In addition to the numerous comments our review of Eco Canteen received, as well as on the youtube video page, I’ve received many emails directly telling me of less than pleasant experiences with the people who sell ecocanteen. People have also voiced concern over what they feel are excessive shipping and handling expenses.
Since I have not had personal experience I will not render a judgement on that aspect of the customer experience, as that would be unfair. I cannot verify the statements in the comments to be fact. Similarly, I cannot repudiate these experiences. But, I can recommend that you take them into consideration in your own way, using them as you would in other similar situations.
On the issue of price, I am at fault for claiming that this product is cheaper to the consumer, it is my understanding now that the total cost (product plus shipping and handling) is roughly 18-20. This represents a price in line with klean kanteen, but more than no name store brands. As it stands today, the ecocanteen is not a “bargain.” When I upgrade to my next series of criteria and rescore all my reviews I will likely reduce ecocanteen one gear (the price one). I do this with all products at the same time but wanted to indicate here sooner as this page sees more hits.
Also, as a general statement to the producer and consumer of this product. This product is a “green” product being sold through the “as seen on TV” or “direct response” ethos. This means that in the “as seen on TV” world rules, expectations, and pricing is different. In that set of rules it is okay to make money off of shipping because that is just what happens.
To the “green” consumer, authenticity, and communicated practices are highly important.The two are not in concert. If ecocanteen wants to have “green cred” they’ll need to accommodate, in some ways, the expectations of this culture… Similarly, green consumers will have to be more attune to buying products in unfamiliar marketplaces (TV).
Thanks for visiting Green Gear and go check out my other reviews… they’re good!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
That is good information to know. I currently own a Klean Kanteen and have been satisified with it’s durability and the price I bought it for. It a shame that another group of people are taking advantage of using the word “green” to make a bigger profit on their products.
Has anyone used the GoBe? It’s a solar charged battery. If anyone has used let me know. Interested in a review…I’ve seen it at wired.com and wattme.com???
I made the mistake of buying one eco canteen, actually I was in the process of submitting my order and changed my mind because of all the extras they kept on adding and how annoying the experience was. I had put my credit card info and was reviewing the order when I decided to cancel, but there was no option to cancel. Once you put your credit card info, you are hooked. I ended up paying over $20 for a product that was advertised as $9.99. I definitely DO NOT recommend this product. The canteen is not as good as Klean Kanteen and the clip that comes with it to allow you to hook the bottle to a backpack or other things, is of very poor quality.
This aggressive marketing technique they use for me is shameful and defeat the whole purpose of doing things the right way ( going green is the right way, but the folks at Eco Canteen do not do the right away). I will never do business with them ever again.
Is the Ecocanteen made in China?
Wally
Hello,
This is EcoCanteen Customer Service. We have read this blog and have noted that there are some frustrations, particularly with the order process and the pricing. To better clear this up, we want to address these points.
The web platform and order process that EcoCanteen uses is identical to almost every Infomercial or Direct Response TV (DRTV) product advertised. There are three major companies in the United States that design, build and maintain websites for most of these companies. We use the largest of these firms to design and host Ecocanteen.com.. DRTV websites, like Ecocanteen.com, commonly have a simple landing page that shows the commercial, gives details about the product advertised, displays all pricing and shipping/handling costs, and has an order form. Once customers complete their purchase by clicking the “Process Order” button at the bottom of EcoCanteen.com, they are taken to a series of other product pages where they can add additional items to their order. After several pages, which all display the pricing and shipping/handling, the customer sees their receipt page.
Our prices are clearly stated on the home page of http://www.ecocanteen.com. The EcoCanteen is $9.99 plus $5.95 shipping/handling and comes with a bonus insulated tote plus the shipping of $4.95. All together one adult bottle with an insulated tote comes to $20.89, which is less than Klean Kanteen and other competitors we’ve price checked, and their prices do not include a tote. Customers are also asked if they would like to upgrade to a deluxe model that has a stainless steel lid and lifetime guarantee for an additional $7.95 each. The Kid’s EcoCanteen is $8.95 plus $4.95 shipping/handling and $4.95 shipping/handling for the tote. Never Spill Pull Tops (sports lids) are $4.95 and have no Shipping and Handling. And there is also an offer for rush shipment which is a flat rate of $7.84 in addition to the regular Shipping and Handling.
If you would like to contact EcoCanteen with a question, comment, or for help with a Customer Service issue we encourage you to visit us at http://www.ecocanteencustomerservice.com. The site offers FAQs and our Customer Service phone number.
Thank You,
The EcoCanteen Customer Service Team