Avoid Fake Havaianas—I bought fake Havainas! I posted about the flipflop SCAM a year ago. I now sadly report that the pinned “Havianas” labels have dropped off. I still wear the fake flip flops.
[a year ago]
I was scammed buying a pair of Haviana flip flops! Me!
The litte boutique and exclusive Havaiana store was next to a restaurant, next to a bar, tables spilling to the sidewalk, and across the road was the beach. A group of kids was drumming on the street. I saw on the wall of the shop a beautiful and vibrant pair of flip flops, among many. I bought them. The store woman was attentive and kind, and she gave me a wrist bracelet after the purchase. It was a wonderful store experience.
I was scammed. A few weeks later the colorful imprint on the sole disintegrated and wore off. This does not happen to original Havaianas.
What to do?
- Return to the store and complain to the clerk?
- Report and file a complaint with the company of Havaianas. Get a refund?
- Remember, next time? Watch out, next time for the unauthentic?
- Ah HA! I see the issue with my flip flops now. The letters of the word “Havaianas” is an attached stamp, a piece of plastic stapled or glued to the strap. The letters of “Havianas” is not part of the mold of the plastic strap but an afterthought. Actually, still today, the stamp holds and looks fine but the colorful print of the soles, the reason these flip flops stood out, has worn off.
What to do? I didn’t do anything. I didn’t return to the store or request a refund. I did nothing. I will do nothing. I mention it here, that is all. I do not have the heart to return to the little store and complain to the store woman. She didn’t know they were fake. I don’t want her to get into trouble. Whatever, it was 70 brazilian reis ($12 US dollars). Anway, I enjoyed the sales experience at the point of purchase. The flip flops are comfortable and entirely useable. Nobody sees the faded color print on the sole anyway, when I wear them. Only at the door step, or the beach, when I take them off. Scam!!!!