I'm a newbie and I have been fooled--Fake dance pole!

KrAZYkRISSI started this discussion · 10/22/2010

I should have did more research before I bought my pole, but I guess I was too excited and wasn't thinking straight LOL. I just ordered one off of Ebay a couple of days ago (yea I know, 1st mistake) and today I stumbled across a couple of pole dance forums that were talking about counterfeit x-poles; That is when I realized how stupid my purchase was. Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120628579493&rvr_id=156764419361&mfe=sidebar After reading all of the info on the fake poles I now see how obvious it was---The seller doesn't even advertise the item as an X pole, but by the picture leads you to believe it is. I'm afraid that by them doing this it might make it harder to return it. Actually, I have not even received the shipment yet but have already expressed my intent to return it back to the seller due to misleading advertising. IMO pictures are apart of advertising and I reasoned to the seller that by connecting the Xpole brand with their own item through pictures made it counterfeit via false advertising and justified my right for a full refund. I have just sent them a msg about it today, so lets hope they 1) answer my msg and 2) don't go mysteriously out of business LOL It might be wishful thinking to hope that I will get my money back, but I will definitely try. Regardless, I will be opening a dispute with ebay and paypal about the seller. My question to you ladies is: Have any of you had experience with this and if so, how did you handle it?

20 replies

minicoopergrl · 10/22/2010
First I would contact Xpole. Its got thier logos all over it and I dont think he got the ok for it. Whats his return policy? I would return it ASAP!
polebunny · 10/22/2010
are you sure you're getting a fake? that is a picture of how xpole looks when you get it. xpoles have little x's on the base where you line up the screw holes. i'd check for that if you even open it. i bought my xpole off ebay and it is legit, but it has the x's and it was closer to three hundred than two hundred. so idk, maybe it will be real. however it is misleading that they show an x pole but never say x pole--- makes me wonder why...you probably are right and i think ebay would support you because they clearly show an xpole in the pic. and if ebay doesn't want to help you, we will all email them like we did with veena's m+m situation lol
polebunny · 10/22/2010
i just sent the seller a question asking if their poles are x poles as shown in the pic,,,, lets see what they say to THAT lol also they are describing everything exactly as it is with xpole so that is misleading. someone else told me fake x poles have a plastic top dome when it should be metal
KrAZYkRISSI · 10/22/2010
Thanks girls! I will definitely contact x pole to see if this is legit . The sellers return window is 3 days-you better believe its going back the sec I get it. Trying to find a bargain on ebay is risky if you don't know the product and do not do eenough research. But hey, got to live and learn,
Charley · 10/22/2010
When you get it make sure you open it and look on the base to be sure that it has 2 x's printed onthe base - if it doesn't it's a fake. It *could* be a real X though - possibly overstock of the old model?
polebunny · 10/22/2010
i agree w charley and after discussing it with my husband who uses ebay a lot... you really should open it to check! it could be real... maybe they just don't know anything about poles. it seems like if they wanted to scam people they'd actually say it was an x pole in the title and probably charge more. i'd check because im pretty sure you can still return it if you open it
chemgoddess1 · 10/22/2010
Ebay has an excellent dispute resolution as does Paypal. Things that lead me to believe the seller is legit: has the items in an ebay store, has been selling since 2002, tons of positive feedback.
Masked Loopy II · 10/23/2010
Let us know what happens. Sounds like a good deal if it is legit. I hope for you that it is.
KrAZYkRISSI · 10/23/2010
Alas, I just received this message: We'r every sorry if you feel mis-lead. This item is not manufactured by X-Pole. Although all of the specs are identical. Returning an item is never a problem with our company. If you are not pleased with your purchase, please send a direct email to mailto:[email protected] for return authorization. - uk-direct So it wasn't an X pole even though they advertised the X pole brand by displaying the DVD and manual. At least they are offering to take my return, but aren't what they doing still wrong? I'm going to return the pole as soon as I get it, but I think I should contact ebay or the makers of X pole after to prevent them from advertising this way. I have never had a problem like this from ebay, but I guess it was bound to happen. I broke down yesterday and just bought the XPERT directly from X Pole. I can see why its definitely beneficial to just spend the extra money--at least I have the piece of mind that its exactly what It claims to be. So, yaya!! I'm feeling like the sun just came out 🙂 Soon enough I will have my pole!!
dustbunny · 10/23/2010
Ok, I bought one of these as well off ebay. I did not buy it thinking it was an x-pole, I bought it because I could not afford the real deal. It is, I believe, a cheaper chinese rip off. The instructions contain some excellent "engrish" if you want a laugh. 🙂 I LOVE IT!! <3 <3 No it is not an x-pole, yes it has the same design specs as an x-pole. It is strong, sturdy, and stable. My spin mode works excellently, the dome is metal not plastic as some people have suggested it may be (although check yours, I did not buy mine from the same e-bay user), and I have no major issues with my pole. Minor issues you may wish to consider: 1. The chrome finish is not as nice looking as I would like. This is asthetic only as it is not peeling or anything like that, but having worked in the manufacturing industry for nearly a decade I know how good a plating SHOULD be. 2. My DVD I received in the box, did not work right. I contacted the seller and they shipped me another one free of charge, however it does not work right either. I gave up at that point, and me and my hubby (who is very mechanically inclined) figured it out our selves. Any way, my point is have a good look at it before you send it back. Consider that you may get your original investment returned, but you may have to pay out of pocket to ship it back. Consider also, how much more you are willing to pay for a "name brand". My pole has been installed in my living room for almost a year now. It is not a flimsy pole that will fall down or anything like that. I love my rip off x-pole and wouldn't trade it. I saw that everyone was saying the opposite and wanted to leave you with some thoughts from the other side of the fence... Feel free to email me if you want to ask me anything about my pole mailto:[email protected]
sosagely · 10/24/2010
I would send an email with the ebay link to xpole. I'm sure they will not appreciate it and probably get them to take off the add or force them to stop using the xpole logo. It will be helpful to have emails to and from xpole in case this somehow goes wrong. I hate dishonesty so much. 😠
EvaRut · 10/24/2010
Hehe after reading Dustbunnys comment I am seriously considering buying that fake pole hehee 😛 Just need to ask the seller about a few details.
EVamp83 · 10/25/2010
Do keep in mind that there are probably many different grades of fake x-poles on the market. For most people it'll be hard to figure out on which parts of the pole they cheaped out in manufacturing. Also, you won't have any guarantees on the quality, so you never know when parts may be run down. I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, just making sure you realize that buying a fake pole can be risky in many ways. Be safe! 🙊 (lol, finally a chance to use the safe-smiley)
EvaRut · 10/25/2010
Hehe I know 🙂 I searched on ebay but those who had fake poles wouldnt even send them to Iceland so I have decited to start saving and buy something that I can trust 😛 I just emaild xpole to ask them if they send to iceland because no one sells them here.
Jenn · 10/25/2010
Wow, they are tricky little suckers aren't they?? Had me fooled too! I bought my x-pole on Ebay years ago, but that was before all of these fake ones were everywhere. There are legitimate sellers on Ebay. But the Ebay dealers will charge you the same amount of $$ that X-pole charges direct, although the shipping may be cheaper.If you are unsure of one, you can contact X-pole and they will let you know if it is/is not a legitimate dealer.
smalltownboy · 10/26/2010
I know a lot of us laugh at some of the bloopers videos of pole failure on YouTube (they seem to get funnier the more times I watch them) but there is a very real risk of serious injury when a pole fails. If you have even the slightest doubt it is better to reject this pole. Spending that bit more will ensure not only good quality but also excellent after sales support. Will be interested to hear how this all pans out. Happy poling! STB
shayjones · 10/27/2010
Just to highlight one benefit of buying directly from X-pole is the customer service and warranty. I have had atleast three pieces replaced for free and they worked with me on two other pieces that were damaged when I let someone borrow my pole. I understand wanting to get a bargain deal, but I am willing to pay for the warranty.
MissChiefNYC · 10/27/2010
I'll piggy back on the above statement....I've brought directly from x-pole, and yes, I I've had about 4 pieces replaced at no charge. It's been a PIA, but the customer service has been wonderful.
velvetvixen · 10/27/2010
Xpole does have great service! Plus if you need other pieces, you can be sure you can find a replacement. Even the older pole replacements can still be bought! So its great for long term. 🥂 http://www.Poletopia.com Unique items that embrace the spirit of pole!
KrAZYkRISSI · 10/28/2010
Update: The seller let me return the pole and it takes about a week after they receive it to refund my money back into my account, so all is well right now. I'm not missing out anyway since my X pole came 2 days ago! I also ordered the Art of Pole series so I will be swinging in no time!!