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I'll expand my agreement on what DC2 just said. Sounds like they gave advice without giving you the "why," along with supplying you with generic knock-off products. Again without any explanation other than "this is what you need." That would put them far down on my list as a last resort place to go.
More broadly, I think as a maturing industry, vape shops are all over the place with what they offer. Everything from places that are head shop variants to neat and organized retail stores. Where I think the ones we perceive as "bad" are most missing the mark is in sales skills. Being able to make recommendations to a customer and explain options. Offer products that the customer may not be familiar with, but might suit them better than what they are using now. And be able to instruct on use and care tips where appropriate.
Ultimately it comes down to what do you as a customer want when you make the decision to stop in? Me? I want a place that has a decent range of products that actually work and are reasonably durable, from generic knock-offs that might be an ok budget purchase, up to brand name products that are solid performers at a higher price point. I expect the staff to know all about what they are selling and be able to educate me on use and care if I need it. Maybe even assemble it or possibly demonstrate. They should be able to make sensible comparisons to give me options.
That said, I don't expect concierge level service. It's not like I'm shopping for a Bentley. But do treat me like a valued customer and at least make an effort. Do that little bit and I'll reward you with my repeat business. Probably on-line too, so you won't even have to bother with me in your shop until I want to return and check out something new. Just take my order electronically and hand the package to the mail carrier.
I've had a good experience yesterday. Here we have 2 B&M's that opened almost at the same time. Both were nice. My wife (without my knowledge) took a friend of hers to one to help her get a kit. My wife ended up buying a kit herself (over paid and cheap clearo and bought extra of the same). Was not happy, but it did get her vaping. Now I've done a lot of research and switching her cheap tanks to a Vision Vivi Nova Mini. She loves them and knows to get with me if she wants something else. Also took one of her tanks back to the place because a seal popped off and tank leaked. They looked at it and put the wiper seal on the drip tip and said it was fixed. I saw the drip tip not making contact with the silicon on the head. I didn't say anything, but lack of knowledge will lose a customer faster than pricing.
On the other hand the other B&M just had a vape meeting yesterday. Great experience. Had a good time and got some free gifts and raffle items. They plan on holding classes on tank rebuilds and such. They really are going the extra mile. There prices are higher for some stuff but I will support them regardless. I plan to keep sending people there to get the help they need to get started vaping...
On the other hand the other B&M just had a vape meeting yesterday. Great experience. Had a good time and got some free gifts and raffle items. They plan on holding classes on tank rebuilds and such. They really are going the extra mile. There prices are higher for some stuff but I will support them regardless. I plan to keep sending people there to get the help they need to get started vaping...
My local place tries very hard to be helpful, but I just cannot handle $12 for 10ml's, $4 for EVOD head, and $6 for ProTank head. lol
WOW, and I thought I got taken paying $3.50 for T3 heads and $6.99 for 10ml of rebottled Dekang that I'm pretty sure was cut with some kind of cheap 'filler'. Vendors like that make it super easy to argue the virtues of FastTech vs. supporting a local B & M. Now where did I leave my pitchfork and torch???
Haha......I know! They did replace my C-twist, with no questions asked, when it died, but I had only had it for 2 weeks. In my mind, what should be expected CS does not justify that kind of price gauging.
There are two B&M shops near me. One I will not go to except for juice in an emergency, if I'm closer to them than the good shop. They are LeCig and only have that brand and, are pricy. Small, home business sort of thing, not well organized or as clean as I like a shop to be.
The other, Lucky's Vapor Store is good. They do specialize in ego clone, good quality ones and, their juices are good and, they will custom ix for you on flavors and, any nic up to 24mg. Very noob friendly, they do answer questions and, even teach you how to use the new ego you just bought. And they refer you to other vendors for things they do not carry, like high end mods, tanks, etc...
First time in there, I had my provari, took the tank off just to test them. Asked if they had a tank that would fit it. They offered me an ego adapter (I already had one) and a CE4 but, said that was all they had and, I'd be better off going online and getting a good tank form Kanger. I smiled and pulled out my protank, thanking them for being honest.
I still shop there, and send noobs to them for their first kit - they do have good starter kits for first time vapers and, wonderful juice flavors, so it's a good place to start.
The main thing is they are hones and tell you that you will probably want better in a year or less but, they invite you to keep coming back for juice, plus they do have a loyalty discount program. Buy enough, or refer enough people and you get freebies, depending on what you do.
The other, Lucky's Vapor Store is good. They do specialize in ego clone, good quality ones and, their juices are good and, they will custom ix for you on flavors and, any nic up to 24mg. Very noob friendly, they do answer questions and, even teach you how to use the new ego you just bought. And they refer you to other vendors for things they do not carry, like high end mods, tanks, etc...
First time in there, I had my provari, took the tank off just to test them. Asked if they had a tank that would fit it. They offered me an ego adapter (I already had one) and a CE4 but, said that was all they had and, I'd be better off going online and getting a good tank form Kanger. I smiled and pulled out my protank, thanking them for being honest.
I still shop there, and send noobs to them for their first kit - they do have good starter kits for first time vapers and, wonderful juice flavors, so it's a good place to start.
The main thing is they are hones and tell you that you will probably want better in a year or less but, they invite you to keep coming back for juice, plus they do have a loyalty discount program. Buy enough, or refer enough people and you get freebies, depending on what you do.
In my experience all the B&M's i have visited are woeful, Egos and clearomisers is what they sell. If you're lucky they may have one of those new fangled cartotank thingies.
Mention of an SVD or Provari just gets you a blank stare. Ask about RBA's and you'd just as well be talking gibberish.
The money seems to be in selling generic ego/clearo kits and expensive rebranded juice so that is what they do.
Once anyone progresses past the starter kit it seems the online route is pretty much the only way to go.
I would love to have a local B&M that carried decent stock and knowledgeable staff but at the moment that is just wishful thinking.
Those of you who have access to decent vape stores should cherish them and support them all you can.
Mention of an SVD or Provari just gets you a blank stare. Ask about RBA's and you'd just as well be talking gibberish.
The money seems to be in selling generic ego/clearo kits and expensive rebranded juice so that is what they do.
Once anyone progresses past the starter kit it seems the online route is pretty much the only way to go.
I would love to have a local B&M that carried decent stock and knowledgeable staff but at the moment that is just wishful thinking.
Those of you who have access to decent vape stores should cherish them and support them all you can.
I didn't have a stellar experience at the first shop I went to, either. $8 for a T2 tank, $3.50 a piece for replacement heads, $7 for a charging cord, $18 for an eGo Mini! You see where I'm going here. The guy wasn't very helpful, either - just basically asked me what color and flavors I wanted, then out the door I go! l wish I would have found this forum before walking into that store.
One of my stores is pretty new, but they are trying. I've helped them with setting up on the search site for vaping and offered to help any way I can. Like I said they put on a vape meeting and now talking about classes (great idea). The classes is for the more advanced stuff and I think they would be learning from it as much as anyone else. They have the basics down and give great service to the beginner. They are looking into expanding the liquids from other vendors too. They are doing everything right by me so far and are priced higher than the other store in my area, but that's okay. I go there for some things and try some new stuff. If I get tanks or something I like I'll do some research and find it a lot cheaper I'll order online next time. But if they are about the same or a little higher, It's okay I'll pay a little extra to keep them in my town.
Ive had a few bad run ins too,one vendor seemed like he was a scammer ,i asked him if it was ok soak my atty heads in water and he said dont do it,water and electronics dont mix,he just didnt want me cleaning the heads and wanted me too buy more.
Why do these threads always seem to head in the same direction?
Good B&M's will offer decent products at a price that approximates online prices plus shipping and anywhere from 5% to 20% premium.
You are paying for convenience. Have you ever checked a well stocked convenience store for the prices on stuff like chicken soup, milk or paper towels? Heck yes, you can get stuff at Wally World for much less but by paying the price for convenience, you are avoiding the hassle and the sights, sounds and experiences of that Godawful place.
B&M's are not "ripping you off" by selling good products at a 2x or 3x markup over what you might find at [that site which shall not be mentioned outside of the FastTech thread]. If they are run by good businesspeople, and the successful ones always are, they are selling you a decent product that you can touch and feel. Some better ones, like mine, let you try before you buy. They're also saving you days of shipping time.
Is your time worth as much as your money? My time is worth more. I don't mind paying $10 for 10ml of a fine juice that I tasted right there, in the store, on the day I brought it home. I don't mind helping a local small business, either. I'm blessed. I have a good B&M. YMMV.
Good B&M's will offer decent products at a price that approximates online prices plus shipping and anywhere from 5% to 20% premium.
You are paying for convenience. Have you ever checked a well stocked convenience store for the prices on stuff like chicken soup, milk or paper towels? Heck yes, you can get stuff at Wally World for much less but by paying the price for convenience, you are avoiding the hassle and the sights, sounds and experiences of that Godawful place.
B&M's are not "ripping you off" by selling good products at a 2x or 3x markup over what you might find at [that site which shall not be mentioned outside of the FastTech thread]. If they are run by good businesspeople, and the successful ones always are, they are selling you a decent product that you can touch and feel. Some better ones, like mine, let you try before you buy. They're also saving you days of shipping time.
Is your time worth as much as your money? My time is worth more. I don't mind paying $10 for 10ml of a fine juice that I tasted right there, in the store, on the day I brought it home. I don't mind helping a local small business, either. I'm blessed. I have a good B&M. YMMV.
I don't begrudge them for making a profit. I believe they should and a store front costs a lot more than just being a website. The only thing I have issue with is them pushing a sale and not tell the new comers what it involves. Knowledge is worth it's weight in gold. If they just push products with no info then it sets some people up for failure. Customer service is the key. Like I said, I will pay more to feel the item and try it out before going online.
Lucky's charges 60.00 for a starter kit that's 2 ego 650mAh batteries, wall wart, usb charging cord, 4 clearomizers and, 10 mils of the juice of your choice. Not bad and, they do back it up, and teach new vapers how to use, charge and fill the kit.
Al la cart the wal war and cord together are 15.00
Batteries 15.00
Juice 8.00/10 mil 0-24 mg nic, custom or in house flavor, whatever you want and, it's good, not cheap, perfumey or chemical tasting and as light colored as the flavoring allows.
The staff does know about higher end gear, just doesn't sell it and, will happily refer you to the name of the manufacturer and/or a reputable website, if you ask about that stuff. That's a good shop. Keep it simple but know your stuff.
Al la cart the wal war and cord together are 15.00
Batteries 15.00
Juice 8.00/10 mil 0-24 mg nic, custom or in house flavor, whatever you want and, it's good, not cheap, perfumey or chemical tasting and as light colored as the flavoring allows.
The staff does know about higher end gear, just doesn't sell it and, will happily refer you to the name of the manufacturer and/or a reputable website, if you ask about that stuff. That's a good shop. Keep it simple but know your stuff.
We changed a swap meet/BBS into a B&M / Internet store (this was in 1993...people kept telling me the internet was a fad) and the prices do have to go up. Besides the rent (we weren't just in the garage/basement anymore) there is staff (who expect to get paid if you make sales or not) electricity, taxes (oh how there were taxes... I had to pay tax on a desk I brought from home because now it was in a business ) Inventory costs go up (have to have inventory on hand for customers, as well as for the crew on the road at the meets) etc.
It is much cheaper to run an internet business out of your basement than it is to have a full retail presence. It also helps to be passionate and knowledgeable about what you are offering. And try to instill that passion into your staff, as well as train them. BUT, if you treat your customers right, back up what you sell with great customer service, and aren't that much higher than the rest, you can make it. It doesn't matter if your selling pet rocks, and e-cigs, the model is pretty much the same to get a "good" store going.
If I was to do this (and I have entertained the thought), I would definitely take the two front approach, net first, then B&M. You can fund yourself that way, start getting profits going to pay for your store front when you open it. As well as help drive traffic in.
However, here is a little known secret about retail... most don't make a whole lot of money. Some will hit it big, but for the most part, you are lucky to clear 40-60K after expenses if you are doing decent traffic on the prices of these items. You would be better opening a chain of 10 or 20, then you can do some good $$$, but that is a whole nother set of head aches. However, it was a lot of fun, and I met some great people that were my customers, and still run into them online from time to time (I no longer live in the area where I had my stores) and we talk about the good times.
If you provide a service, and provide it well (I know you can get this from FT for 35.00 after 10 days of waiting, or you can take it home tonight for 40.00, isn't it worth it?), then you will succeed. If you act like your there doing your customers a favor by taking their money, and not being helpful, you wont.
This is a rapidly maturing market. If it takes off, you will see more and more places carrying it. (Sam's Club, Wall Mart .. etc..) But there will still be room for boutiques.
It is much cheaper to run an internet business out of your basement than it is to have a full retail presence. It also helps to be passionate and knowledgeable about what you are offering. And try to instill that passion into your staff, as well as train them. BUT, if you treat your customers right, back up what you sell with great customer service, and aren't that much higher than the rest, you can make it. It doesn't matter if your selling pet rocks, and e-cigs, the model is pretty much the same to get a "good" store going.
If I was to do this (and I have entertained the thought), I would definitely take the two front approach, net first, then B&M. You can fund yourself that way, start getting profits going to pay for your store front when you open it. As well as help drive traffic in.
However, here is a little known secret about retail... most don't make a whole lot of money. Some will hit it big, but for the most part, you are lucky to clear 40-60K after expenses if you are doing decent traffic on the prices of these items. You would be better opening a chain of 10 or 20, then you can do some good $$$, but that is a whole nother set of head aches. However, it was a lot of fun, and I met some great people that were my customers, and still run into them online from time to time (I no longer live in the area where I had my stores) and we talk about the good times.
If you provide a service, and provide it well (I know you can get this from FT for 35.00 after 10 days of waiting, or you can take it home tonight for 40.00, isn't it worth it?), then you will succeed. If you act like your there doing your customers a favor by taking their money, and not being helpful, you wont.
This is a rapidly maturing market. If it takes off, you will see more and more places carrying it. (Sam's Club, Wall Mart .. etc..) But there will still be room for boutiques.
You are right about that Mike... I don't really care where I get my pants, shirts, socks and shoes, but when it comes to vaping I want answers. Someone to know what they are talking about in detail and not talking points. I want to ask questions, examine the products and choose. I will always give my business to a store who is helpful, provide decent prices, and great customer service over an online site where you don't know who is helping you even if someone will help you.
Well for cigalikes here, they are rampant.
Wal Mart
Albertsons
Roadrunner x2
Flying J
Loves
Independent tobacco shops x7
Yes We know those cigalikes are no competition for better gear but, beginners don't know that, and they are going to go where it's cheapest. Have to make even the ego cheaper in the long run than those cigalikes that average 25.00 for a starter kit, then 10.00 for five prefilled cartomizer that are supposed to last a week. So 60 for week one then 8.00 a week after that works for the B&M here. It's good enough to get people to try it, and once they do, they don't mind the occasional clearo and yearly or so new battery.
I know other areas are different but here 400/per week take home is good money and, that isn't good. My partner drives truck for an out of state company so, we have a considerably better income but to most here, 60.00 all at once is a lot and takes 2-4 paychecks to save. B&M shops have to gear to the area, online shops don't. Here, most will go with whatever is cheapest, regardless of quality - easier to come up with 20.00 per week than 200.00 all at once.
Wal Mart
Albertsons
Roadrunner x2
Flying J
Loves
Independent tobacco shops x7
Yes We know those cigalikes are no competition for better gear but, beginners don't know that, and they are going to go where it's cheapest. Have to make even the ego cheaper in the long run than those cigalikes that average 25.00 for a starter kit, then 10.00 for five prefilled cartomizer that are supposed to last a week. So 60 for week one then 8.00 a week after that works for the B&M here. It's good enough to get people to try it, and once they do, they don't mind the occasional clearo and yearly or so new battery.
I know other areas are different but here 400/per week take home is good money and, that isn't good. My partner drives truck for an out of state company so, we have a considerably better income but to most here, 60.00 all at once is a lot and takes 2-4 paychecks to save. B&M shops have to gear to the area, online shops don't. Here, most will go with whatever is cheapest, regardless of quality - easier to come up with 20.00 per week than 200.00 all at once.
True, you do have to have a client base that can afford your services. In a line like this, I would definitely market a good, better, best, bester line up. Try to hit all the price points on the hardware. Base kits, mix and match kits, even loss leader kits. You have to make your juice in your juice. It's not about selling someone a 40.00 kits and making 18.00... it's about selling someone a 25.00 kit, making 7.00, and selling them juice every week and making 4 or 5 a week from them for the next few year (and their friends, and their family).
That means you make your juice yourself, or have a contracted lab. I'm not sure what the health license is for this, but I would hope it's at least as stringent as for a restaurant. But probably not. I don't know if state legislators have caught up to it yet.
line up. Try to hit all the price points on the hardware. Base kits, mix and match kits, even loss leader kits. You have to make your juice in your juice. It's not about selling someone a 40.00 kits and making 18.00... it's about selling someone a 25.00 kit, making 7.00, and selling them juice every week and making 4 or 5 a week from them for the next few year (and their friends, and their family).That means you make your juice yourself, or have a contracted lab. I'm not sure what the health license is for this, but I would hope it's at least as stringent as for a restaurant. But probably not. I don't know if state legislators have caught up to it yet.
You have to stock what sells, and sells quickly.
You can't sit on an inventory of Provaris and Caravelas that sell once a month (at best). Not unless you have cash to burn, and most small bidness don't.
I'm exaggerating to make a point.
You stock eGo batteries, eGo compatible delivery devices and consumables like liquids, atomizer cores and other such whatnot. That stuff turns over quickly and it's easy for minimum wage employees to talk to consumers about. Most folks who walk into a typical B&M are looking for something better than their corner-store disposable or starter kit. Serve them. Do well. Make money and provide for your family, and you've done your job.
You can't sit on an inventory of Provaris and Caravelas that sell once a month (at best). Not unless you have cash to burn, and most small bidness don't.
I'm exaggerating to make a point.
You stock eGo batteries, eGo compatible delivery devices and consumables like liquids, atomizer cores and other such whatnot. That stuff turns over quickly and it's easy for minimum wage employees to talk to consumers about. Most folks who walk into a typical B&M are looking for something better than their corner-store disposable or starter kit. Serve them. Do well. Make money and provide for your family, and you've done your job.
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