Recently, we received an ERGObaby from Caroline with the request that we replace the belt clip as it had snapped after only limited wear. To our dismay, we found the carrier to be a FAKE. Caroline was mortified, but at the same time relieved that Connor had not been hurt as a consequence. She wrote the letter below to illustrate the issue.
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To Potential Babywearing Mums and Dads,
We were delighted when we received the news that we were pregnant again and couldn’t wait for the arrival of our second child. The first thing on the to-buy list was an Ergo Baby Carrier as it would provide me with the freedom to look after our energetic toddler without having to fuss about having my hands full. Of the seven mothers in my play group, five have the Ergo and always sing its praises.
So…off we went bargain hunting – first to a few reputable baby stores where they were very similarly priced and then onto e-bay. We found a couple and watched various deals go by while waiting to snatch the perfect score. Finally it happened, we “scored” a brand new black and camel Ergo Carrier for a bargain at $110 with original packaging and DVD. The ebayer asked if we wanted the bulky box or if she could post it without. Smelling a rat, I immediately requested she send it in its original packaging.
A couple days later our Ergo Baby Carrier arrived and we were relieved to note that it was in fact an original Ergo carrier. The Ergo was great and accompanied us everywhere!
You can imagine our shock and dismay when the buckle snapped – we did not want to imagine what could have happened to little Connor! We posted the Ergo to the Australian distributors and requested their assistance in replacing the faulty buckle. Knowingly, they asked if we had purchased the Ergo on E-bay or a non-reputable store and we stated we had purchased the item on E-bay only a few weeks before.
After sending the Ergo in, we were informed that we had been conned and that it was indeed a fake article.
So, after an expensive lesson, we are just very grateful that Connor wasn’t hurt and feel it is our responsibility to to warn all fellow bargain hunters out there that you should only purchase the Ergo Baby Carrier from a reputable dealer – for the near future, I certainly would not risk purchasing it on E-Bay.
Yours sincerely
Caroline
