Clones are the whole reason the market is the way it is now, whether you like them or not they have generated more vapers and builders because the Hobbyist side of vaping decreased in cost to the consumer. Clones drove the prices down to a affordable point and now that the market is saturated and less costly, more authentics are within reach to every day builders. If clones never came about (as shitty as they were when they came to be), than prices would still be in the $200+ range for RDA's and skyward for most mechs.
Im a hobbyist in the Building community and I like shiny new things, but I also have bills and kids and other interests. Im also a business owner and create products....if the products are reasonably priced, the owner/employees give good customers service and the quality of the products match-then the product will sell itself and people will support that brand whether a clone arises or not.
When you have companies that overcharge for something, havent had the best CS record and their products are great than you may see more interest in the clones. What you have to say about a product wont change anyone's wallet or mind on the matter, the individual will make a decision based on what he sees from his friends/other people in his circle, online reviews/comparisons, and then will judge whether or not its worth splurging a payment of rent+ on a single product to vape on.
If someone cloned the KTX or my clamps It wouldnt matter to me, there are many types that are similar already. I put in the time, testing, effort, and my own money as well as others into my business. I also dug in to the community well beforehand, and I dont slap people into buying my products. I simply offer what I can and hope people see it all for what it is. I wont feel any different if someone bought a clone or different product than mine, theres no real reason to. I used to use clones and I still buy them for duplicates/test runs and to give them away to new users to get them going. Its a inexpensive way to get people started or to have spare parts if the clones are 1:1....its a good thing, especially when a manufacturer stops producing the products.
Alot of the high end brands have rubbed me the wrong way like Purge....I wont drop that kind of money unless Im good friends with a business, one move like that and if it doesnt end perfectly Im down for a few months from getting anything....So I dont even bother looking anymore. I choose to buy RDA's that are less than $80 (more around $40) and I stopped buying mechs....Ill save for one that catches my eye but I always buy a clone to test a product before dumping any large sum into it.
If you could get people to change their minds easily and have them buy what I consider okay for them to buy than everyone would own a firearm, jump into firearm safety lesson/training, and learn to be less dependent on others/government in various ways...but thats unrealistic today, people have different opinions, even when they are "like-minded". So you shouldnt shun someone off because of what they own or laugh at what they have, its just materials.
