

E-cigs have exploded into what is expected to be a $1.5 billion market this year. As the healthier alternative for cigarette smokers, Bloomberg Industries projects e-cig sales to surpass traditional tobacco sales by 2023. As of a year and a half ago there were 450 e-cig manufacturers, most of them mom and pop operations. Today, there are a few hundred left, most of them operating as small businesses. As the market continues to boom, it is important to know which brands to stay away from.

Smoke Everywhere

With its poor performance, it’s amazing this brand has gained the exceptional exposure and proliferation that it has in the market. This non-refundable, unreliable, overpriced and poorly designed brand is the worst being sold on the internet. Smoke51

Owned by Smoke Everywhere, it is no wonder why this product is second on our list. Popular for their various e-scams, consider yourself warned. Their free trial, only for the cost of shipping, will eventually ring up a credit card bill of $89.95, with a recurring $29.95 monthly refill charge. But wait, there’s more… Try contacting their customer service line, and you’re in for the world’s longest wait period only to find you not only are unable to cancel the billing, but that you’ll have to cancel your credit card as well. Enjoy! Direct E-Cig

You guessed it, Direct E-Cig is yet another con artist posing as a legitimate e-cig company. Their free offer will cost you a $110 charge two weeks after your initial free order. Try calling their customer service, and you’ll be directed to their Terms and Conditions hidden at the bottom of the free trail page. Believe it or not, their actual product isn’t bad, it’s just old. E-cigs today have the atomizer built in whereas Direct E-Cig’s product comes in an outdated three-part design. Knight Sticks

This scam is as slimy as the back of the Fonz’s neck. Their free trial will inevitably cost you $120.00 just for the starter kit. On top of that, you won’t be able to cancel the $60.00 per month for refills. The only thing you’ll be canceling is your credit card. No refunds, just a lot of unhappy “customers.” Prado E-Cigarette

Just Google this company and see what pops up. Tell you what, I’ll save you the trouble, it’s a bunch of pissed off reviews. Lots of faulty components and diminishing vapor. Prado cartridges have a vapor life lasting 2-3 hours. Not exactly the smoking device you’d want for a night on the town. Plus, read the fine print on their site, and you’ll find you must contact them within 14 days of your purchase to cancel any further orders to avoid a $150 charge. And that’s their trial offer. LUX E-Cig

It’s bulky and leaky. Ever had e-cig oils on your lips? Not exactly a luxurious sensation. The vapor is weak and doesn’t allow for a smoke-like drag. The “FREE” trial is initially $4.95 (aka not free), and afterwards will eventually cost you $99.67 for the original kit. And after that, $69.68 will be deducted within a few weeks. The best part, the only thing you can cancel, is your credit card. I know I’m sold. Elektro Cig

Talk about a bad reputation. Elektro Cig not only has the run-of-the-mill late shipments and unauthorized charges, but they like to turn profits by frequently releasing new cartridge models that don’t fit older models. Keep in mind the e-cig business has only been popular for about 5 years. Other perks include a short battery life, and a nonexistent customer service. It’s basically a number to a voicemail that never gets checked. Clean Smoke

There’s nothing clean about the smoke they sell. Clean Smoke advertises a free trail on Facebook for the minor price of your dignity plus shipping and handling. Why your dignity you ask? Because before your package is even delivered, your card is hit with a $128 charge for a SmileKit. You essentially feel robbed of $128 and get a smile for a receipt. Smoke Assist / Smoke Assassin

Though they use both names, the latter title is far more fitting. These guys are known for fraudulent marketing strategies and a questionable privacy policy. Customer service is a third-party vendor, so, let me just wish you good luck when trying to cancel your unauthorized $80.00 to $160.00 reoccurring charge. Smoker’s Savior

You’re safe! Oh wait, disregard that previous statement. Their laundry list includes, late shipping, third party customer service, unauthorized auto-billing, no refunds, a few minutes of battery life, faulty parts, and leaky cartridges. The Enron of E-cigs…Your welcome Smoker’s Savior, probably just gave you the best piece of pub to date.

Do your research folks. Read reviews, visit forums, and be thorough on websites where you purchase items with your credit card. Select the entire page to avoid hidden agreements in shrunken text. Give their customer service the smell test. Most importantly, if you have a bad experience with a company or a website, let yourself be heard. Exposure helps us all avoid bad experiences.