Sellers buy fake versions of Primark’s sold-out Beauty and the Beast Chip mugs from China and flog them for up to £25
Traders are taking advantage of high demand for Primark's £5 cups - prompting a black market online
SELLERS are buying counterfeit Beauty and the Beast Chip mugs from China and flogging them on eBay for FIVE times the price, The Sun Online can reveal.
Traders are taking advantage of high demand for Primark's £5 cups - prompting a black market online.
Fake mugs are going for up to £25 on the bidding site, with dozens available from individual sellers.
Punters struggled to get their hands on mugs after they landed in Primark stores last Tuesday.
Stock sold out in just 45 minutes nationwide - with some customers claiming staff wiped the shelves before they could get hold of one.
Did you manage to get a Chip mug? Email [email protected] or call 0207 782 4094
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One seller has already sold 42 replica Chip mugs for more than £20, including postage and packaging.
Another has sold 18 fakes for between £17 and £19.
Both sellers have more Chip mugs available and are shipping from outside the UK.
HOW TO SPOT A FAKE CHIP
Official Primark Chip mugs have the following details:
- A tiny chip in the top left corner - identitical to the cute character's in the film
- Pink coloured mouth
- Thick dark yellow rim around the top
- Gold handle
- Sold in a square box with Disney logo and purple detail
- Size is 12.07cm x 10.16 cm x 9.53cm
Another eBay seller, who is based in Coventry, West Mids, has sold 11 for £25 each.
Knock-off versions of Primark's Chip purse, which caused a similar storm when released earlier this month, are also for sale.
The adorable zip up purse has a similar design to the mug and was on sale for £4.
One eBay moneymaker has already flogged 67 fakes for £13 each.
It comes after The Sun Online revealed Primark staff have been accused of clearing the shelves of Chip mugs before flogging online for more money.
A Primark spokesperson said they would not comment on the counterfeits.
They added: "We are doing our best to meet the exceptionally high demand for Primark’s Beauty and the Beast Chip mug and are delighted to confirm that this product will be back in stores in May.”
“In the meantime, “#chipgate socks, priced at just £1, have arrived at selected Primark stores across the UK.”
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