I want an answer!

[Debbie]

I don't get it. I had a problem with a mod, and first sent an email, and then posted in the supplier's forum.

The problem was addressed IMMEDIATELY and to my complete satisfaction - which was also included in the forum post.

So due to the diligence on the supplier's part, there was NO bad publicity - just GOOD publicity, based on a speedy response and a VERY satisfied customer who's problem was promptly taken care of. (No freebies were offered and none were necessary.)

So why is it such a NO-NO to post on a supplier's forum, voicing a problem with a product????

I was in a supplier's forum recently where I read of a problem by a customer which was NOT properly addressed by the supplier. In fact, the supplier MOCKED the customer. Needless to say, I will NOT be purchasing any products by that supplier. IMO, VERY bad publicity...

Debbie

 

[ryanSTi]

I couldn't agree with you more. I ordered from one vendor in specific. I've ordered a couple times from them. Mind you I use a KR808, and I have ordered from just about everyone who sells KR stuff. This vendor shipped quick, and I didn't like the batteries. They didn't last at all. So after some talking to the vendor I was shipped new ones. And they don't work well either. I'm back to using the batteries with 300+ charges that don't last long, but longer than the new ones, and waiting for my battery mod.

I see it all the time where people "back up" their favorite vendor, and it always seems that those people get all the "special treatment"... It sickens me how shady some vendors are...

Oh, and I will continue to order from this vendor. Just not juice or batteries, but I will order their empty cartomizers.

 

[Keebler]

So the question at hand is, from the mods point of view, is this person flaming a vendor because of an actual issue, trolling for free goodies, or bashing the competition. If the forum is not open for all opinions, it can't be called a forum, but rather a long string of commercials. If that's the case, what's the darn point? I have posted opinions about the few vendors I have used so far, and I chose them because of feedback on this site. Honestly, I want to know if you are having a problem so i can avoid them.
As it happens, all three vendors have had stellar customer service and the kit I got (came without a box, BTW) has been going now for a month w/ no probs. Another vendor found I was running low on juice (because I emailed directly to him) and rushed the order to me. I will commend good service and good products on this site, and rest assured, I will also note bad vendors or bad products. But being factual is important, because then the mods would know that it is true. Hopefully I won't get banned. Noting which vendors use inferior suppliers is important, too. I noticed for example that there are several different manufacturers for 510 attys. I would like to know who sells the ones that don't perform well and avoid them. The only way I can do that is by researching here. Tell me that vendor X sells D brand attys and Y sells C attys and let me decide who to buy from.

 

[natura]

Sorry Cass to be off topic BUT I just read your sticky sig..trotted over there and thought WWWWWWWOW so many members and no one has said a thing yet!
(besides you)

That is soooooooo strange. 5 pages of members! Are the posts invisible til you join?? Sorry, I didn't jump in on the group LOL BUT I am an outcast to all of them... so far LOL.

 

[JakeStew]

You guys have to remember that this forum makes their money from supporting suppliers. It also isn't a "free speech" oriented forum. You will be censored and banned for mentioning any number of things they don't like.

Of course, censorship is good. Big brother is good. Making money from suppliers is good. ECF is good. To say otherwise is bad.

 

[jlmanno]

yes but as a newby I have been jumped all over for voicing an opinion for say example not liking a particular juice. Now I posted on that vendors forum not to complain to the vendor or get a refund or replacement, but to simply express an opinion. If I was looking to get something replaced or refunded or exchanged I would have contacted the vendor directly. Now I recently ordered a hardware item from this same vendor, I certainly received NONE of the FREEBIES all of the regulars brag of, not that I care but it's the point. I was shorted an item, emailed 4 days ago no response, I was previously chastised for not pm'ing so I did 2 days ago, pm finally read yesterday but I've received no response as of yet. I believe I'm being ignored because of expressing an opinion contrary to the vendors following on their post. Now if I post on that vendors forum I'll get slammed for not being patient, the email was sent, it must have got lost, pm wasn't received, their busy, I'm to impatient, this isn't their only business interest etc. , etc., on and on, So at what point to you really complain? Yes I'm impatient, having previously been in the service field etc. I responded immediately, I chased the complaint not have the complaint chase me. what to do?

 

[jj2]

I understand where you are coming from. At first there was issues with equipment failure and I got ...... and I voiced it. Vendor (who is no longer here) & I had some heated words.
What I finally came to realize is that the vendor get his products from overseas, and was basically as helpless as I was. Be happy if they replace the items. My way to fix the problem was to learn to mod---that way the only thing to worry about was a bad atty now and then.

 

[kalekona]

I work retail so when dealing with a vendor I take certain things into consideration-
I understand that sometimes issues do go back to the vendors supplier and things are out of their hands except how they deal with customers-
Even vendors are human so if an order is incorrect or missing an item- let them know the way they handle the problem will tell you a lot.
If equipment is faulty let them know and if they try and make it right or let you know they themselves received a defective shipment.

The key is honesty and customer service.

I have no problem with the posters who have a legitimate complaint about a vendor- but just as "vendor cheerleaders" have been complained about It is the posters who jump from thread to thread only to bash a vendor.- Hey we get it you don't like them, you won't use them- we don't need to see the name calling and attacks on anyone who isn't in lockstep with you.

People have different experiences with vendors- if you have a bad one I want to hear about it, if you have a good one I want to hear about that as well- it helps when making a decision on who to buy from.
But I have no use for the obvious haters and the obvious cheerleaders since their zealousness negates any opinion they give.

 

[jlmanno]

Nice post Kalekona, I've always tried to calm or reason with the hater, but you know how that goes. But cheer leading really bothers me, it really does. I love to post a review and most of them have been positive. I love to make open suggestions to new users so they don't make the same mistakes I did. And I will certainly recommend a supplier based upon my experience with one, but cheer leading drives me crazy, I refuse to order from a couple of them(suppliers) simply because I have this image of a half dozen chosen people talking something up, over and over and over like it's set up. just my .02

 

[GoodDog]

Thank you, cass. Several members have been having a problem with a manufacturer and a well-respected vendor's response to the problem. Comparing notes in PMs we realized we have been being lied to about the number of complaints this vendor received about the faulty items. Sometimes I feel that (some) moderators and veterans are protecting the suppliers/manufacturers at the members' expense. Myself and others have been quite vocal lately about a problem and I've been accused of thinking there is a Chinese conspiracy and that the problem was just noob abuse of the product.

I feel uncomfortable when a vendor asks me what I want them to do ... they know what they should do. This feels like a tactic to make me feel guilty about asking for an exchange. Of course I don't want them thinking that I'm just trying to get something for free. Stating a complaint should be enough for them to offer to exchange the item(s).

 

[5cardstud]

I agree, but think seller should get a chance to make things right first then no holds barred. Isn't that the definition of reviews?

 

[yovapavapa]

yep GD if i email them and say " hey you sent me a bad blah blah blah " . the reply email should say " ok we are going to send you a replacement blah blah blah " if they want me to mail it back to them then they should pay for that shipping . It was not me that sent out a bad blah blah blah . then they should look into why it was a bad blah blah blah and get that fixed from there supplier . eventually if it keeps happening both will be losing money . that is business .

 

[jj2]

yep GD if i email them and say " hey you sent me a bad blah blah blah " . the reply email should say " ok we are going to send you a replacement blah blah blah " if they want me to mail it back to them then they should pay for that shipping . It was not me that sent out a bad blah blah blah . then they should look into why it was a bad blah blah blah and get that fixed from there supplier . eventually if it keeps happening both will be losing money . that is business .

A man of my liking.

 

[olderthandirt]

...and thats why you should all vote me moderator for a day....haha...to rid the forums of derailers!!!!olderthandirt and thewiz you guys better watch out

HEY!
We serve a purpose! Better good and all....

Complaint about a supplier in their subforum = fanboyitis inflammation and the vendor can delete the post.

Complaint about a supplier elsewhere, General forums, they can't respond. Bad form all 'round.

Complaint about a supplier in Reviews of Suppliers - E-Cigarette Forumand the vendor is allowed to respond and the infectious fanboyitis isn't quite as bad.

Fairplay and decorum would dictate contacting the supplier. Actually take care of specific business issues via phone, e-mail, PM etc.
Continued poor service or "below me" tactics really need to be posted for all to be made aware, IMO...

Post in the Reviews of Suppliers - E-Cigarette Forum, no histrionics just facts, reply to responses from the vendor, ignore the fanboys.

 

[Wireguy]

I'm relatively new to this site, do the moderators actually give you a hard time if your posting facts that happen to be negative? Seems like they have a lot of rules for a forum, I figured they were just to keep things civil not necessarily stickily enforced? Is there another forum where people go to speak freely and this is used more for research?

Not that I've seen. Don't think Cass has anything to worry about.

I have seen some go on and on and get personal about it, post all over complaining about the same thing. I've seen them get banned. When you get tired of seeing someone's name because you know exactly what the post is going to say before you read it, then the ban comes on. At least thats the way most seem to be.

I read the rules once, don't remember them. As with all boards the rules are basically don't get personal, don't be a jerk, post in the right place, no spam. They just happen to enforce them here.

 

[Taryn]

There is no problem free vendor, nor will every piece of equipment that is mass produced in china all work properly. Contact your vendor, I find it's always more helpful to call and speak to a real person who can help with your issues. Many of the vendors here are small companies just getting started and feeling growing pains.

Some complaints in forums are real and valid, some are trolls just looking to get free stuff out of the deal. Sometimes it's hard to tell between the two. If your issue gets resolved after posting a complain in the forums then you should make sure you add that to your post so people can see the full outcome. I've seen very unhappy people become thrilled again when a resolution happens and to me that speaks even more for the company.

Angry posts are generally the ones who get defended so if you are looking to resolve a problem and not just slam the vendor perhaps it's wise to watch your wording. If you are looking to vent then you will put people who have had great experience with the vendor on the defensive.

I don't know your situation cass so perhaps this doesn't even speak to you but I hope the situation turns out for you.

 

[BuzzKill]

Opinions are like ... holes , everyone has one !!!

Made In China = Some CRAP !! deal with it you will have bad stuff , I'm amazed that some of these vendors can even stay in business replacing stuff ALL THE TIME !

And given that parts and equipment for some vendors is being SEIZED by the FDA as we speak !!! this is putting people OUT OF BUSINESS !!! enjoy your supplies while you can !


Cass you have a good point !! thats all I will say

Hey I will be a vendor soon ( hopefully ) so you guys can come kick my ... !!! LOL

 

[Kona]

if only ecf had a name and shame thread!!!!

I hear your complaints, Cass, and I totally agree that a vendor's lack of quality in either service or product MUST be addressed. If you have a legitimate gripe, why not post it in the forum "Reviews of Suppliers" (under the "Buyers and Sellers" Heading).

I believe that Forum was specifically set up to voice both complaints and compliments regarding vendors, allowing a free exchange that is much more public than just posting on a vendor's individual Forum (where negative comments can just be deleted).

Check it out.

Aloha

 

[just-cass]

I hear your complaints, Cass, and I totally agree that a vendor's lack of quality in either service or product MUST be addressed. If you have a legitimate gripe, why not post it in the forum "Reviews of Suppliers" (under the "Buyers and Sellers" Heading).

I believe that Forum was specifically set up to voice both complaints and compliments regarding vendors, allowing a free exchange that is much more public than just posting on a vendor's individual Forum (where negative comments can just be deleted).

Check it out.

Aloha

i would like to add that the complaint i have many others have had before me with a seller....but the only thing is i cant accurately guage the extent of dissatisfaction because it always seems to get "covered up" by promises of fixing things...thats why id like to see a poll on some items that im not happy with and see who had the same problem and if my problem is individual...its hard to start a legitimate rant if you dont know if it is a legitimate rant....know what i mean???ive heard alot of dissatisfaction but how does that compare with satisfied customers?i dont know...i just get a funny feeling that all the good stuff i hear is from the same people over and over again...

i havent retraced the posts and made a note of usernames...perhaps i should and report back my findings!!!but then theres the case of the age of the posts and the level of change within the suppliers products?

 

[VapingRulz]

Does anyone agree with me?Anyone at all?

I agree with you absolutely. Many people rely on what ECF members recommend - and they rely equally on knowing which companies to avoid and why to avoid them.

Survival of the fittest applies, as it should.