Replica's are TEH SUCKZ......
 

Here's your thread......post away and quit ruining other threads.

:icon14:

I hate replicas (joking)

I like my replica V2 :)

some replica's like shine auto are pretty damn good if you ask me. So not all replica's are TEH SUCKZ, but many are.

This thread is for those that think ALL replica's are teh suckz......

You know, the ones that always seem to stick their nose into a thread that has nothing to do with them saying things like "Replica's are ruining this industry....", "Replica's have terrible fitament...."

Whatever the reason for their thread intrusion.......this thread is for them.

So have at it!!!!!!!!

Replica's are teh suckz.......

replica's gave me the clap. true story

I wish I can contribute to this.

i like replica's ...

Why can't you? I think we should all be able to express our opinions.

Because it's pointless and as a sponsor, there are a lot of things that I cannot say that I would love too but it's only a matter of opinion and my opinion will not have much effect. No matter what, there will always be replica's around and their capital will thrive on the originator's innovations and creativity which ultimately hurts us as vendors and consumers. I can't dictate whats right and whats wrong and who am I to do so? People choose to spend their money on what they think holds value to them and no one, nor I, can tell someone what they should or should not buy.

I think Andy mean't he cant contribute because all his parts are 100% authentic. That's why I hate him lol

Ok nevermind haha

I see where your coming from with having to hold back feelings because of the sponsor status. I agree replica's will always be around but don't agree that replicas always hurt the consumers. Maybe in the long run some of these companies will stop making parts, but I find that very unlikely.

Being a vendor for many authentic parts, I'm sure you can't chime in on this, but ALOT of the higher end stuff is over priced. Take for example the new Mines pieces. Those pieces that go behind the door handle costs MAYBE $100-$150 to make and they are selling them for over $1000.

Not trying to start an argument by any means, just expressing my view on things.

Nah, it's cool. I know you're not trying to start an argument or anything. One of the things that makes a business successful is branding. Branding and identity is almost essential in this day in age for a business to have longevity and status. It's a given that if you are paying for a high end brand name, expect the high end price tag. On top of that, yea, it may only cost X amount of dollars to manufacturer a product but what about the capital that is invested into the design? Research and development? Materials? Craftsmanship? Ingenuity? It seems as though that people quantify differently in the manner of what is valuable to themselves instead of what is actually needed to develop and manufacturer a high quality product. I guess I'm just a firm believer in paying credit to where it is due and I do have to admit that I am somewhat of a brand-whore myself. :icon38:

id rather buy old navy than abercrombie. but i like to have a few article of the 'crombie in my closet. does that analogy make any sense? lol.

i personally would 'skimp out' and buy replica stuff for Aero products. but if i were to ever purchase go-fast bits id go authentic.

Of course, this thread was started with a hint of sarcasm at its root :icon39: , but I am one of the people who feel frustrated when I see the thread titles of "My Nismo V2 350Z" or "For Sale: INGS+1 Body Kit" and then open the thread to find out they aren't actually what they advertise themselves to be. I have actually been a victim or purchasing something that was advertised as "Authentic" and turned out to be the worst-made replica I have ever seen, but that is really not why I become frustrated, or why I am responding here...

The main issue I have with replicas and what irks me somewhat (and I am not in the aftermarket parts industry) is the lack of originality or ingenuity that goes into making a replica. When it comes down to it, it is stealing another person or another company's design. Plain and simple. Not only that, but a replica is taking the name (and reputation) of a company. That name is something that that original company has undoubtedly worked hard for. Maybe replicas use some new, "state-of-the-art" materials, but without that original pioneer, there would not be a product for them to sell. There would not be a product that makes it possible for those vendors to put money into their pocket. That, to me, does not show a passion to the hobby or dedication to the industry. It shows greed and a desire to make a dollar. I am not dumb. I know the argument is out there that these companies are "saving the consumer money by producing replicas because the originals are overpriced" (and I have no doubt that some of the replicas out there are extremely good quality parts), but when it comes down to it, would they really be selling these parts if it wasn't putting money into their pocket? I realize all companies are out there to make money, but the replica producers are not the consumers' savior as they may like you to believe.

Another thing that gets to me is the fact that 95% of the parts on my car are authentic. I will readily admit that I have a replica part on my car, I had the most difficult time locating an authentic, so I caved and purchased a replica. I look at that part, however, and think of it as the downfall or black-eye of my car, because it's not authentic. That's my own OCD issue :icon14:... I digress. Nonetheless, I endure the 6 month delays and the shipping from Japan, because I want authentic parts on my car. That's my decision. I'm also a realist. It is reality that replicas will always be around. I know that some people disagree with my sentiments 100%, and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and everyone is entitled to buy whatever they want with their own money, but it bothers me to see a car with an "Amuse" bumper in every other thread I open now or to see someone incorporate "JDM" in the description of the parts on their car. It's not JDM at all! You purchased it for half the price of the real thing and received it in a week and a half.

It basically comes down to the consumer's money. If you want to spend it on what is fundamentally and unequivocally a 'knock-off,' you have the right to do so... I, for one, choose not to... :icon44:

Quality reps = teh win.

nicely said

well said

u had sex with it?:icon8: :icon8: