Fake Spare Parts When No Domestic Brand Names Can Be Trusted

Abstract

This chapter considers fake motorcycle spare parts whose value is determined by duration and quality. A bad image about domestic products, which is often present in developing countries, causes consumers to distrust domestic brand names. That is a major reason why fake packaging was pervasive in Vietnam. I first explain the fact, obtained by field research, that repairpersons have incentives not only to use fake spare parts but also to mitigate incomplete consumer information about quality. I then analyse this phenomenon in a theoretical model, indicating inconsistent incentives concerning social welfare and consumers' surpluses. I also consider a counterfeiting game between counterfeiters producing products of differing quality and show that a counterfeiter producing second-tier products does not always prefer no enforcement, while a counterfeiter producing lowest quality products always prefers it.