Hi friends!
I'd like to bring attention to a growing business marketing trend I have noticed online recently.
That trend is AI creator imitation and also just flat out lying to customers through marketing.
Whilst researching leather brands more and more I have been targeted by adverts of various leather businesses on social media. Most of which are legit, genuine crafters and sellers. However there is a handful of those who are not.
WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?
It gives people a bad/wrong representation of the quality and products a genuine leather craftsman makes.
As a seller, they are outright LYING to their customers. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
AI CREATOR IMITATION
This is where a seller uses AI to write a sob-story of a crafter who has spent many years working in their business, only to now be retiring, and thus having a huge sale. These sales are often up to 80% off.
Where as in reality a anonymous seller just buys cheap goods or items (often drop shipped from overseas) and lists them at an extortionate price, just so they can list them as 'reduced', whilst still making profits.
EXAMPLE
CASE STUDY: https://paul-richard.com/
This may get me into trouble from said seller, but my allegiance lies with my customers and the general public.
Facebook Bio
"Handcrafted leather bags at an affordable price. All made by myself and shipped by myself!"
Website Copy
"Meet Paul: A Lifetime of Craftsmanship. Hi, I’m Paul, and I’m thrilled you’ve discovered my work. Since 1997, I’ve been handcrafting leather goods with passion, care, and a deep commitment to quality. What began as a hobby grew into a lifelong journey, where each bag I create tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. For over 27 years, I’ve poured my heart into every piece, knowing that my bags would find their way into the hands of those who value timeless design and true artisanal work."
"A Heartfelt Farewell. As I prepare to close my workshop, it’s with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. This journey has been filled with highs, challenges, and the joy of connecting with people like you, who appreciate what I’ve crafted. Though this chapter is ending, new adventures await, even as I say goodbye to this one.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support has meant everything to me. As a token of my gratitude, this farewell sale is your final opportunity to own one of my bags—a piece of my story—as I step forward into the next phase of my life."
Perfectly written... by AI.
PRODUCTS
All products listed on the site are generic machine made garbage, more than likely made overseas and drop shipped to the customer, not worthy of their price tag. I don't have a problem with dropshipping as I have used it in the past for t-shirt making, its an easy way to sell without having to pay upfront costs (quite the opposite of Wildes Leatherwork). That being said, lying to your customers about providing PERSONALLY HANDMADE GOODS and supplying them with lesser quality items is disgusting.
EXAMPLE: Canvas bag pricing
Original listed price: £355.00
Sale price: £91.00
Exactly the same item as sold on AliExpress: £53.98
HOW TO SPOT AI IMAGES
Look for small details that would normally be overlooked. For example, items in the background, buttons on jackets, how many fingers the person has, tools that are used, shot composition, uncanny valley effect. Also the subjet may be visibly different in each image.
TIP
If you believe an original image has been tampered with using AI, right-click and then click 'search with google lens' this will search the web for where else that image is located or visually similar images. Some people use AI to 'upscale' images, which adds detail that wasn't in the original image, thus created a FALSE AND DOCTORED IMAGE.
If you would like to see if an item is listed elsewhere on the internet, again, right-click and then click 'search with google lens' this will search the web for that image and show websites their that product might have been taken/stolen from. This is useful if you suspect a seller is re-using others images or selling an item that isnt original to them.
DO I USE AI MYSELF?
Being fully transparent with you, YES, I DO. I use AI to help me plan my website layout and marketing structure, and to help with involving keywords into information and text copy, for better search engine optimization. I find it helpfull for using it to figure out certain problems or provide guidance.
I also use 3 AI generated images on the leather care page, to help represent what dirty, wet or cracked leather looks like, without having to dirty, wet or crack any of my leather. Obviously that is not something i actively want to do, as it would be a waste of leather!
AI can be a great tool when used correctly, but dangerous when used incorrectly.
I know i have rambled a little, but this angers me and find myself increasingly more passionate about handmade goods, the danger of AI, and the truth in general. In the coming years, deceiving scams like this will only get worse and become more prominent. No doubt i will be talking about this issue again.
We need to be vigilant in these modern times. I implore you to not believe what you see online.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDEPENDENT CRAFTERS
Please check out mine, and other crafters websites and support local.
Regards,
G. Wilde
A SINISTER TRADE - THIS TRIGGERED ME! - AI CREATOR IMITATION
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