1. Are there a lot of fake Littmann stethoscopes being sold?
Counterfeiting affects almost all industries. For 3M, even one counterfeit Littmann stethoscope is too many. 3M have made it a priority to actively monitor and remove counterfeit Littmann stethoscopes from the marketplace and sites such as Amazon, where counterfeit items are reaching the public.
2. If I accidentally buy a counterfeit Littmann stethoscope, is it still a working stethoscope?
Counterfeit products are not known for quality. Professionals trust Littmann stethoscopes for the acoustic performance that our authentic stethoscopes can deliver. A counterfeit version may or may not perform adequately when you first obtain it. Counterfeit stethoscopes may not hold up and may fail to help you identify important subtle sounds in your patients in the long-term.
3. What are potential warning signs I should look for when purchasing a Littmann stethoscope?
One warning sign is price. If you see a price that looks “too good to be true,” it probably is. Littmann stethoscopes are known for high performance with outstanding acoustics and as such, are seldom available at deep discounts. Also be leery of online sellers with limited reviews, quantities, or selection available—and remember, it’s usually a combination of suspicious signs that will tip you off to a counterfeit stethoscope.
4. Can I be confident in my purchase if the website sells other medical products?
Not necessarily. The only way to be completely sure is to purchase your stethoscope from a 3M Littmann Authorized Dealer. United Uniforms / Sew Shore is an Authorized 3M Littmann dealer.
5. What’s the best way for me to be sure I’m buying an authentic Littmann stethoscope?
That’s easy. Visit Littmann.com to see a full list of Authorized Dealers and look for sellers who display the 3M Littmann Authorized Dealer badge on their site or in their store. Authorized Dealers will offer a great selection, be knowledgeable, and help find just the right authentic Littmann stethoscope for you.