Research what you buy online, and be careful amigos!

[treehead]

Hey guys, unfortunately my best friend EBay has been popping up with a few vaping con-artists out there, some of them are obvious, some of them take my vendor's trained eye to spot. But bottom line is thoroughly research EVERYTHING you buy online, unless you know it's an absolutely trusted company like FastTech who has their reputation on the line. I think some of the Ebay vaping vendors are starting to realize vapers like to spend money, and alot of it without thinking too clearly (I know I'm guilty of it). This has always been prevalent on EBay but a few recent happenings really started opening my eyes.

*Some examples of vendors shamelessly doubling the price, or "redirecting" FastTech for ALOT more profit*
-Here's an ohm meter I thought was a steal because it's the only one I've seen that had a decent metal case, accuracy of .1% (better than nearly all others), and it also tests voltage as well as ohm's, for $50, ok it must be a quality meter, and it's free shipping from Hong Kong sweet...waitaminute.
Ebay- $49.99- 2 in 1 Combo Tester Ohmmeter Voltmeter Check Atomizer Mod 510 | eBay
FastTech- $17.61- $17.61 2-in-1 Combo Tester (Ohm Meter + Volt Meter) for E-Cigarette - w/ drawstring pouch at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

-This one's not a big deal, as it may actually be the shipping that causes the price increase but yet again a doubling of the price. Because it's for vaping*
Ebay- $18.95 Helping Hands Coil Build Tool Vape Rebuildable Atomizer RBA RDA Free Shipping | eBay
astrojewelry- $ 9.82 Double Third Hand :: Tweezers & Holders :: Torches & Soldering :: Jewelry Supplies, Tools & Equipment :: AstroJewelry.com

-The prometheus RBA's on Ebay are just a crooked mess.
FastTech prometheus clone-$16.15 $16.15 Prometheus Style Rebuildable Atomizer Kit (3.0mL) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
Same clone on ebay (notice drip tip/extra items)- $31.90

An HCigar clone (which is a really good one, I own that one and the authentic) is only $40.00... HCigar Prometheus Atomizer Clone $39.99 - VividSmoke.com
Here's 2 HCigar clones cleverly snuck in on Ebay (they put grand vapor in the title, along with authentic price, hoping someone falls for it, no returns of course)
$131.88- Prometheus Rebuildable Atomizer RBA by Hcigar Grand Vapor Clone Genesis RBA | eBay
$127.95- Prometheus Rebuildable Atomizer RBA Grand Vapor Clone by Hcigar Genesis RBA | eBay

I don't even know what this clone is, but it's definitely not authentic because it has square-ish stainless steel sleeve cutouts for the tanks (identical to the FT clone), the authentic and Hcigar both have very rounded smooth ss sleeve cutouts, and the HCigar has a silver pin (the 40$ clone), and this obvious FT clone which has a copper pin, and a different box/no drip tip to confuse the consumer and is priced at 59.99! That's almost a quadruple in profit!!!
-$59.99 for the $16 FastTech clone, and you don't even get the extras!- Prometheus RBA RDA 1 1 Clone USA Seller Fast Same Day Shipping | eBay

I may be completely wrong on this one, but I'm pretty sure this is an authentic rip-off or the RDA was used because my prometheus from grandvapor certainly didn't come in that clear plastic box (but it may have been used, even though it says it's unused in the description. 1.There's "no returns" on this item, very rare on Ebay 2. The picture of the item is shrouded in a plastic bag. 3. The way it's worded, could be used cleverly in a legal way (I'm not paranoid, just experienced ). They say "The 100% authentic Prometheus Rebuildable Atomizer is a genesis...etc...as with all genesis style atomizers it can make clouds." If this were ever used legally it sounds like they are just stating a fact, instead of saying "This 100% authentic Prometheus...etc." because that would directly state they're talking about the item. I don't know I'm probably thinking too hard on that one, but I'm just trying to make a point that shady stuff like this happens ALL-OVER the internet, and I've probably bought some of it and not realized it myself.

Here's one to hit it home; I know batteries are confusing to some, but this is ridiculous. I'm hoping to god that this guy "accidentally" added an extra "1" in front of the price. Here's 2 identical pairs of 26650 batteries, both: ICR26650, 4,000mAh, 3.7-4.2 volt, identical Chinese characters, dimensions color, chemisty (Li-Ion), and even weight. It looks like these guys just copied and pasted FastTech's specifications, and nearly multiplied the price by 8!. Plus they didn't even include the case they come with! Cheapskates!

FastTech's price of batteries: $18.09 $18.09 ICR26650 3.7V 4000mAh Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries (2-Piece) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Ebay vendor's price of the same 2 batteries: $119.00 A Pair Golden 26650 Li on Rechargable Battery Full Capacity 4000mAh A Grade Core | eBay

*Oh yeah and they both ship From Hong Kong, China... Shenzen is the port in Hong Kong that FastTech ships from. So you even have to wait a month to get them, even though you paid 100$ extra for some honestly MEDIOCRE batteries, they aren't even IMR lololol* The only difference I can tell is that the Ebay batteries state "A grade core", and "A" must stand for "Adamantium" because it better jump start a school bus for how much those two little batteries cost!


***I hope no-one took this as me lecturing anyone, quite the opposite, I just want my friends at ECF to keep their money, and I hope to god that this post can save someone ALOT of money with 2 extra minutes on google. Hope you enjoyed my research! And stay on your toes!

​

 

[treehead]

google is your financial friend too, just sayin. Alot of "clever" vendors don't even think to pay attention to small details like the 510 pin material, or even what shape drip tip comes with the authentic.

 

[msrfrog]

Same as anything. I'm in the auto business and can't believe the junk cars people buy . with the smallest bit of research they would see the car they bought is total $%&* but they're caught up in the excitement and don't think clearly.

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[Bunnykiller]

what gets me is on the golden pair battery ebay site they even tell you to give them a 5 star rating....

 

[-mj01-]

OP or mod might want to break the links above. I know that the reference I provided suggests it for b.s. news - but there's no good reason to give those vendors any kind of direct link love - especially if it helps their search rankings.

 

[msrfrog]

Another thing is im a ebayer and when I see a tank for $150 I just laugh and keep scrolling. Same tank right under is $30 with free shipping. So if someone buys "x" without looking at the tons of other listings who is to blame? Espeacially the batteries. So many for $5 a piece than a set of two for $100, its not rocket science.

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[chrisj3982]

Another thing is im a ebayer and when I see a tank for $150 I just laugh and keep scrolling. Same tank right under is $30 with free shipping. So if someone buys "x" without looking at the tons of other listings who is to blame? Espeacially the batteries. So many for $5 a piece than a set of two for $100, its not rocket science.

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I completely agree. If you don't want to pay attention and check out all the listings and find the best deal then you deserve to pay $119 for 2 26650 batteries. That's punishment for sheer stupidity, and should be a lesson learned for those in a mad rush to buy something


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[chrisj3982]

Or $150 for an rba clone


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[msrfrog]

I completely agree. If you don't want to pay attention and check out all the listings and find the best deal then you deserve to pay $119 for 2 26650 batteries. That's punishment for sheer stupidity, and should be a lesson learned for those in a mad rush to buy something


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Or $150 for an rba clone


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Exactly, it only takes about 90 seconds to Google something and compare/review any product known to man.

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[Lambshot23]

Free market, its a shame some people are too lazy to research and save some money.

 

[skoony]

speaking of meters.mine has ac/dc volts,and amps.checks resistance.has a continuity checker and
a built in diode and transistor checker.rudimentary frequency counter.9x3x2 inch.thick rubber boot style case.accurate to .01.
rated 10 amp max for current check.
paid 36 dollars for it in 2005 from a national distributor of electronic supplies and parts.used professionally
after my fluke gave up the ghost after 15 years.
it simply blows me away what people are paying for rinky-dink volt/ohm meters.
the link below will show a selection of any thing a diy'er should ever need.
the company is one my employer used to order shop supplies.
regards
mike

Jameco Electronics - Electronic Components Distributor

 

[Rickajho]

I don't know why anyone with more than a few months experience with eBay would go there expecting to find good prices on much of anything. It's been the land of grossly overpriced "rare" and "antique" garbage for nearly a decade. That's been the status quo at eBay long before vape gear ever started showing up there.

 

[ej1024]

Thanks for the advice, warning,
I shop on fasttech and eBay,amazon etc... I pretty much buy everything on eBay because if there's is a problem with the item I can easily contact the seller and so far I had a good luck contacting sellers/vendors with no problem at all...
My advice is know your product u are targeting purchasing,know the wholesale price,go to alibaba website, then go from there.. You have to be reasonable buyer and the vendor has to be reasonable too.. For example Hades v.2 is selling for $38-60 bucks on eBay, wholesale is $22-25 bucks plus shipping.. The stillare clone are $9 bucks wholesale on eBay $20-35..
Like what I said just be reasonable as a buyer and be smart about it..

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[autobiogphnation]

Personally I like to buy whatever I can from actual shops as opposed to eBay etc. Makes more sense in terms of keeping it all within our community. Trust/quality product is more important in a seller than lower price to me.

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[JimzDogz]

I agree with most of what is being said here. There are many profiteers operating on Ebay and elsewhere around the web. Using Fastech as a reference point is reasonable, but Alibaba not so much. Fastech allows the purchase of one item and shipping at wholesale prices more or less. On the other hand Alibaba is strictly wholesale, requiring the purchase of a minimum of ten of the item plus shipping cost. Also many of those profiteers are members of this very forum, using info gained here to follow trends. They also gain info on what is most coveted and hard to get. I don't have a problem with someone who buys a hard to get item from a wholesaler keeps a few for themselves ,then sells the remainder on ebay or even the classifieds for a reasonable profit. After all that person has put in some work and deserves to be compensated for that work. Others are simply profiteering, trying to take advantages of noobs that have little knowledge of the item they are purchasing, much less about where to get the best price. Many depend on ECF members to guide them threw the process of gaining the needed experience.

 

[Ref Minor]

Personally I like to buy whatever I can from actual shops as opposed to eBay etc. Makes more sense in terms of keeping it all within our community.

Why is someone with a shop "within our community" and someone selling online via eBay not? The person selling online via eBay can help far more members of "our community", whatever that is.

 

[Wickeddeuce]

i want to point out 2 things in relation to the price comparison to fasttech...

first, not all fasttech items are quality... some of them are good, have only one or two things that need modification to be good and are relatively simple... these are good deals... however some, many of the items are made from very cheap materials and break down and are not in retrospect a good deal... an omega clone on fasttech goes for like 6 bucks, an hcigar vendor of an omega clone sells it for 30... the hcigar is outrageously priced in comparison to the fasttech, but the hcigar is a quality clone that has some more time put into it, and isnt just pure mass production... or its made of quality materials....

second, the time aspect, i placed an order from fastech well over a month ago... it shipped about a month ago... it should arrive any time now... but could take another month to arrive... oh yeah and people have gotten shipments from fasttech that contain nothing...

idk... im just saying... somethings are a rip off, others... there is a reason...

 

[JimzDogz]

Why is someone with a shop "within our community" and someone selling online via eBay not? The person selling online via eBay can help far more members of "our community", whatever that is.

Venders on ECF are designated as such, many ebay sellers on ECF are not known to be venders. One example is a person, who openly discussed in the Billit Box thread, their reasoning why it's OK to buy then resell Billit Box Mods. This person admits to buying then reselling them on ebay for 2x-3x the original price. I don't feel that is ethical.

 

[Purplepeeps]

Also, when ordering from a vendor, call first to make sure they have the item in stock here, not in China. Ordered from one place and there was no mention of "out of stock" on their site. After a week, I called to see where my goods were? They were being held hostage by customs and they had no idea, when they would get them. They had also charged my cc, before they had the item in their hands. Big no no and turn off for me.

 

[-mj01-]

I have no problem letting "the market" decide the prices, as it is worth exactly what someone else will pay for it at the time. That is, providing the listing is not misrepresenting material facts (i.e. - saying something is compatible with something it isn't or saying it is a certain brand when it is not or stuffing unrelated "keywords" into the title for product search purposes), I have no issue with someone setting BIN at $1000 for a $10 item. If someone does that or if someone claims to have an item based in the US and then tells me they're awaiting shipment of said item from China - I probably report them and move on.