I've seen some good bargains from Hong Kong sellers of resin figures and stowage kits none of which come in the original box even though the box is sometimes shown in the photo. Is selling without the box a clue to a kit being a pirate copy because I don't want to support pirates

No box and original location (known for piracy) are two red flags. I would seriously consider purchasing items with these two flags.

Plus the shipping would be a bit expensive from there.

yep you can be pretty sure if it's coming out of asia and the box is not original, neither are the contents.

...and don't waste your time raising it with EvilBay, they may ban selling items with swastikas but they won't take action against real criminals.

(....go on ask me about my "original" Thor vinyl kit. :-) )

Cheers
Wiz

OK Wizard,what about your original 'Thor' kit?
Dave.