15-year-old buys Fake Designer Clothes to Sell to Classmates, Protests When Stepdad Bans Him From Starting Business

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 10, 2026 9:15 AM EDT

How much of a say should a parent have in how their teen wants to make money?

Most parents are enthusiastic about having a kid who seems to be a go-getter. They are the type to try to work on their independence from an early age, and start thinking about their future success long before many of their peers. A lot of moms and dads would take it that they have done something right as parents.

At the same time, not every teen who is keen to make some of their own money is going to do it in a way that gets the seal of parental approval. Adolescence is a time of experimentation in more ways than one, and that comes with even more potential to make mistakes than in many other times in life. They do not want to be doing something that could jeopardize their future. 

Parenting a teen is challenging in that it is important not to stifle their growth; at the same time, kids still need boundaries now and then. It is understandable that a parent may want to get involved if they believe that a teenager is going to make money in a way that they disapprove of.

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  • A pair of white and black Air Force 1 Nike sneakers posed with their box
    via Sag Ilija

    A pair of white and black Air Force 1 Nike sneakers posed with their box

  • A stepdad was upset when his 15-year-old stepson revealed to him that he had bought some fake designer clothes and shoes. His business idea was that he was going to sell these to his classmates at school, who knew that all of the brands were fake.

    The stepdad was against this, as he did not like the legal or moral implications. His wife was on the fence, as she didn't want to stifle an opportunity for her son, but she let him forbid him from selling the clothing anyway. The teen was angry, as he had used his own money to buy all his inventory. It left the stepdad wondering if he was the one in the wrong.

  • Am I wrong for shutting down my 15-year-old stepson’s business where he sells fake designer clothing?

    I (34M) have been a father figure to my stepson, Leo (15M), for eight years now. We get along but right now he is P ED because I wont let him sell fake designer.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • For context, a few days ago, massive boxes showed up at our house. Leo was hyped and opened them right in the kitchen. Inside were loads of sneakers and streetwear Chrome Hearts, Essentials hoodies, Balenciagas, Jordans, Nikes. I knew he couldn't afford real ones, so I asked him what was the deal.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • He proudly told me they were "1:1 reps" (identical quality replicas) he bought online from a wholesaler. His plan was to sell them to kids at his high school.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • I want to clarify one thing, he is not scamming anyone. The kids at his school know they are fake. They actually want them because they look completely identical to the real thing. Leo bought his whole haul for over 600$ which he saved up. I just dont want to support him selling fake designer and would much rather wear what he bought.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • I told him absolutely not. I am NOT letting him illegally sell clothing at school or out of my house.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • Leo completely flipped out. He said he used his own saved money for the inventory. My wife is torn. She thinks it's sketchy but wants me to let him sell this one batch so he don't lose his savings.
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • I'm standing my ground. The boxes are in his room and now he isn't speaking to me, and my wife thinks I went too far over some shoes / clothing
    via Adept-Client-9439
  • S
    via Aedrian Salazar

    A teenage boy sits in the middle of the road, resting his hands on his legs

  • jblackwb NTA. You're being a good dad. Infringing on trademarks and copyrights are insanely expensive to deal with if he gets caught.
    via jblackwb
  • hereisouttasight Omg all of you saying customs will catch this, kid will go to jail I'm Imao. You guys don't understand how the world works. I worked in customs brokerage and US Customs stops about 1% of what comes in. They are not going to go after this. No one is.
    via hereisouttasight
  • mimos_al Even if the kids know they're fake, it's still fraud, and could have very serious consequences for the rest of his life. NTA, good on you for stopping him from FAFOing.
    via mimos_al
  • darth_n8r_ Show him 18 U.S. Code § 2320. Technically, he's liable for up to 10 years in prison if he sells them. Is anyone gonna enforce that? No, probably not. But I wouldn't risk it. ΝΤΑ
    via darth_n8r_
  • Resident-Werewolf-46 YTA. You admit he's not scamming anyone, which would be different, but he's not. He also spent $600 of his own money on this. He's showing initiative and you're killing it. If you shut this down, you should at least reimburse him the $600, that's a lot of money for a 15 year old.
    via Resident-Werewolf-46
  • Strong District_5894 I'm sure all those billionaire designer companies will reward you handsomely. Who cares. YTA
    via Strong_District_5894
  • scarlettohara 1936 Huh. Life sure has changed. I bought candy wholesale and sold it for waaay more at school and the kids paid for it because I was the only one selling. Not illegal in any way but I made bank!
    via scarlettohara1936
  • HenryAbernackle NTA The thing is, bringing in boxes like that could quickly get the attention of Customs. It's a felony and can bring jail time and big fines.
    via HenryAbernackle
  • javlafan2 Clearly you are the AH. The customers now they are buying "knock offs" so no on e\is being cheated! This is definitely a MYOB situation. Your step son saved and invested his own money in what seems to be a profitable enterprise, you should keep out of it. And, what is your fear?
    via javlafan2
  • gayiguana Fashion is the hustle these days and the kids have a mutual understanding it's not real. Maybe because I'm in a large city but this is super common. Kinda yta
    via gayiguana
  • Cullanu Im going against the grain here. YTA. Im saying that where i am from if you want authentic you pay for it, if you dont want to pay the higher price buy the fake
    via Cullanu

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family drama teenager designer stepdad
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