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eBay Buyers Beware...

Countrypami

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We've seen this a zillion times and our moderator team is starting to sound like a broken record.

A member comes in the forum... tells us their gear is malfunctioning or defective. The staff and veterans do our best to troubleshoot, but nothing fixes the issue. We'll ask where it was purchased: "Oh, you bought it from eBay... well there is your problem."

If you buy vape gear from eBay... BUYER BEWARE... you get what you pay for!
There are sellers on eBay selling malfunctioning, defective, cloned gear.

I'm not saying all purchases made on eBay will be bad... There are some legit sellers. But we are seeing a large volume of posts regarding gear that isn't working properly and then find out it was purchased on eBay.

When you buy from eBay... you get NO MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. You also get no guarantee that it is not a clone or fake.

Also, unless it's from a trusted source NEVER BUY BATTERIES ON EBAY!
 

f1r3b1rd

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For the new vapors:
Always remember that when buying a new mod, research is your best friend; and if it sounds like too good of a deal, it probably is.
Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable in your purchase. A smart purchase can last you indefinitely.
 

JuicyLucy

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Common vape problems I see on eBay or have watched others get duped by:

Dumping ground for used gear that is malfunctioning but sold as like new
Clone batteries labeled as authentic - this occurs with other vape gear also, but batteries can be deadly
Folks buying crap juice because it's cheap because they don't know any better
 

5150sick

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I buy shit from eBay all the time and never have any problems.
There are some very simple steps to take to not get ripped off.

1) Check the sellers feedback.

If the item you are buying has a dozen negative feedbacks all saying "this item is a piece of shit" then don't buy it.


2) Only buy from sellers who offer 14 day+ returns where they pay return shipping.

There is no possible way to get ripped off because you can just return the item free of charge.


If you follow these 2 very simple rules you will never get ripped off on eBay
 

Teresa P

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I never buy anything off eBay if the seller feedback score is less than 99.5%. And reading said feedback is always helpful, some folks have legitimate complaints, some leave negative feedback if they break a nail while opening the package.
I never buy vape gear from there unless the seller is actually a storefront for a b&m, and you can usually research that too. A little extra time with Google can save a lot of hard earned money. ;)
 

KingPin!

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I buy certain things from eBay as well although certain bits I'd steer well clear of

1) batteries
2) mixing ingredients or E-juice
4) mods
5) battery chargers or electronic vape accessories

For things like atomisers, bottles and others bits I take each post with a pinch of salt, assume the worst and work from there is my policy and like the guys above me have said look at feedback, returns and shipping policy always
 

CrazyChef v2.0

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I never buy anything off eBay if the seller feedback score is less than 99.5%.
I sell on eBay too, and my eBay name is in no way associated with my regular business. That being said, I have a feedback rating of only 98.5%. Why? Because 2 people left negative feedback because of circumstances beyond my control. They were both left without contacting me first to see if there was an alternative resolution to their problem. Luckily, though, it hasn't affected my "Top Rated Plus" seller status. I scratched over my eBay name so as to stay within the VU vendor guidelines.

Status.jpg

FeedBack.jpg
 

CashNVape

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I buy shit from eBay all the time and never have any problems.
There are some very simple steps to take to not get ripped off.

1) Check the sellers feedback.

If the item you are buying has a dozen negative feedbacks all saying "this item is a piece of shit" then don't buy it.


2) Only buy from sellers who offer 14 day+ returns where they pay return shipping.

There is no possible way to get ripped off because you can just return the item free of charge.


If you follow these 2 very simple rules you will never get ripped off on eBay
yup, I've been selling and buying on eBay for over a decade. I've had my share of mishaps but not in the last 10 years.

Cloud Chasing
 

MrMeowgi

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Yeah you have to be picky when on eBay. I've gotten a lot of good vape material from them.a couple mods and some rda's. Hell car parts and tires for that matter. Just gotta check the feedback for sure.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 

AndriaD

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The feedback is a really excellent guide, but as CC said, you do need to read the feedback and determine if the leavers of bad feedback actually have a brain in their heads.

I bought 2 Tobeco clones of the Kayfun Lite Plus back in 2014 off eBay... both still work as well as the day I got them, which is "perfectly" -- they're as good a vape as my authentic KFL+, just have slightly "crunchier" threading. The seller was the real deal, too; when I contacted him about the tiny o-ring on the fill screw getting shredded, on the first I bought, he sent me a little ziplock with 5 of the tiny things, absolutely gratis. So naturally when I bought a 2nd one, I bought it from him. Small issues like that really don't demand negative feedback, usually the seller will help you out, if they care about making future sales, so if you see stupid shit like that in the negative feedback, take it with a BOULDER of salt.

Andria
 

Teresa P

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I sell on eBay too, and my eBay name is in no way associated with my regular business. That being said, I have a feedback rating of only 98.5%. Why? Because 2 people left negative feedback because of circumstances beyond my control. They were both left without contacting me first to see if there was an alternative resolution to their problem. Luckily, though, it hasn't affected my "Top Rated Plus" seller status. I scratched over my eBay name so as to stay within the VU vendor guidelines.

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Agree wholeheartedly. If I had read something like that in feedback in the middle of glowing reviews, it honestly would not have stopped me from making a purchase because I'd have responded the same way you did. I do read those though.
 

jerryprague

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ebay sellers, especially from China are deathly afraid of negative feedback because they know they can be banned, and almost always do whatever they can to make sure the seller is happy. So, that it itself is a big protection. I've been on ebay since 1998.

Aliexpress generally has a similar selection and better prices and as far as vaping and electronics go I have rarely been burnt there, though it does happen. Shipping is almost always free or for peanuts, and they are very happy to put whatever price you request on the customs form. You just have to wait, and realize that tracking will not show up for a bit and may not show up at all, but, most everything on aliexpress of any value you have to sign for which is a protection on both ends.
 

Mattp169

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Yes you can get ripped off on eBay on anything you buy there, but most sellers on eBay are legit and as good as buying in any store front or major online website. I've bought and sold on eBay for almost 2 decades. With seller protection and other eBay policies and PayPal policies, its actually safer to buy on eBay then in a store at times.
But with anything you do need to have personal responsibility. You have to do your research. Some sellers are legit but use deceptive phrases but if you use your brain, read feedback, and be careful buying from eBay is fine.
As an eBay seller, whenever I see anything on social media saying negative things about buying on eBay, I get upset. There are some bad apples on eBay, but there are also bad apples everywhere, amazon,walmart,craigs list, let go, the newspaper, local mom and pops, major retailers. It is not something soley isolated to eBay
 

Countrypami

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Yes you can get ripped off on eBay on anything you buy there, but most sellers on eBay are legit and as good as buying in any store front or major online website. I've bought and sold on eBay for almost 2 decades. With seller protection and other eBay policies and PayPal policies, its actually safer to buy on eBay then in a store at times.
But with anything you do need to have personal responsibility. You have to do your research. Some sellers are legit but use deceptive phrases but if you use your brain, read feedback, and be careful buying from eBay is fine.
As an eBay seller, whenever I see anything on social media saying negative things about buying on eBay, I get upset. There are some bad apples on eBay, but there are also bad apples everywhere, amazon,walmart,craigs list, let go, the newspaper, local mom and pops, major retailers. It is not something soley isolated to eBay
I buy stuff from eBay all the time... just not vape gear. ;)
 

VirginiaVaping

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I will never purchase off EBAY, As good as the deal maybe, I still won't trust it. Now with that said I'm not saying don't use EBAY, I just would never purchase anything from their site. Just my opinion.
 

jerryprague

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Couldn't tell you how many countless items I've got from eBay. Vape gear, electronics, clothes. Using a boxer squonk from eBay right now.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
And me, for vape equipment, Ali express best prices, I've ordered tons...
 

jerryprague

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I will never purchase off EBAY, As good as the deal maybe, I still won't trust it. Now with that said I'm not saying don't use EBAY, I just would never purchase anything from their site. Just my opinion.

Only thing I never would order on eBay or Ali, are memory cards. Right bunch of thieves. Those I buy locally always, at the going rate.
 

r055co

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I buy shit from eBay all the time and never have any problems.
There are some very simple steps to take to not get ripped off.

1) Check the sellers feedback.

If the item you are buying has a dozen negative feedbacks all saying "this item is a piece of shit" then don't buy it.


2) Only buy from sellers who offer 14 day+ returns where they pay return shipping.

There is no possible way to get ripped off because you can just return the item free of charge.


If you follow these 2 very simple rules you will never get ripped off on eBay
Yep but never, ever buy batteries off eBay or Amazon for that matter.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
 

gadget!

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When I've first started vaping (about a year ago) I found out real fast that the local B&M shops were terribly over priced.
This is sad because I would love to give my business to a local vendor.
That being said I bought a quite a bit of vaping gear on eBay.
You really have to be careful and follow the suggestions members here have already posted.

[rant]
The thing that really makes my blood boil is that even though I bought all these things on eBay, when I decided to sell some of it eBay refuses my listing saying that it is against their rules to sell e-cig or vaping related items!
Give me a break! You can go on there at any given day and find literally thousands of vape related items!

I have over 1200 feedbacks on ebay and a 100% positive feedback rating.
[/end rant]

Sent from a Galaxy far far away!
 
Last edited:

JmVape1988

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One thing I always do look for that reviews for a legit seller. Too bad they are selling those kind of mods :-(
 

AndriaD

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When I've first started vaping (about a year ago) I found out real fast that the local B&M shops were terribly over priced.
This is sad because I would love to give my business to a local vendor.
That being said I bought a quite a bit of vaping gear on eBay.
You really have to be careful and follow the suggestions members here have already posted.

[rant]
The thing that really makes my blood boil is that even though I bought all these things on eBay, when I decided to sell some of it eBay refuses my listing saying that it is against their rules to sell e-cig or vaping related items!
Give me a break! You can go on there at any given day and find literally thousands of vape related items!

I have over 1200 feedbacks on ebay and a 100% positive feedback rating.
[/end rant]

Sent from a Galaxy far far away!

Hey! Happy No-Smoke-a-versary!!!!!!!!!!



Andria
 

AndriaD

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Why thank you, it feels great to not have that urge.

Sent from a Galaxy far far away!

Yeah, it's like being let out of smoker's prison... like having the ball and chain removed. :D Or you know, that "big bully" like they show in the TV commercials? Yeah that guy... it's great to give him the :finger: !!!

Andria
 

Zohmbiebuilds

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I've had good and bad from eBay. But as started, Chinese sellers are pretty up front. I was sold a clone that was straight crap they refunded full price and let me keep it. It was a set so I got to keep the tank which was cool. I only buy if I read the entire ad IN IT'S ENTIRETY. Authentic in box new and read the feed back.

Shit can happen but there is a level of protection. I bought a kiss from a B & M and it was faulty from the get go. Did not give two fucks. Couldn't do shit about it but tell anyone I know to avoid the store.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk
 

MauriceJohnson

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Too Bad, people cheat you for trusting the gear(which is mostly defective and made from cheap parts).

READ the seller's feedback first then use your brain...
 

NineNine

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For the new vapors:
Always remember that when buying a new mod, research is your best friend; and if it sounds like too good of a deal, it probably is.
Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable in your purchase. A smart purchase can last you indefinitely.
okay
 
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Been there done that and didn't even get the T-shirt!!! bought an eleaf istick pico. it came in an envelope ( no box ) with loose instructions and charging cord etc. NOPE NOPE NOPE! It was worth the 20 bucks to learn that lesson though. I did get a skin for one of my mods. But anything techy like mods or coils, pass!
 
I bought my new Pax 3 on eBay. It looks legit. So, I didn't know about fake stuff on eBay but, I tried to buy my vape directly from the manufacturer, but then they said, sorry, but we can't ship to your state!! What are people supposed to do?
 

The Cromwell

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Since my earlier post in this thread I have bought several items from Ebay. Vaping and non vaping. No complaints from here.
 

AndriaD

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I bought my new Pax 3 on eBay. It looks legit. So, I didn't know about fake stuff on eBay but, I tried to buy my vape directly from the manufacturer, but then they said, sorry, but we can't ship to your state!! What are people supposed to do?

There are at least 2 possibilities: 1) find a vape shop locally; buying retail means you'll have to pay the high retail markup, but it might be the only way, for people in some states; 2) try to develop a relationship here with someone who might be inclined to make the purchase for you, and then send it to you -- I know that many here have stated their willingness to do this, for those in the benighted states that vape vendors can't ship to. Or of course,the 3rd possibility which you found, buying from ebay.

And definitely send infuriated letters and make infuriated phone calls to whatever goobermint idiots are responsible for such a stupid law in your state.

Good luck! and BTW, welcome to VU! :hug:
Andria
 

r055co

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AndriaD

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Last edited:

JuicyLucy

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That seems wonderful for those vapers unfortunate enough to live someplace like Malaysia or Brazil... but if you're already in the US, would it still work? Seems like anyone IN the US would be obliged by respect any laws in the US.

Andria

Reshippers claim they don't know what is in the parcel...
 

placemace

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Thanks!
89.jpg
 
I used to be a seller on eBay in vintage and high grade tobacco pipes and dealt mainly with pretty expensive items. I can say the one time a guy accused me of cheating him just destroyed me... no serious seller there wants to have even one strike against him. Sad thing was it was me who lost in that deal and I've never sold there since... but I've been shocked lately with some things I've bought from sellers I know were on the up and up and it was them that got cheated by their own source. I bought two eleaf picos that were made up of rejected parts... even the tanks! They both looked totally legit, but had obviously failed (I had other picos and knew how they should have worked). These had obviously been purposely assembled from rejected parts... even the tank glass crushed when trying to open... on both units! The mods had chip flaws... both different... hahah.

But that said, I have to admit you're just as likely to get crap like that from Amazon Marketplace, but at least they will defend you and try to help. Sometimes you can even get Amazon to refund your money and take the loss themselves, but of course the seller will soon be gone if that happens.

Batteries are a different story altogether... I'm sure battery retailing must be a nightmare these days... fully half the batteries I buy anymore are substandard... no matter where I get them. I still prefer mods that have external batteries though, but that's just my preference.
 

AndriaD

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I used to be a seller on eBay in vintage and high grade tobacco pipes and dealt mainly with pretty expensive items. I can say the one time a guy accused me of cheating him just destroyed me... no serious seller there wants to have even one strike against him. Sad thing was it was me who lost in that deal and I've never sold there since... but I've been shocked lately with some things I've bought from sellers I know were on the up and up and it was them that got cheated by their own source. I bought two eleaf picos that were made up of rejected parts... even the tanks! They both looked totally legit, but had obviously failed (I had other picos and knew how they should have worked). These had obviously been purposely assembled from rejected parts... even the tank glass crushed when trying to open... on both units! The mods had chip flaws... both different... hahah.

But that said, I have to admit you're just as likely to get crap like that from Amazon Marketplace, but at least they will defend you and try to help. Sometimes you can even get Amazon to refund your money and take the loss themselves, but of course the seller will soon be gone if that happens.

Batteries are a different story altogether... I'm sure battery retailing must be a nightmare these days... fully half the batteries I buy anymore are substandard... no matter where I get them. I still prefer mods that have external batteries though, but that's just my preference.

For batteries, you can't go wrong with liionwholesale.com or illumn.com -- both have great prices, and both sell ONLY absolutely genuine and quality batteries, and both also throw in a free battery box with every pair sold, to try and cut down on these Idiot Vaper In the Media reports every week.

Andria
 

cmccarthy7128

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We've seen this a zillion times and our moderator team is starting to sound like a broken record.

A member comes in the forum... tells us their gear is malfunctioning or defective. The staff and veterans do our best to troubleshoot, but nothing fixes the issue. We'll ask where it was purchased: "Oh, you bought it from eBay... well there is your problem."


If you buy vape gear from eBay... BUYER BEWARE... you get what you pay for!
There are sellers on eBay selling malfunctioning, defective, cloned gear.

I'm not saying all purchases made on eBay will be bad... There are some legit sellers. But we are seeing a large volume of posts regarding gear that isn't working properly and then find out it was purchased on eBay.

When you buy from eBay... you get NO MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. You also get no guarantee that it is not a clone or fake.

Also, unless it's from a trusted source NEVER BUY BATTERIES ON EBAY!
We've seen this a zillion times and our moderator team is starting to sound like a broken record.

A member comes in the forum... tells us their gear is malfunctioning or defective. The staff and veterans do our best to troubleshoot, but nothing fixes the issue. We'll ask where it was purchased: "Oh, you bought it from eBay... well there is your problem."


If you buy vape gear from eBay... BUYER BEWARE... you get what you pay for!
There are sellers on eBay selling malfunctioning, defective, cloned gear.

I'm not saying all purchases made on eBay will be bad... There are some legit sellers. But we are seeing a large volume of posts regarding gear that isn't working properly and then find out it was purchased on eBay.

When you buy from eBay... you get NO MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. You also get no guarantee that it is not a clone or fake.

Also, unless it's from a trusted source NEVER BUY BATTERIES ON EBAY!
I thought that eBay prohibited the sale of vaping equipment. Every time that I do a search on EBAY all that comes up are banners for vape shops to display
 

Syythe

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I miss buying vape stuff on ebay. I have scored some nice stuff for great prices on there. That's where I picked up one of my Signature SQs and a few nice 3D printed squonkers like the Anchor nano and a PZLD.
 

CrazyChef v2.0

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Fuck eBay and fuck PayPal. PayPal just put a PERMANENT limitation on my account for selling vaping stuff on eBay two and a half YEARS ago in May of 2018! Assholes.
 

Syythe

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Paypal sure ain't what it used to be.
Changed hands too many times is what I blame it on. They used to be great. Pulled my ass outta the fire before when I got hacked into. I probably would have lost my apartment over it, if it wasn't for them. My bank refused to do anything about it since it was an international issue, but Paypal replaced everything that was taken. But that was years and years ago. I wouldn't expect the same service now though.
 

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