Help Out a Supplier

[JimStanmore]

I know this group is aimed at helping out vapers, but there is a supplier who is up against the wall thanks to PayPal. He can't get to any of his money to even ship out product to earn money. Is there any way to lend him a hand?

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...2843-ecigmods-com-elendil-final-payments.html

"So I am back at square one... No money from PayPal, no way to sell anything (trying google on non liquid/kits/etc to try to get some money in... No money, personal or business to open a merchant account, no money to ship anymore juiceboxes, and no money to buy the rest of the parts for the 2nd round. Hell, I cannot even personally afford to buy solder right now."

 

[UntamedRose]

" It's obvious most of you haven't been paying attention to the threads or the website. PayPal locked out the account and I have *NO* access to it at all now. I cannot even get passed the login screen. I guess I ...... them off. When they froze the account, I started issuing refunds to recent orders and prepays. I cleared like $500 out of paypal before they froze the account completely and changed my password. I cannot access invoices, payments, emails, anything.

This has totally screwed my business. Every bit of money I had was tied up into getting this business up and running. I got $5000 worth of inventory now and no way to sell it. I tried signing up for AlertPay... its like PayPal.. .because they allow the sale of e-cigarettes. I had to go through a review and I was denied the account this morning. Turns out they will let me sell via them, but not international orders... which kills 40% of my business! I guess this can be a short term solution, but the review process took 5 days... and I have to go through the application process again. (SO FREEKING STUPID)

So I am back at square one... No money from PayPal, no way to sell anything (trying google on non liquid/kits/etc to try to get some money in... No money, personal or business to open a merchant account, no money to ship anymore juiceboxes, and no money to buy the rest of the parts for the 2nd round. Hell, I cannot even personally afford to buy solder right now.

I'm trying as hard as I can to get all this taken care of, update the site, and try to get these juiceboxes done... but to no avail. Everytime I stumble, it seems harder to get up.

If things don't improve, and quick, I will have to get a full time job. My other business has been slow for two years due to the economy... and was the whole reason behind starting this business. I'm about to lose my house, I've already lost my car... and I just don't know what to do.

As money clears google checkout, I'll start moving forward again, but it takes up to 7 days to hit my bank after I transfer it.

I will get every ones items out to them... or you will get a refund... but the production on the rest of these juiceboxes is going to be slow until I can get back on my feet. Please don't think I'm being shady, or trying to rip anyone off. I'm just in a DEEP hole right now." Quote from Craig owner of Ecigmods.




OK so he needs several things.......
Including a New host and a new merchant account like NOW.
There is one I know of, I used before for other website/business stuff. The owner is a good gal.....that doesnt have an issue with ecigs/liquid and offers merchant credit cards stuff included in the host costs. I was really amused to see that Ms T also used them.
WAHM Hosting

Could possibly have him up and running in a few hours. Only real worry would be the www.ecigmods.com ...if he can transfer that right away. it

 

[candre23]

I don't want to be a jerk about this, but he has no one to blame but himself. Plenty of shops have been through the paypal ringer before, and they all warned him not to use it. But he thought he knew better and did it anyway. It's a shame that it's the customers who will end up suffering, but I have no sympathy for this guy.

There are only two or three merchant account providers that are fully aware of - and sympathetic towards - ecig suppliers. They're all fairly expensive, but that's because they cover the assumed risk of dealing with a "gray market" product. There's an excellent post on the ins and outs of merchant accounts as they relate to ecigs posted here by one of the reps that manages them.

All this was brought to Craig's attention more than once, but he decided to take the chance on paypal and lost. If you want to help un-fark this mess, send something to the customers who are out money because someone else screwed up. I'd hate to see any resources go to a supplier who made a bad business decision when they should be going to people who are legitimately in need.

 

[JimStanmore]

He is mailing or refunding as his resources allow. You are correct - there have been numerous Paypal warnings. On the other hand, many have been spared by the luck of the draw. I am just thinking that we need as many suppliers as possible, we need to stick together as a community and help could fall under the category of "mentoring." Business is dog eat dog, but divided we fall, united we stand.

Each of us makes choices and has to live with them...

 

[crashtestjeep]

Hope it gets better for Craig He seems like a good guy. Its normal to have bumps when starting out, I just hope hes able to power thru.

 

[JimStanmore]

CrashTest, So do I. It just bothered me about losing the car and the house being next. And in spite of that, he is concerned about getting the orders or refunds out to his customers. Sounds a lot like another supplier we both know...

 

[VRubin]

Yeah the losing the car thing and almost the house is really sad. I wish I could help him, but times are just so tough. I really hope he gets his problems sorted out. He does seem like he's trying very hard to keep his customers happy, and with the situation he's going through that really impresses me.

 

[Jules22871]

I wish him the best and hope he gets it straightened out soon. This group is basically a limited income group. That is why is was started. Other than sending out best wishes and alternate ideas I don't know what else we can do for him.

 

[keyzygirl]

I agree,this group is to help eachother out,we are not wealthy people and Craig probably has alot more than most of us do.I wish him much luck and I hope he can find a sollution that works.

 

[leannebug]

Although it's a noble gesture, and certainly good will on your part, I have to agree with the other posters. It's difficult for us to help in a situation like this.

Our group was formed with the notion of paying forward our good will, yes, but in the means that are available to us- and (because of the forum rules) ecig related. This means, if we happen to have some extra juice; we send it along. If someone needs a battery because their only one broke (and no one should have just one!); then we help if we can. If someone else is scraping by to try and support themselves and their spouse, child, neighbor, vape too; then we do what we can to help.

However, this situation is a bit out of our realm. We can't send him a used atty, or a few samples, or anything that could "help" him. Yes, we are a charitable type group, and yes, we are also a struggling group. So when we are blessed, we give; and when we are in need, we ask for help. This is all done in small doses. It is a huge thing when several people chip in to buy a mod for someone's son. There is no way for us to help a business stay afloat. It just isn't feasible, no matter how noble the idea.

I'm sorry to see him struggling, and I know there are many that wish him well.

 

[ejoker]

if nothing else, you inspired him. and here's a way you can help him out -- http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...m-pay-forward-5-kit-giveaway.html#post1392735

 

[radicalfrog]

"
OK so he needs several things.......
Including a New host and a new merchant account like NOW.
There is one I know of, I used before for other website/business stuff. The owner is a good gal.....that doesnt have an issue with ecigs/liquid and offers merchant credit cards stuff included in the host costs. I was really amused to see that Ms T also used them.

Hi there,
I don't want to go into any details but I no longer use her for hosting and can't in good conscience recommend her.

I'm not posting to cause anyone trouble but just because I noticed my name was mentioned. And I have recently moved to a different server.

Smooches To Y'all
Ms T

 

[radicalfrog]

BTW Hi there JimStanmore and crashtestjeep! I miss y'all!
Smooches to ya
Ms T

 

[WhatAClumsyGirl]

This is a sad situation..for everyone, Craig and the people who have mod's bought and waiting on them to be shipped.

I only wish i had the means to help him out..but, we cannot save the world.

That is the reason for this group to begin with. We may not have the funding necessary to help out everyone..but we can help a few along the way...

So glad to be a part of this amazing group.

Will definately pray for his situation to be solved..