it seems to me that there is a lot of freedom in the area...freedoms are hard for people to give up.
So the rest of my post may strike a nerve. My hope is that it will spark better ideas.
When I became a part time retailer, in order to buy items wholesale from manufacturers/suppliers, I had to prove that I was registered for business that pertained to the materials I was looking to source, and in some cases even provide samples of my finished products and marketing materials. (I am not suggesting this...just setting the scene.) also, there are various organizations/associations specific to different types of items you are looking to purchase/sell. Membership application is easier for some than others. Some do have stringent policies and where/how you are able to source your products, etc. I think the biggest challenge in the e-juice arena, is the mixing of roles in the supply chain. This is why there is likely to be some push back. As a consumer of these raw products, I too don't want to give up my freedom. <sigh> I am certainly not suggesting that this industry rush out and try to mimic any other...but what I am suggesting is that regulations/QC (even of the self-enforced kind) would need to be different for the various roles. I personally don't purchase 100mg ...but know a lot of you do...but maybe the vendors agree to only sell to those individuals who will agree test the incoming nicotine, if over a certain mg and mL...and provide results in timely manner. This would help start to establish a professional relationship (in addition to the personal one), even if it is just Me...buying to cut my own. The supplier knows that I am aware of the risk, that I take it seriously...and I have the opportunity to prove to the supplier, that I am not looking to play any pranks by providing information in return. Anyway, just an idea. I have several suppliers that send me samples of new items, specifically based on some of my target market. A lot of times they use my feedback on how they might present it to other retailers with the same or different target market. The point of this is...there is the focus, at each point, of a goal. This industry as a whole is young, so it can seem silly to try break it off into chunks. But you can start with big chunks. And they will likely start to specialize more and break off into their own chunks when the time is right.
On a side note, the whole talk/business of sabotage is really frustrating...because you can't organize anything if it's "me against the world". Professionals welcome healthy and worthy competition, and usually enjoy being among their peers. Professionals look for ways to improve their method of doing business/satisfying their customers without resorting to BS.
Lastly, I am not trying to sling mud on BE or their CEO - but I am wondering how truthful his comment about "many" other juice vendors using his nicotine really is. He has not been exactly accurate in many of his other statements. It may have been said only to reinforce the idea of professionalism. Maybe the number was a few others...still it is very disturbing that no-one has come forward...(if I missed anyone that did, I apologize and commend your courage and commitment to your customers). And completely agree, that i would have no problem ordering from such a vendor, if they tested their BE nicotine in the wake of the issue. I cannot commend GV, because of the relationship to the individual that posted coupon codes. Whether or not they claim they are using nic from somewhere else now, is irrelevant. I am hardpressed to believe someone that lied repeatedly, the whole "cry wolf" thing and all.
