In today’s market, where counterfeit goods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s crucial to know that the Mitutoyo products you’re purchasing or already own are genuine. Mitutoyo, a globally renowned brand for precision measuring instruments, has faced issues with counterfeit products, as have many leading brands in various industries. These counterfeit products not only undermine the brand’s reputation but can also significantly affect the precision and reliability required in professional settings. Here’s how to ensure that your Mitutoyo product is authentic and not a counterfeit.
1. Shop at the Official Mitutoyo Amazon Store
A convenient and reliable way to purchase authentic Mitutoyo products is through their official Amazon store. By shopping at Mitutoyo’s official Amazon store, you are guaranteed to receive genuine Mitutoyo products, backed by the full support and warranty of the brand. This store provides a wide range of Mitutoyo products, ensuring that you can find exactly what you need with the assurance of authenticity. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping combined with the confidence in purchasing authentic products directly from the brand. Amazon’s pricing often beats that of distributors and their easy return policy is often quicker.
2. Purchase from Authorized Dealers
The first and most straightforward step in ensuring the authenticity of your Mitutoyo product is to purchase it from authorized dealers or directly from Mitutoyo’s official stores. Mitutoyo maintains a list of authorized distributors on their official website. Purchasing from these sources guarantees that you are receiving a genuine product, backed by Mitutoyo’s warranty and support services.
3. Check the Packaging and Documentation
Genuine Mitutoyo products come in high-quality packaging with clear and precise printing. The packaging should include all the necessary documentation, such as a user manual and a certificate of calibration (if applicable). These documents should have clear printing, be free of typographical errors, and contain correct and relevant information about the product.
4. Examine the Product Quality
Mitutoyo is known for its high-quality manufacturing standards. A genuine Mitutoyo product will exhibit flawless craftsmanship, with no misalignments, rough edges, or inconsistent finishes. The materials used should feel premium to the touch. Counterfeit products, on the other hand, may have inconsistencies in build quality, feel cheaper, or show signs of poor craftsmanship.
5. Verify the Serial Number
Genuine Mitutoyo products come with unique serial numbers that can be verified. You can contact Mitutoyo’s customer service with the product’s serial number to confirm its authenticity. This step is crucial, especially for products purchased from sources other than authorized dealers.
6. Look for the Official Markings
Mitutoyo products often have brand logos, holographic stickers, model numbers, and other identifying marks etched or printed on them. Ensure these markings are present and correspond to genuine Mitutoyo products. Counterfeit products may have incorrect logos, misspelled brand names, or lack specific model numbers.
7. Use Mitutoyo’s Verification Tools
In response to the rise of counterfeit products, Mitutoyo has developed tools and services to help customers verify the authenticity of their products. Check Mitutoyo’s official website or contact their customer service to learn about any available verification tools.
8. Beware of Prices That Are Too Good to Be True
While everyone loves a good deal, significantly lower prices than those offered by authorized dealers can be a red flag for counterfeit products. As with any product, if the price of a Mitutoyo product seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Ensuring the authenticity of your Mitutoyo products is crucial to get the precision and reliability expected from these high-quality instruments. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from counterfeit products, ensuring that your measurements are accurate and your instruments are reliable and backed by Mitutoyo’s warranty and customer service. Remember, the first step towards authenticity is purchasing from authorized dealers and verifying your products through the brand’s official channels, including the official Mitutoyo Amazon store. If in the end, you are not sure if the product is authentic, you can always contact a local Mitutoyo showroom, or call them at (888) MITUTOYO