Christmas shopping warning: Aussie inventor takes on cheap copycats

Australian fisherman and inventor Malcolm Trotter is pleading with Christmas shoppers to support Australian businesses, warning cheap knock-offs are undercutting the people who put their time, money and livelihoods into creating original products.
 

Trotter, who founded Acupressure Pillow with his daughter Cloe, said the business is already seeing cheap copies of his design being offered for sale.
 

His message ahead of the Christmas shopping rush is blunt and he is urging Aussies to buy local, buy directly from the original business and do your homework before handing over your money.
 

"Please don't give copycats and cheap overseas knock-offs your Christmas cash," Trotter said.
 

"Behind an Australian product there is often a family that has taken a risk, invested its savings and worked incredibly hard to build something.
 

"Then someone comes along with a cheap imitation and tries to capture the sale without doing any of that work.
 

"It is heartbreaking when you are the person who has put everything into the original."
 

A bargain for shoppers can come at a cost to Australian businesses
 

Trotter developed the Acupressure Pillow after years of physically demanding work hauling ropes, pulling nets and handling heavy loads on fishing boats.
 

The firm, rounded massage tool uses body weight to apply targeted pressure to areas of muscular tension. What began as a practical solution for his own needs became a father-and-daughter Australian business.
 

"I didn't sit down looking for something to copy and sell," he said.
 

"I developed something because I needed it. Turning that idea into a business took work, commitment and money.
 

"When shoppers buy a knock-off instead, the original business loses the income it needs to keep operating, supporting customers and developing its products.
 

"A few dollars saved at the checkout can come at a much bigger cost to Australian small businesses."

Check the address before you reach for the credit card
 

Trotter urged shoppers to slow down before buying from unfamiliar websites or clicking through social media advertisements.
 

"Look carefully at the domain name. Check that you are actually on the business's official website," he said.
 

"Read the contact details, find out who you are buying from and check the delivery and returns information.
 

"If you are unsure, contact the original business and ask. A quick check is better than discovering after Christmas that you bought something completely different from what you expected."
 

Scamwatch recommends checking website addresses for unusual features, verifying business details and checking an advertised ABN through ABN Lookup. A familiar-looking website alone is not proof that a seller is genuine.
 

Trotter said shoppers should also distinguish between an Australian-owned business, an Australian-made product and an overseas seller using Australian-themed marketing.
 

"Don't assume an Australian flag or the word Aussie tells you everything you need to know," he said.
 

"Check who is behind the business and where your money is going."
 

A similar appearance does not guarantee the same product
 

Trotter warned shoppers against assuming a lookalike would offer the same materials, finish, customer support or experience as the original.
 

"A product photograph cannot tell you everything," he said.
 

"Something can look similar on a screen without being the product you thought you were buying.
 

"Buying directly from us means you know you are getting our Acupressure Pillow and dealing with the business behind it."
 

'Give Australian businesses a fighting chance'
 

Trotter said his Christmas appeal extends beyond his own product.
 

"There are Australian families behind businesses right across this country trying to compete with a constant stream of cheap copies," he said.
 

"We know people are watching every dollar. We are simply asking them to make an informed choice.
 

"This Christmas, give Australian businesses a fighting chance. Find the original, check the website and buy direct wherever you can."

About The Acupressure Pillow
 

The Acupressure Pillow is an Australian-owned health and wellness brand offering a simple, drug-free way to help reduce and manage everyday aches and pains at home. Founded by father-and-daughter duo Malcolm Trotter and Cloe Trotter, the product was invented by Malcolm after years of physical work and personal experience with chronic pain. Designed to support the body's natural healing response, the Acupressure Pillow is now used by people across Australia and internationally to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and support overall wellbeing. Glenn Lazarus OAM and Nate Myles are ambassadors for the business. 
 

For more information, visit www.acupressurepillow.com.au.