Local Shops

[Flawedatdesign]

I'm seeming to run into a problem with the local shops in my area even a few not so local.

I was a 3 pack a day smoker until last week now going even less and today I have only smokes 6. vaping is going to help me this time.

I go to the local shops and all but one the workers seem like total jerks. Which by this happening I pay more for my stuff as I go to the shop I can tolerate the workers/owners.

I'm trying to figure out what makes the people think that when an older guy walks in they can just dismiss me for the younger crowd or treat me like as if I don't matter because I ask questions. For example I ask for something that isn't real heavy as I don't like a heavy box. I ask for something that will vape while charging as I only want 1 bat as I don't want to hold an anchor while vaping. I also asked fore something that was 100w or less. They guy points out a wissomething or other 200w 3 18650 Mod says that is the best machine we have close to what you want. Then moves on to the kid sucking of the taste bar juice that 5 mins later walks out not buying anything. Well long story short I was right behind him and I didn't buy anything. Went to a different shop found what I was looking for which they had at the previous shop and I paid $10 more just because of the customer service.

 

[KayP]

Sorry to hear about your experience, and I'm glad you managed to find something you like in the end. I live in Gold Coast, Australia, and there are no 'brick-n-motar' vape stores here. Whilst I yearn about going to a local store to do window shopping, meeting new people and having discussions about vaping in general, I understand that one will always find cheaper prices and good advice online (like this forum). Of course, in the event of hardware issues/failure one can simply walk back into the store and have it looked at (almost) immediately. This in general holds true to most markets, not just vaping.

 

[Dlmdavid]

One of my favourite things about vaping is the friendly environment of the vape shops. I definitely wouldn't go back to a place that treats you badly no matter how bad they treat you. The shop I go to always treats me like a VIP even when it's new employees I've never dealt with before, it's nice to be able to go in and visit while trying out new juices, while also having all my questions answered.

 

[mauricem00]

I'm seeming to run into a problem with the local shops in my area even a few not so local.

I was a 3 pack a day smoker until last week now going even less and today I have only smokes 6. Vaping is going to help me this time.

I go to the local shops and all but one the workers seem like total jerks. Which by this happening I pay more for my stuff as I go to the shop I can tolerate the workers/owners.

I'm trying to figure out what makes the people think that when an older guy walks in they can just dismiss me for the younger crowd or treat me like as if I don't matter because I ask questions. For example I ask for something that isn't real heavy as I don't like a heavy box. I ask for something that will vape while charging as I only want 1 bat as I don't want to hold an anchor while vaping. I also asked fore something that was 100w or less. They guy points out a wissomething or other 200w 3 18650 Mod says that is the best machine we have close to what you want. Then moves on to the kid sucking of the taste bar juice that 5 mins later walks out not buying anything. Well long story short I was right behind him and I didn't buy anything. Went to a different shop found what I was looking for which they had at the previous shop and I paid $10 more just because of the customer service.

I wish we had a good shop in my town but they all are only interested in young cloud chaser and treat older low power vapers as second class citizens. they don't get my business my equipment comes from fastech and my flavors and DIY supplies come form mail order houses that have good customer service lines. I wonder how many people are discouraged from trying vaping because of these hostile shops.I was so happy when I saw recently that AM PM markets were starting to sell EGO type starter kits complete with juice.thats what I started with

 

[Flawedatdesign]

Well glad I'm not the only one feeling this way lol

 

[mauricem00]

im sure its not an uncommon experience there are even people on this forum who have a negative view of low power vapors. one said we remind him of grandpas sitting around smoking pipes. just the arrogance of youth. like you I vape to quit smoking. ive been tobacco free for over 13 month now and would like to wish you good luck in your battle with tobacco

 

[suprtrkr]

It is, unfortunately, not an uncommon experience. It's also pretty stupid, but that's another matter. I suggest you join us here for information and camaraderie, buy your gear online, and look around for a place you like better. Or open one and out compete them. Welcome to the board.

 

[Bunnykiller]

obviously they staff is there to be around their peers and really dont care for the purpose of selling items that suit the customer...

 

[JCinFLA]

@Flawedatdesign -
Welcome to the ECF, from 1 member of the "older crowd" to another! There are many of us here actually, and the younger crowd here still plays well with us, too, IMO.

You've definitely found the best place for reliable, friendly, advice and help with anything vaping related. I've never dealt with vape shops much, even in the beginning of my vaping journey slightly more than 2 years ago. I, too, found most employees too interested in selling only the high-end stuff to much younger people interested in cloud chasing! Most I ever did in 1 was test some liquids and buy a small sample bottle or 2.

My main source for e-liquid has a website, and he's located only 15 miles away, so I get it fast. The owner has always been very kind answering any/all of my questions about his flavors, ingredients, custom mixing, etc. I also have a list of about 7 websites now that I go to for everything else I use for vaping...because they offer great prices and have wonderful customer service. I'm also just beginning to do DIY e-liquids, and I'm relying on the ECF for the best advice with that, too, not local shops.

Bottom line is this: You've found the first & best thing to help you with vaping advice & information - the ECF. Once you find an e-liquid or 2 you like (& a supplier to get them from) and maybe several "go to" websites to depend on for your other vaping supplies...you're all set!

Hang in there! Take it 1 step at a time, ask for help/advice when you need it, and you'll reach your end goal.

 

[Toronnah]

Like all retailers, it's hit and miss. The store owner sets the tone for the staff and individual employees care or don't. Whether it's vape gear, cars or clothes.

So vote with your wallet and give your money to a shop that cares.

 

[Grimwald]

I have at least 4 shops available (I've been to three of them). One caters mostly to newbies. One is somewhere in the middle. And I don't have enough piercings and tattoos to spend much time in the third. Vaping runs the whole gamut from smoking cessation to passionate hobby...and so do the shops.

 

[Aidan Vapes]

Its sad to see the younger generation of vapers who think its only acceptable to vape at 200w blowing huge plumes of clouds as they see it as "cool"

I myself would be classed as this younger generation at 20 i guess but dont own a mod higher than 100w and dont see the need to in my opinion, of course each to their own as long as they're not in your face about their new 3 battery 200w box mod or whatever.

 

[MattyVigilante]

My local vape shop are great, I have a good relationship with the lads there and they are knowledgeable, friendly and honest.
That being said I'm 27 and interested in all aspects of vaping (just not overly knowledgeable myself yet). I love my clouds but somehow I doubt that's the reason they treat me the way they do.
Vote with your feet and your wallet.

 

[Jwaterski]

Fortunately everything can be found online, I have 4 shops almost a stones throw from my house, after visiting them I've thought about it too.

 

[IMFire3605]

I'm seeming to run into a problem with the local shops in my area even a few not so local.

I was a 3 pack a day smoker until last week now going even less and today I have only smokes 6. Vaping is going to help me this time.

I go to the local shops and all but one the workers seem like total jerks. Which by this happening I pay more for my stuff as I go to the shop I can tolerate the workers/owners.

I'm trying to figure out what makes the people think that when an older guy walks in they can just dismiss me for the younger crowd or treat me like as if I don't matter because I ask questions. For example I ask for something that isn't real heavy as I don't like a heavy box. I ask for something that will vape while charging as I only want 1 bat as I don't want to hold an anchor while vaping. I also asked fore something that was 100w or less. They guy points out a wissomething or other 200w 3 18650 Mod says that is the best machine we have close to what you want. Then moves on to the kid sucking of the taste bar juice that 5 mins later walks out not buying anything. Well long story short I was right behind him and I didn't buy anything. Went to a different shop found what I was looking for which they had at the previous shop and I paid $10 more just because of the customer service.

First off welcome aboard, pull up a seat, cup of your favorite drink, sit back and enjoy extending more days to your life.

Secondly I am sorry you ran into a bad experience, it is unfortunate but like any other retail business there are good ones and bad ones. I work at a B&M shop myself and sadly I see other employees at various shops that fall into the category you have listed, there to hang out, look cool, chill with their buddies, and collect a check. Personally depending on number of customers asking questions and such my attention can get stretched and divided when by myself, yet I try to follow a few simple rules customer service wise, always smile, acknowledge a customer with a friendly attitude, customer needs more of my attention than other (new customer or potential vapor) they will get the majority of my attention, even if that means moving just a juice buyer up the cue and get them out the door first. More time I spend with a new vapor, getting to know their needs and budget, the more I get them the right kit and as much information they can absorb the more successful they will be. Most hours I am pretty slow, always tell new customers/vapors they are always welcome to call and/or come back and ask questions during these hours, 1 on 1 mentoring and customer care goes a lot further for the shop in making a returning customer than a 1 off sale and customer never coming back. Stay with the shop that makes you feel wanted and needed instead of the one that treats you as a schmuck, vote with your dollars as stated above.