emotion
Member
albacore said:
I purchased my first EQ from this very seller about 4-5 months ago - no real problems whatsoever, all came just as described, included all advertised "extras" and I believe I even paid a few dollars less than your linked one. Only minor negatives I can say is it took over a week to reach me (but in all fairness it shipped clear across US) and I'm not sure if they are an Arizer "authorized dealer" - whatever the hell that corporate speak is supposed to actually imply. Apparently, rumor has it, if you are unlucky enough to have purchased a defective Arizer product from someone they consider an "unauthorized dealer" you may .... or may not ..... be covered under the Arizer factory warranty.
Basically, - My experience is that I purchased my EQ off ebay, from a decent/good seller, at a good price and have no reason not give them my recommendation when due ........ It's just that apparently the manufacturer has a really puzzling and screwy distribution practice/philosophy.
To be fair, although I have seen this warranty issue discussed here (and now also on the Solo thread) more than a few times - To the best of my knowledge, Arizer's web site does not mention this policy and more importantly, does not have an "approved" or "authorized dealers" list posted that I can easily find. I would imagine that even if you should buy from a seller claiming "authorized dealer" status, your really just taking that dealers word for it as there's no way to quickly check short of going through the hassle of emailing Arizer, asking and waiting/hoping for a reply.
My second EQ (which I purchased for a friend about a month ago) also came from ebay, just a different seller as I didn't want to wait a week to receive it and I found an equally qualified yet much closer seller for even a few dollars less. I purchased both EQ's the same way I purchase anything else from ebay - Look for the best price (including shipping) but from only those sellers that have a stellar recent/current track record with at least 98%+ positive long term feedback AND have a very good return policy spelled out clearly. This way if there's an issue, you can simply just return it and quickly get a replacement. Come to think of it - I don't even remember hearing about many (if any) people that have had any actual (legitimate and non user error) problems with their new EQ with the exception of the occasional broken glass accessories report.
Can any FC'rs either confirm or deny (via personal/official contact with Arizer) this alleged and peculiar warranty stance concerning dealers? If it's true, then it brings many thoughts to mind and none of them reflect positively upon Arizer. Initial thought would be that holding your very customers "hostage" in order to attempt some type of punishment upon dealers who dare deviate from manufacturer suggested pricing hardly seems like a good, viable, long term business decision.
I know that many product manufacturers sell the same product as both "name brand" and "generic" with differing pricing as well as warranty BUT virtually all use obviously differing names/packaging to create a clear distinction for customers. This allows them to sell product at discount yet cause little confusion or hard feelings from their customers. Some electronics companies also have US market and "grey market" pricing (although usually related to import tarrifs) as well, also with vastly differing warranty claims/rights - But again these products are labeled such allowing the customer to make educated choices - It's not just a guess and a crap shoot.
Even yet ..... There's also the issue of "seconds" which are usually products just barely failing factory quality control for some (usually minor) issue. Most manufacturers won't even admit doing this type of business but many do with clothing manufactures being the most common. These products are mostly sold "unlabeled/unbranded" with very minimal if any warranty at a huge discount to wholesalers who largely deal in the "secondary" retail market like discount stores, flea markets and yes - eBay etc.
Generally, it's always good, basic, common sense business policy to deal with any distribution issues or problem wholesalers/vendors privately and well away from your end customers. To actually knowingly and willingly involve your end customers in such matters is just plain odd. Even if Arizer does insist upon such silly requirements for warranty coverage - The absolute minimal and basic attempt at customer service would dictate that they should at least have an easily accessible public webpage clearly listing all these seemingly mysterious, "approved authorized dealers".
The EQ is simply a really great vape btw and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another off ebay should my current one ever get kidnapped by vapor indulging aliens.
Best advice I could possibly offer is that if your like 99% of us out there - money is ever increasingly tight these days with many smiling insatiable vultures more than willing to try and "trick or trap" it away from you, so spend it very wisely, enlightened and with just prudence.
. Much more vapor then before I replaced the cover. 
) 
