Why do people buy fakes?

In a nutshell, why is there a demand for counterfeit products (clothes, watches, electronics, etc)?
Why do people knowingly purchase a counterfeit?
What decisions do they make before, during, and after (assuming they went along with it) a purchase of a counterfeit?
What factors affect one's consideration of how an original is superior to a counterfeit or how a counterfeit is not inferior to an original (in terms of if function and the quality of material used is the same)?
Does counterfeiting really affect (devalue) the brand (who's synonymous with quality, technology, and prestige) they are copying if the consumer would not have purchased an original in the first place?

Price obviously plays a huge factor on this topic so let's ignore it completely, and focus on the other factors. Assume the buyer can afford either the original or the fake.

Also Totse, may I quote you on your thoughtful replies?

[ChickenOfDoom]

Price is the big one. Nothing else compares to it when you're talking about substitute products.

Things that might include:

Availability of the original in your area (some products aren't commercially available in some countries)
Dislike of the company or brand
Superior advertising
if the 'fake' got the copyright first and sale of the original is legally prohibited

Because most products are of shitty quality and not worth more money for some sort of brand name.

Nike or New balance? New balance.

Zippo or Ronson? Zippo.

It always comes down to money. If you can afford it, you go with the higher quality product. If both products are equal quality, you go with the cheaper one.

[tommybeans6]

i just bought some fake jordans and nikes in chinatown the other day and they look damn near like the real so who cares

partially its because of price, partially because you want something that looks nice, and partially because we like the feeling of "getting away with it"

Because it is usually cheaper.

The Originals might not be easily available nearby, while the fakes are at a local market.

[lostmyface]

they look almost just as nice showing that you cared enough to try. plus they are cheap.

cos its fuckin awesoe. people cant tell the difference. i got my kids some damn 10isshoes from chinatown like that air jordan guy and they love them. all the girls lookin real interested in em.

[Rolloffle]

I'd imagine cost is the only factor encouraging the purchase of counterfeits. If a counterfeit cost the same as the genuine product and you were aware of its counterfeit status, what motive would there be to purchase the counterfeit?

Originally Posted by Rolloffle

I'd imagine cost is the only factor encouraging the purchase of counterfeits. If a counterfeit cost the same as the genuine product and you were aware of its counterfeit status, what motive would there be to purchase the counterfeit?

they could only cost the same if people considered them worthy enough. ppl by em because they want to have what is cool. snails taste like shit and cost more than lego waffles but people want snails in france because thats what cool. its about deception and bein high up not cost you motherfuckin fag