Brick and Mortar Preferences

[CareBear3030]

Just wondering if you all have a preference for type of brick and mortar shop you all visit. Are you all exclusive to online purchases or do you enjoy visiting your local vape shop?

We dont have many here in Charleston... but of the couple we have one that is very commercial. It is walk in fast paced, come to counter what you need kinda place. They are always busy. They have limited pre mixed juice....they do have tastes if you ask... but seem more focused on hardware.

Then another store... they are busy... but not quite as first.... they do custom juices, has couches, wifi, very friendly staff (not that the staff in the store was not friendly), has big table in middle with sample tastes. Its more of a chill place than strictly retail... does that make sense?

what do you prefer???? I personally like the chill place. Not only the staff, but even the customers all interact and we even sometimes will make an afternoon of going to find a new flavor.

 

[GreenDragon5]

I have done both. Being in the military, I have been in a lot of places that do not have brick and mortar stores. I really liked going to the Vapure store in San Diego, and a couple of others that I can't quite remember the names of right now, but ihave found most of the gear ilike to be cheaper online. I have also found a lot of e-liquid to be cheaper online. the disadvantage there is that you can't try out a bunch of stuff before you buy.

 

[Hittman2780]

I do both online and B&M..
I travel for work and stop in tons of vapor shops. And I've seen both types plus the types that only care house juice and basic starter kits.
The ones I spend the most money at are the ones I can chill taste what they have and also carry TOP SHELF brands.
And yeah your right Charleston doesn't have much to choose from.

 

[DetraMental]

I don't have any B&M stores near me so I go online for my purchases. It's one of the reasons I got into DIY'ing because ordering online for juices can be a hit and miss and it was confusing to me at first. If it weren't for all the reviews here on ECF I wouldn't know where to order a decent juice. I am now trying some from MtVaporBaker and am awaiting a sampler from AliceinVapeland. I am pleasantly surprised with what I have gotten so far. I like the idea of a "chill place" to try out different juices and meet others who vape.

 

[Grimstone]

I go to Silverstar Vapors out of Hillsboro here in Oregon. Very chill place. The guys who work there are very nice and easy to talk to. They're a relatively new shop but they're becoming more and more busy. Make their own juices and have sold me all my gear thus far. I'd recommend them if you're in the area.

 

[cskent]

I try to buy locally whenever possible now that more vape shops are popping up in my area. I prefer the type of place that has knowledgeable staff that'll answer my questions without trying to rush you outathere, a juice bar, and a good selection of hardware to choose from. I've been to about a half dozen shops in several cities, and overall the B & M prices are a bit higher, but in return you get to play with the stuff before purchasing anything, you're supporting a local business, and you get to actually meet and interact with others who have the same interests.

Unless you're buying tons of stuff, the slightly higher cost of buying locally is usually offset by not having to pay shipping. When I do need to place a large order, such as my yearly supply of nic base, carto's, or atty's, I'll order online from trusted vendors I've been purchasing from for several years.

 

[Lewtz]

I was down in Charleston last weekend, and yes... not impressed with the stores. I live in Greenville and we have a couple good ones.

 

[meanckz]

I do both online and B&M and when at the B&M, I prefer a relaxed atmosphere, where I can chat up other vapers and proprietors.
I really would like some of them to stay open longer tho (more like cafes).
No matter which B&M I go to I generally purchase something (always around $ 15 or more).

 

[meanckz]

I was down in Charleston last weekend, and yes... not impressed with the stores. I live in Greenville and we have a couple good ones.

me too....which do you like?

 

[Jenn Perry]

I have bought both web and B n M. we have 3 local shops in the Eugene Oregon area one is snobbish can't stand my usual hang out is awesome they have a lounge area...can try juices...great customer service...I haven't been to the 3rd yet was thinking of checking it out tomorrow. I have a hard time buying juices online ones I have thus far some I liked others not so much and I just don't have the $$ to waste so for me on juices I really prefer to buy what I can taste first. Mods and the toys yeah nice to get at the store but can find cheaper online so I lean that way.

 

[Bunnykiller]

for major purchases online, prices are too good. The B&M for actually seeing, holding, and testing new flavors. Altho B&M prices are out of my budget... just cant see spending a buck a ml for juice... or 2-3 times the price for the same item from fasttech. I even read on ECF that a B&M was charging 4$ a foot for 2mm silica, 3$ a foot for 30ga Kanthal.

 

[HumbleTex]

I've never purchased from a B&M store. I found a couple of guys reasonably local to me, they hadn't opened a B&M store yet, and bought from them once. Liked the guys and wanted to support them but I figured for every dollar I spent it'd cost me a 1.30 to a 1.40 to do business with them ignoring sales tax.

TBH, it sucked because I like to support local businesses as much as I can but I can't spend 30-40% more to do it. 10-15% yes .. 30-40% no.

 

[chief63]

A B&M just opened by my house. Their RY4 is awesome and priced better than many online favorites. Gear is more expensive but I'll pay a "little" extra for to support a local shop. Hope they make it.

 

[JenLK]

Closest thing to brick and mortar stores here is 7-11, and they only sell disposable junk and Blu. For the same price ($35) as the Blu kit I got an eGo passthrough kit from a friend who does not specialize at all in e-cigs - his shop is dedicated to skateboards and motor scooters but he also stocks completely random items like sleds, homemade soaps, and fishing poles. I just happened to get lucky when it became necessary to quit smoking due to reduced financial circumstances.

 

[Spazmelda]

We are lucky in that we've had quite a few pop up in the last year and a half here. Prices are reasonable IMO.

I like to go to shops where I feel comfortable to stand around (or sit around) and chat for a while. I like it when the people running the shop actually know what they are talking about. Thankfully, most of the shops here have experienced and knowledgable employees.

 

[GaG8tor]

I go to Dixie's Vapor Shop in Kennesaw, Ga. It's a relaxed environment and a cool place to chill. They have tasters and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. One of the owners is usually in there most of the time as well. I don't mind paying a little more to support local business.I get instant gratification plus I always have somewhere to go with questions or concerns.

 

[Stosh]

A B&M popped up near me, FINALLY!! I thought I would never see one. Their stock is limited, but they do carry the MVP and VTR at reasonable prices, along with the eGo and a variety of juice. (I DIY don't know the prices)

I loved being able to see and touch vaping items before buying, it was fun. They had a tasting bar with clearos setup with all their flavors ready to go, and sanitary tip covers for each vaper to use.

I was disappointed that they only carried bottom coil devices....but did have a very nice discussion with the owner, who was very knowledgeable about vaping, (he was using a DNA20 himself). I spoke with him about top or bottom coils, wicking, modding, tweaking new items, coiling, etc....it was a blast!!! I would purchase from this store when I need something, and even more so as they expand their inventory. The WallMart Superstores of vaping seem to still be in the future, but a good mom & pop store with knowledgeable staff is wonderful to experience. I would support them.

 

[serenity21899]

Several new vape shops have opened in my area recently, so I tend to purchase more from them. But for really specific stuff, like ProVari or IBTanked, I have to purchase online.