Consumer Issues

Can you really get ***FREE*** ecigs?

A little research goes a long way to protecting you and your cash, please be a smart consumer and don't get burned with an electronic cigarette scam.

The following companies have been reported as ones to watch out for ... buyer beware:

Before buying from a particular seller it's worth doing a quick search on the internet with the trader's name and the word 'scam' or 'complaint'. You can also do a search at a consumer affairs website.

These traders have been accredited by the US Better Business Bureau (April 2011):

http://e-cigarettesshop.com/
http://www.electroniccigarettesonline.net/
http://www.wildfireelectroniccigarettes.com/
http://www.volcanoecigs.com/
http://www.electroniccigarettes.com/

Probably the best way to find a reputable supplier is to ask enthusiasts on an independent internet forum. They will also be able to support you with advice on techniques and maintenance.

Claims that ecigs are smoke cessation products

There is much anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of ecigs but not much clinical proof yet. The health industry claims that all quit smoking products must be regulated as medicines which are subject to heavy regulation. Traders making cessation claims are usually illegally making medical claims and classing ecigs as unlicensed medical products.

Please do not buy electronic cigarettes from traders who claim they are quit products (even if you know they can help people quit - it's the marketing claims that matter to regulators).

Claims of government agency approval (FDA, World Health Organisation, etc.)

In regions which haven't banned ecigs they are commercial products just like any other. No endorsements from government departments have been given to e-cigs.

“Free Trial” and subscription offers

Consumers who tried to take advantage of “free” Internet offers for smokeless cigarettes say they were burned by unexpected charges that totaled $100 or more, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns.

Hundreds of Consumers Complain about "Smokeless" Cigarette Offer (2011)

The BBB offers the following advice for consumers who are considering taking advantage of free or low-cost trial offers for smokeless cigarettes or other products:

Health and safety claims

There is no clinical evidence that vapour is either safe or harmful (nothing is 100% safe). They have been widely available since 2004 and no serious adverse reactions have been linked to them but traders may not make health claims without evidence.

High price

You should be able to get started with less than around US$70 unless you live in a country where imports are difficult. Almost all standard eicgs are made by a few companies in China but rebranding and marketing add to the costs. You could pay $100 for a product available elsewhere from a reputable trader for $30.

Overblown claims about battery and cartridge life

Don't fall for overblown cartridge claims
Very often retailers claim that one electronic cigarette cartridge equals 20 or more tobacco cigarettes. This is simply not true. Because every smoker is different, how long a cartridge lasts varies, as well. Additionally, electronic cigarette owners find that, unlike stopping to smoke a full cigarette 20-30 times a day, electronic cigarette usage tends to be more even and continual throughout the day. This makes it nearly impossible to compare the number of cigarettes smoked to an electronic cigarette cartridge.
However, based on anecdotal reports, one cartridge is more akin to 3-8 cigarettes, not a full pack. Some higher quality, "cartomizer" style cartridges may last a whole day for the average user. Most experienced owners upgrade to the cartomizer styles or the refillable cartridges that are used with more affordable, higher-quality refill liquids.

Kristin Noll-Marsh

Ecig forum discussion about scams can be found at e-Smokers-forum.com