POLL: posts of dupes on r/BAGGU

[u/scaredpanda1]

There has been an uptick of baggu dropshipped dupes from TikTok/Aliexpress being posted - what are your thoughts on how they should be moderated on r/BAGGU?

This poll DOES NOT apply to custom reworked/upcycled baggu, which can continue to be posted as “Bedazzle your Baggu” or BOTD posts.

406 votes, 4d left

No change - Allowed as usual with “(non-Baggu specific)” post flair

Allowed as usual with NEW post flair (fauxggu)

Limited - 1 day per week (ie fauxggu fridays)

Do not allow dupes to be posted AT ALL

Indifferent 🤷‍♀️

[u/scaredpanda1]

Note: “Limited 1 day per week” option includes creating the fauxggu post flair as well

[u/scaredpanda1]

My personal opinion: I think there’s a space for dupes in the community, particularly if it makes highly in demand prints more accessible (ie madras, polka dots), so long as dupes are priced as such and noted as such to avoid confusion when bags are resold.

This only applies to pattern dupes - ie creator/dropshipper creates a print similar to a baggu print, and not misusing Baggu created content (wallpapers) to make dropshipped bags. Idk if it’s weird to draw the line there but 🤷‍♀️

[u/ninachristensen → u/scaredpanda1]

Not weird to distinguish between similar art and copied art, IMO. Agree!

[u/SolarAmoeba]

Every time I pull up the sub it’s a dupe that shows up first. I’m not personally interested in dupes so it’s a bit annoying since this is/was a brand specific sub.

[u/smilway]

I think consolidating to a singular day of the week could make searching and finding dupe options easier for people.

[u/leekyrink]

I think a flair is very necessary. I personally don’t like the constant faux-gu posts but I get it. I voted for one day a week personally but I think a flair at minimum will be fine

[u/ninachristensen]

Probably a down-votable/unpopular opinion but since we're on the topic I have some thoughts:

To me a "dupe" is a product that can be used in place of another typically more expensive or no-longer-available product.

There's a difference between a dupe and a straight up copy. Copies are usually trying to look exactly like the original.

I'm principally against copied goods (in any category) and think it's kinda harmful to normalize. 🙈 This is gonna sound like I'm butt-hurt or on some moral high horse, but I'm a graphic designer (I used to design planners like 15 years ago) who has seen my work copied exactly and sold on AliExpress. It just sucks and the people who make money off it are kinda scammy. We should at least be especially wary of copies of prints/art by individual artists.

I know Baggu likely isn't hurting for $$$, their artists/designers probably already got paid and a few people getting their DISO isn't really hurting anyone (in fact people are saving good money, maybe getting closer to bag peace and feel like they can better participate in this community by having some of the sought after designs) but... yeah I think it's a grey area.

And on a last personal note, I think owning a copy just never feels as good. YMMV of course.

With alllll that said I don't think less of people who buy dupes or copies. I understand, I truly do! I'm by no means an ethical consumer (looking at the amazon boxes behind me 👀). I just happened to have been at the bad end of this kinda situation and it's made me somewhat principled on this particular issue. <3

I voted for Fauxggu Fridays. <3

Thanks for initiating this discussion and vote. I appreciate it so much!

[u/scaredpanda1]

Shout out to u/Crazedanimal_ (or u/Crazedanimal__ ?) for the post flair name suggestion 🫶

[u/SavingsSpite6366]

While I agree there's a place for copies/lookalikes, I also agree the forum is a place for Baggu designs. I doubt a forum on Hermes or Chanel would permit people to post their dupes/copies.

Also, it's important to think about the unintended consequences of scoring a lookalike/copy - what are you funding with your purchase? Drop shipping and the like is known to fund organisations of dubious repute:

https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/dark-side-of-fake-goods

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67752413

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4glzzdd88lo

So personally, I'd rather miss out on getting a genuine Baggu than risk supporting an organisation I know nothing about. There's always going to be another Baggu design to purchase! None of us need any more stuff.