Yes on average the pens should work first time every time. But like all things there are a few things that can happen to stop the pen working. If you write quite hard then the surface of what you are writing/drawing on can lift off small particles that can end up inside the pen and gum up the ball inside.

If you tap the pen lightly, make sure any previous residue is removed and write in a circular style, keep doing this but also change the surface that you are using, it's a bit like a Biro that won't work but suddenly will on a different piece of paper, don't ask me why it just does. 90% of the pens that we get back are sent back as working and not faulty. I have one here that I am going to show Sakura this week that we have managed to start again but it just won't get going fully and I want to find out why. Also holding the nib at 90 degrees to the surface also helps as the ball bearing is then being depressed fully and will get maximum flow.

If we get any updates on this I will let you know, if you are not happy with what you have then take/send them back to where you bought them from, we will replace any faulty items to our retailers and wholesalers.

Craig