I wasn't suggesting you keep doing business with them. I got my first set from a B&M. While I don't consider them ripoffs I do find everything cheaper online and usually buy where I get the best price.
I refer to the adage "Let the buyer beware."
Local ecig shops--- what a RIPOFF!!
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I refer to the adage "Let the buyer beware."
I paid 70 bucks for my starter at a B&M.
A week later I got my wife the exact same thing for $40 on eBay.
fasttech has it for 22 bucks.
I'm not mad. I had to have it right then, I couldn't wait around for a week for it to ship, I was on my last pack of analogs and didn't want to buy another carton.
B&M stores, besides having higher overhead, do much lower sales as well. An online store reaches worldwide, a B&M is limited to whoever might wander in from a regionally located pool. Some B&Ms have a corresponding website, but those sales will suffer as someone running a B&M doesn't have the time to dedicate to generating web traffic.
Higher prices are to be expected. The nice thing about that is you can take it or leave it. You weigh your need for an item now against what you're willing to pay for having it now as opposed to waiting for it at a lower price.
My favorite juice comes from a B&M. I pay 12 times what I can make it for myself simply because I like it and haven't been able to replicate it...yet. Works for me. It is the natural way of things.
A week later I got my wife the exact same thing for $40 on eBay.
fasttech has it for 22 bucks.
I'm not mad. I had to have it right then, I couldn't wait around for a week for it to ship, I was on my last pack of analogs and didn't want to buy another carton.
B&M stores, besides having higher overhead, do much lower sales as well. An online store reaches worldwide, a B&M is limited to whoever might wander in from a regionally located pool. Some B&Ms have a corresponding website, but those sales will suffer as someone running a B&M doesn't have the time to dedicate to generating web traffic.
Higher prices are to be expected. The nice thing about that is you can take it or leave it. You weigh your need for an item now against what you're willing to pay for having it now as opposed to waiting for it at a lower price.
My favorite juice comes from a B&M. I pay 12 times what I can make it for myself simply because I like it and haven't been able to replicate it...yet. Works for me. It is the natural way of things.
Personal service, training and the ability to touch, taste & smell are worth a lot more to me. I'm not going into the 'hood for the cheapest prices and I'm not going to order anything called Zombie Blood without tasting it first no matter how many people rave about it. My brother-in-law loves his local shop but I thought they were rude and over-priced. I loved the service I got at 2 tiny shops with less selection but better prices.
The first B&M I went to (i just needed to get a syringe, never ended up going back) I walked in, I had an ego twist, and an IBTanked carto tank. The person working goes "wow, i've never seen anything like that before."
Really? I could understand if it was like..a limited production mod or something, but it was an ego twist. lmao. Talk about clueless...
The B&M I go to now has a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. I really love the place. Plus they have paper towels all over for the occasion when you might fill up at the store and need a Vapor Towel xD
Ive actually found some good deals on Craigslist. Bought my fiance a Pink Provari 2.5 for $70.
At least there are vape shops now. In Las Vegas, my home, we have over 30 vapes shops. In 2009, we had kiosks at the mall, and really crappy stuff sold for over $100, juice was $25 for 15 mils, or 30 mils for $40. A couple of years later, I tried vaping again. This time, the swap meet was about half that amount, or twice what it is now online. I distinctly remember the feelings of being ripped off. That was about a year ago, when I started to research vaping again. The retail markups on vape gear is pretty big at the B&M's, but nothing like it used to be. I'm so happy I found ECF, which led me to about 30 really good vape shops online. B&M's are still really high, and most of them just look like the Fasttech catalog. Pricing is still shocking, but the selection makes me feel like I'm in Shenzhen, China. Gotta love ECF and many good folks here that have helped me and others. Good luck to you!
There is still some comfort in a good B&M, even for someone like me who has bought 95% of their stuff on-line. A good B&M that is, one with at least a handful of good juices and isn't trying to gouge noobs.
We don't have many in the DC area but I've been to three of them, one really good, one ok and one pretty terrible. I took a buddy of mine to the terrible one as he was trying to get himself a starter kit to get his vape on. Well I ended up answering his questions and those of two other folks who had no idea what they were doing.
The B&M had like 15 employees walking in and out, 15 customers and only one guy helping on the floor. Pretty terrible set-up, they certainly had no idea about customer service. Prices were fair with overhead, but the customer service was non-existent. I didn't find one of their juices compelling so there is no reason to ever go back.
Now the good one was busy also, but they had more floor space and they had two guys working the floor who really understood vaping. It was funny because they had no idea their RY4 was highly regarded in the Big RY4 roundup here, so they thought that was pretty cool.
Prices were about like the other place but I got myself a Nimbus clone to test juices and stayed for awhile to watch how they operated before buying some of their yummy RY4. They were very helpful to noobs, not steering them to anything they didn't need and they understood what kinds of juices the just quit smoker needed. So they had a good juice, were customer-centric, and they weren't trying to move people in and out like cattle.
Now would I go back to the bad store if they had great RY4? No, I wouldn't. I'd just pick one from the RY4 roundup thread here at ECF and order online. The good B&M has a nice RY4 and some other good juices so I'll drive out of the way to return, just because there is some degree of comfort of shopping off the shelf IMO.
We don't have many in the DC area but I've been to three of them, one really good, one ok and one pretty terrible. I took a buddy of mine to the terrible one as he was trying to get himself a starter kit to get his vape on. Well I ended up answering his questions and those of two other folks who had no idea what they were doing.
The B&M had like 15 employees walking in and out, 15 customers and only one guy helping on the floor. Pretty terrible set-up, they certainly had no idea about customer service. Prices were fair with overhead, but the customer service was non-existent. I didn't find one of their juices compelling so there is no reason to ever go back.
Now the good one was busy also, but they had more floor space and they had two guys working the floor who really understood vaping. It was funny because they had no idea their RY4 was highly regarded in the Big RY4 roundup here, so they thought that was pretty cool.
Prices were about like the other place but I got myself a Nimbus clone to test juices and stayed for awhile to watch how they operated before buying some of their yummy RY4. They were very helpful to noobs, not steering them to anything they didn't need and they understood what kinds of juices the just quit smoker needed. So they had a good juice, were customer-centric, and they weren't trying to move people in and out like cattle.
Now would I go back to the bad store if they had great RY4? No, I wouldn't. I'd just pick one from the RY4 roundup thread here at ECF and order online. The good B&M has a nice RY4 and some other good juices so I'll drive out of the way to return, just because there is some degree of comfort of shopping off the shelf IMO.
Which shops are you referring to? I recently just went to the one in Annandale. Seemed alright. They just opened so it wasn't busy and I was really happy to be able to sample the Five Pawns. I haven't been out to the shop in Herndon yet. Not even aware of a third shop...
I want names!
Locally, I've been to DC Vapor (mall kiosk somewhere near Rockville, not worth it), Vaperz Inc (new in Annandale, nice folks, 5 Pawns, plans to open in Pentagon City also), My Vapez (Herndon, 2nd store opening in Arlington this month), Smoke Time (Annandale, mostly tobacco), and Capital Cigar (Annandale, mostly tobacco). I've also ventured out to Frederick, Ellicott City, Richmond, etc.
I still need to visit that one.
I had a mildly amusing experience yesterday after my last post. I went to a local middle eastern market because they have some meat and some spices which are hard to find at the supermarkets. I noticed they had a small section with real hookas, so i asked if they had any electronic cigarette items. The employee proceeded to show me some cheap starter kit but i told him i was just curious if they had the "juice".
He said sure and gets out several boxes of Liqua brand in 30ml bottles. I had never heard on them (being noob) so i bought one bottle. It was a little less than $10/30ml. I get home and look up Liqua. It turns out the pricing was cheaper than nearly any price i found online and its considered a pretty good product by at least one of the verified forum vendors. It was even the PG/VG ratio that works for me but IMO the flavor is a little on the light side. Otherwise it seems like a nice vape for $10.
I found this all to be very amusing since the local larger Asian markets don't have any E-cig products but one had a section full of counterfeit music CDs.
Lombaowski
One of my better local B&Ms has staff for both the novice and the guys that know exactly what they want. Its usually busy so you take a number and wait your turn. They are well staffed though and they have a "lounge area". This kind of sounds like going to the DMV but it works out very well. Novices and first timers get a chance to talk to other more experienced vapers before talking to the sales staff. I look at it like an opportunity to help someone instead of an inconvenience.
They also have a couple guys asking for customers that are here to get a specific item or know what they want. So you are not always at the mercy of waiting on your "number" to come up if you are in a hurry.
He said sure and gets out several boxes of Liqua brand in 30ml bottles. I had never heard on them (being noob) so i bought one bottle. It was a little less than $10/30ml. I get home and look up Liqua. It turns out the pricing was cheaper than nearly any price i found online and its considered a pretty good product by at least one of the verified forum vendors. It was even the PG/VG ratio that works for me but IMO the flavor is a little on the light side. Otherwise it seems like a nice vape for $10.
I found this all to be very amusing since the local larger Asian markets don't have any E-cig products but one had a section full of counterfeit music CDs.
Lombaowski
One of my better local B&Ms has staff for both the novice and the guys that know exactly what they want. Its usually busy so you take a number and wait your turn. They are well staffed though and they have a "lounge area". This kind of sounds like going to the DMV but it works out very well. Novices and first timers get a chance to talk to other more experienced vapers before talking to the sales staff. I look at it like an opportunity to help someone instead of an inconvenience.
They also have a couple guys asking for customers that are here to get a specific item or know what they want. So you are not always at the mercy of waiting on your "number" to come up if you are in a hurry.
Nice pull on the LIQUA juice, I am ordering their famous Tiramisu from Fasttech soon.
That's a great idea having staff to address different skill levels, that's a B&M owner who gets it. Not that I'm "advanced" with Bill or Bad Attitude or many others here, but I know a little bit. So having someone that can answer my questions in-person, goes a long way in me actually purchasing something from that B&M. I'm there right? Might as well pick up an RDA or something....
I still consider myself a noob BUT i know what works for me so far. Baditude was a HUGE help getting me on the carto path. I try to pass along what ive learned here and encourage people i meet to visit ECF. Some products you will likely never see at a B&M and many of those are top shelf items.
The Liqua is nicely packaged and even had an expiration date. It appears to be very professionally made for a e-juice product made outside the USA. The strawberry is a bit light on flavor but mixed very well with some local Mango i get. I like it for the price and its somewhat clear colored. One of my favorite local juices was slightly colored and now they add purple/bluish food coloring.
The B&M i mentioned has some very informed employees. Ive watched one or two of them make coils for a RBA and show the customer the basics. This of course increases the overhead and that reflects on the pricing but they are still very competitive on many products. $65 for a MVP V2 at a B&M i would consider reasonable. Ive seen other local shops charge more for a MVP V1 and acted like they did not even know about the MVP V2.
I tend to call around and ask questions which i already know the answer and then ask about the price of an item ive researched online. If they fail the question and the item price is very high, i don't even bother going to see the shop. Luckily i have two B&Ms that really impress me and one more that is worth a visit when im in the area. The shop closest to me is convenient but clueless. During a off topic conversation one of the younger employees wanted to debate with me that real Absinthe is NOT available in the USA even though i told him where he can buy Lucid brand. He claims it does not have wormwood and its illegal in the states.
I just told him Google is your friend and go check the website.
The Liqua is nicely packaged and even had an expiration date. It appears to be very professionally made for a e-juice product made outside the USA. The strawberry is a bit light on flavor but mixed very well with some local Mango i get. I like it for the price and its somewhat clear colored. One of my favorite local juices was slightly colored and now they add purple/bluish food coloring.
The B&M i mentioned has some very informed employees. Ive watched one or two of them make coils for a RBA and show the customer the basics. This of course increases the overhead and that reflects on the pricing but they are still very competitive on many products. $65 for a MVP V2 at a B&M i would consider reasonable. Ive seen other local shops charge more for a MVP V1 and acted like they did not even know about the MVP V2.
I tend to call around and ask questions which i already know the answer and then ask about the price of an item ive researched online. If they fail the question and the item price is very high, i don't even bother going to see the shop. Luckily i have two B&Ms that really impress me and one more that is worth a visit when im in the area. The shop closest to me is convenient but clueless. During a off topic conversation one of the younger employees wanted to debate with me that real Absinthe is NOT available in the USA even though i told him where he can buy Lucid brand. He claims it does not have wormwood and its illegal in the states.
I just told him Google is your friend and go check the website.
I tried to quit analogs about 3 years ago using e cigs about 3 years ago.. Back then there where no B&M and I failed mostly having to wait for stuff in the mail... I've been analog free for two months now... I'm very lucky to have a good shop near by with a fair and honest price..!
Can't say I'll make the trip to Pasadena just to visit a store. I really enjoyed the one in Annandale and hopefully the one in Arlington opens soon. I'm semi addicted to Five Pawns' Gambit now.
Have you been to allaboutvapor? Their prices are very competitive, and they have really good customer service. They offer a 10% discount for military, veterans, teachers, and a couple other professions.
I bought a iTaste vv yesterday and a couple of Kanger mini tanks. I got a better price from them than I can find online.
A good B&M is a blessing. Mine is great, and prices are quite reasonable. I can get a PT2 there and a five pack of coils for $25.00.
They have a try before you buy counter that is well stocked with a great variety of liquids that I could buy cheaper online, but without the crapshoot of ordering, waiting, and hoping it tastes as good as it sounds.
They now have four locations after starting with a tiny storefront in a well worn strip mall. I split my time between my home in Mobile and the family Sin Palace in Gulf Shores. There's a location no more than 30 minutes away from me, wherever I am.
I am blessed!
They have a try before you buy counter that is well stocked with a great variety of liquids that I could buy cheaper online, but without the crapshoot of ordering, waiting, and hoping it tastes as good as it sounds.
They now have four locations after starting with a tiny storefront in a well worn strip mall. I split my time between my home in Mobile and the family Sin Palace in Gulf Shores. There's a location no more than 30 minutes away from me, wherever I am.
I am blessed!
I remember picking up my first kit locally at the end of last year. Two Vivi Nova Tanks, 2 Ego Bats (650MAH), charger, and some juice. The local guy was good guy, I paid about $100 for everything. Since then, I go online for just about everything, for example a protank 2 that I bought online a few months ago for $15, my local b&m sells for $22 now. I save a lot of money online. I still try to give the local business when I can, but it is becoming harder to do so, especially when the prices are at least 25-30% higher than online. Just my take on it.
I order all of my stuff online.... I use the B&M's as kind of a place just to window shop if you will.... To look at and hold what I am interested in. 
B&M is an expensive proposition especially in a high traffic area. There might be 5 or 10 guys that have to learn constantly (without much help from China) at their expense, have tasks that don't pay and need to pass it along.
Product, price or service. Pick 2. With some you can't pick 1. They won't last long.
Buy Microsoft Office for big bucks with only a handful (so to speak) collecting a salary, or Open Office for $0 where the community of thousands do their homework and contribute because they have the time and enjoy the self satisfaction - Like ECF.
I have a B&M store nearby, it's hit and miss but they work hard for the most part and I pay a little extra.
Online has it's advantages - volume, but don't think for one second building a site and maintaining it is cheap.
Product, price or service. Pick 2. With some you can't pick 1. They won't last long.
Buy Microsoft Office for big bucks with only a handful (so to speak) collecting a salary, or Open Office for $0 where the community of thousands do their homework and contribute because they have the time and enjoy the self satisfaction - Like ECF.
I have a B&M store nearby, it's hit and miss but they work hard for the most part and I pay a little extra.
Online has it's advantages - volume, but don't think for one second building a site and maintaining it is cheap.
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