Do high end mods come with a COA?

[Clark F]

I received one without any documentation, or serial number in a padded metal box. I contacted the vendor and stated that this was unacceptable, am I wrong? With all the clones and scams I need something that proves it authentic. This is a new mod from an online store.

 

[Trypno]

If you ordered straight from the manufacturer, they shouldn't have to provide you with any of that, you should be well aware that what you're ordering from them is authentic.

That being said, most reputable manufacturers are stamping serial numbers SOMEWHERE on the mod, I haven't found one on my ProVari, but I'm sure there's at least one. They do that more for tracking the devices through warehouses and record keeping and the like. But like I said, even if my ProVari doesn't have serial numbers, I know it's authentic because I got it straight from the manufacturer. The MVP I had, I could trust it was an MVP from the design and Innokin branding all over it lol, plus the packaging.

My ProVari came with a user manual, but no certificate of authenticity, which I don 't think even the most expensive mods will come with. In my case, like I said, I was not worried having ordered straight from the manufacturer.

 

[Clark F]

I purchased this from an online store and was a bit shocked that nothing else was with it. Even Aspire, Kanger, etc. clones are being sold as the real deal. What if I ever want to sell it? The guy told me it was? The vendor did respond said he would supply one. I just can't understand why it wouldn't.

 

[Joe Gordon]

Contact the manufacturer and ask if the online vendor is one of there buyers or how to tell if the one you have is real.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[Steam Turbine]

I received one without any documentation, or serial number in a padded metal box. I contacted the vendor and stated that this was unacceptable, am I wrong? With all the clones and scams I need something that proves it authentic. This is a new mod from an online store.

Some will provide one some will not.

I think it is a good point, every manufacturer that is proud of their work should provide a certificate of authenticity.

Then again you would need a COA for the COA ... can't be that hard to copy!

 

[Clark F]

True, Gibson has problems with this issue. I cannot contact the manufacturer, it's a custom 1 of 50. I have contacted the vendor, I'm just not comfortable with the situation.

 

[PandaAttack]

Neither of my authentic mechanicals came with one. My Quasar RDA came with a credit card style COA and is serialized while my Magma came with neither. I don't generally worry about it since I always order from reputable authorized vendors, but I understand your concern. I don't think it's completely unreasonable to expect something like a certificate proving authenticity when one is paying what most authentic high end devices cost.

 

[Clark F]

Thank you, all he stated in the email is the creator brought them in himself. So what? How do I know? I just bought two Rose V2's last night and I'm not concerned at all, this is a bit of a different story.

 

[autobiogphnation]

This is why companies have started with authenticity codes on boxes of products. I got some innokin, smoktech and vision items and they all had the scratch off codes on them, just punch it in on their site. Hell even the smok omnimeter had a code on the box.
This why we have TRUSTED vendors that list things correct as to what they are, real or clone etc.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Clark F]

That's why I'm so surprised. It is also B&M store but that doesn't a thing. I have a feeling I was ripped off, I guess we'll see. I could never sell on a statement of "Why yes it's authentic the guy told me it is." Anyway, no big deal but I'm not buying anymore unless they have a serial number I can check. An expensive lesson learned the hard way.

 

[lifted74]

I recently bought a Vanilla mod and no COA. Just a box.

 

[Clark F]

I could have bought 4 Vanilla's for the price I paid for the mod.

 

[Trypno]

autobiogphnation is absolutely right and I didn't even think of that. My innokin mod had an authentication code, all my nautilus boxes do, and the box my ProVari came in does.

It is not unreasonable to expect a COA on a product you've invested a lot in, but not every high end mod has them, and as has been stated, if you're ordering online, make sure it's from either
1. The manufacturer's website/online store itself
2. A fully certified, acknowledged reseller, most manufacturers will list these on their website if said manufacturer has no online or physical storefront
2. A reputable dealer, whether B&M or online. A reputable enough dealer, even one that isn't a licensed reseller, should still treat you right and get you what you need. Also, I've heard some clones are actually really good, but then again, that's only SOME, which seems like it would be a dice roll everytime you buy a clone. You could come up big, or crash and burn on a device that COULD literally kill you if it isn't used/functioning properly

As far as getting ripped off goes, if it seems even remotely fishy, DON'T MAKE THE DEAL! You WILL most likely get ripped off. If that happens, consider it a learning experience and the money gone.

I'm sure every member on this forum could give you tales of getting ripped off in big ways. You may even already have a few yourself.

I went to a B&M that i thought was the only one in my town and got ripped off about $200. I should have asked for a refund immediateoy when the girl behind the counter couldn't even tell me which side of the battery to insert into the tube first.

 

[Clark F]

Thanks, I doubt I'll ever hear from them again. I'll be more careful in the future with purchases online. I'm a very trusting person even though I probably shouldn't be from past experiences. Really, I was just shocked when I found nothing but the mod in the box. I guess we will never know if it's authentic or not, it does hold batteries so it works.

 

[Dampmaskin]

True, Gibson has problems with this issue.

With all this talk about COAs, your avatar, and the mention of Gibson, I got confused for a moment there. Suddenly I thought I was browsing TDPRI, and that the word "mod" had some other meaning in stompbox land.

 

[Clark F]

TDPRI is a Fender Telecaster forum. So people who play guitar can't vape in your world?

 

[vaperature]

Some reason you don't want to let us know the name of the vendor and what mod you got?

 

[Clark F]

Not at all, I didn't think it was important to my question.

Limited Edition Hand-Engraved Filigree Koi Mod by J2P Customs

Have fun!

 

[vaperature]

Not at all, I didn't think it was important to my question.

Limited Edition Hand-Engraved Filigree Koi Mod by J2P Customs

Have fun!

Having trouble accessing that page for some reason. Thought if I was familiar with the company I could help, but I'm not. I agree there should be some type of verification that it's authentic if you're paying a lot of money for it though.

 

[Clark F]

Link works for me, and they're still up for sale.