Ever encountered an e-cig vender who was completely clueless...?

[szot]

I hear this a lot. Seems to be a need for knowledgeable shops with decent prices and good equipment and juice to sell. I wonder how much demand there would be in south Florida for an ecig store that wasn't a headshop tho.

There are plenty of vape shops in SW Florida that are NOT heads shops..in fact, none are head shops, just vape shops...and there are plenty of them, least 6 within 5 miles of me....but some are so new and the owners have no knowledge of their products and vaping, but the other half are fairly knowledgeable and this is not there first rodeo and know what they are selling and about vaping...its like anything, ya get clueless money grabbers and then ya get good ppl who also are just earning a honest living and also knowing their product...and that's what sales ppl are all about, bottom line, selling and putting a buck in their own pocket..some good, some bad..

 

[Ken62]

Went to my local headshop recently. They sell a lot of different things... wraps, pipes, hookahs, etc... and also basic vapes. No mods, nothing fancy. That's where I bought mine and my boyfriend's eGo's since I was able to talk him down to a solid price on them. (This is where misogyny wins, but I digress.)

When I only have cash on me and I'm desperately low on juice i go back there although I regret it since their juices are limited: (knockoff?) Liqua's, Tsunami, V-Smoke, and Apollo.

God, the first time I went in the guy that helped me pick a juice to go with my vapes was so freaking clueless. Thank god I'd done research before buying juice, otherwise I would have ended up with a 24mg liquid. NO. I'M A 6MG PERSON, OKAY. Literally all he knew about was what flavors he had and that they were $15. For 10-15mL bottles. Like I said, if I'm absolutely desperate I'll get their expensive juices. You may laugh at my perception of expensive, but if you're a college student like me, you see how I can't afford a single bottle of $15 juice when I can get better deals elsewhere.

Now, I went in a couple of weeks ago during one of my dry spells; all I had left was my 0mg MBV liquids and I needed a kick. I felt so freaking bad because while the cashier was helping me check out, these two guys, really nice, came in and were really curious and asked him about the vapes in stock. Literally, the conversation went like this:

"So, what can you tell me about these things here?" (peering into the glass that held all the e-cigs)
"All I can tell you is the price. Couldn't tell you much more."

...I proceeded to meet those nice guys in the parking lot after I paid and give them a brief rundown on how they work.

It just annoyed me that someone who sells the product can't tell a customer how it even freaking works. Luckily I'm very open to learning more about vaping and I've found other shops that have knowledgable employees.

Anyone else come across something like this? A vendor that has no idea what they're talking about? Sad life. Don't sell it if you're clueless... easily goes for food, clothing, or other vendors as well.

Yep, I am in the Sacramento area too, near Marysville.

First off, I am amazed at the lack of vape shops in a metro area of over 1 million people. Like you mention, there are head shops that carry basic vape gear but the employees have no clue what they are selling.

The first kit I purchased from a dolt in a Yuba City head shop. It was an eGo kit and he wasn't even sure what it was for, he thought it was for something else... It was overpriced, underpowered and the juice was terrible. This was in December of last year and I still look for a brick and mortar vape shop in the area.

This week I am travelling in Texas. While in San Antonio I stop at a REAL vape shop and had the time of my life! All three people there knew what they were talking about; we talked about juice, atty's, mods, eGo's, coils, RBA's... All while tasting the juices they mix in-house. I was glad to make a purchase of my first box mod, the iTaste MVP, even knowing that they v2 will be out soon. I felt good about my purchase for the very first time.

 

[Vapolith]

I'm very fortunate in that the first local vape shop I tried was great! They are knowledgeable about all their products and walk every new customer through exactly what they need to know. I've listened to them sell Evod kits and they nail every detail, from filling to replacing atomizers, etc. They have four shops now in northeast Ohio. E-cignificance is their name.

 

[MadClouds]

Stopped in to get my first eGo kits a few months ago at a local shop in Baltimore. After reading posts on here, talking to friends, and MANY YouTube videos, I went back to the shop to get supplies for my new RSST last week and gave HIM a tutorial on how to wrap coils, sub ohm stuff, and how to recoil ProTank and Evod coils....he tried to hire me

 

[JonnyB88]

I am so lucky that my local B&Ms are CigTechs and JV. Nothing BUT knowledgable people that love their trade.
On the flip side, though, I went to another B&M a bit farther away just to try them out. And it was just like all of the comments here. Complete lack of knowledge from the ONE employee on duty. So bad, in fact, that I took to Yelp to warn others. Only to be called a liar by the owner in a comment. Some people, I swear...

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

Every time I see threads like this, I give thanks that I'm blessed with a great B&M. The staff is as knowledgable as I am. They know the products they sell because they use them.

Once, my last starter kit CE4 was dying and I hadn't yet discovered the Evod or this forum. I went by the store and the fella explained that while CE4's were ok, he had a better option called the Evod. Unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock at that location. So he called the other location and had someone drive over with one of each color. It set me back $11.00 after tax, or about $3 more than what I would have paid online.

You just can't beat that kind of customer service.

 

[Keitaro]

Long wall of text ahead, sorry C: lol

The vape shops around me aren't all that great. So I guess I'm just one of the unlucky ones...They have minimal knowledge about their own vape gear let alone someone elses. I mainly just go in there for the juices because it's a quick stop when I'm running short. They don't even know what ohms their tanks/clearomizers are. When I asked, they said *it's the low one*. I constantly see different people in there on staff too, which makes me believe they just hire family members and friends. If you are selling a product especially a product that your shop is based around. GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE PRODUCT and educate your workers or hire people who know what they are doing! I can just imagine the new people who come in there and ask questions and receive soo many wrong answers *shakes head*.

Anyway here is a little rant that you reminded me of: Just today I walked in to one that is close by me and there was the owner with his 8-10 year old daughter just sitting there vaping while her head was on his chest.

Now, I have no problem with kids being exposed to these kinds of things because they will eventually know what it is and as far as I know there isn't any health risks being around second hand *vape*. I also believe they should be educated about what they are and what they are used for. But I would think somewhere along the line these things should be limited to/around a kid. A lot of these devices might look cool to a kid and they might see at as some sort of *toy* or harmless thing they can just use. Even though the health risks are minimal (if any as far as we know) I still don't think a kid should be INVOLVED in vaping like she was. She acted like it was just a normal everyday thing and it makes me think she will eventually start an addiction when she is older because of it and honestly it would be her parents fault. And an addiction is not a harmless thing in my eyes.

I was browsing around and she literally came up to me and asked if I was helped yet and was proceeding to try and help me with vape stuff. SHE IS YOUNG and was only about 8-10 years old. These things should be 18+ and seeing a kid try and help me out with vape-related things just...wasn't right.

It just didn't sit right with me at all that he would subject his young daughter to being around something and be involved in something only adults should do to stop smoking. It was VERY unprofessional in my eyes and I know I wouldn't want my kids involved in it like that. Also, what kind of image does this kind of thing set for the people trying to ban/regulate e-cigs? It gives them more ammo for their arsenal.

I just don't see a reason a kid should be in a store like that around adult items. It's like a child going into an adult bookstore in my eyes and shouldn't be so widely accepted. Educating your kids is one thing...But making it so widely acceptable to them is another. If that is all the kid knows and is around...they think it's okay for them to do. Parents are their first teachers and role models and kids soak stuff up like a sponge. Just my opinion...

/end wall of text

 

[FireMan7209]

You know what guys, we're on the cusp of a revolution here. Now is the time when it's still open and free. Or when it will fail. Anybody remember the tea party? Not the current one (sorry, I'm in the US), the one back in 17 whatever. Yeah there are those in it for a buck and there are those in it because it means something to them. The buck guys will get sorted out and go away.

The important thing about this time is that we face those powerful industries ($$$) who FEEL the threat vaping imposes and those ignorant, uneducated people who want to control or eliminate a good thing and are seemingly under their influence (and those looking for a get rich quick solution). We have to look at the bigger picture and, at least for now, tolerate but not support the "I wanna make a buck" guys; they'll get theirs in the end. The fact that this forum exists with several thousand members attests to our strength. I travel a lot of forums of various interests but I have to say this is one of the most caring sharing groups I've ever encountered.

The big fight is to keep this alive and free. We're now threatened just like the internet (which makes it possible for us to have these conversations in the first place). I 'dislike' uninformed people trying to sell me something for their own profit. I 'hate' uninformed people people telling me what I can and can't do with no knowledge of that which they attempt to regulate. Whatever happened to "By the people, for the people" Viva la revolution.

Sorry, I get a little emotional at times. Support the cause.

 

[FireMan7209]

Hey, I just realized. I just satisfied my five post limit. I can post in the real world now.

A little sarcastic I know but, I work in IT and I totally understand why.

Just happy to have found this group; eCig is awesome. I've been here a month and have learned so much.

Thanks Guys.

 

[Veni Vedi Vapo]

I hope those clueless vendors are not clueless when it comes to selling ecig products to minors. The shop near me sells rba's but does not know what kanthal nor nichrome wire is. Sells e-juice but doesnt know PG nor VG. They claim to match prices but if you show internet price they will say 'no can do' because of operation expenses. This is the only vendor who does not want you to buy their products like MODS because they say its to big or heavy for you. Doesnt want you to buy Cherry Flavored because it will annoy others with your second hand vape. I'm so tired with these kind of vendors dictating whats good for you. They are Vendors who are just interested with your money and doesnt care what you want.

 

[omgwtfrina]

I hope those clueless vendors are not clueless when it comes to selling ecig products to minors. The shop near me sells rba's but does not know what kanthal nor nichrome wire is. Sells e-juice but doesnt know PG nor VG.

Surprisingly I'm not ID'd anywhere anymore. Do I look really old or are they simply ignorant...? Because I've received a LOT of "OMGWAFFLES UR 21 I THOT U WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL?!???" comments before. Haha. Pretty aure these shop owners wouldnt know an RBA if it sat on their face. And a lot of shops here don't know the differences in nicotine content much less PG/VG... all they know is "What flavor?" Meh. I'm not saying I'm an expert because im far from it, but Jesus all I need is some professionalism. Cmon, cuh.

 

[roffles18963]

There's only one brick and mortar vape shop near where I live (Colorado e-smokes. STEER CLEAR). I go there whenever I'm waiting on new juice in the mail, and their flavors aren't that bad but they cut the juice with grain alcohol (50/45/5). It doesn't seem like much, but even when I leave the bottle open for a week and let it steep, you can still taste the alcohol in the juice even if you add 2-3 drops of water to it. Not to mention they charge $17 after tax for a 15mL bottle.

And don't get me started on the gear. A google search will prove my point, but they sell a simple 1 bettery eGo-T kit for damn near $80. And there CE4s? $25. Last time I went in with my Magneto and RSST, and they offered to trade it in for their version of the spinner kit.

The only chick that worked there that had any clue about what she was talking about was using an eGo-T with a lanyard around her neck, so I decided to play it dumb and ask about their products (first time I went in, only had simple eGo batts at the time). She couldn't tell me the ohms of any of the coils they stocked (because she didn't even know, and she opened a box of new ones and none of them were laser etched with the resistances). Not her fault, in all honesty. When I asked her about the one she was using, she pulled it out of the lanyard and it was a Vision spinner. After a while, she figured out that I wasn't a first time buyer, and flat out told me to keep buying from where I was buying and just stop in for a bottle of juice when I was low and waiting for vape mail. And yes, she said vape mail. That part made my day. Sad thing is, I'm pretty sure she got fired because the last few times I stopped by for a bottle of get me by juice, she wasn't there, which is a damn shame because of all the people I've dealt with there, she's the only one that knew a flying toot about any of the stuff they stocked.

--EDIT--
Just went through their site again. V2 Vamo kit for $150. Pardon me while I gouge my eyes out.

 

[omgwtfrina]

Yep, I am in the Sacramento area too, near Marysville.

First off, I am amazed at the lack of vape shops in a metro area of over 1 million people. Like you mention, there are head shops that carry basic vape gear but the employees have no clue what they are selling.

Ken62, my location somewhat lies. Lol. I'm in Vallejo and the headshop I was talking about was in the Vallejo/Napa area. I've heard of a few Sacto B&Ms but haven't had the chance to slide through and check them out. Maybe you've heard of them or can check em out and give a review? There's Vital Vapes in Gold River, Planet of the Vapes on 65th, and BJz Vape Shop on Kiefer. I found a few more 4-5 star places with a Yelp search, but I've heard most about those three. I follow them on some social media and they seem pretty legit and (gasp) THEY SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING and they're actually involved in the vaping culture. BIG, BIG WOW. Maybe they can take away the bad memories of the terrible experiences we've had. Haha.

Unfortunately, there's nothing in Vallejo... sigh. There's only one place, Vape Life Co, and they're great but of course I like to have more of a local selection.

 

[Veni Vedi Vapo]

Yep, I am in the Sacramento area too, near Marysville.

First off, I am amazed at the lack of vape shops in a metro area of over 1 million people. Like you mention, there are head shops that carry basic vape gear but the employees have no clue what they are selling.

The first kit I purchased from a dolt in a Yuba City head shop. It was an eGo kit and he wasn't even sure what it was for, he thought it was for something else... It was overpriced, underpowered and the juice was terrible. This was in December of last year and I still look for a brick and mortar vape shop in the area.

I'm from Roseville and i know at least 3 shops that sells kits. 2 of which sells mods and vivi novas. Heard of Stay Fly (across Costco in Rocklin)? They sell evics and other mods. Stay Fly is the only shop that sells NorCalVapes E-Juice near me. NorCalVapes is based at Lincoln and would soon open their shop. A little more wait and these shops will turn in favor of our vaping necessities.

 

[Ddippel]

Reading through this thread kind of shocks me, I work in a B&M and when I was a simple salesman, if I didn't know EVERY single detail about EVERY single one of my products, I got into mild trouble, whether it be fewer hours, poor reviews, endless correction during sales(embarrassing for a sales person) or I would be denied raises. Now that I am the manager of said B&M I expect nothing less from my employees. It is a competitive and constantly changing business and if we as employees cannot stay ahead of the curve, we will lose our customers to the internet. Yes, we have to charge more then internet pricing, we don't have a choice. I tell all of my employees this and then add "The thing that customers come in here vs the internet for, is knowledge and experience" If I can take 15 minutes to explain every last detail about a product to someone, they will have less of a problem paying the difference between ours and online prices.


my .02

 

[Veni Vedi Vapo]

If I can take 15 minutes to explain every last detail about a product to someone, they will have less of a problem paying the difference between ours and online prices.


my .02

With that kind of attitude, I would most likely be a loyal customer. Maybe Im just tired of 'HURRY-my-CURRY' salesmen who lure customers to buy over-priced ecigs. I also experienced one salesman who promised to sell me a 50ml ejuice for $21 once its available and ended with nothing but comparing prices between shops.

 

[pianman6954]

That's literally how every B&M store in southeast Michigan is, the other day I walked into a smoke shop that has started to carry some local juice and had to pull out my CE4 and ask if he had any of "these" and he had a pink CE8 and she proceded to show me a protank for 30 dollars, I left a little pink lol. Google and here is far more helpful. Most of us are happy to share our trial and error

 

[Veni Vedi Vapo]

That's literally how every B&M store in southeast Michigan is, the other day I walked...

Mr. Hurry Curry also in Michigan? (Just kiddin, LOL). Before i had my first really working ecig (the very first was a crap bought from a mall kiosk), Mr Curry told me that he can lend me an ecig with charger by depositing $90 plus $19 for a 25ml e-juice. If i feel satisfied with the ecig, I can have it with an additional $30. That was my 1st time seeing a CE5 with 900mah battery. I did not fall for it but instead found a double set from Amazon for only $70. Yup, double set with each set having 2 CE5+2x900mah battery+charger+30ml(12mgNIC) Juice. And yes, same Mr. Curry, who told me to bring an online ad and they would match the price...blah..blah..blah..and ends with NOTHING.

 

[Vapeaddikt]

My personal rule as always been to do my own research whether its for vaping supplies, electronics, cars, real estate, anything. They may be clueless or have other motives such as pushing you towards something they are trying to get rid of.

The more you know prior to going into a place and playing "dumb" the more you will see, not from all but many. Just my personal experience in the past.

 

[novelwriter56]

This is where we, as vapers, have the opportunity to spread knowledge and not condemnation of those who are new or clueless. My wife and I have been vaping exclusively for nearly 8 months now. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, but moved to a podunk town called Bellefontaine. It has a population of around 18k - "salute" in HeeHaw terms. We bought most of our products on-line during the first few months, but were informed of a place that sells e-cig products locally. It was in another podunk town that was about 20 minutes away from us. When we got there for the first time, they had just about everything we needed there, but they had little knowledge of what they actually had. When we talked to them, we used words and terms we were used to, but they didn't at all understand. CE4 vs CE5? PG vs VG? By the time we left the store, they knew a lot more about what they were selling and how they actually worked. We became known as the "people from Bellefontaine". We, as vapers, need to make our mark. We need to spread our knowledge and help those who are in the wilderness. I understand the frustration of going to a store and having the staff know nothing of what we are talking about, but look at it as an opportunity for us and not an annoyance. The time is coming soon when the government will see the loss of revenue from tobacco and will attack what we hold dear. Use this time to educate. It's what we need to do.