Can the police take all of my merchandise at my flea market store even if I have my receipts?

Question

I have a store at a flea market in Texas were I only sell ORIGINAL off price merchandise from well known brands that I bought in Outlets around the country when the merchandise was on sale for the end of the season and even some merchandise that had some small defects and I also bought some out of season lots at local warehouses were they only sale orignal merchandise of brands like Aeropostale, Billabong, Hurley, Quiksilver etc... I have nearly $20,000 dlls invested. Each piece cost between 8 and 13 dlls (long sleeve T shirts and sweaters). I have all of my receipts.

I want to know what are my rights incase of a police raids. At the flea market were I sale my merchandise almost everybody sales fakes, only two or three of us sale original merchandise but last year they took one of my competitors merchandise and took him to jale, once they saw his merchandise was authentic they let him go but they did not return his merchandise inmediatly, he lost several work days and they did not return his merchandise completly, he had some missing and also some items dirty with mud on them. He complained but he had no luck, they did not give him a compensation. They just said "We're sorry".

If that happens to me I would not allow them to take my merchandise too easy because I have all of my receipts from the outlets and warehouses, can they still take it without them demonstrating they are fake?

Answer 1

I recommend that you interview at least 3 or 4 Attorneys who have a great deal of successful experience with this issue.



I recommend that you hire the Attorney that you think is best to handle this issue for you.

Answer 2

Ever hear the expression "If you lie down with dogs, expect to get fleas"? If you want to sell at a flea market where 'almost everybody sells fakes', you can expect to be scrutinized.



If you truly have the receipts, keep them handy. The police probably won't seize your goods if you can show proof that they are originals, but it COULD happen. I'd suggest you be polite, show your proof, and don't give the police reason to suspect you are part of the problem.



Moving to a more legitimate market would be the smartest thing.

Answer 3

Yes, even with your receipts they can take them and hold them until they determine that they really aren't fake. If that happens, you'll need to ask for a receipt showing what they took.

Answer 4

Best to head this problem off at the pass by getting in touch with a competent lawyer, and keeping his number on your person at all times, in case this happens to you.