Sometimes an importer asks me what the “hot products” are at the moment.
Well, one really obvious response is electronic cigarettes. New factories making e-cigarettes pop up every month in Shenzhen.
Several people already asked me how to check this product. So here is a generic checklist that we use:
| General Inspection | Look for scratches, dirt and marks on the item. Look for loose or missing parts, sharp protrusions, cracks, dents. Check basic function. | Count every defect in the defect list |
| Item Weight | Check weight of item. | Conforms to specs |
| Function Test | Use item as normally intended. Check all functions and features in the manual. | Functions as intended |
| Extended Function Check | Run item for 4 hours. | Functions as intended |
| Rub Test | Rub the markings and the logo 20 times, with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol (if no alcohol is available, use oxygen water and mention it in the findings). | The markings should stay the same. |
| Coating Adhesion | Apply and remove 3M tape to paint, coatings and logos. Check for damage. | No damage or discoloration. |
| Assembly Check | Assemble per instructions. | Easy to assemble, no missing pieces |
| Smell Test | Check for unusual odor while item is on and after it is turned off. | No unusual odor |
| Battery Check | Check battery fitness, marking and rating voltage. Check production date and expiration date. | Conforms to specs |
| Battery Charge | Use fully depleted battery and charge. Insert battery into item to test. Run until battery is fully drained. Record time. | Fully charged, item functions. |
| Stop Test | Use item and then stop. | Function stops right away |
| Accessories Check | Connect any accessories that are compatible with item and check their function (PCC, USB charger, etc). | Functions as intended |
| Fatigue Test | Connect and disconnect charger, cartridge and other adjustable parts 50 times. | No loss of function |
| PCC Check | Ensure good fit of cigarettes in case. | Good fit, case operates well |
| Atomizer / Cartomizer Replacement Check | Remove piece and put in replacement. Check function. | Functions as intended |
Do you see any other relevant checkpoints?
Battery endurance test and recharge from empty battery for example, as you know the batteries quality is puzzling. Some batteries do not recharge from completely depleted…
Yes, a battery drain test is a good idea. But it is more appropriate if we take the batteries off site. This test can take a long time!
Thanks for sharing this information, you should definitely check for all these things when buying electronic cigarettes from China.
Thanks Ambrose.
Quality of the battery really matters, i have heard about some cases where it exploded in the hand or mouth of the user.
Really? Exploded? Ouch!
Inspection of e cigarette means to check its quality, battery power, tobacco level in it etc. So all e cigarette vendors needs to be very careful in these measure of quality.