Value for money

[Kate]

At the start of someones esmoking experience I don't think a decent, cheap generic kit can be beaten. Some people don't like esmoking so they won't be out of pocket too much and for those who do take to it they will have a device to use as a backup if they buy others.

However, as time goes on we usually seem to want to experience the 'best' devices. It's pretty subjective I know but some brands get good reviews from experienced esmokers and that suggests that they really are a better experience.

So is it worth sticking with trusty, workhorse, budget generics or does it make financial sense to go with a guaranteed brand device?

I've compared the cost of esmoking with starter kits - Smokester's classic, Janty's Kissbox classic, Sedansa's Diva and Ruyan's bling ecigar from Heaven Gifts.

Smokester's RN4072 classic with one month guarantee. Price £26 Cost of replacement atomisers £6.49 Cost of replacement batteries £7.99. To replace an atomiser and battery every two months (that's five extra atomisers and batteries per year) makes the cost of esmoking with this device £98.40 per year. This includes all postage costs but not eliquid or cartridges.

Janty's Kissbox classic comes with a one year guarantee. Priced £56.87 plus postage. Replacement atomisers, batteries and charger free for one year apart from postage. Cost of esmoking with this device £56.87 per year plus postage, not including eliquid or cartridges.

Sedansa's Diva comes with a five year guarantee. It costs £72.97 plus postage. Replacement atomisers, batteries and charger free for five years apart from postage. Cost of esmoking with this device £72.97 per five years plus postage OR £14.59 per year plus postage, not including eliquid or cartridges.

Heaven Gifts Ruyan ecigar comes with a five year guarantee. It costs £31.86 (with five cartridges) including postage. Replacement atomisers, batteries and charger free for five years apart from postage. Cost of esmoking with this device £31.86 per five years plus postage of replacements OR £6.37 per year plus postage of replacements, not including eliquid or cartridges.

So it seems to me that if you're the type of person who is prepared to use a guarantee there are some good deals out there. I don't know how brands can sustain the rate of replacements with these things but if they continue to offer guarantees we can continue to benefit from the favourable terms.

I haven't shopped around much, if anyone wants to work out Njoy or other devices please go ahead. I think the DSE901 works out at a similar price to Smokester's RN4072.

Another thing, my maths isn't great. Don't go by my figures too much, I might have miscalculated or converted currency wrong. I stand to be corrected.

[Mr.Darcy]

of course all the long guarantees are from overseas companies,no UK based ones...which means extra waiting and greater postage fees,and sometimes customs problems.

i suppose long guarantees have their place...but it would be better if the companies who offered them had a base in the UK...have you noticed that none of them have,not even the big brands?

[ApOsTle51]

Whoa, Glad i ordered a couple of blings now then.
nice post kate.

[smoking gnu]

Hi, I decided to go for a sedansa diva after trying a mini that I got from eBay. The diva gives a good smoke, I’ve had it nearly 4 weeks now and its still going well at the moment. Are you sure sedansa give 5 years on the batteries? I know they do on the atomizers, if they do have that guarantee on the full set then I will be very happy. They have been very fast sending me carts, 3 to4 days so far . I have ordered of them a few times now so I know when to order as not to run out. I’m sure there are other great suppliers but I can only speak of the ones that I have used . To be fare the one I bought of eBay the supplier was smart smoker and they where very good , it came with a faulty atomizer and he sent out a new one really fast, it came the next day. I just cant take to the mini with those little dinky drinky carts. But as soon as they make disposables I will change to them a lot less trouble. This e smoking is turning into a full time job. LOL

[Kate]

Yes, I did notice that there were no guaranteed brands in the UK. This is the age of global trade I suppose and Europe is as close as some North American states are to each other. Janty and Sedansa can both ship to the UK within a matter of days. I haven't heard of any reported customs problems within the EU, it's mostly to do with stuff from China. That would be an issue with the Ruyan ecigar.

I know that it is a bit of a pain calling in a warranty but it works for some. I've just had to post a battery and switch back to Janty in Holland, it cost £1 to post. They didn't charge for posting the replacements to me, those were sent with no questions asked.

At those prices you could buy two Sedansa Diva or Ruyan ecigar starter kits so you didn't have to do without while waiting for replacements. That would still be a cheaper option than maintaining a single generic. You could almost even buy two Kissboxes.

It's a matter of being able to make an initial higher investment or regular, lower, spread out payments I think. And of course the guarantee is only good if you are prepared to follow it up and the company doesn't go bust.

The bling does look like a great deal Apostle. It depends on after sales service but I've heard that Wayne is good with that.

[smoking gnu]

Sedansa are in the EU no tax no customs for the UK. They are good sending carts.

[Kate]

Hi Gnu. I'm not sure about the Sedansa guarantee, I think it's five years for the whole kit but I could easily be wrong. Hopefully someone who knows will post and clear this up.

I tried Sedansa too but was a real novice at the time and couldn't get on with it. They refunded my money, including the cost of the cartridges I didn't send back, in the thirty day return period. No problems with them for me.

[Mr.Darcy]

well i havnt bothered buying anything from europe or china for ages...i got pissed off with the waiting involved...and stuff getting lost etc...

ive never received anything faster than 11 days from europe-sometimes much longer,and 2 weeks absolute minimum from china-except for dealex...

i guess things must have improved...or else ive just been unlucky-which wouldnt surprise me.

there certainly are some very good deals to be had out there right now...i actually see a few very tempting things on offer...

[Kate]

I read that Ted had a bad experience with the wait for his Sedansa Diva and Ruyan bling ecigar too Darcy. It could be a matter of luck, I wouldn't bank on things having improved. The important thing is to have a working device while you're waiting so you don't go back on the cigs. That's where generics come in handy - as fall backs.

Sedansa's web shop says that they have a '5 year product guarantee', whatever that means. To me it suggests the whole kit.

I've left a post asking Ludo to confirm the Janty guarantee, I can't find any mention of it on the Janty Europe website.

[ted26]

Originally Posted by Mr.Darcy

well i havnt bothered buying anything from europe or china for ages...i got pissed off with the waiting involved...and stuff getting lost etc...

ive never received anything faster than 11 days from europe-sometimes much longer,and 2 weeks absolute minimum from china-except for dealex...

i guess things must have improved...or else ive just been unlucky-which wouldnt surprise me.

there certainly are some very good deals to be had out there right now...i actually see a few very tempting things on offer...

Same here which as put me off buying from overseas.

Waiting for a supplier in the uk that i can go round and strangle when my goods are late

Its either that or buy 2 and wait for shipping!