Why Do People Knowingly Buy Clones?

[Darryl Licht]

Yes... At the End of the Day, It Is.

Don't get me wrong though. I could Care Less what other people think about the Logos on the Products I use. And I don't buy Products to Impress People. Never have.

The way I see it, if the Thing that Impresses People about Me is the Logo on the Products I use, then I think that they are a Little Shallow. And I don't put impressing Shallow People very high on my list of things to do in Life.

If I buy a Hana Clone for 40 Bucks verses an OEM for a Buck and a Half, it is because I want a APV that works for 40 Bucks. Not because it has the Hana Logo on it.

BTW - Putting someone Else's Logo on a Clone is, to me, Piracy. And I believe that Retailers should NOT be seeing Clones that have OEM Logos on them.

I too could give a rats @$$ what logo appears, and agree 100% about clones with logos. I think that may be the fine line between a clone and a counterfeit...

Another Q... if all you want is a APV for $40 that works, are there not such authentic devices that get the job done at that price?

 

[zoiDman]

...

Another Q... if all you want is a APV for $40 that works, are there not such authentic devices that get the job done at that price?

There are. Take the eLeaf iStick for Example. For what it is, it is a Great Carry Mod.

Why would I buy a iStick clone for 5 Bucks Less?

 

[AndriaD]

There are also iTaste vv3's, which could be had for $27 even before the new vv4s came out -- I have 3 vv3s for that reason. And I have a Sigelei Zmax v3, also completely authentic, which was $39.95 -- and it's awesome!

As for tanks, though... I bought a Smok RSBT -- fully authentic Smok -- for $25 when DFWvapor had them on sale. That is one of the suckiest pieces of hardware I own. My Tobeco KFL+ tanks are so superior it's not even funny -- so superior, in fact, that authentic Kayfuns must damn near walk on water. If I could afford an authentic Kayfun, I'd definitely buy them, but I can't afford them. I'd buy a BMW too, if I could afford that, but I can't, so I have a Chevy.

I've learned my lesson though, about "no name" clones -- got one of those no-names for a Kayfun Lite (no plus) and it's horrible. And it's one of those ripoffs that has the Svoemesto logo and "made in Germany" on the bottom. It was probably made in Shenzhen, by folks who didn't give a rip about the quality, and it shows. So any further clones I buy will be Tobeco, or EHpro -- they may make clones, but they're QUALITY clones.

I found a clone of the Smok Galileo mech on FT, but the reviews say it basically sucks. The authentic Galileo costs only about $10-$15 more, so I'll definitely be getting the authentic, not a clone of the Galileo, when I finally buy that -- because I CAN AFFORD IT.

If more authentics had more rational prices, more people would buy them. Lately I've been looking at the Billet Box mod, and while I love how the originals look and function, I really can't see myself paying $180 for a mod; I'll probably end up with a clone BB, which is only $80 -- still a great deal more than I've paid yet for ANY vaping hardware, but a lot closer to MY reality than $180.

Andria

 

[USMCotaku]

One questioned asked is "if its only about the money, why not buy this product here, which is a cheaper original?" Well that is easy to answer..... Form factor. I have a panzer clone, and I love it for it's style, durability and performance (very little voltage drop). Of o could afford an authentic panzer I would get one, but I can't. That doesn't change the fact that I like that particular mod over others, so I have a clone. I also don't tell people "I have a panzer" I tell them I have a panzer clone. Same with my ZNA50, it's a clone also (no logos on that ). I liked the mod but in no way could I afford an authentic. So it isn't about impressing people, it's about having a mod that I like that I can afford. When someone makes one of the cheaper authentics in a form factor I like, then I'll get one, till then, it's clones for me
Sent with one hand, the other is busy vaping.

 

[zoiDman]

I want to make One Clarification.

When I say that the Root Cause of people buying a Clone is Money, I am Not Limiting this to Only People who have the Money to buy either the Clone or the Genuine Product.

But am Also Including those who can Not Afford to buy the Higher Priced (in some cases - MUCH Higher Priced) OEM Product.

 

[duc916]

I doubt anyone here is happy about the state of the world economy ever since Bill Clinton spearheaded China's entry into the World Trade Organization 14 years ago and gave birth to the Wal-Marts and other Made in China megastores of the world to sell their warez, but this is the world we live in. What's ironic is everyone here on their authentic high-horse has 99% of the other stuff in their homes made in China.

That said, it doesn't excuse American ecig manufacturers for trying to make 400% profit on every mod sold and trying to blame China for it.

 

[Strings]

Actually, the Billet box is the one place where I AM willing to shell out the cash for an original. But that's based on the fact I've actually talked on here with Doug, the guy who designed and manufactures it

 

[AndriaD]

Actually, the Billet box is the one place where I AM willing to shell out the cash for an original. But that's based on the fact I've actually talked on here with Doug, the guy who designed and manufactures it

Well, so have I, and he's a nice guy, with a great mod... but that doesn't put $180 in my pocket.

Andria

 

[gratefulbuddy]

.........................
I found a clone of the Smok Galileo mech on FT, but the reviews say it basically sucks. The authentic Galileo costs only about $10-$15 more, so I'll definitely be getting the authentic, not a clone of the Galileo, when I finally buy that -- because I CAN AFFORD IT.
..........................

This brings up an interesting point - the SMOK Galileo is a clone of the Yasu Galileo. The authentic Yasu is about $175. So there is an example of a clone of a clone.
Nowadays there are SO many modmakers it can be hard to know if the mod you are interested in is an authentic, a clone ( or a clone of a clone )

 

[crxess]

I think that is a somewhat myopic view on the topic and a bad comparison...

People don't show off their pirated sw, movies, or music in public!

I think many (not all) only buy a clone to look/feel "cool" by appearing to own the "real McCoy's".

Purely from the number of responsedsI have read by Clone owners, you are wrong by a long shot.
Sure you will have the occasional Con trying to bootleg Clones as originals. Even the Dipstick that Has to hope people think they have things they know full well they can never afford.
But for most people it is simply purchasing a look alike mod for the Features, cheaply.
Many just do not have large disposable income.

As to my Clones........Sorry, by I only have one Brand(nemesis x9) I like the switch design and with some tinkering they work very well. NOT $180 well, but well.
Only one of these EVER leaves the House(EVER!) It goes to work daily to Fire my .3ohm Orchid on Breaks. No time for Flashing it around. No need to prove Jack squat. Just enough time to Enjoy my Vape and back to work.

*OOps..............Forgot, I also bought 2x 4Nines. Keep forgetting they are Clones - They are just daily beaters.

 

[AndriaD]

This brings up an interesting point - the SMOK Galileo is a clone of the Yasu Galileo. The authentic Yasu is about $175. So there is an example of a clone of a clone.
Nowadays there are SO many modmakers it can be hard to know if the mod you are interested in is an authentic, a clone ( or a clone of a clone )

Yep... and the Electric Angel, of which my Fallen Angel is a clone, is a clone of something else.. a GG I think.

Andria

EDIT: -- as much as I like the Galileo, I'll be getting the Smok version -- the day I drop over $100 on a mod or a tank is the day I win the lottery!

 

[Strings]

Well, so have I, and he's a nice guy, with a great mod... but that doesn't put $180 in my pocket.

I'm more willing to drop cash. Think I have more cashflow than you do, Andria. Not enough to do that a lot, but still

Not willing to drop big $ on a mod from someone I can't talk to. The fact that Doug is right there makes me more willing

Had a similar reaction when I bought my Seecamp (small pocket pistol). There's an owner's forum, and the owner of the company will PM his personal phone number to a customer who is having a problem. Is the ultimate level in customer service

 

[AndriaD]

I'm more willing to drop cash. Think I have more cashflow than you do, Andria. Not enough to do that a lot, but still

Not willing to drop big $ on a mod from someone I can't talk to. The fact that Doug is right there makes me more willing

Had a similar reaction when I bought my Seecamp (small pocket pistol). There's an owner's forum, and the owner of the company will PM his personal phone number to a customer who is having a problem. Is the ultimate level in customer service

Yeah... in my case, it's not at all a matter of willing or unwilling; it's ABLE or UNABLE. We've needed a new thermostat in our truck for more than 6 months. Used to be, a new thermostat was maybe $35, maybe push it to $50 if you count the labor. And used to be, down here in the south, you could just remove the dang thermostat, and problem stops. Now, with all the electronics, removing it is just not an option, and guess what it costs now, to get a new thermostat? TWO HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS! That's why we've been needing it for over 6 months. In order to have the money to pay for this repair, we had to refinance the truck, so we'd have a couple months without a payment. We also need an oil change, and a switch repair so the light comes on when you open the door; probably $300 by the time it's done. So it's a good thing we won't have a $329 truck payment. It won't be long till warm weather, and without a functioning thermostat, the AC won't work.

Andria

 

[TRoxx]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8krq5V1C03I

 

[zoiDman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8krq5V1C03I

Now that was a Blast from the Past.

 

[sos2001]

I just took a brief inventory of mechs, tanks, and box mod....it's close to $1100...if they were all authentic at least $3000...so there ya go. The most important thing is almost 70 days off the real tobacco. So do I get credit for sticking with "name" clones like Infinite and EHPRo????????????????????????????

 

[Bad Ninja]

The reasons I buy clones are pretty straight forward.
I have over 60 mechanical mods, and I used to repair mods
(Legit and clones) for several local vape stores.

There are some exceptions but overall most clones are very close to their authentic counterparts in build quality.
Overall, China has better customer service than most legit modders. Hard fact, but very true.
I don't play games when I want to purchase an item, so preorders and raffles are just childish to me.

I am not paying $200+ for ANY threaded brass tube because That's just too much for the product offered. This is 1940s flashlight tech. Get real.

Prices are dropping as customers are beginning to get it.

I'll pay $100 for quality.... Beyond that price point , I'll buy the clone.

If you are slinging mech mods to unsuspecting vapers for $200 I do not feel bad for buying a clone.
You asked for it.

 

[Strings]

So do I get credit for sticking with "name" clones like Infinite and EHPRo?

No: you're still guilty of robbing poor designers of $1900. To expiate your sin, you should send all of your gear to me, to be disbursed among less fortunate vapers who don't have as much...

 

[bullet08]

people put different price on different things they purchase. i'm willing to pay rather stupidly high price on american made knives. but I don't see any reason to pay more than $20-30 for a mod when they function perfectly to my need. i have only used mech mods, and i don't understand paying $200+ for a metal tube. i wouldn't buy regulated mod clone or otherwise since i don't want to deal with things breaking on me.

 

[Bunnykiller]

because I worked in a machine shop and know what the real cost of something of the size of an atty truly costs to make

and clones are a more realistic price than the original item....