliminate the hassle. As a result, you can get the real deal. That way, you won’t settle for less or compromise your home’s water quality.
