Please Read Before Ordering From Hookahstore.Com

[Woodsytheowl]

This will probably explain why they are a banned vendor.

Let me preface this by saying that I have become fanatical about hookah glass over the last couple years. I have owned several bohemians and have always appreciated them for their consistent quality. As a lot of you probably know, glass from bohemia works is incredibly rare. Hookah Company used to sell them last year but now only have the smaller sizes left. So, when I heard hookahstore had a line of hookahs with these vases, I was pretty excited to see some fairly unique vases. Unfortunately, the prices were set at $300 a hookah, making the value of the vase at least $150. Knowing the quality of the vases and the long-term investment of a bohemian, I decided I would pick up the Syrian style vase I had always wanted. Originally, hookahstore sent me the incorrect vase but exchanged it without a hassle. I feel like I should mention that talking with Alvin almost feels like walking on eggshells. You almost feel like you have to give him false sincerity so he will act like how a retailer is supposed to act. His temperamental mood became very apparent in our final conversation. Anyway, after I finally received the correct vase, things were good until yesterday.

It is important to point out that I rarely used the Syrian in comparison to the Egyptian hookahs I have. I guess that’s what makes the fact that it shattered last night even more shocking. It happened sporadically yet quickly. As I was running warm water through it, I heard a “clink” sound and saw the damage in disbelief. This vase that I had spent over $100 on is now completely ruined. The question then becomes why would a vase shatter under such normal conditions? Was the water hot? No. Regardless, vases made by bohemia works are made with borosilicate glass. Essentially, the glass would not be temperamental to the heat anyway. Did the glass suffer from any physical damage? No. Like I had said before, I have owned many jars in the past and have always been careful not to bang them against hard surfaces. Now, while the first point should be understood, the second point may be held under speculation to a retailer. Simply put, the value of the second point would be dependent on the value hookahstore places on trust for their customers. The question then becomes, what did cause the vase to shatter? The only reasonable inference would be that the vase suffered from an imperfection. The particular style of the vase flares out on the edges where the glass is fairly thin and, seeing where the crack started, rules out any possibility of user damage. The fault then comes from the actual build of the vase. Unfortunately, my conversation with Alvin last night showed exactly where they stand as a business.

When I called hookahstore, Alvin and I had about a twenty-minute conversation. When I brought up what happened and the explanations above, the conversation was incredibly unpleasant. If any of this sounds fabricated, know that I have no reason to be untruthful about this experience. I would like to think I am reasonably fair and honest. After I had explained everything to Alvin, he told me that in order to make money as a business, you have prioritized the interest of the business. While this is reasonable, I interjected the importance of customer satisfaction. Alvin literally said, and I quote, [b]“This is your problem, not our problem.”[/b] As a customer, how do you react to that? The worst part about being treated in this manner was the fact that they had made their money and did not care about me at all. Sure, I was offered discounts for future purchases from hookahstore, but that would further support their business practices. Why would offering to take more of my money be a resolution to such a dispute? I figured, and as I told Alvin, that returning the vase and taking a refund for the wholesale cost of the vase would be fair. The saddening part was his response was to further push a sale by offering a 30% discount (same discount they offered last week). I never write vendor reviews but the way in which I was treated has motivated me to write one. I know it’s lengthy but I hope people are now more aware of hookahstore’s business ethics.

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[IainUM]

that's really shitty of them, man. sorry to hear you got jipped on that. i figured i probably shouldnt order from vendors that are banned, but this just reinforces why some of them should be banned

[Cp44]

thats horrible man, I would of flipped out on him

[Dimeouflage]

Sounds like you handled yourself alot better then I would have. Thanks for the heads up on them.

[Epoch]

Shame. It looks like it was once a lovely vase that would make me jealous.

[mushrat]

Sorry man, but you are screwed. Unless they have some polecy about manufacturing defects and you'll still have to prove that. We Don't ban Vendors for shits and giggles....