Last year two of my friends bought 5 sets of Oakley Sunglasses. Unfortunately only two of them were real. They lost $540!!!

This guide should help you so that you don't make the same mistake.

Recognise Fake Oakleys on eBay

- Oakley sunglasses come with a pouch/bag, box, documentation. Don't bid if the auction doesn't include any of these.

- Look at the seller's feedback. You should be able to tell if he/she has tried selling fakes before. Don't just look at the percentage, read the comments.

- Be careful when the price is under $100, the RRP can be five times that, so would they be that price if they were real?

- You can easily buy fakes in Europe for 4 - 10 Euros. In an auction they only include a bag. Sometimes they have a tag and/or a sticker marked with Oakley. They are fake! Don't buty them. Only buy if they have documentation and a box.

- Check the seller's other items. If he/she is selling more than one set, but has low feedback, they could have just bought a load of fakes and just set up an account. If they have high feedback, or a shop then they are probably trustworthy.

- An obvious one. If in the description he/she claims he/she is selling an old set, but is also selling others then they were probably bought on the cheap.

- Read the description fully there may be some small print in the auction saying they are not real. This is against eBay's policy.

- Never buy any if it doesn't say anywhere that they are real or genuine.

Once you have received them

- To be sure it would be best to go to an Oakley dealer.

- If you don't have an Oakley dealer make sure all documentation is there.

- If they are metal then it is less likely that they are fake, but don't assume they are real.

- Make sure the sunglasses you bought aren't plastic if they are only made in metal.

- As far as I know the bag is black, but I am told some come in different colours. The bag has a tag with 'Genuine O software' and 'Plutonite Lenses should only be cleaned with the provided sunglass bag. Oakley inc.'

- The tag on the bag would have been stitched on persectly, no funny angles as if put on at homewith a sewing machine.

- It shouldn't fall apart. I've seen fakes where the 'O's fall off and the arms easily come appart.

- Many contain little screws.

When in doubt don't buy. On receiving them get them checked out. If they are fake then leave negative feedback to worn others.

I hope this helps. For more information or questions please e-mail me.