Chronicle Editor
THE Eversharp 15M pen has been a staple in the writing world for decades, prized for its durability and writing quality.
However, the company behind it, Art Corporation, is facing a growing problem of counterfeit products.
Counterfeiters are producing fake Eversharp 15M pens, often with convincing packaging and logos, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake products.
In an interview with Sunday News, Eversharp Bulawayo regional executive Mr Julian Mbono said they were at war with counterfeiters, with a recent bust of a syndicate that had over 100 000 ballpoint pens with a market value of more than US$20 000.
The counterfeit producing company, Rambo List Enterprises, represented by Mr Jason Matambo appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube and was fined $200 while police are still holding on to the exhibit, which will be destroyed by the police licensing inspectorate.
Mr Mbono said they were seeing a significant impact on their sales and reputation as customers were unknowingly purchasing fake products, leading to disappointment and mistrust in their over half-a-century-old brand.
This raid highlights the growing problem of counterfeit products in the city, putting the iconic pen’s manufacturer under threat. Consumers have been warned about the dangers of purchasing fake products, but the Bulawayo bust is just the tip of the iceberg, as more syndicates are involved in the counterfeit trade.
A writing instrument of choice for generations, the pen has been renowned for its durability and writing quality. However, the company behind it is struggling to combat the surge in fake products.
“We’re seeing a significant impact on our sales and reputation,” said Mr Mbono.
“Customers are unknowingly purchasing fake products, leading to disappointment and mistrust in our brand,” he said.
The packaging looks almost the same, with the address of the original manufacturer appearing on the counterfeit packaging too.
However, the contents tell a different story, the knock-offs are flimsier, and fall way short compared to the original, they are the wrong shade of blue and are of a poorer quality.
Police officials say the counterfeit pens are often convincing, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake products.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said new technologies were helping counterfeiters to come up with products that look almost just the same as genuine products.
“The counterfeiters are getting sophisticated, and it’s a challenge to identify the fakes,” said Insp Ncube.
“We urge consumers to be vigilant and purchase from authorised dealers.”
Industry experts warn that the counterfeit scourge goes beyond the Eversharp 15M pen, with many businesses in Bulawayo affected.
Mr Busisa Moyo, United Refineries CEO and industry leader called for action and more stringent policies to help address the counterfeiting scourge and said the entire industry was under threat.
“Counterfeiting is a growing problem in Zimbabwe, and it’s not just limited to writing instruments, it’s cutting across the entire manufacturing sector. It’s a threat to the economy and consumer safety. It is threatening good old brands that we have grown to trust and love, some even older than us. We grew up using the Eversharp pens, but today it is facing such threats from the knock-offs,” said Moyo.
The police bust in Bulawayo is just one example of the widespread counterfeit trade. More syndicates are involved, and consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing products.
“We have reason to believe that there are more syndicates operating in the city, and we are working to bring them to justice,” said Insp Ncube.
Consumers have been warned about the dangers of purchasing fake products, including the risk of supporting criminal activity and the potential health and safety risks associated with counterfeit goods.
“Purchasing fake products may seem like a bargain, but it’s a false economy,” said a shop owner Tinei Maphosa.
“You’re supporting criminal activity and putting yourself at risk.”
The manufacturers of the Eversharp 15M pen said despite the threat posed by counterfeiters, they remain committed to protecting their brand and customers.
“We appreciate the efforts of the authorities and will continue to work together to combat this issue,” said Mr Mbono.
Consumers have been advised to be vigilant when purchasing the iconic pen, as well as other products, ensuring they buy from authorised dealers to avoid supporting the counterfeit trade.
As the police continue to crack down on counterfeiters, the public is urged to report any suspicious activity.
“We need the public’s help to combat this scourge. If you see something not right, say something about it,” said Insp Ncube.
The Sunday News crew went to some downtown shops where they bought a couple of knock-off versions of the pen. Even the shopkeepers were not aware that they had counterfeit goods.
The fight against counterfeiting is an ongoing battle, but with the help of the authorities and the public, manufacturers like the Eversharp 15M pen can protect their brands and customers.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter