Launch UK warns of disreputable online diagnostics sellers

Launch UK is warning garages of the dangers of purchasing diagnostic equipment from internet sellers. The company reports that it has found at least 50 accounts claiming to be genuine diagnostic sellers on eBay alone. However, upon further inspection, these sellers are said to have listed “inaccurate company information such as a UK base and fraudulent VAT numbers”.

The Launch investigation also raised a number of complex issues and found that products were not necessarily counterfeit but were of a lower specification, inferior quality and “masquerading as genuine products”. The providers offered no support, updates or traceability to customers and fell foul of tax legislation.

“The rise of spurious internet sellers is damaging the reputation of the automotive industry and also the hard-working diagnostic tool providers,” said Dave Richards, Launch Tech UK managing director. “If somebody purchases a diagnostic tool over the internet, they must be aware of the product’s origin as support for the tool is essential. Price is a key factor and garages are being targeted by these spurious sellers, who cannot provide any support for the product they are selling. What’s more, it casts a stain on the character and reputation of genuine diagnostic companies in the UK, who are criticised for not being able to provide support for a product that they didn’t sell, have no knowledge about, but that features their brand.”

Launch has notified the authorities of its investigation, which took place during May 2020. It is also reaching out to other diagnostic companies to collaborate on the issue as Richards believes more garages will resort to sourcing more diagnostic tools online during the coronavirus pandemic.