Customs Discussions -Outside Canada Orders/Shipping/Returns

[smokum]

I choose "Canadian" for the sake of supporting CANADIAN and for the reason I get my stuff in 2 days, not 2 weeks with a risk of loss or product dissatisfaction.

If I'm not happy with my stuff with any of our home vendors, its quickly corrected and I'm satisfied (usually with a lil "sorry bout that" extra in the package) and done so again with a couple days.

There's no point in comparing purchasing here from overseas or from the USA for that matter (but those shipping charges from the US.. geezus)...... outside of Canada will "always" end up cheaper to buy if your willing to wait and/or risking (even though slim for an "individual") shipment loss.

In the end, for ME, I don't mind paying a premium for that, since I hardly find it much of a premium when comparing the savings I still get to what I was spending on analogs.

My 2cents....

VapeOn,
Greg

 

[Switched]

I was recently looking to purchase some bulk attys and found that Happy Vaper's bulk atty discount combined with their 15% discount code works out to around $7.6 CDN per atty. I think I see 10 new attys in my near future

I've been doing quite a lot of business with Jack, do you pointing me to the bulk atty add. I sure can't find it?

 

[Switched]

<<I like supporting Canadian suppliers, because I believe it's important. Most do an amazing job and they work hard to provide the things we crave.>>

... as I.

Perhaps the thing that gets my knickers in a knot (read knot, not twist) is the capitalistic lame excuse of: "It's still cheaper than analogs" , and this from both sides of the border.

As a smart consumer, like most I shop around, looking for the best deals. I also believe in one stop shopping for all may needs, this reduces shipping costs. But in all fairness to the consumer, I have seen some prices with as much as a 300-400% markup, and no I don't care to point out where. It is not germane to this discussion.

... and when we really want to come down to it, whether it is built in the US or whatever, most s... these days is manufactured in China, is assembled some place else, or comes from China.

... US shipping in a lot of cases is totally ridiculous. I do bonsai, cost of goods is almost double by the time items get here.

 

[CellWho]

I choose "Canadian" for the sake of supporting CANADIAN and for the reason I get my stuff in 2 days, not 2 weeks with a risk of loss or product dissatisfaction.

If I'm not happy with my stuff with any of our home vendors, its quickly corrected and I'm satisfied (usually with a lil "sorry bout that" extra in the package) and done so again with a couple days.

There's no point in comparing purchasing here from overseas or from the USA for that matter (but those shipping charges from the US.. geezus)...... outside of Canada will "always" end up cheaper to buy if your willing to wait and/or risking (even though slim for an "individual") shipment loss.

In the end, for ME, I don't mind paying a premium for that, since I hardly find it much of a premium when comparing the savings I still get to what I was spending on analogs.

My 2cents....

VapeOn,
Greg

This isn't about the value add of buying from local suppliers, it's about a supplier coming onto the forum and blatantly misleading the members with misinformation. He is now saying that he is talking about "personal experience", but that's not what he originally said. He originally said that you will "loose more than you get in" and compared it to gambling at the casino. This is simply not the case!!!

If you want to buy from Canada, USA, China, or Zimbabwe go for it, but you should understand your options and not be mislead about the ramifications. Especially from someone with a vested interest.

 

[CellWho]

The one that always burnt me (pardon the pun) was paying $9.00 for a pack of analogs when the material, paper, few Oz of dryed out plant matter, and some sort of cotton would've cost less than 10 cents. Way I see it, that's 9,000% markup.

The majority of that cost is not markup, but direct taxation to the manufacturer and then on purchase. Very different equation.

 

[CellWho]

Also if you look at American prices on e-juice, they are about the same as the Candian prices.

Thats even in the wild west of the free markets were every second person who vapes has an online store, they have no customs issues, and are getting product from the same manufactures at the same price as we Canadian suppliers are. Also shipping in the US is much less than here in Canada, as are the business taxes and the general cost of doing business.

Man I wish there was a face palm smiley.

US suppliers have the same customs issues as Canadian suppliers do. Where do you come up with this stuff?

 

[CellWho]

Guys,

I am talking from personal experience about seizures of orders. It got to the point of where every order I was getting stopped, inspected and rejected. Without getting into detail, I do not use the direct order from China method, even for small order (like 22 bottles of e-juice) because it will not come through. One might say its very hard to tell the difference between a supplier order and a consumer order, so that isn't the cause of my issues.

I can't be any more honest, and I'm a bit hurt that I am being accused of painting a doom and gloom picture to profit. If that were the case why would I say you can order hardware from China with no customs issues, its legal? Do you think I don't profit off hardware? Talk to the Chinese retailers, a few won't ship to Canada, a few limit the number of bottles you can order, a few won't refund you anymore for customs seizures. Why is that? They are paranoid and don't want your business?

While comparing the price of e-cig products at Canadian retailers to Chinese retailers, try comparing the price of anything direct ordered from China vs Canadian retailer. Search out the laptop on the front page of the electronic chain, ordered direct from China, probably 1/2 price. Goes for anything. Heck buying eggs from the farmer rather than the grocery store is also cheaper.

Yes the $9.00 USD bottle ($10 CAD after exchange rates) is sold for about $8.00 more in Canada, and here is why.. Someone on the other end of the country can order 1 bottle of e-juice. That's $19.00 + $8.00 shipping = $27.00 out of that comes the cost of juice $27.00 - $10.00 = $17.00 then remove the cost of shipping $17.00 - $15.00 = $2.00 remove the cost of packaging, and there is nothing left.... Only way to profit is how much of a deal you can get from the supplier. Do that really well and the Canadian retailer might make a whole 5 bucks on that order, better not spend that all in one place.. Well no, that not a problem, its already eaten up on overhead.

On the other hand, ordering 22 bottles, with a 1-2 week lead time you will get a deal from ANY Canadian supplier, that might well beat the Chinese price even, just ask them.

I'm sorry you are having such difficulties with getting your product into Canada, but I'm not a supplier. It was not my choice to get into this business and your problems should not be mine. I'm a consumer, and as such am looking to stretch my consumer dollar.

I'm sorry, but did you just say "I'm a bit hurt that I am being accused of painting a doom and gloom picture to profit" (where is that face palm smiley when I need it). Sorry to say it, but that's exactly what you did. You said that "in the long run you will loose more than you get in". You are telling people that at a minimum they will not receive 51% of their orders. To me that's doom and gloom, and not at all representative of the the situation.

I also find it strange that you would use the same cost per bottle in your calculations. Are you buying from the same places as we do? Your cost per bottle should not be the same as ours.

 

[CellWho]

Honestly you have no idea what you are talking about, that statement just proves it. If anyone is misinforming people here it is you.

- you must agree that e-juice is not legal for import into Canada, per the food and drug act (if you don't then you are beyond hope)

- if its not legal to import something and you are getting it in, then clearly its an oversight on someone's part, and relying on that means as your method boils down to luck.

- why do you think this topic even exists if every order of e-juice comes in without any problem??

End of story.

I was commenting on what you said about US customs:
"they have no customs issues"
They do have customs issue. A lot of them. Are you suggesting they don't?

I never said that there are no customs issues with importation of liquid containing nicotine. What I have been saying is that you are grossly misrepresenting the risk. Most of us (consumers) have not had any shipments seized, and if we have it certainly isn't anything to the magnitude that you have represented.

I am aware of HC advisory, but that is not what we are discussing. You said that the majority of packages will be seized and it boils down to luck. I'm saying that the majority of packages are getting through.

 

[CellWho]

I've been doing quite a lot of business with Jack, do you pointing me to the bulk atty add. I sure can't find it?

Sure no problem:
Canadian electronic cigarette Happy/Joye 510 atomizer (atomiser) - Black, White, Silver, Copper

Check out where they list the individual price. Just under that is says:
5-Pack Bulk: $10.00 Discount.
10-Pack Bulk: $40.00 Discount.

As a bonus, you can still use the 15% discount

 

[Switched]

Thanks Cellwho, I found it at the check out.

BTW is the avatar your dog, I have a chocolate as well Hershey.

 

[5cardstud]

Maybe if the vendor just put his address on the senders part of the package and not the companies name it would get through. Customs may be looking for packages from e-cigarette vendors. Just a thought.

 

[CellWho]

Thanks Cellwho, I found it at the check out.

BTW is the avatar your dog, I have a chocolate as well Hershey.

Glad you found it....Jack's the man!!!

Ya, we rescued her about 6 months ago. Her name is......Hershey

 

[Switched]

The one that always burnt me (pardon the pun) was paying $9.00 for a pack of analogs when the material, paper, few Oz of dryed out plant matter, and some sort of cotton would've cost less than 10 cents. Way I see it, that's 9,000% markup.

Ok,

Now! I have supported Canadian suppliers in principle. I understand they are going out of their way to provide a much needed service. But...

I believe it is time you vaped some 36mg of better because you are getting your panties in a twist and need a fix. We are not attacking you, but yet you seem to be the one that is the most offended, and from experience, those that are the least guilty - is water off a ducks back.

I've seen 3 posts from a variety of suppliers both sides of the border, defending high prices with it's still cheaper than analogs. In all honesty if and when this alternate lifestyle ever gets accepted, I hate to see what happens then, if certain attitudes contain a similar approach to your above quoted statement.

Now from a consumers perspective it is the supplier who provided great service, with steady reasonable prices and a decent selection of supplies and alternatives that will see continued patronage. In this days economy every consumer out there is trying to stretch their dollar as much as they can. I was reading somewhere this morning that 50mls of juice was actually cheaper per ml compared to 100 mls. Now we can argue that getting in larger qty is more difficult than let's say smaller quantities, but I have known that the medium size peanut butter jar (or whatever) is cheaper/gm than larger sizes. This I have known since 1979.

So yes, as consumers we do factor in all the variables including but not limited to risk. A satisfied customer is a repeat customer, something the industry (not just ecig) seems to really pay attention to these days.

So in closing, I do think twice of a distributor that states in defense of high prices <<It is still cheaper than analogs>>, and 300-400% I have seen them as high as 800%, and that was a distributor that could be heard a mile away.

 

[Switched]

Glad you found it....Jack's the man!!!

Ya, we rescued her about 6 months ago. Her name is......Hershey

S... no kidding wrt the name. Hows your's? Mine is 5 and is a real PITA. Extremely intelligent dog, one that likes to push your buttons if you know what I mean. I gather because they're hybrids, this is normal in most cases (so I have been told).

 

[Switched]

Maybe if the vendor just put his address on the senders part of the package and not the companies name it would get through. Customs may be looking for packages from e-cigarette vendors. Just a thought.

Great tip!

I am receiving supplies from everywhere. Some labels cannot ID the package (Canada) and others clearly do so (Canada). I have also received pkges from the US that clearly indicate what is in it (more or less) but I receive allot of stainless tubes from LA as gifts??? My distant cousin must love me

 

[CellWho]

S... no kidding wrt the name. Hows your's? Mine is 5 and is a real PITA. Extremely intelligent dog, one that likes to push your buttons if you know what I mean. I gather because they're hybrids, this is normal in most cases (so I have been told).

That was not at all reassuring. Ours is around 16 months and I was hoping the PITA part would dwindle when she got older

With that said, she truly is amazing, and we couldn't picture our lives with out her. She is such a sweety. She is staring at me like she knows I'm talking about her. Must be time for a walk

 

[CellWho]

I'm not asking for your pity or anything, am asking that I'm not called a liar, or have it implied that I am putting 10 bucks in my pocket for every bottle of ejuice.

I didn't call you a liar. I said you are grossly misrepresenting the facts. I stand by that. I also could care less about your margin. It's about my cost, not yours.

I accept that every order you have placed made it to you safely, but you need to accept that it was getting to the point where 100% of my small order were not making it through. As with everything its the law of averages. I didn't write all 25 pages here myself.

Actually, if you read the 25 pages, you fill find that very few posts are about packages being seized. I think that's very telling.

For me to say nothing will make it through is inaccurate and not what I am saying, for you to say you have a 100% change of getting your order is inaccurate. Someone reading should weight both experiences then decide what they want to do.

I never said that 100% of consumer packages get through. I said that you grossly misrepresented the facts of the number being seized.

I used $9 as an example. 1) I'm not going to reveal my price online 2) my price is dependent on volume, exchange and many other factors 3) the exact dollar value doesn't matter, it will be between 0 and -9 dollars of my example, so I would've made 9 bucks if the e-juice was free.

I'm a consumer and your issues are not my concern. It's not my problem if your shipments get seized, you pay for shipping, business overhead, your cost per bottle etc. My analysis was based on what's important to me. My out of pocket cost. So, if I order 10 bottles from you, it costs me $212.69CDN vs $105USD from China. Even if it gets sent back, it's still cost effective to have it reshipped.

All this arguing with you has made me feel like supporting quality Canadian vendors. I think I'll put in an order with Vapables.com and Happy Vaper - Canadian Quality Electronic Cigarette/Personal Vaporizers and DIY Smoke Liquid tonight. It's not always about money. Just most of the time

 

[CellWho]

I believe there is also a way they can detect liquid in a package without opening it.

Liquid sniffing dogs....nice one

 

[CellWho]

Awsome.. We are getting somewhere.. What % do you think are seized?

I have no idea how many are getting seized. I can tell you from my experience, and from what I've read, it's the exception not the norm.

I would like to remind you that this all started because you told consumers "in the long run you will loose more than you get in" and compared the experience to gambling at the casino. I read that as an untrue scare tactic coming from a supplier.

So if the objective is "We are getting somewhere", then perhaps you would like to address the gross misrepresentation that started this. Do you honestly believe that 51% or more of consumer packages are being seized by customs? I can tell you that mine aren't. Any other consumer want to put their input in on the percentage of packages they have had seized?

 

[Switched]

IF a supplier is making 300-400% and justifying it as "cheaper than cigarettes" you are right to be mad. I'll tell you the supplier that is doing that won't have many sales. The days of the $120-150 kits are long dead.

No they are not. Perhaps you don't do it but many still do. Maybe not in those extremes but I have seen $50 kits selling for $100. What percentage is that again?

What you may be missing, as it is in my case, I am NOT making 300-400% or anywhere close.

I am not saying that you were neither. It seems you are only reading/hearing what you want to read/hear.

What you have is a product that costs more than cigarettes. A battery, charger, atomizer ect are going to cost more, much more, than a leaf rolled in tobacco. The "still cheaper than cigarettes" argument, when used by me, is used to speak to the total cost to the consumer and not margin of the supplier.

... and I have no issues with that. My banner says 23 days, more like 6 months but I will be further ahead in the long run, and I know that. Any outlay is an expense, just like adding more insulation to your house. You will evevtually recoop your money.

Let's talk about juice for an instance. A reasonable benchmark is $0.50/ml, un-shipped this is what's posted. Having said that, not all juices are created equal, and that is ok too. But what is a reasonable mark up on juice when it cost 10-15/ml cents to produce, I'll go as far as $0.25, but that is the cost shipped.

In closing I am out of this discussion because it it obvious as a merchant that you are ambivalent towards customer concerns, satisfaction and continued patronage. As long as there is more coming through the door than are leaving, all is well. That is the sad state of commerce these days...