How Do You Do It?

[CalamityJess]

I have a B&M shop I got to for my juices. Mainly because I can try them before I buy them. And there are some must have flavors I won't even try to find anywhere else. BUT, I can get much better prices online. But how on earth do you confidently order flavors without trying them first. I ended up with two new flavors today, they came with my Mt Baker order of an MVP kit. Banana Split (omg yum) and peach (haven't tried yet).

I see a lot of flavors that sound good, I love the options to llower the PG content and such. But I don't know if I'll like them when they get here.

How did y'all get to the point you had confidence in your juices?

 

[patkin]

I wasted at least $250.00 initially on juices I can't ever vape even after steeping. I didn't research enough. Here's what I've learned... maybe it will help a little. #1 If you know you're on a vendor thread or fanboy (everyone just loves one vendor) one don't be influenced. Still stick with the smallest size you can buy to test. You may not like that vendor's main flavoring company like Flavor Apprentic or Flavor West, etc. so the odds are you won't much care for any of their juices. #2 What I said... buy the smallest size to test. #3 Read, read, read the reviews right at the vendor site and don't buy from one that either doesn't have them or they're all rave reviews... same as fanboy here or, worse, put there by the vendor themselves. #4 Learn about steeping if you don't already know as some will require it. But, IMHO, the best ones are the ones that the site reviews say is good right out of the mail.

Ooop[s.... phone... that's all.

 

[TcsTuba]

Well, in a lot of cases, ordering online can be risky. If it's a company I've never ordered from, then I buy a sampler pack. Usually it's like 6-10 of 6ml bottles of different flavors that sound good. If I don't like the flavor, I don't have to feel bad about just tossing it, and if I like it, awesome! Now, with the juices I don't like, I'll usually try and mix it with another juice I know I like and see if that helps. Also, if you try zamplebox.com, they're awesome.

 

[HecticEnergy]

There are a few sample services (ZampleBox, CraftVapory)
Its worth a look - that said, I've never invested in these.

I say figure out your flavor profile.
Do you like tobaccos? sweet? full Body?
Do you like fruity? metholated? sour?
Do you like bakery? breads? sweets?
Do you like Candy? redhots? skittles?
... i think you get the point ...
Thats where the B&M's make it MUCH cheaper.
From there you can go to the review sites - try to find reviewers with a similar flavor profile and listen to what they have to say.
I bought a bunch from MBV ($150 in 10ml increments) and have been decently happy with my purchases.
If you have a vape group that meets in your area, you may try that to sample different juices people have.

Even if I try something I LOVE from a b&m I still dont go over 10ml.. after 10ml I can figure out if I actually like the flavor..
Anyone who JUST quit smoking should go a few weeks or month before investing into 30+ml bottles as tastebuds will come back and prefer different flavors than when smoking stinkies.

thats my 2 cents anyway

 

[Dunkel]

I look at reviews, opinions here (especially of those that I see like juice that I also like) and what sounds good to me. It has worked pretty good for me so far.

 

[VapinSweetZ]

Same here, I spent some money on lots of liquids I didn't liked, but for most of them I found a love and worm new home (exchange with friends or online communities, there are plenty of people that would love to exchange half full bottles with you).

I also usually order the smallest bottles from new brands that I don't trust yet, if there are no sample packs, most of them at least offer 10ml and smaller in a decent pricing.

When I just started vaping, I also ordered 100% PG and 100% VG with the same liquid, to play with the ratio by myself and learn the difference and my personal preferences.


Anyway for a completely beginner I'd suggest order sample packs (5 bottles of 5ml usually sell for $20 or less) from companies with good reviews online (communities, not reviews on their own website lol).


And also IMO some brands are better with specific kind of flavor (cool fruits, heavy sweet deserts and such) so it's also depend on what you are looking for.


Until now I found only one B&M store to try out a wide variety of really good liquids, so I really don't count on that (VapeDojo, but they're only in Maryland area).


Good luck!!

 

[Steamix]

Research here - many of the 'common' brands have beed reviewed in this 'ere forum. Serves as a pointer only though, as you 'yeech' might be someone elses 'yummy'.
Names are a partial giveaway - anything named like say 'Unca-Fred's-scorched-socks' or 'mashed cow-patties' may find only a very limited clientele.
If the name is too cryptic, send 'em an e-mail, ask...
Then, as Hectic said, shoot for a sampler first. Small money for small quantities to keep the hurt off the wallet. Something happens to be bullseye with your flavour buds, re-order.
Aaaand : last but not least...you could have a go at DIY...

 

[CalamityJess]

There are a few sample services (ZampleBox, CraftVapory)
Its worth a look - that said, I've never invested in these.

I say figure out your flavor profile.
Do you like tobaccos? sweet? full Body?
Do you like fruity? metholated? sour?
Do you like bakery? breads? sweets?
Do you like Candy? redhots? skittles?
... i think you get the point ...
Thats where the B&M's make it MUCH cheaper.
From there you can go to the review sites - try to find reviewers with a similar flavor profile and listen to what they have to say.
I bought a bunch from MBV ($150 in 10ml increments) and have been decently happy with my purchases.
If you have a vape group that meets in your area, you may try that to sample different juices people have.

Even if I try something I LOVE from a b&m I still dont go over 10ml.. after 10ml I can figure out if I actually like the flavor..
Anyone who JUST quit smoking should go a few weeks or month before investing into 30+ml bottles as tastebuds will come back and prefer different flavors than when smoking stinkies.

thats my 2 cents anyway

Too late on the 30ml...lol but my taste buds woke up in week 2, that's when I started buying them. My B&M has 3 particular flavors I won't even bother trying to find anywhere else. I (will) have 8 mods with 8 tanks by the end of next week. That leaves 5 flavors to find...lol (don't judge me!)

Diacetyl and diacetyl substitute free preferably.

Half my problem is I like everything from desserts and fruits to candy and beverage. Not a fan of coffee flavors or sodas that's about it.

 

[CalamityJess]

Research here - many of the 'common' brands have beed reviewed in this 'ere forum. Serves as a pointer only though, as you 'yeech' might be someone elses 'yummy'.
Names are a partial giveaway - anything named like say 'Unca-Fred's-scorched-socks' or 'mashed cow-patties' may find only a very limited clientele.
If the name is too cryptic, send 'em an e-mail, ask...
Then, as Hectic said, shoot for a sampler first. Small money for small quantities to keep the hurt off the wallet. Something happens to be bullseye with your flavour buds, re-order.
Aaaand : last but not least...you could have a go at DIY...

haha DIY is above my paygrade at this point. Too much math involved!

 

[jaz3370]

Taste is all up to the individual, however the reviews are a telling sign either way. I have ordered a few juices based on the flavor, later went to see the reviews after the fact, doh! Well had I seen the one stars and how awful the juice was beforehand I most likely would have steered clear of it.

This forum is a good place for juice reviews too, this just irks me right now because I just did this, ordered a juice that I would not have bought had i seen reviews because all the reviews were right on.

 

[CalamityJess]

Taste is all up to the individual, however the reviews are a telling sign either way. I have ordered a few juices based on the flavor, later went to see the reviews after the fact, doh! Well had I seen the one stars and how awful the juice was beforehand I most likely would have steered clear of it.

This forum is a good place for juice reviews too, this just irks me right now because I just did this, ordered a juice that I would not have bought had i seen reviews because all the reviews were right on.

So true. luckily I have a friend that mostly shares my tastebuds. But that doesn't help me online just locally.

I've been trying to find reviews on here I think I'm going crosseyed digging through the forums...lol

 

[sdennislee]

If you have confidence in understanding you flavor profile then try the Drip Club http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/521164-drip-club.html. They are similar to Zample but Drip Club allows you to specify your flavor profile. Specifying your flavor profile give you a much greater chance of getting juice you will rather than just receiving juices picked blindly.

So did the Banana Split from MBV have any menthol or similar additives?

Here is one thread discussing the Drip Club http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/521164-drip-club.html

This site allows you to pick 1 ml samples, each runs $1.50 on average. E-Liquid Samples - Cheap 1mL samples of boutique e-juice

 

[CalamityJess]

If you have confidence in understanding you flavor profile then try the Drip Club http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/521164-drip-club.html. They are similar to Zample but Drip Club allows you to specify your flavor profile. Specifying your flavor profile give you a much greater chance of getting juice you will rather than just receiving juices picked blindly.

So did the Banana Split from MBV have any menthol or similar additives?

Here is one thread discussing the Drip Club http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/521164-drip-club.html

This site allows you to pick 1 ml samples, each runs $1.50 on average. E-Liquid Samples - Cheap 1mL samples of boutique e-juice

I didn't taste any menthol. Just smooth chocolate and banana creamy goodness.

My current fav flavors are a Starburst (no idea what flavors are mixed to make it but I can't put it down)from my local shop, along with coconut rum from the same place and ProVape's cherry. My flavor profile has the attention span of a fruit fly, which certainly doesn't help

 

[eeevilyn.]

I read ECF lots and check out the vendors websites that people are talking about.

You can sort of tell what kind of company they are by their website. If I don't like the way the website looks or if it doesn't function properly, I won't order from them.

Of course they could have a great website and no juices I like, but that's how I decide what to try.

 

[CalamityJess]

I read ECF lots and check out the vendors websites that people are talking about.

You can sort of tell what kind of company they are by their website. If I don't like the way the website looks or if it doesn't function properly, I won't order from them.

Of course they could have a great website and no juices I like, but that's how I decide what to try.

I'm definitely a website snob. If it looks like it's put together like a kid with crayons I'm gone. I did finally order some small bottles. I went with Mt Baker this time, since I can't seem to turn left on ECF without seeing something positive. I've definitely gotten some good advice and thank you all for that. Goodness I never thought I'd end up in this deep.

 

[sdennislee]

I didn't taste any menthol. Just smooth chocolate and banana creamy goodness.

Thanks, I will include it with my next order.

 

[donwuan]

My local b&m is very inconsistent and I've had better luck online.



Sent from my M353 using Tapatalk

 

[shatner]

Go to ahlusion . us (no spaces). Everything there is fantastic. All of the flavors are true to the real thing; not candy like. Also Nicoticket.com Custard's Last Stand, Creme Brulee, Frenilla, Grandma's Cinnamon Danish and H1N1 are all incredibly popular award winning liquids.

 

[Wiztigg007]

What gets me is that B&M's will have "House Juice" from a vendor. The PG/VG is always on the PG side, thin, throaty and will work in every tank. Ya team!!!! Not! Flavor will always be strong because of the PG. Vapor will look like smoke. Ya Team!!! Not!
I found I am sensitive to PG. VG lacks strong flavor I want. I went the gambit. 70/30 (house), 60/40, 50/50 and so on. Vaping got smother at 40/60. Add burning your wick/coil and yuck!!!
But!!!
I would buy more from my B&M if I had a PG/VG choice. Information is key. "What do you want from your vape? like a Cig or smooth?" I go to the local vape shop and ask what PG/VG is this juice and I get a blank stare. ...????
You sell this, whats in it? "IDN". I walk out and will not go back. They just lost my business and the business of every one I know because I will not recommend them as a place to go check out.
I went into a vape store on the recommendation of a buddy's son. I'm 41 years old and 20 somethings kids where hanging out vaping. Kool. They looked at this "Old dude" with a look like "Are you a NARK?". Older dudes vape DB...... I didn't say it but I was thinking it. I felt unwelcome, even by the clerks. I wont go back, and I will tell the other "Old Dudes" too.
I went to another place and 20 somethings (4 of them) where in the corner smoking Hooka. Good for them. There was a cute young thing who was really nice and helpful so I bought a couple 10mls but the I got the same look from the Hooka brothers like before. Once again I held my tongue. I will go back, but only deal with this nice and helpful young lady.
If you have energetic informed sales people who will give recommendations based on there preferences who know what the hell they are selling, you will sell more. If you have "Spicolies" hanging out in the corner just warming a room most older folks will feel they are going into a head shop then a Vape store and will just chose to order on-line. Same price, better selection and no "Spicolies".
You will find that business just another loan Mom and Dad just ...... away......
IMHO
PS.... I'm in sales and yes "I do judge"

 

[Wiztigg007]

No offense 20 somethings but if you dont know who Spicoli is get this movie from netFlicks...



This is a Spicoli
Spicoli - I'm so wasted! - YouTube

Don't let Vape Shops be like this........