Got this e-mail from a site visitor this morning...


Anyone know what can be done or just *how* you actually identify a bootleg? I'm not sure if she thinks she's contacting BV through e-mailing me, since she's asking "Who will actually do something about it???", LOL! Wouldn't be the first time

Ta,

Sam

I would think she would have to contact ebay. She would have to read their guidlines or email their support.

-Jake

I have to say I find it extremely annoying when people complain about bootleg copies on ebay. You can see quite clearly from the picture that it is a bootleg. Jake is right the next stage would have to be to e-mail them now.

A bootleg GG DVD will probably be factory rejects that are just on a plain disc with no artwork, a mate of mine got season 1 off ebay as factory rejects and they play just like the ones we all buy do but the picture quality is 99% rather than 100% , I watched one of their discs and you can't tell the differene in picture quality. They got season 1 for £11.50

How do they know it's bootleg anyway?

I agree with roz, surely they'd be able to tell when bidding on it that it was bootleg.

Some people really are a worry.....

This is not necessarily true. Sometimes, people who are selling bootlegs of DVDs will put the stock photo (i.e. the ones shown on amazon.com, etc.), and sometimes people can even make (almost) perfect replicas of the cover. So, in other words, it is not always easy to identify a bootleg. To make sure it's authentic (if the person got it 'new'), check the back of the shrinkwrap to see if it has the Buena Vista stamp on it. If it does then it is authentic. If not, it is a bootleg. However, if it has already been opened, check the bottom of the discs (playable side). If they are not the usual sliver-ish color, there's your first sign. If the bottom is purple, then it is a DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW (previously blank DVDs, in other words). Also, check around the core of the disc (on the playable side). If it has an intricate code on it, than it is authentic as well. But if it has the name of the DVD (i.e. "GoldenGirlsS5D1" or "GoldenGirlsS5" or something like that), then it is a bootleg. ALSO, if it is season 4 and up (I know this person said it is season 5, but if any of you are questionable, this applies to seasons 4 and up), the discs (non-playable side) should be shiny, and almost cloudy and transparent. If they are bold and easy to see, they are bootleg. Hope this helps you all! Merry Christmas! :frosty:

Cheers for all that info, thanx_4_bein_a_friend And thanks to everyone else for their help.

I have come across DVD's on Ebay where the price is quite low. However, once you read the description carefully then you'll see that the discs are either copied onto DVD-R or the discs just come in plain white sleeves, no actual boxset. It's hard to say what this person can do because the description could very well have stated that they were not originals. Sometimes people just do not read things properly.

Sam

Yeah that's the point I'm making. You can tell by the picture normally but if it is just the stock photo then you can tell by the description: chinese import, Region 0.

You're welcome! Also, I meant to say that seasons 4 and up should have shiny, and almost transparent discs (if they are region 1), if I didn't say that already. :frosty:

This is exactly why I don't use eBay for anything. I order everything new from Amazon.com, because it's the cheapest you can find for anything new.

-Jake

Actually, sometimes eBay is good, it just depends on the user, and their feedback (be sure to check that). If their feedback is mostly negative, avoid them. Even if their feedback is very good, be sure to check their negative comments, and see what they have to say. Like a user said it took a very long time to recieve their product, they could live in Spain, or something, while the seller could live in the U.S. It all depends on what item it is. Especially if it's a DVD, be sure to ask (when bidding, or considering at least), to see more pictures (if all they show is a stock photo, etc.). If it is a used DVD, ask to see pictures of the WHOLE thing. Front, back, inside - EVERYTHING. Well, that's my say.

:frosty: