Are you buying the real deal?

A recent influx of building materials being sold online under the guise of being the same as existing products with an established reputation has prompted industry organisations and online auction sites to warn buyers and sellers of the issue.

Earlier this year, Trade Me addressed the matter in a ‘Trust and Safety’ blog, warning sellers not to use other well-established brand names to describe their own goods.

The blog stated: “Not all fibreglass insulation is the ‘Batts’ brand. Kiwis love the cuddly looking ‘Pink’ fluff that keeps our houses toasty warm. But, both ‘Pink’ and ‘Batts’ are actually registered trademarks, and can only be used to describe ‘Pink Batts’ made under the ‘Pink Batts’ brand.” Registered brands GIB, Sellotape and Bubblewrap were highlighted by Trade Me in the same manner.

BRANZ is aware that some online distributors were falsely claiming to have been tested by BRANZ or other independent testing authorities.

“We would advise anyone purchasing building materials, particularly through online channels to verify the products for accuracy and currency, and that the information supplied regarding use is directly applicable to the product being purchased,” said BRANZ appraisals manager Lynda Amitrano.

“The performance data and installation details of one product are often being supplied as usable for other similar materials, and this should not be accepted.”

Product appraisals can be found at www.branz.co.nz/appraisals.