If it is reaching high enough temps for vaporizing, maybe you're drawing too hard on the whip (I assume it's direct draw). That would bring in too much cold air and drop the temp below vaporizing range. It's the most common mistake for those new to vapor. The fan on direct draw units shouldn't be a factor either way as far as getting vapor. I'd suggest turning the temp up high, past normal vaping temps, just to make sure the unit's putting out enough heat. If you don't get vapor at the high end, something's wrong. If so I hope the seller your friend purchased from gives some kind of guarantee, because there's no manufacturer's warranty with this brand.