Fake Rimowa
Mar 3, 23, 3:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 98
Fake Rimowa
Sitting at the airport with the Mrs, I kept pointing out Rimowa suitcases and telling her about the reported amazing customer service. She got tired of it … “I get it, many people use them!”
But it did get me thinking …. On my Air Asia flight alone, I saw half a dozen people roll a Rimowa into the cabin. And in the airport it felt like a surprising number of people were using one. It made me wonder …. Is there a lot of counterfeit Rimowa around?
ive Never seen them for sale, but don’t look for it either. Any experience?
But it did get me thinking …. On my Air Asia flight alone, I saw half a dozen people roll a Rimowa into the cabin. And in the airport it felt like a surprising number of people were using one. It made me wonder …. Is there a lot of counterfeit Rimowa around?
ive Never seen them for sale, but don’t look for it either. Any experience?
Mar 4, 23, 2:33 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 895
Originally Posted by gadget
Sitting at the airport with the Mrs, I kept pointing out Rimowa suitcases and telling her about the reported amazing customer service. She got tired of it … “I get it, many people use them!”
But it did get me thinking …. On my Air Asia flight alone, I saw half a dozen people roll a Rimowa into the cabin. And in the airport it felt like a surprising number of people were using one. It made me wonder …. Is there a lot of counterfeit Rimowa around?
ive Never seen them for sale, but don’t look for it either. Any experience?
But it did get me thinking …. On my Air Asia flight alone, I saw half a dozen people roll a Rimowa into the cabin. And in the airport it felt like a surprising number of people were using one. It made me wonder …. Is there a lot of counterfeit Rimowa around?
ive Never seen them for sale, but don’t look for it either. Any experience?
I probably wouldn't have bought the Rimowa carry-on if I saw the look-a-like first.
Mar 4, 23, 2:44 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 98
Originally Posted by Dave510
I probably wouldn't have bought the Rimowa carry-on if I saw the look-a-like first.
Perhaps I start hunting for one. I do live in a country where 'imitation' happens quite a bit so surely such copies exist here too!
Mar 4, 23, 10:08 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 895
Originally Posted by gadget
That is an interesting statement indeed!
Perhaps I start hunting for one. I do live in a country where 'imitation' happens quite a bit so surely such copies exist here too!
Perhaps I start hunting for one. I do live in a country where 'imitation' happens quite a bit so surely such copies exist here too!
Mar 4, 23, 8:45 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Posts: 98
Originally Posted by Dave510
I say that only because I never check my carry on luggage, and rarely use my aluminum luggages for my carry on. I do always go for real aluminum Rimowas for my checked lugagges. Having the warranty and having stores in most major cities is pretty important to me since they get damaged (functionally) a lot.
Mar 11, 23, 3:20 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: SYD
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Qantas FF, SQ Krisflyer
Posts: 7
Replica Rimowas definitely exist, search reddit and you'll find it very easily.
From reading reviews though it seems that these are a markedly lower quality vs the real thing, and I certainly wouldn't want to check-in a fake aluminium suitcase.
I'm very happy with my original check-in, smoothest wheels I've ever experienced. No regrets - even though it cost me $2000 AUD.
From reading reviews though it seems that these are a markedly lower quality vs the real thing, and I certainly wouldn't want to check-in a fake aluminium suitcase.
I'm very happy with my original check-in, smoothest wheels I've ever experienced. No regrets - even though it cost me $2000 AUD.
Mar 17, 23, 11:29 am
#8
formerly dav662
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 3,762
Originally Posted by gadget
That is an interesting statement indeed!
Perhaps I start hunting for one. I do live in a country where 'imitation' happens quite a bit so surely such copies exist here too!
Perhaps I start hunting for one. I do live in a country where 'imitation' happens quite a bit so surely such copies exist here too!
Mar 17, 23, 11:49 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 32,643
China, HKG, BKK, SGN and SIN are where I’ve seen tons of knockoffs. I used to bring 2-3 suitcases worth of samples back from China, and rather than just lug my own bags around, I’d buy new ones in Shenzhen every trip. I wasn’t looked for branded knockoffs, but saw lots on offer. Large bags were never above $20 when bargaining. $15 was the average. Not buying aluminum style cases, though.
Mar 17, 23, 3:00 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 4
I'm fairly certain I own a counterfeit Rimowa bag, which I bought on eBay. But it's so good I suspect it was made in the real factory, after hours, like a lot of the best "fakes." Why do I think it's fake? No serial number molded into the polycarbonate, and the tag says made in Germany when this particular limited edition piece was made in Czech Republic. But it's an otherwise perfect dupe, and seems to be every bit as well-made as my genuine Rimowas.
Mar 18, 23, 5:13 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,224
Originally Posted by LoganInLosAngeles
I'm fairly certain I own a counterfeit Rimowa bag, which I bought on eBay. But it's so good I suspect it was made in the real factory, after hours, like a lot of the best "fakes." Why do I think it's fake? No serial number molded into the polycarbonate, and the tag says made in Germany when this particular limited edition piece was made in Czech Republic. But it's an otherwise perfect dupe, and seems to be every bit as well-made as my genuine Rimowas.
Mar 18, 23, 11:07 pm
#13
formerly dav662
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 3,762
Originally Posted by gadget
MBK, here I come! :-)
Mar 19, 23, 1:08 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 895
Originally Posted by Davvidd
I am still in two minds about buying the aluminium case. Only because I am not sure it is aluminium? Is there anyway that I can check if it?
If you suspect it to be another metal, use a magnet; aluminum should not be magnetic whatsoever. Since it's hollow, a light knock should make it immediately obvious whether it's metal or plastic.
