Best way to convince an analog smoker to convert?

[Zachs23]

Hello everyone, I wanted to introduce myself, and discuss converting analog smokers.

First, a little bit about my brief history vaping. I had a somewhat different introduction than most. I was not a "cigarette smoker" per se, but would smoke cigars with some regularity, and felt myself slowly drifting into cigarettes (about a pack a week by the time I quit). I will also smoke a pipe or use snus on occasion. Before falling completely into cigarettes, I saw ads for the Blu e-cig and ordered it. I wasn't blown away, but I didn't know any better, so I stuck with it until I found this forum. After reading about others' experiences, I decided to order a Volt kit, which I am completely in love with. Thankfully, my Blu was still in the 30 day return window, so I got a full refund (and to Blu's credit, their customer service was fantastic, and I had no problems with the return). Thanks largely to the Volt, I have been tobacco free for a few months now.

My brother, who is a moderate smoker (1 pack per day), saw my Volt for the first time last night. He seemed intrigued (though he did have a few drinks ), and was surprised by the strength of the flavor. However, I know he is not really the experimental type. I know "experimentation" and "vaping" almost go hand in hand, but if there was an approach that could convince him to switch, I would really feel like I am doing a great thing to help prolong his life and wellness. I know I will have to go slow, and cautiously introduce it to him, but I think (and hope) I can get it done.

I was wondering if any fellow vapers had experiences trying to convince family members to switch(successfully or not). For those that it worked, what did you say or do that had the best impact? For those that may have not had success, how did you go about it that you might change for the future?

Thanks for any responses. From what I have read so far, this does seem like the friendliest place on the internet, and I hope to be a part of it going forward!

 

[Killjoy1]

Well, if he's not very "experimental" on his own, don't push him too hard. Just let him see you vaping and how you enjoy it, answer any questions he has and if he is inclined he'll approach you when he's ready ;-) Forcing the issue can turn some people off, it's not worth "converting" somebody in that sense and usually doesn't work, so without knowing your brother all I can say is have patience and give him any info he asks for

A Xmas present of a decent starter kit isn't a bad idea, either. Nothing too pricey, just something he can play with and get a feel for. That's how I finally made the plunge. My little brother gave me an e-cig for Xmas last year. While it was a cheapo kit I still managed to see the potential and it prompted me to look into the issue a little more

 

[QusieQ]

Ditto Killjoy1's response

 

[RedZone]

Welcome Zachs23!

There are hundreds of testimonials here for reference, for starters.
Many are from 2+ pack a day smokers, that had "Never" successfully quit before they started vaping.

The big question for your brother is "Do you want to quit?" If an analog smoker doesn't want to quit, nothing is going to convince them otherwise.

If "Yes", then your example, can get him going. eCigs have come a long way since I switched in 2008! Longer battery life, better juice delivery systems. Just a better vaping experience overall, with much less hassle. I've seen so many people either quit analogs completely, or reduce their daily intake... But, it all comes back to the individual, and the question "Do you really want to quit"...

If your Brother and you spend a lot of time together, you have the vaping in numbers going for you!

Hope you can convince him, convince himself, that he should quit!

 

[RedZone]

Welcome Zachs23!

There are hundreds of testimonials here for reference, for starters.
Many are from 2+ pack a day smokers, that had "Never" successfully quit before they started vaping.

The big question for your brother is "Do you want to quit?" If an analog smoker doesn't want to quit, nothing is going to convince them otherwise.

If "Yes", then your example, can get him going. eCigs have come a long way since I switched in 2008! Longer battery life, better juice delivery systems. Just a better vaping experience overall, with much less hassle. I've seen so many people either quit analogs completely, or reduce their daily intake... But, it all comes back to the individual, and the question "Do you really want to quit"...

If your Brother and you spend a lot of time together, you have the vaping in numbers going for you!

Hope you can convince him, convince himself, that he should quit!

 

[bnrkwest]

Welcome! Yes I agree a kit or a batt and USB charger and pack of cartos for Xmas gift would be super. Then if he doesn't like it you can use it! ha ha That is what I did for my step daughter, I got her a Volt kit and if she does not like it I can use it with my 808 supplies Worth a try! bnrk

 

[CCC]

I believe that if it is not his idea to make the change he won't. A new vaper needs support from an experienced vaper or a forum site like this one. You can't just give him an e-cig and expect him to convert overnight. If he decides he is ready to quit analogs and you direct him to the right places and really be there for him, he is likely to give it a good go. Good luck to you and your brother.

 

[Dougiestyle]

I recently converted my best friend, who I consider like my brother. He was a staunch nay-sayer towards my e-cig from day1. He was tolerant and observant of my cessation from analogs, but adamantly told me on many occaisions, "Man, I don't want a fake cigarette. I'm a smoker. This works just fine for me."

Well, a couple months ago his birthday came around. I supplied him with over $100 of supplies including different atties, cartos, juices, etc. To help him find his sweet spot. Included with the gear, I wrote him a letter offering my advice and support, willingness to answer any questions and expressing how much I care about him, but what's more important is his love for his daughter. I explained how much she wants her Daddy to be there when she graduates, goes to college, gets married, etc. She doesn't want to see her Daddy hooked up to an iron lung because he smoked himself into emphysema.

He was appreciative. He slowly transitioned to vaping. He hasn't had a cigarette in over a month. He recently told me, "Man, thanks for doing this for me. I never would have tried it if you hadn't written that note. Now, I'm addicted to vaping. I don't even want a cigarette as long as I've got my e-cig. Try to take it away from me and I'll kick your a..!"

I'm proud to have helped. I hope my little conversion story helps give you some ideas.

 

[Muramasa]

Hello everyone, I wanted to introduce myself, and discuss converting analog smokers.

First, a little bit about my brief history vaping. I had a somewhat different introduction than most. I was not a "cigarette smoker" per se, but would smoke cigars with some regularity, and felt myself slowly drifting into cigarettes (about a pack a week by the time I quit). I will also smoke a pipe or use snus on occasion. Before falling completely into cigarettes, I saw ads for the Blu e-cig and ordered it. I wasn't blown away, but I didn't know any better, so I stuck with it until I found this forum. After reading about others' experiences, I decided to order a Volt kit, which I am completely in love with. Thankfully, my Blu was still in the 30 day return window, so I got a full refund (and to Blu's credit, their customer service was fantastic, and I had no problems with the return). Thanks largely to the Volt, I have been tobacco free for a few months now.

My brother, who is a moderate smoker (1 pack per day), saw my Volt for the first time last night. He seemed intrigued (though he did have a few drinks ), and was surprised by the strength of the flavor. However, I know he is not really the experimental type. I know "experimentation" and "vaping" almost go hand in hand, but if there was an approach that could convince him to switch, I would really feel like I am doing a great thing to help prolong his life and wellness. I know I will have to go slow, and cautiously introduce it to him, but I think (and hope) I can get it done.

I was wondering if any fellow vapers had experiences trying to convince family members to switch(successfully or not). For those that it worked, what did you say or do that had the best impact? For those that may have not had success, how did you go about it that you might change for the future?

Thanks for any responses. From what I have read so far, this does seem like the friendliest place on the internet, and I hope to be a part of it going forward!

i have converted 6 people including 2 uncles and 2 colleagues n 2 acquaintances at a local pub.
Shared with them my personal experience with it and am free of tobacco for 2months being a 6paw (pks per week). in fact i try to see what they want. For my uncles, they are more health and wallet concious so i explain to them the benefits focusing on these two points.
For one of the colleagues, its also mainly health and wallet.
The other colleague is mainly for convenience and wallet so i explain to him focusing on the fact of no stinky clothes, no 2nd hand smoke harm, how he can vape in office and nobody notice the smell etc and economically of cuz.
The other 2 acquaintances, one was for just out of curiosity (red 1+pad) and wanted to try and the other is for convenience (lights 1pad).

So i guess the best way to convince someone to swp is to first understand what would make him swap. If its the flavors and the bling gadgets that would arouse his curiousity even more, go ahead and explain to him how many hundreds of flavors out there and possibly even tens of thousands of flavor combination etc. But still not forgetting to touch on how economical it is and health aspects. Most people would jump in just for the reason of saving money alone.

And i agree to all the above posters in regards to getting him as a gift. Thats the best way to get him started and what better idea during this festive season. The gift of health~

Good luck to you and ur bro, Happy holiday everyone (soon)
Vape on.

 

[Southern Cheesehead]

It may be worth while not to press the "smoking cessation" angle to much. Use "smoking alternative" (or some such). Let him know vaping doesn't mean he has to quit smoking. Obviously, that's what you'd like , but it also sets up a particular mindset with certain expectations in some people. If it's viewed as "smoking cessation" than any "lapse" to analogs may set up feelings of "failure". They fail enough, then they don't even want to try.

Sounds like he enjoyed the sample. Get him to try it and enjoy it without the pressure of quitting. Definitely point him down the right path, but let him decide how fast he wants to go. If he ends up going from a pack a day to 5-6, that's 14-15 cancer sticks he's not smoking ... still a win.

 

[Zachs23]

I appreciate all the quick replies!

He definitely wants to quit, because he does worry about his health. However, he has never tried any smoking cessation devices, so his desire to quit has been fleeting at best.

You all have great stories about the power of the PV to replace cigarettes. Ultimately, I think it will be a matter of using the PV as much as possible around him, letting him try the various flavors, and most importantly, not pressuring him to drop the cigarettes cold-turkey.

In terms of a potential Christmas gift package, what would you guys recommend? I know there are infinite equipment/e-liquid combos, but what did you all start off on? The volt is probably a good place to start (I know he will NOT go for the larger PVs at first), but what about juices? From what I've read, sometimes a tobacco flavor is a bad place to start, because it will never quite match what they are used to. I'm sure it all comes down to personal preference, but there must be some juices with less of a "learning-curve", so to speak.

What do you think?

 

[Muramasa]

if u want analog looking, volt would be the best one to start with looking at quality.
However, to make it hassle free, i still recommend a eGo or a Riva with minimum 650mah and must be 510 threading for future compatibility with parts if he decides to explore further which most would.
eGo or Riva 510 setup will last him a day or more so that he doesn't need to carry extra batteries or a PCC around. He would prolly need to bring extra cartridges in that case. lol. Also, the two mentioned are very easy to use for starters.
All being said, u know him best so u decide what to get for him.
And for juices, i think fruity flavors like green apple, juicy peach and grape would nvr go wrong. Some would get Vanilla flavor to try and match with cigars or in fact if u have juices at home, u could get him to try some just for fun but take note of which he likes during the process.

 

[juicejunky]

In terms of a potential Christmas gift package, what would you guys recommend? I know there are infinite equipment/e-liquid combos, but what did you all start off on? The volt is probably a good place to start (I know he will NOT go for the larger PVs at first), but what about juices? From what I've read, sometimes a tobacco flavor is a bad place to start, because it will never quite match what they are used to. I'm sure it all comes down to personal preference, but there must be some juices with less of a "learning-curve", so to speak.

What do you think?

I'd buy two bottles of ejuice - one tobacco at higher nic and one something like vanilla at lower/mid nic. That way he could mix them, get a taste for tobacco and a taste of dessert/sweet. If not vanilla anything sweet or fruity that can be mixed with a tobacco. You can't get him everything, he'll have to find his own sweet spot. A sampler set of flavors works two, many vendors sell them.

 

[dormouse]

Get him a $10 disposable

 

[Murdock Ruml]

Give them the facts andthen give them time.

 

[Off Topic]

In addition to the wonderful suggestions already listed: The best thing we can do to convert the smokers around us is to not fail. They are watching, waiting for this "fad" to blow itself out... and us to go back to analogs. Be the example we want them to see. They will come around. It's just a matter of time.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi Zachs23 and welcome to ECF. I've converted over 25 people with most of them being friends. Some took to it instantly while others didn't. I did not push it but I did buy starter kits for those that weren't open to it immediately. It wasn't too long afterwards that they actually admitted to enjoying vaping and are now 100% analog free. I've also heard of some spouses leaving their PV lying around to entice/ tease their loved one. I always had to remind myself not to expect too much too quickly and, as taught by the Vets here, to be patient. I also had to remind myself that total absolution, in the beginning, was unrealistic.
Good Luck and I think it's very touching in what you're attempting to do.
Vapoor.

 

[bigtiime]

I can tell you care about your brother very much. If possible, maybe it would help for the two of you to sit down at a computer and come to ECF. Talk about what you read here with him, answer his questions if he has any. Most are not aware of this "world" or that there is also a hobby side to it. It may spark his interest enough for him to want to give it a try. The above posters are correct. Don't push too hard and good luck to you!

 

[mlinky]

I am one of those people that the more someone pushes, the more I resist. I think giving him a Volt kit for being able to "smoke" where he can't actually smoke would be a good place to start. He may find it enjoyable enough that he discovers on his own that quitting is possible.

 

[Killjoy1]

In terms of a potential Christmas gift package, what would you guys recommend?

If you go this route, definitely get something that's "plug-and-play" like a Volt or an eGo and cartomizers. Stay away from anything that will require a lot of fiddling or maintenance. Juice-wise, anything you think he'd like, maybe like has been suggested already a tobacco flavor and a sweet flavor