I've always been into magic and usually bought a thing or two once in a blue moon, but in the last two years, I've really dived in and learned many tricks and sleights and have bought plenty of props and tricks. Since I've started posting here a few months ago, I've noticed Magic Makers seem to have a bad rep. I'm not sure why, but I'd like some insight as to why some of you don't like them.

As I understand it, Magic Makers seems to have a reputation of "ripping off" tricks or effects that others have created without their permission and selling them to make money at a lower price, and some feel, at a lower quality. Since the magic community is basically small in numbers, legal action to challenge Magic Makers in court would cost much more in legal fees than the judgment that may (may not) be awarded if it were to become resolved in that venue, thus, the original makers / owners of these effects are out.

Mark.

Mark is point-on. Magic Makers does produce many effects that are not knock-offs, but their choice to venture into the knock-off business has sullied their reputation with a lot of magicians. I would much rather save longer, and spend a bit more knowing that I am getting a better quality product, directly from the creator of the effect. This encourages more original magic by making it worth the inventors' while to keep bringing new effects out.

If you want to buy a Magic Makers effect, I encourage you to do some research (or ask here) if a trick is a knock-off. Some effects they produce have been in the public domain for years, others are blatant rip offs, e.g. http://www.magicmakersinc.com/p-346-illusion-card-box.aspx This effect is a mind-blowing illusion, created by John Kennedy. This version however, is not John's. John's box costs quite a bit more than Magic Makers, and he has earned every penny of it. Why? Because he put in the long hours of developing the effect, not Magic Makers. They - along with other knock-off companies - are simply low brow hoodlums out to make a quick buck.

Try and put yourself in the shoes of the folks who have made the magic before you buy a knock-off. How would you feel if someone was profiting off of your creation? Probably not too good.

Since I'm a total rookie at this art take this as it is given...from a complete beginner that has been a fan of the performers for many years.
Dear Metaljohn,
Mark couldn't say it better:
Let me add, that magic is a performance art that, and lets be honest, is not the most lucrative job in the world. If we take away the few performers known in almost every kitchen table we are left with wonderful people that love the art form. Part of the income of these brothers and sisters comes from their creative genius, from the ideas that they share [for profit] with other performers. Taking your passion, the thing that makes all of your efforts worth it and having a third party clone it, package it, and sell it without sharing anything with you must suck big time.
Some performers have, out of principle prefer to buy only if some of the profits go to the creator. I believe this is fair and that is what I plan to do when I need something for an act.

Magic makers is here to stay. If it where to collapse... another would rise. So the problem is not with them but with the character of the performer community as a whole. We will always have knock-of pushers but in all, a good conscience is the best Divinity.
Respects,
Shamsiel

I admit I have purchased a lot of things from Magic Makers but I did not know about their lousy reputation. From what you all said above, would you suggest I discontinue purchasing from them?

Only YOU can answer that question!

I would not stop buying from them, but I would do research on the item you want to buy before you buy it.

Let's face it, they're in business to make money. If we reward good behavior by only purchasing original products, and not the knock-offs, the numbers should eventually encourage them to stop this petty practice. So yes, if you want to buy from them, ask around and find out what are their original products (or something already in the public domain, e.g. their brass ball vase), or what are knock-offs.

I choose to stay away entirely until they discontinue knock-offs entirely.