A lot of techs have observed that removal often takes a long time with these brands. But it is hard to tell if this is a result of the quality of the products or of skills of the people using it. However, the higher amount of cheaper photo initiators used in these products tend to make them harder to remove.
Here, BS and CCO are considered counterfeit brands - not my opinion, but a legal designation. They use the graphic identity of other brands to deceive techs, clients, and others about what they are purchasing. They even used the trademarked names of Shellac and Gelish until they were sued to make them stop. They have been confiscated at trade shows. They do still use the bottle design and color names of the known brands. Additionally, there have been issues about the availability of MSDS, insurability, animal cruelty, and allergic reactions. And many techs do not like that it is sold on eBay to anyone. It is generally not considered a professional product. These brands do not offer the associated products like removers, conditioners, or lamps; they simply skim off the most profitable part of the industry. They do not provide any marketing support, education or training, or customer support. They do not advertise in professional media. You are on your own with them.
From a business perspective, you must also remember that product cost is actually only a small part of your prices, usually less than 7-8%, so choosing cheap products has little impact on your costs and can cost you by marking you as a less than professional and even NSS salon. I used to work with borderline NSS salons in improving their business. The very first thing we did was get rid of dodgy products, including counterfeits. The results were consistently good - a very positive response from existing clients and an increase new clients.
I know some techs use BS and CCO and are satisfied. We each have the right and the responsibility to make choices for our business and our clients. We should also consider how our choices impact the industry, since ultimately we can only rise and fall with the industry. Personally, I choose not to use counterfeit products because I believe they undermine my hard-earned professionalism and the professionalism of the nail industry.
Sorry to be so long winded on this. I do think it is an important issue.
