Hi. While I'm new to the world of e-cigs, I'd like to relate some cautionary tidbits to others just getting started. The following is merely my opinion based on the impressions gained from my brief experiences:
Purchasing my 510 was made a fantastic experience by Eric at Vapor Station. His follow-up email and phone calls concerning choices related to my purchase were unsurpassed, not to mention something I had never experienced after purchasing product via the internet or at any brick/motar retailer I've visited.
My first screw-up was in not ordering a few different smoke juice varieties in both flavor and strength. I only purchased one and I have since discovered that for this full-strength menthol smoker, 16 mgs was not going to cut a full-on switch. Which led to my next problem, not of my doing except when deciding to purchase smoke juice from this particular e-tailer who, for now, will go nameless.
I noticed a thread at this forum detailing a great sale for smoke juice. 15 ml bottles were being closed out for $6.50 and postage was an acceptable $7. Being at the bottom end of finances at the moment I ordered 4 bottles in three flavors. Their website indicated stock on hand at time of purchase. After purchasing, I immediately received two emails, both bots confirming my purchase from the e-tailer and paypal. The etailer's bot included a detailed description containing which types of smoke juice were purchased.
So far, so good.
It's now been three days since ordering and I have not received any type of communique regarding my purchase. Upon visiting the etailer's site, where the customer can check on their order's status, I found that one of my purchases had been shipped yesterday; and while it was one of the flavors I had ordered, it was the wrong strength. This is not the first indicator when I began to think I maybe made a mistake in choosing this supplier.
I know this is long, but let me explain. I think we can all agree that we've bought stuff plenty of times. It doesn't matter what it is. We all may even agree as to what a pleasurable buying experience might be, regardless of it being via the internet or brick/motar. Transactions can either come with relative ease, or also be the "less than desirable" variety. My first transaction was phenomenal, the second is turning into the garden variety crap-type.
Thus, as a newbie, and based on this day-night experience I've had thus far, I present to you my dommie-manifesto for purchases of vapor products. it's very simple, promise.
1. Realizing I will only find the best etailers through trial and error (and perhaps reviews found here), I will give an etailer only one opportunity to gain repeat business from me. Vapor Station has earned this, the other company has not.
2. Keeping me as a frequent customer is relatively simple: communicate. Eric set the bar high, but I've noticed from other threads that various etailers also conduct themselves at his level. As a potential customer, I will only throw to those exhibiting this type of approach to customer service.
3. Provide great product and back that up with a great guarantee. No fuss no muss, I won't screw you around, I expect the same from you.
4. Speedy order processing and shipping. Again, Vapor Station set the bar high, and I know others do the same. So, with few exceptions, I expect this with every order placed. If there are problems with order fulfillment, then see #2 of this manifesto.
5. When in doubt, always refer to #2.
There you have it. It's all relatively simple and straightforward. I'm not into bashing anyone, I'll just move on to those suppliers who do so in a forthright manner and respect the buyer enough to treat them well. Thanks for your attention.
Purchasing my 510 was made a fantastic experience by Eric at Vapor Station. His follow-up email and phone calls concerning choices related to my purchase were unsurpassed, not to mention something I had never experienced after purchasing product via the internet or at any brick/motar retailer I've visited.
My first screw-up was in not ordering a few different smoke juice varieties in both flavor and strength. I only purchased one and I have since discovered that for this full-strength menthol smoker, 16 mgs was not going to cut a full-on switch. Which led to my next problem, not of my doing except when deciding to purchase smoke juice from this particular e-tailer who, for now, will go nameless.
I noticed a thread at this forum detailing a great sale for smoke juice. 15 ml bottles were being closed out for $6.50 and postage was an acceptable $7. Being at the bottom end of finances at the moment I ordered 4 bottles in three flavors. Their website indicated stock on hand at time of purchase. After purchasing, I immediately received two emails, both bots confirming my purchase from the e-tailer and paypal. The etailer's bot included a detailed description containing which types of smoke juice were purchased.
So far, so good.
It's now been three days since ordering and I have not received any type of communique regarding my purchase. Upon visiting the etailer's site, where the customer can check on their order's status, I found that one of my purchases had been shipped yesterday; and while it was one of the flavors I had ordered, it was the wrong strength. This is not the first indicator when I began to think I maybe made a mistake in choosing this supplier.
I know this is long, but let me explain. I think we can all agree that we've bought stuff plenty of times. It doesn't matter what it is. We all may even agree as to what a pleasurable buying experience might be, regardless of it being via the internet or brick/motar. Transactions can either come with relative ease, or also be the "less than desirable" variety. My first transaction was phenomenal, the second is turning into the garden variety crap-type.
Thus, as a newbie, and based on this day-night experience I've had thus far, I present to you my dommie-manifesto for purchases of vapor products. it's very simple, promise.
1. Realizing I will only find the best etailers through trial and error (and perhaps reviews found here), I will give an etailer only one opportunity to gain repeat business from me. Vapor Station has earned this, the other company has not.
2. Keeping me as a frequent customer is relatively simple: communicate. Eric set the bar high, but I've noticed from other threads that various etailers also conduct themselves at his level. As a potential customer, I will only throw to those exhibiting this type of approach to customer service.
3. Provide great product and back that up with a great guarantee. No fuss no muss, I won't screw you around, I expect the same from you.
4. Speedy order processing and shipping. Again, Vapor Station set the bar high, and I know others do the same. So, with few exceptions, I expect this with every order placed. If there are problems with order fulfillment, then see #2 of this manifesto.
5. When in doubt, always refer to #2.
There you have it. It's all relatively simple and straightforward. I'm not into bashing anyone, I'll just move on to those suppliers who do so in a forthright manner and respect the buyer enough to treat them well. Thanks for your attention.
