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Sold a bad product... what can I do?

CloudyInMi

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I recently purchased a vape pen starter kit through a website, which was my first purchase with them, and received it in the mail a few days ago. I assembled it and partially filled as per the user manual. Seemed to work fine at first, but several minutes later I looked around and juice was oozing from the exterior air vents all over my desk :(

I double checked it was together properly, then contacted the website I purchased it from and asked if I could exchange it for a pen which didn't leak since they advertise a 30-day return policy.

I have been outright told no they do not cover tanks, coils etc which they state as being possible issues but there are too many "variables". That's when I read their full policy on their 30-day returns which actually does not cover anything they sell!

Finally I filed a complaint with the BBB because I feel this is an unfair business practice since they are falsely advertising a return policy which doesn't technically exist. Still they refuse to exchange it or allow me to return it for a refund, and continuously quote how they don't cover tanks, coils etc.

In the meantime I went to leave a review on their FB page and realized this seems to be common practice for them... bad business, faulty products and even worse customer support :( After having seen mention of reviewers filing complaints with the FTC, I did the same thing as well. I also contacted my bank to dispute the transaction, which will take approximately another ten days.

Is there anything else I can do in the meantime to motivate this company to give me my money back?

Thanks to anyone who has any advice for me, I really appreciate it!
 

Zamazam

Evil Vulcan's do it with Logic
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Put the company's name here on VU. If they sell crap gear and don't stand behind it, then there is a problem.

What brand and model did you get that was defective?

We might be able to help.
 

CloudyInMi

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Put the company's name here on VU. If they sell crap gear and don't stand behind it, then there is a problem.

What brand and model did you get that was defective?

We might be able to help.

Sorry, I wasn't sure if I was allowed to mention the website, but it was VapeNW.com and the pen was a Smok Vape Pen 22. I can only assume they offer such low prices because they're buying wholesale junk, but who knows :-/
 

Zamazam

Evil Vulcan's do it with Logic
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Usually when a tank leaks like what you described, there is a problem with the seals, either on the tank or the coil. Check them out, wash out the atomizer and dry it and then reassemble and tighten the coil head down and tighten the tank up hand tight.
 

CloudyInMi

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Usually when a tank leaks like what you described, there is a problem with the seals, either on the tank or the coil. Check them out, wash out the atomizer and dry it and then reassemble and tighten the coil head down and tighten the tank up hand tight.

I appreciate the advice but if I may be honest, I'm not even interested in seeing if I can get it to work properly. If I had swapped for it or purchased second hand it would be one thing, but being new out of the box and having a problem is a red flag. I don't want to be cleaning juice up again LOL

Plus now it's the whole principle of the thing... if they want to sell products with issues they should disclose it and not hide behind a made up return policy. Especially when all I asked for was to exchange it. Now I just want them to take their junk back and give me a refund.
 

aspr

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Buy a kanger kit?

Screw You.
I'm From Texas.
 

CloudyInMi

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Buy a kanger kit?

Screw You.
I'm From Texas.

I have an iStick Pico, which I really like, but its kind of a pain to swap flavors out because of the way it is designed. It is a top fill, but the opening is partially blocked, so while filling it is easy enough, dumping it is a pain and taking the tank apart is worse :(

I'm new to this so I am still trying to find my flavor niche, but basically I only put it enough juice to cover the bottom of the tank. Since I don't quite vape full time yet, that little bit still lasts me two days lol

So a couple people had suggested I try the Smok Vape Pen 22 or Aspire K4. I got both but had issues with the VP 22, so I'm hesitant on trying it again. The K4 is okay, seems like a decent device. Both though seemed a little too harsh for me and the vape burned my lips :(
 

Zamazam

Evil Vulcan's do it with Logic
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A beginners kit I recommend is one you source yourself: An Aspire Nautilus and a iStick 20 or 30 watt mod. You can get great flavor and vapor from the Nautilus, the coil heads are available, and the iStick is small, yet powerful and has a good battery life before charging.
 

SnapDragon NY

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I have an iStick Pico, which I really like, but its kind of a pain to swap flavors out because of the way it is designed. It is a top fill, but the opening is partially blocked, so while filling it is easy enough, dumping it is a pain and taking the tank apart is worse :(

I'm new to this so I am still trying to find my flavor niche, but basically I only put it enough juice to cover the bottom of the tank. Since I don't quite vape full time yet, that little bit still lasts me two days lol

So a couple people had suggested I try the Smok Vape Pen 22 or Aspire K4. I got both but had issues with the VP 22, so I'm hesitant on trying it again. The K4 is okay, seems like a decent device. Both though seemed a little too harsh for me and the vape burned my lips :(


Hi and welcome- sorry you are having a leaking problem with the Smok Vape Pen. Being a sub ohm device with 0.3Ω coils will taste hot.There is no way to adjust the watts and this looks like a DL not a MTL like you need type too, you have to blow out your air and inhale this directly into your lungs.. As for the leaking, you have to undo and rescrew in the coil, making sure it is seated correctly and tight and you should be using a high VG juice at least 65vg- too thin too much pg will cause leaking, and fill the tank to at least 1/2 full for proper vacuum.
Also do not lay these on their sides, can cause leaking.
VapeNW is a great vendor and I have never had any problems with any of my orders and sorry you are having a problem, but this device has good reviews and maybe a beginner error thing?
http://vapenw.com/smok-vape-pen-22 $15.99 is a really cheap price and some of these vape pens can be tricky, but try another coil drop some eliquid onto the outside cotton holes 2-3 drops each hole and fill your tank and let the device sit for at least 30 minutes so that it soaks up juice properly. You may have burned up your original coil, that can cause leaks also..You should have purchased at least 1-5pack of coils when you bought this.
Were you a smoker? What Nic level of liquid? With sub ohm you should be using a lower nic like 6mgs.
Keep trying with this pen, SMOK is a good company. I just think maybe beginner error. My 1st Kanger Evod 2 kit leaked, my error, maybe take it to a vape shop for help or watch YouTube videos on this device.
Good Luck!
 

gbalkam

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I have to agree with Zamazam. Take it apart, clean and reassemble it. Nobody is perfect. Not humans, not machines. It could be something as stupid as a twisted seal. Maybe just taking it apart and wetting the seal will solve the problem *wet seals don't shrink or crack* Its kind of like that trick where you put a playing card on a glass of water and turn the glass upside down.. and the water and card stay in place. It won't work without the water. THEN if that doesn't work, you know it is in the manufacturing of the item.

You might even try contacting contact Madvapes customer support at (704) 696-8900. since they do the support for smok in the US. (from smok home page-contact us section)
 
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