
Based on looking at the website Kunai.co.uk, which specialises in “Anime & Manga Merch,” the overall impression raises several concerns regarding its legitimacy and ethical considerations. While the site presents a range of apparel, a thorough review of its homepage content reveals a lack of transparency and certain elements that would typically instil trust in an online retailer.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Focus: Anime & Manga Apparel (Hoodies, T-shirts, Sweatshirts)
- Target Audience: Fans of popular anime and manga series.
- Key Features Highlighted: Free UK/International Shipping, Halloween discount code (potentially outdated), variety of anime collections, secure payment methods (PayPal, Klarna), 14-day return policy, qualitative manufacturing process.
- Red Flags: Lack of readily available company registration details, absence of a clear physical address, vague “About Us” section without specific team information, reliance on a live chat for customer service with explicit dismissal of email queries, and a significant portion of the homepage dedicated to repetitive discount banners.
- Ethical Stance (Islamic Perspective): The core product—anime and manga merchandise—is often associated with entertainment that can contain elements contrary to Islamic principles, such as idol worship (through character glorification), inappropriate imagery, or themes promoting violence or immorality. While clothing itself is permissible, the content it displays requires careful consideration. The website itself doesn’t explicitly promote impermissible actions, but the nature of the products could lead individuals to engage with content that is not beneficial.
- Overall Recommendation: Not Recommended. The lack of essential trust signals, coupled with the potential for the product content to lead to engagement with entertainment that may not align with Islamic ethical guidelines, makes Kunai.co.uk a less than ideal choice for a discerning consumer.
The detailed explanation reveals a common pattern seen with many emerging online stores. While they offer competitive pricing and free shipping, the absence of crucial information about the business itself—such as a registered company number, a verifiable physical address, or details about the team behind the operation—can be a major deterrent. The instruction to use live chat exclusively for queries, explicitly stating “Our customer service won’t be able to respond to you via emails,” is particularly unusual and concerning. Established and trustworthy e-commerce platforms typically offer multiple, reliable channels for customer support, including email for record-keeping and formal communication. Furthermore, the extensive, repetitive scrolling banners for discounts (like “HALLOWEEN31 FOR 20% OFF” long after Halloween) suggest a lack of regular website maintenance and attention to detail, which can erode user confidence. From an ethical standpoint, while anime and manga themselves are not inherently impermissible, many series contain themes and imagery that might contradict Islamic values of modesty, respect, and avoidance of idolisation. Therefore, caution is advised for those seeking products aligned with an Islamic lifestyle.
Here are some alternatives for ethical and high-quality clothing and accessories, focusing on items that promote positive values or are neutral in their messaging:
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- Key Features: Known for minimalist designs, high-quality basics, and innovative fabrics. Often collaborates with artists or cultural projects but maintains a generally modest aesthetic. Offers a wide range of everyday wear.
- Average Price: £9.90 – £49.90 (T-shirts to Outerwear)
- Pros: Excellent fabric quality, comfortable, versatile, global brand with good customer service, ethical sourcing claims.
- Cons: Designs can be very simple, limited in specific niche fandoms.
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- Key Features: A prominent UK retailer offering a wide array of clothing, home goods, and more. Known for its strong online presence and diverse collections for men, women, and children.
- Average Price: £12.00 – £60.00 (T-shirts to Dresses)
- Pros: Wide variety of styles, reliable delivery, established brand reputation, good return policy.
- Cons: Can be perceived as less unique or trend-setting, though it offers reliable staples.
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- Key Features: ASOS, while a broader fashion retailer, has a “Basics” line that offers plain, versatile clothing. Focus on simple, adaptable pieces without overt or potentially questionable graphics.
- Average Price: £8.00 – £30.00 (Basic Tees to Sweatshirts)
- Pros: Affordable, wide range of sizes, frequent sales, large inventory.
- Cons: Need to filter through a large catalogue to find suitable items, quality can vary.
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- Key Features: Renowned for quality, durability, and comfort. M&S offers a strong range of foundational clothing items that are well-made and suitable for everyday wear.
- Average Price: £15.00 – £45.00 (T-shirts to Jumpers)
- Pros: High-quality materials, excellent durability, trusted UK brand, good ethical sourcing practices.
- Cons: Styles tend to be classic rather than trendy, might not appeal to those seeking bold graphics.
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- Key Features: H&M’s initiative for more sustainably sourced materials. Offers a variety of clothing items with a focus on environmental responsibility, often in simpler designs.
- Average Price: £9.99 – £39.99 (T-shirts to Hoodies)
- Pros: More sustainable options, affordable, widely available, constantly updating collections.
- Cons: Fast fashion brand, so quality can be inconsistent in some ranges.
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Cotton Citizen (Premium Basics)
- Key Features: A premium brand specialising in high-quality, comfortable basics made from soft fabrics like Supima cotton. Focuses on elevated everyday wear with a minimalist aesthetic.
- Average Price: £80.00 – £200.00 (T-shirts to Sweatshirts)
- Pros: Exceptional fabric quality, comfortable fit, made in the USA (though globally available), highly durable.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, more of a luxury basic.
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- Key Features: Generic plain t-shirts available from various reputable brands on Amazon and other e-commerce sites. Focus on simple, unadorned clothing that is versatile and avoids any potentially problematic imagery.
- Average Price: £15.00 – £40.00 (for a multipack)
- Pros: Very affordable, ultimate versatility, no questionable designs, easy to source.
- Cons: Can be very basic, quality varies significantly by brand.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Kunai.co.uk Review & First Look: A Critical Assessment
Based on an initial review of the Kunai.co.uk website, the platform positions itself as a purveyor of “Anime & Manga Merch,” primarily offering apparel such as hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. The homepage immediately presents a vibrant, albeit somewhat cluttered, interface with rotating banners highlighting “FREE UK SHIPPING” and promotional offers like “HALLOWEEN31 FOR 20% OFF.” While these offers aim to attract customers, the repetitive nature and the inclusion of an outdated Halloween promotion (depending on the time of year this review is read) suggest a lack of dynamic content management. The site prominently features collections organised by popular anime series, indicating a clear target audience of anime and manga enthusiasts. However, a deeper dive into the website’s structure and available information reveals several points that warrant caution, particularly concerning transparency and customer support.
Unpacking the User Experience on Kunai.co.uk
Navigating Kunai.co.uk offers a mixed bag of experiences. On one hand, the product categories are clearly laid out, making it relatively easy to find merchandise related to specific anime titles like “ATTACK ON TITAN,” “NARUTO,” or “DEMON SLAYER.” This structured navigation, using clear menu items like “SHOP ALL,” “BEST SELLERS,” “HOODIES,” and “TEE’S,” streamlines the browsing process for potential customers who know exactly what they’re looking for.
- Ease of Navigation: The primary navigation menu is straightforward, allowing users to quickly jump between main sections like ‘HOME’, ‘SHOP’, ‘COLLECTIONS’, ‘NEW ARRIVALS’, ‘ABOUT’, and ‘CONTACT’.
- Product Categorisation: Products are well-categorised by anime series, which is a major plus for fans. This granular categorisation helps users narrow down their search efficiently, saving time and improving the overall shopping journey.
- Visual Appeal: The website uses large, high-quality images for its products, which is crucial for apparel sales. The “BEST SELLERS” section showcases popular items with quick view options, allowing users to see product details without leaving the main page.
- Information Accessibility: While key information like shipping details and return policy is available in the FAQ section, critical business details such as company registration or a physical address are not immediately apparent on the homepage or in easily accessible “About Us” links.
Concerning Aspects of Kunai.co.uk Operations
While the website attempts to project an image of a professional e-commerce platform, several operational aspects raise red flags for discerning consumers. Trust is built on transparency and reliable communication, and Kunai.co.uk falls short in these areas.
- Limited Customer Service Channels: The website explicitly states, “Please contact us via the Live chat for Order queries. Our customer service won’t be able to respond to you via emails.” This is a significant concern. Relying solely on live chat can be problematic for record-keeping, resolving complex issues, or for customers who prefer asynchronous communication. Most legitimate businesses offer multiple contact options, including email, phone, and even postal addresses, to ensure comprehensive support. The absence of email support could be an attempt to avoid formal documentation of complaints or queries.
- Lack of Company Transparency: The “ABOUT US” section on the homepage, while detailing “MISSION,” “COMMITMENTS,” and “VALUES” in generic terms (e.g., “We provide high-quality streetwear to help you reach your full potential”), does not provide any verifiable company information. There’s no mention of a registered business name, company number, or a physical business address. In the UK, legitimate businesses are often registered with Companies House, and providing such details builds trust and accountability. Without this, it’s difficult for a consumer to verify the entity they are transacting with.
- Repetitive and Outdated Promotions: The persistent, looping banners promoting “FREE UK SHIPPING – order before christmas” and “HALLOWEEN31 FOR 20% OFF” are not only visually distracting but also suggest poor website maintenance. If these promotions are not regularly updated or removed, it implies a lack of attention to detail and could mislead customers regarding current offers.
- Reliance on Klarna: While Klarna is a legitimate “buy now, pay later” service, its presence as a payment option on a website with limited transparency regarding its own operations adds another layer of financial risk. Klarna facilitates interest-free instalments, but consumers should be cautious of the underlying business they are buying from. From an Islamic perspective, any interest-based financing, even if paid by a third party, is generally discouraged.
Kunai.co.uk Pros & Cons
A balanced look at Kunai.co.uk reveals some strengths in its presentation and product offering, but these are significantly overshadowed by concerns regarding its operational transparency and customer service approach.
Pros:
- Niche Product Focus: Caters directly to anime and manga fans, offering specific merchandise for popular series, which is a strong selling point for this demographic.
- Clear Product Categorisation: Well-organised collections make it easy for users to find products related to their favourite shows.
- Visual Presentation: High-quality product images and a generally clean layout for product listings enhance the shopping experience.
- Stated Return Policy: A 14-day return policy is mentioned, which is standard for online retail, though the ease of actual returns without email support remains a question.
- Secure Payment Methods: Offers well-known secure payment gateways like PayPal and Klarna, which are generally trusted.
Cons:
- Lack of Business Transparency: No clear company registration details, physical address, or verifiable business information. This is a significant red flag for legitimacy.
- Limited and Restrictive Customer Service: Explicitly states that emails will not be answered, directing all queries to live chat. This is highly unusual and problematic for resolving issues comprehensively or leaving a documented trail.
- Outdated/Repetitive Promotions: Looping banners with time-sensitive (and possibly expired) offers like “order before christmas” or “HALLOWEEN31” can be misleading and suggest poor website maintenance.
- Potential for Misleading Claims: Generic statements about “qualitative manufacturing process” and “superior fit and exceptional quality” are made without external verification or detailed explanation of their production methods.
- No Customer Reviews on Site (Beyond Snippets): While a “what customers are saying” section exists, it features very short, unverified snippets without any platform for comprehensive customer reviews, like Trustpilot or Google Reviews, which are common for legitimate e-commerce sites.
- Ethical Concerns (from an Islamic standpoint): The products themselves (anime/manga apparel) can be problematic if the content of the anime/manga series promotes themes or imagery contrary to Islamic values (e.g., idolisation, inappropriate attire, magic, violence). While the clothing itself isn’t forbidden, the context can be.
Kunai.co.uk Alternatives
Given the concerns about transparency and limited customer support, exploring alternative platforms for apparel and general merchandise is a prudent step. The alternatives listed below are reputable brands known for their transparency, customer service, and often offer a wider range of ethically sound products. Mikeyandmia.co.uk Review
- Uniqlo: For high-quality, durable, and ethically sourced basic clothing. Uniqlo is known for its timeless designs and commitment to sustainable practices.
- Next: A leading UK retailer with a vast selection of clothing for all ages, known for reliable delivery and customer service.
- ASOS: While a broad fashion platform, ASOS offers a wide range of clothing, including modest options, and is known for its extensive product range and customer support. You’d need to filter for specific items.
- M&S (Marks & Spencer): Trusted UK brand for quality, comfort, and durability in clothing and home goods. Their commitment to ethical sourcing is well-documented.
- Zalando: A large European online fashion retailer offering a vast array of brands and styles, with strong customer service and return policies.
- The Ethical Superstore: For those seeking products with strong ethical and environmental credentials, this platform offers a range of clothing and other goods from verified ethical brands.
- Everlane: Known for its radical transparency in pricing and ethical manufacturing. Offers high-quality basics and timeless pieces.
How to Cancel Kunai.co.uk Subscription (N/A)
Based on the homepage text, Kunai.co.uk appears to be a standard e-commerce store for one-off purchases of apparel, not a subscription service. There is no indication on the homepage or in the readily available links (like “ABOUT” or “CONTACT”) of any recurring subscriptions or memberships that would require cancellation. Therefore, a “How to Cancel Kunai.co.uk Subscription” guide is not applicable. Customers simply make individual purchases. If future updates to the website introduce a subscription model, this section would need to be revisited and updated to reflect relevant cancellation procedures. For any issues with an order, the website directs users to their live chat service.
How to Cancel Kunai.co.uk Free Trial (N/A)
Similarly, there is no mention or indication of a “free trial” service on the Kunai.co.uk homepage. The website operates as a direct-to-consumer retail platform selling apparel. Promotions mentioned, such as “FREE UK SHIPPING” or percentage discounts, are applied to purchases and do not involve a trial period for a service. As such, the concept of cancelling a “Kunai.co.uk Free Trial” is not relevant to their current business model as presented on the homepage. Any transactions are outright purchases of physical goods.
Kunai.co.uk Pricing
Kunai.co.uk’s pricing strategy, as observed on their homepage, appears to be competitive for the anime merchandise niche. The “BEST SELLERS” section prominently displays products, primarily hoodies and oversized t-shirts, with a starting price of From £19.99. This suggests a standard pricing structure, possibly with variations based on product type, design complexity, or material.
- Product Pricing: The visible product listings for popular items like the “Gojo Satoru Jujutsu Mask Kaisen Sorcerer JJK Anime Inspired | Hoodie Sweatshirt Oversized T-shirt” show a consistent “Regular price From £19.99” and “Sale price From £19.99.” This suggests that £19.99 is a base price for certain apparel items, likely varying as specific product pages are accessed.
- Shipping Costs: The website highlights “FREE UK SHIPPING” and “FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER £75.” This incentivises larger orders, a common e-commerce strategy to increase average order value. For international orders below £75, shipping costs would apply, though specific rates are not detailed on the homepage but are implied to be available during checkout, as per the FAQ.
- Discounts and Promotions: The homepage frequently displays promotional banners, such as “HALLOWEEN31 FOR 20% OFF” and a “10% welcome discount on your first online purchase” upon registration. While the Halloween discount appears outdated, the welcome discount is a standard tactic to encourage new sign-ups and first purchases. These promotions aim to make the prices more attractive to potential buyers.
- Payment Methods and Installments: The availability of secure payment methods, including PayPal and Klarna, implies flexibility for customers. Klarna, in particular, allows customers to pay in instalments, which can make higher-priced items more accessible, though its use should be considered carefully from an Islamic finance perspective due to potential interest implications even if deferred.
Overall, the pricing seems to align with the typical market rates for niche apparel, with free shipping incentives and discount codes used to drive sales. The key takeaway is that the basic prices are clearly displayed for immediate purchase, but the ultimate cost might depend on shipping options and applied discounts. Cibuildercompany.co.uk Review
Kunai.co.uk vs. Reputable E-commerce Platforms
When comparing Kunai.co.uk to more established and reputable e-commerce platforms, several distinctions become clear, primarily concerning trust, transparency, and the breadth and depth of customer service. These differences are crucial for consumers making informed purchasing decisions.
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Trust and Transparency:
- Reputable Platforms (e.g., Amazon, ASOS, M&S Online): These platforms typically provide extensive company information, including registered business names, corporate addresses, and often investor relations data. They are publicly accountable, have clear terms and conditions, and often publish annual reports. Their “About Us” sections are comprehensive, detailing their history, mission, and sometimes their leadership team. For example, Amazon’s legal entity, registered address, and various policies are easily found.
- Kunai.co.uk: Lacks verifiable company details such as a registered business name, company number, or physical address. The “About Us” section is generic, focusing on values rather than tangible business information. This absence makes it difficult for consumers to ascertain the legitimacy and accountability of the entity operating the website.
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Customer Service:
- Reputable Platforms: Offer multiple, robust customer service channels, including dedicated email support, phone lines, live chat, and often a comprehensive FAQ section. They prioritise accessible and documented communication, allowing customers to track queries and resolutions. For instance, ASOS provides clear contact numbers, email addresses, and a highly functional live chat.
- Kunai.co.uk: Explicitly limits customer service to live chat only, stating that emails “won’t be able to respond.” This is a significant drawback, as it hinders formal communication, prevents record-keeping for disputes, and may limit accessibility for some customers.
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Return and Refund Policies:
- Reputable Platforms: Have well-defined, easily discoverable, and typically consumer-friendly return and refund policies, often with pre-paid return labels and clear processing times. They adhere strictly to consumer protection laws (e.g., Consumer Rights Act 2015 in the UK).
- Kunai.co.uk: Mentions a “14-day return policy” in its FAQ. While this aligns with standard practices, the lack of email support could complicate the return process if issues arise, making it harder to initiate or track returns effectively.
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Customer Reviews and Social Proof: Oliveandbeans.co.uk Review
- Reputable Platforms: Integrate extensive customer review systems directly on product pages and often link to independent review platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews, showcasing genuine customer feedback (both positive and negative). This builds credibility.
- Kunai.co.uk: Features a “what customers are saying” section with short, unverified snippets. There’s no clear integration with external review platforms or a robust internal review system that allows for detailed feedback or ratings. This limits the ability of new customers to gauge genuine satisfaction levels.
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Website Maintenance and Professionalism:
- Reputable Platforms: Maintain dynamic and up-to-date websites, with promotions and content regularly refreshed. Their sites appear polished and professional, reflecting investment in user experience.
- Kunai.co.uk: Displays repetitive and potentially outdated promotional banners, which can diminish the site’s professional appearance and suggest a lack of regular updates.
In summary, while Kunai.co.uk aims to serve a specific niche with its product offerings, it falls short when compared to the standards of transparency, robust customer service, and overall trustworthiness demonstrated by established e-commerce giants. Consumers prioritising security and comprehensive support might find these reputable alternatives more reliable.
FAQ
How can I verify the legitimacy of Kunai.co.uk?
Verifying the legitimacy of Kunai.co.uk is challenging due to the lack of readily available company registration details, a physical address, or specific team information on their website. For most businesses in the UK, you could check the Companies House register, but without a company name, this is not possible based on their homepage.
Does Kunai.co.uk offer international shipping?
Yes, Kunai.co.uk states on its homepage and in its FAQ section that it offers “FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER £75.” For orders under this threshold, international shipping rates and times will apply, though these details are typically provided at checkout.
What payment methods are accepted on Kunai.co.uk?
Kunai.co.uk states that it offers “a variety of secure payment methods, such as Paypal, Klarna, among others.” This implies that standard card payments (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are likely also accepted through secure gateways. Fiximer.co.uk Review
What is Kunai.co.uk’s return policy?
Kunai.co.uk has a “14-day return policy,” meaning you can return items within 14 days of purchase, provided they are “unworn, unwashed, and in their original condition.” Returns can be processed for a full refund or store credit.
Can I contact Kunai.co.uk customer service via email?
No, Kunai.co.uk explicitly states: “Please contact us via the Live chat for Order queries. Our customer service won’t be able to respond to you via emails.” This means live chat is their only stated method for customer support.
Are the products on Kunai.co.uk officially licensed anime merchandise?
The website does not explicitly state that its products are officially licensed. While they use well-known anime characters and series names, the lack of licensing claims is a common characteristic of smaller, independent merchandise stores. Consumers should be aware that products might be “inspired by” rather than officially licensed.
Are there any recurring subscription services offered by Kunai.co.uk?
No, based on the information available on the homepage, Kunai.co.uk operates as a standard e-commerce store for one-off purchases of physical apparel. There is no indication of any subscription services or recurring billing models.
What types of products does Kunai.co.uk sell?
Kunai.co.uk primarily sells apparel, including hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, featuring designs inspired by popular anime and manga series such as Attack on Titan, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more. Simplyperfumes.co.uk Review
Does Kunai.co.uk offer free UK shipping?
Yes, Kunai.co.uk prominently advertises “FREE UK SHIPPING” on its homepage, which is a significant incentive for customers within the United Kingdom.
What is the typical shipping time for orders from Kunai.co.uk?
Standard shipping typically takes “5-7 business days,” while expedited shipping can take “1-3 business days.” International orders may take slightly longer, depending on location and customs procedures.
Is the “HALLOWEEN31” discount code still active on Kunai.co.uk?
While the homepage displays repeated banners for “HALLOWEEN31 FOR 20% OFF,” if reviewed outside of the Halloween season, this code is likely outdated. It suggests a lack of regular website updates.
Can I get a welcome discount on my first purchase from Kunai.co.uk?
Yes, Kunai.co.uk offers a “10% welcome discount on your first online purchase” if you register on their website. This is a standard promotional tactic for new customers.
How does Kunai.co.uk ensure secure payments?
Kunai.co.uk claims to offer “a variety of secure payment methods” like PayPal and Klarna. These are reputable third-party payment processors that use encryption and security protocols to protect transaction data. Westcoastdesigns.co.uk Review
Does Kunai.co.uk have a physical store location?
There is no mention or indication of a physical store location on the Kunai.co.uk homepage or in its “About Us” section. It appears to be an online-only retail operation.
Why does Kunai.co.uk only offer live chat for customer service?
The website does not provide a reason for exclusively offering live chat support and explicitly not responding to emails. This is an unusual practice that limits communication channels and can raise concerns about transparency and record-keeping for customer interactions.
Are the customer testimonials on Kunai.co.uk verified?
The “what customers are saying” section on Kunai.co.uk features short, positive snippets without clear verification or links to external review platforms. This makes it difficult for potential customers to independently verify the authenticity or breadth of these testimonials.
What is the price range for apparel on Kunai.co.uk?
Based on the visible products in the “BEST SELLERS” section, apparel items like hoodies and oversized t-shirts start “From £19.99,” suggesting this is a baseline price, with variations likely for different items or designs.
Is Klarna an ethical payment option from an Islamic perspective?
Klarna offers “buy now, pay later” services, which generally involve interest-free instalments if paid on time. However, if late fees or interest charges are applied for missed payments, it could become problematic from an Islamic finance perspective (Riba). Consumers should always check the full terms and conditions and consult with knowledgeable individuals regarding specific financial services. Tomchambers.co.uk Review
Does Kunai.co.uk provide sizing charts for their apparel?
While not explicitly visible on the homepage, reputable apparel retailers typically include sizing charts on individual product pages to help customers choose the correct fit. It would be advisable to check specific product listings for this information.
What should I do if I have an order query with Kunai.co.uk?
If you have an order query with Kunai.co.uk, you should contact them directly via their live chat service, as they state they will not respond to emails for customer service inquiries.
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