Counterfeit Vaping Gear ruins the industry

Clone versus counterfeit vaping gear has become a trending topic in vaping circles as the proliferation and diversity of vape gear intensifies. These days, it seems, the release of a mod or some other equipment heralds a barrage of upcoming wannabe gadgets that are either very good imitations or supremely bogus gadgets.

Whatever it is, counterfeiting is a scourge that is alarmingly entrenching itself into the electronic cigarette industry, and to a good chunk, cause for worry.

The way we see it, different markets exist that satisfy the demand for these products:

1. There are some who contend with the counterfeits for personal reasons (availability, price and what-not) – the frugal market.
2. There are the hybrids who never give a hoot and would fancy authentic but don’t mind the counterfeits either – the purists.
3. Then there are those who call a fake fork what they think it plainly is: a fake fork – the elitist market.

Which vaper are you?

Clones vs. Counterfeit Vaping Gear

Wait, aren’t clones the same as counterfeits? Many would tend to believe so, but the lines of distinction are as clear as day.

Clones are products that look similar to the real deal. However, there will be some differences if you care to look closely.

Counterfeits, on the other hand, are products or marketing campaigns that try to sell the same as the real thing while in the real sense, they are not. In other words, counterfeits try to pose as the originals, and little is done to convince you otherwise: they could use similar packaging, include certain markings associated with the genuine thing and so on.

Counterfeit Vaping Gear can be hard to spot, and this comes at a price for both company and consumer. Thanks to you guessed who – China.

Cost to the Industry

What comes to mind first thing when thinking about cost of counterfeits to the industry is profit margins. Counterfeits have eaten into the bottomline of many a business, and vaping is no different. Genuine products come at a cost, and not everyone is comfortable forking out the kind of money and will settle for a replica when it comes out. This is what’s happening and you can imagine the industry isn’t cracking a smile.

As a consequence of the above, innovation by the brands we know and trust has been stifled simply because not enough revenue is coming in, and thus no point in committing more resources to R&D.

As much as companies can’t regulate what’s going on sale in terms of counterfeit gear replicating their products, some of those counterfeits are very low quality and make for a negative lasting impression when consumers are left with the view that the supposed company is behind what substandard product they had purchased.

Cost to the Consumer

One of the biggest downsides of counterfeits to consumers is access to low quality products and gear. For those looking to quit smoking for vaping, these bad first experiences can mean make or break. You probably heard someone say they had a negative experience with e cigarettes when they tried them. That’s because they went for low quality e-liquid (ass juice) most likely made in China.

Health is another cost to the consumer and you can look at it in either of two ways: there are the health problems that come with prolonged smoking when the would-be vaper refuses to give up smoking for a bad vaping experience due to poor gear and low quality juice. And there are the potential negative health impacts that could arise from use of poor quality e liquids you have no idea what went into their manufacture.

Much as you hate them, counterfeits will always be there. But what do you, the vaper, think of counterfeit vaping gear? We would love to know!