Need some advice on a situation with a vendor

[BrokenLung]

I ordered some samples from a vendor (who I will not name as it doesn't really matter at this point). After testing the samples out I decided to order a large bottle from the vendor.

The large bottle I ordered tasted NOTHING like the sample bottles I had received. I allowed the juice to steep for over 2 weeks hoping it would change (I really wanted to like this juice after all). I tried the larger bottled juice in boge cartomizers, 510 dripping attys, clearomizers, etc etc. It just wasn't even in the same ballpark as the sample.

I emailed the vendor hoping they would offer a solution. After waiting over a week I emailed them again. Finally after about a week and a half of waiting I received a response.

The vendor told me to ship them the juice back, at MY expense. They said they would evaluate it and only IF they found it had an issue they would offer a replacement for it. Nothing more than that was offered. I have spent over $75 at this vendor already so it isn't like I ordered 1 bottle and now im complaining about the only thing I ever ordered.

So, what do you all think of the situation? How would you handle it?

 

[darkhood]

i had the same thing happen, ordered a sample it was great so i ordered a big bottle and it tasted like crap...idk what to tell you other than find another vendor who knows how to mix properly.

 

[Dana A]

That sucks. Do you have any of the 1st sample left to send along with the crap one?

 

[CarbonThief]

I'd first ask: did you take the lids off prior to steeping, it can make a HUGE difference in my experience. Also, some samplers are pre-steeped, often for several weeks or even months. Before pulling the trigger on this or dumping them or whatever, I'd give them a few more weeks and see if they start changing into what you were expecting. 2 weeks steeping, while good enough for some juices, is rather short for many as well.

 

[BrokenLung]

Yes the lid was taken off. Right here towards the end I speed steeped it (set it on my router) and it isn't changing. I am 99.99% sure steeping isn't going to change this one.

I have like maybe 1 drop of the original sample left. I burnt most of it up testing between the sample and this bottle.

Is it just me or is this vendors response unacceptable ? I am pretty sure I will never be ordering from them again and I am considering posting which vendor this is if others agree.

 

[CarbonThief]

I do find it disappointing to hear that they aren't willing to pay for the shipping and to make more of an attempt to reconcile with you. I am also afraid of hearing the vendor's name, and hoping it isn't one of my favorites! But I would be surprised at this last part though, since the customer service at my favorite couple of places is really great and the owners are fantastic. So feel free to tip us off I guess! If it doesn't violate a rule here of course.

 

[dragonfly72]

I had this same thing happen and the vendor, at first, admitted they changed their ingredients but didn't offer to replace. I asked the same on here as you....then I went back to them..emailed again and they agreed to replace. Replacement juice was back to normal and great. I hope it wasn't the same vendor. If you would like, pm me. It sure sounds like the same issue.

 

[Caridwen]

You've contacted them, they responded and if it wasn't to your satisfaction, you could post in negative reviews and try to get some sort of resolution.

Reviews of Suppliers - Negative

 

[Racehorse]

I don't know if I would knock myself out with a vendor who didn't answer my emails for a week and a half, after I spent over $75.

I would not be testing and retesting a juice that the vendor themselves can't seem to be bothered worrying about....

Bet your money arrived in their bank account a LOT faster than they responded to your email though.

 

[2nd chance]

This happened to me before many times, that's why I am still looking for that "consistant" every day ejuice.
As far as sending it back, I have done that too, only to be told it tasted fine and correct to them.

 

[Uncle Willie]

The inconsistencies of liquid obtained from any vendor is not uncommon .. it has happened to me more than once and is quite frustrating when you think you have found the Holy Grail and the next batch is Holy Crap ..

In two instances, the vendor (different Vendors) sent replacements on the house which were still not what I expected ..

In another instance, the vendor demanded I let it steep .. which helped a little ..

In another instance, the vendor stated there was no guarantee and I was SOL ..

Dice roll ..

 

[sawlight]

I've had it happen as well, bought juice and juice and more juice from a vendor, then one day it tasted like crap! I contacted the vendor and was given the song and dance "taste buds change, taste is subjective, nothing changed, blah blah blah!" I had a friend that used the same vendor, same device and same juice, he had the same problems as well!
I never reached satisfaction over that either, but it wasn't that much money, so I let it slide. I've since learned more about them, and they aren't what they used to be so no longer get my money!
Most of this juice is made in China and they change each batch as they see fit and the vendor has no real control over it. It sucks, but happens!
I wish you well in getting some resolve from this.

 

[Caridwen]

I've had it happen two times. Different suppliers.

One vendor I contacted told me they changed flavor companies and to pick something else out and sent it free of charge.

One vendor told me to let it steep for 2 weeks and if still wasn't right to contact them. It actually did improve,but even before the two weeks were up, I opened the mail box and there was another bottle. I felt bad because the first bottle did improve and offered to pay them, they said no.

 

[clancy0below]

I've had consistency issues with cheaper priced companies. No reason to name names either but in my experience it leans towards not cleaning the mixing tools.
Example: Ordered 2 flavors, graham cracker and coconut cream pie. The graham crackers had just the slightest hint of coconut. loved it and ordered again to be very disappointed

 

[Buggs5347]

Is the nic level or PG/VG ratio different than the sample you had before? That can make a difference. But, yeah, I'd be disappointed that a vendor expected me to send back a juice first. First, the vendor should inquire about your perception of the difference. It's possible you received the incorrect juice either in the sample or the new order. Then, IMO, the vendor should send out one or two bottles of the possible mixups to you. And, if they are really interested in the juice you received they should send a prepaid for you to mail it back.

 

[kwalka]

Take it to the Negative review section. They dont want this out there. Name them and give them a real reason to make good on it. Since just your email isn't enough. Some real exposure may do the trick. This forum is a powerful tool when used correctly.

 

[hotrod3539]

Some vendors are better than others about resolving issues. Best way to prevent inconstancy from vendors is to DIY IMHO. Its what drove me to DIY and i get the same tasting juice from each batch with no worries. just my

 

[BrokenLung]

Is the nic level or PG/VG ratio different than the sample you had before?

Yes. The samples only came in high PG ratio. I ordered the same juice in a higher VG ratio (not 100% even though it is offered). I told them I thought an error had been made because the juice was so drastically different and in my later email asked if the high VG was an issue for them. The response was that they often add extra flavoring to higher VG ratio juices (so they don't have a set formula, they just guesstimate it?). I think it is more than that though, the juice tastes like either a different flavoring was used or they forgot ingredients or something. It is just SO far off.

I don't think there is an excuse though. If you can't make the juice you sell good, then why would you sell it?

At this point I think I am going to tell them it doesn't make since for me to spend my time and $4 to send back a $13 bottle of juice. Just leave it at that and see what they say. After that, negative feedback is my next option.

 

[Justjames]

You guys situations are still better than mine. I also got a juice that not crap but I got some reaction to it with a light headache after only a few puffs. I had tried this juice more than a few time and every time was the same. That was my second 20ml bottle, and I don't remember if I had the same problem with the first bottle(10ml). I like the juice so much so I email vendor asking for another sample size bottle of the same juice so I can make sure it was me or that bottle. I even offered to ship the rest of that bottle back to them with my own expense. Also this vendor always include free sample 5ml bottle with every order and that what I asked them to send sample of the juice I requested with my order.

The vendor just say his policy is not to send any free sample to anyone even reviewer. I order from this vendor 5-6 times last year not a lot 30-50 bucks per order but that show how much I like his juice (I only vape 1-1.ml a day). I end up placed an order with them one last time with also specific juice request. I will of course try to find other vendors with maybe a little bit compromise with customer not just thinking about their own policy.

The conclusion is I didn't tell his juice crap. The flavor is the same as I like, so I did not ask for any replacement of any kind. All I ask is one sample size just to make sure I can still vape this flavor and I would order more from him. The way he treated me show he doesn't care much of his customer. I still have more than 10 flavors just from this vendor alone but I started looking for different vendors as well.