For those of you who live where there are no B&M vape stores...

[Kiwiboo]

(posting here cos the NZ forum is kinda slow)

As we don't have B&M vape stores, and its gonna be a hella long time til I go overseas again, I am wondering about how vapers decide/choose equipment upgrades. (Holy run on sentence, sorry).

Besides reading on here, and other electronic forums, and youtube ( Pbusardo is the man) how do you decide what is worth it and to go for the upgrade? The stores here are online & limited in their o fferings & fasttech is ok, but you wait a dogs lifetime for vapemail.

Thoughts?

thanx
Nancy

 

[Dissonance]

I have B&M stores in the area (actually, I work at one) but the only gear I ever purchased there was my first mech mod... Which I just picked up so I could pulse my SS wick setups without the shorts keeping my regulated from firing. Everything else I research online or hear about through here. To go more indepth...

1) I hear about an atty/mod that sounds interesting.
2) I compare it to my current setup, if it seems like an improvement for my vaping needs then I continue. If not, I save my money and that's that
3) Watch reviews on the original and clones (non-specific manufacturer) to see the overall quality.
4) Repeat step 2.
5) Research who makes clones for that device (I'm not in a financial situation where I can afford originals)
6) Watch reviews on specific clones (Ex: hCigar, Tobeco, Infinite, whoever makes a clone for that device)
7) Compare the differences and find the one that suits me best.
8) Dig around local online shops and see who has the best prices. Made the mistake of ordering from fasttech a month and a half ago, I'm still waiting on my stuff.
9) Order

 

[HauntedMyst]

Besides reading on here, and other electronic forums, and youtube ( Pbusardo is the man) how do you decide what is worth it and to go for the upgrade?

That's really it. I've never bought a mod in a store, only online or in the classifieds and have been happy with everything. Todd is my favorite reviewer and I think he gives a fairly thoughtful opinion on things. If he and igetcha like it and it appeals to me, I give it a shot. My current line includes a couple of Super T's, an Emit Shotgun and a Titanide Themis with either Kayfun or Taifun toppers and there isn't a dud in the bunch.

 

[danca90]

I don't buy devices. I think I might in september, for my 1 year mark. But I do lots of youtube stalking, then try to get a vape friend into an item, and hope they take the bait, and buy it so I can see it.

 

[SleeZy]

Reading tons of online reviews and order the stuff online.

 

[tj99959]

Several of the best vape stores in the country are within 5 minutes of home, so I really don't know. I have never bought a PV (or topper) without first holding one in my hand. I guess if there were no good B&Ms here, I would have to rely on the opinions of others that have actually had one in their hands.
I do know that there is more to be learned about any device from the negative reviews (how to fix them) than there is from the positive reviews.

 

[roosterado]

All of the stuff mentioned above plus I belong to several Vaping related Facebook groups. Lots of good info and peoples opinons and idea's there also

 

[crxess]

Buy what is needed on-line from Fast, reliable, semi-local suppliers.(in US)
Buy the toys, accessories, spares, future supplies - not needed fast - From China, mostly Fasttech
The Savings is well worth it since almost everything ordered is China Build anyway.
Shipping Time is irreverent since it is all well planned backup/future use.

I am surprised Europe and other countries have such a hard time with shipping. Must be the in country/customs systems.
China to East coast USA is usually 10-15 days(actual) shipping time. That's 1/2 a world away and we still have people complain it's to slow

 

[SleeZy]

Buy what is needed on-line from Fast, reliable, semi-local suppliers.(in US)
Buy the toys, accessories, spares, future supplies - not needed fast - From China, mostly Fasttech
The Savings is well worth it since almost everything ordered is China Build anyway.
Shipping Time is irreverent since it is all well planned backup/future use.

I am surprised Europe and other countries have such a hard time with shipping. Must be the in country/customs systems.
China to East coast USA is usually 10-15 days(actual) shipping time. That's 1/2 a world away and we still have people complaint it's to slow

My last two orders from FT was actually quite fast, 14 days.
But i've had stuff coming later than a month aswell, but i know all this when i order so i don't whine about it.

 

[Kiwiboo]

Which vaping groups on Facebook?

 

[Kiwiboo]

Fasttech here, depending on what, is anywhere from 3-4 weeks.

 

[sbc83]

Haven't had to order anything in 5 months but Fastech gets all my hardware business and certain juices. The only other place that gets my business is Mtbakervapor and the occasional item on ebay if it's just a tad higher then ft and is needed sooner than later.

I've never stepped foot in a B&M and I intend to keep it that way.

 

[DoubleEwe]

I just go on fasttech every day and see what is new, if something catches my eye due to innovation or beauty then I have a look here for reviews of the original version.

I don't know if it works for NZ, but for here (UK) the shipping from fasttech using registered China Post (additional shipping options) has been amazing recently, between 8 and 10 days from order to in my hand. Singapore post recently has been about 2weeks or so.

If you are ordering from Fasttech then make sure you have a look at either the reviews or the comments/discussions (for new items), normally there are people in there that know/recognise the clone manufacturer and will be able to verify it's quality.

 

[gully]

Fasttech here, depending on what, is anywhere from 3-4 weeks.

Try the China post option,my last six orders have got here in 6-7 days.

Have you seen the vaping kiwi site?,the prices seem to be in step with what folks in the US pay.

 

[Kiwiboo]

I have to try that with the next order from FT. I did find the VK site last night too. Heaps diff than what it used to be....

 

[amoret]

What with distance and disability I've never been in a B&M. When I do get out and about I concentrate on shopping for things that I can't get online. My choices have been based on reading, asking specific questions on ECF, and an occasional spur-of-the-moment "that looks nice" when I'm on a site ordering something else.

 

[robgggg]

Try the China post option,my last six orders have got here in 6-7 days.

Have you seen the vaping kiwi site?,the prices seem to be in step with what folks in the US pay.

Will give the China post on next order... have been using the standard "registered air mail" option which tends to take about 3 weeks.

I have purchased from VK and they are good. Quick to post and good communication.

 

[gully]

Will give the China post on next order... have been using the standard "registered air mail" option which tends to take about 3 weeks.

I have purchased from VK and they are good. Quick to post and good communication.

CP seem to be humming along ATM,had some liquid come via Singapore post and it only took a week and a half,I was quite shocked.

Kiwiboo,have you found Health Cabin yet?.They were my go to supplier for cartos/clearos,China supplier.

There might be an informal meet coming up in Welly soon(I'm in the Hutt),will let you and robgggg know if anything comes of it,a mate is trying to organise one but he has the attention span of a goldfish and I'm an antisocial Bogan so we will see.

 

[Spencer87]

Uh I just asked on here and googled reviews. And looked at Customer reviews. Then went for it.

 

[six]

how do you decide what is worth it and to go for the upgrade?

Buy the highest quality device you can... and then stop buying stuff.

I don't think there is a such thing as an "upgrade" from the PV I've been using since April 2012. In fact, it's more valuable today than it was when I got it. -- For the first time in over two years, I have indeed bought a couple of things in the last couple of weeks, but those purchases were driven by desire, not necessity.