Today Smoke Signals lost a long time customer. I've been coming here since they had the other…read morelocation, how ever many years ago this was. I've always believed in supporting local businesses, and was proud to call SS home. This ended tonight.
A couple weeks ago I purchased a replacement atomizer for my Cloud Pen. The manufacturer was running a sale at half price, but I again believe in keeping my business local. I paid the $10 for the atomizer, and even did some card magic for the employee's here. I went home and popped in the new atomizer, only to find it didn't work. No big deal, I said to myself. I'll just head down there when I can and get a replacement.
Well, tonight was the night and I went in there fully expecting them to replace the broken atomizer they sold me. The very condescending worker told me they don't give refunds. I said I didn't want a refund, I just wanted a replacement. He said, "yeah, this is normal with a lot of the vape stuff" and then pointed to the sign stating "all sales are final". I couldn't believe my ears. I literally said to him, "ok, so you guys sold me something that doesn't work, and I'm here pleasantly asking for one that does work, and you're telling me you aren't going to replace this? You realize that after I leave here you guys are losing a weekly customer, right? For good, I'll loterally never step foot in the building again?"
He says, "yeah I totally understand man, sorry about that. I can sell you another one if you want (all smiles. As if he enjoyed this). And then I turn around and exit this shop for the last time. I understand why there's a need to make all sales final, given the nature of the product, but in this case I'm showing a completely unused $10 atomizer, that I can literally show not working. In addition, it's not like I'm a random customer who hasn't spent thousands in that store.
I helped the owner of this business, Sue, and her brother with snowboarding equipment many years ago. If she had come back with an unused binding that she couldn't use because it was broken, what do you think I would've done? She would've left with working equipment.
Guys, take your business elsewhere. It should be illegal to sell broken merchandise. There are other shops opening up nearly every month. A shop that is in the practice of selling broken replacement parts is not one that warrants our business. Portsmouth Smoke and Vape will be more than happy to have my business from this day forth.
Signed,
a multi-decade, former customer
