So I have been introduced to vapin alittle over a month and I'm in love. Going from 2 packs a day not only do I feel better but now appreciate vaping. I'm intrested in starting an e cig company from the ground up. I have gotten in contact with a couple of chinese distributors and it seems like a very feasible idea. Now I already have a name and logo designed. (Have not patented it yet) I don't only wanna sell online since the market is already so saturated but would like to be a distributor to local grocery stores/ smoke shopes/ bars...etc etc etc.. if anyone has any information or adivce it would be greately appreciated. Anything from the legality of incorporating the bussiness to customs to simple marketing I feel that this would be the future if marketed properly.
Looking to start a bussiness
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Not to discourage you, but IMO since you just started vaping a month ago, that would not be a good basis to start a business. You really need to know the "lifestyle" if you will. Know your competition, learn every name of every major vendor. Know the product lines and differences between them. Know eliquid inside and out (be able to mix your own that others will enjoy....and not just 3 flavors). If you cant answer questions about products on the market that you dont sell without looking on the internet...you are not ready to successfully maintain a business. Its not a simple "pick a domain name, host a site, accept credit card" type business. There are dangers with ordering from China. Are you going to buy the necessary equipment and test every batch of your Nic? Can you afford a loss if Customs siezes your shipment? What about returns....you either accept the loss or pay high shipping to China. And we all know China has no quality control. Can you buy in a large enough quantity to be competitive? What would you offer that isnt already being offered by other successful vendors? Just some questions to ask yourself before you dive into something.
With good knowledge, strong customer Service and a thourough understanding...there is always room for someone that is innovative and raises the bar. With that, you will be successful. I wish you luck, but take your time before making this decision...vaping isnt going anywhere.
With good knowledge, strong customer Service and a thourough understanding...there is always room for someone that is innovative and raises the bar. With that, you will be successful. I wish you luck, but take your time before making this decision...vaping isnt going anywhere.
Hello hitter101,
I have considered the same, especially since I have already sucessfuly owned 2 other sites, so here are my thoughts on it.
First, I would not worry nor spend the money to trademark the logo just yet, you are going to have other expenses far more important in beginning. Secondly, in choosing a supplier, IMHO doing biz with China would be a second choice for me, as I would much rather deal with an US company, I have looked around with no luck, at least in finding competitive wholesale prices. But if you are dead set on the idea, go for it.
As for incorporating, I recommend LLC, LLP or type S corp. Type C corps are the most expensive, specially come tax time. These types are really only good for far larger companies.
Good luck - let me know how it turns out, always happy to see more fellow New Yorkers expanding this type of market
I have considered the same, especially since I have already sucessfuly owned 2 other sites, so here are my thoughts on it.
First, I would not worry nor spend the money to trademark the logo just yet, you are going to have other expenses far more important in beginning. Secondly, in choosing a supplier, IMHO doing biz with China would be a second choice for me, as I would much rather deal with an US company, I have looked around with no luck, at least in finding competitive wholesale prices. But if you are dead set on the idea, go for it.
As for incorporating, I recommend LLC, LLP or type S corp. Type C corps are the most expensive, specially come tax time. These types are really only good for far larger companies.
Good luck - let me know how it turns out, always happy to see more fellow New Yorkers expanding this type of market
Hiter - if you do become a business then I believe you will need to switch to a supplier account on ECF and restrict your posts regarding your business or products to a supplier forum.
Ill make sure to do that but right now I'm just in the starting stages I have looked around for suppliers in the us and have come up short but my first step is to begin selling disposables and economic starter kits under my company name but other then having the supplier name and logo I'm alittle lost with the legality of the matter. I would also rather distribute to brick and mortar shops as apposed to the internet as I stated previosly because the competiton is so heavily saturated on the internet. While the exposure to people who have never tried an e cig in person is a lot lighter
Once you get some ideas, you will need an attorney for the "incorporated" of whatever variety, and for any sort of patent, I think you mean trademark though.
As far as selling to grocery stores, other vendors, etc... I have no idea as I think vendors are already buying wholesale through China, and don't need the extra cost of a middleman/distributor. Grocery stores, big box stores, I also don't know as they most likely get them through their tobacco rep as is.
Seems you have a lot of research ahead, best wishes.
As far as selling to grocery stores, other vendors, etc... I have no idea as I think vendors are already buying wholesale through China, and don't need the extra cost of a middleman/distributor. Grocery stores, big box stores, I also don't know as they most likely get them through their tobacco rep as is.
Seems you have a lot of research ahead, best wishes.
i was thinking the same thing for myself. here in south florida pv stores or sites dont exsist. i know if i opened up a store front and dipped into the online market to sell certain pvs i would do well. but finding us based distributers is extremely difficult. and to be honest i dont trust chinas products what so ever. i am already a owner of my own business, state contractor, so i know the legalities of starting a business, but the legalities over a regulated substance such as nicotine is beyond my experience. the dream does sound tempting though.
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Also, have you done the research into what regulations are in place for the area where your business will be based? You are looking at selling an age controlled product both locally and nationally. There could be licensing costs, the potential for tons of bureaucratic forms to be filled out in triplicate and the legal exposure that goes along with a product of this type. In addition to what was mentioned above do you have a backup plan if the FDA or another agency manages to push through a ban? I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just want to make sure you have developed a solid business model before investing any of your money into it.
Well if the fda pushues thrue a ban I wouldn't be the only one out of a bussiness all us based companies would be screwed but that's a risk I'm willing to take. The start up costs as I have calculated aren't to much and I'm not to worried if it busts just wanna have the opportunity to expose peopel to this product.
It's possible that some of the vendors that make juices and mods would sell to you wholesale.
I have looked into that, and there are quite a few that will, best one imo was dfw vapor, out TX
I feel the same way myself, personally I'd love to eventually open up a brick and mortar place should my luck change, money come my way to do so. There are huge risks as others mentioned. Don't take what anyone has to say as "raining as your parade" there are so many variables to consider particularly legality ones. I hope you really consider the risks before jumping in. The market is right now, on its way to be saturated by "re-branded" disposables as you mentioned you where interested in. Just thought you should be aware of that.
It would also be in your best interest to really get a feel for what it is to be a vaper a bit longer. As well as a full understanding of different threading, kinds of e-ciggs, mods, batteries, protected vs unprotected, what ohms go with what , ect. I've been at this a little while now and even I'll admit I still have a lot to learn. You might be having the "start-up giddies". You may truly whole-heartily want this i just hope you take the time to let the "giddies" wear off so you know where you really stand and you're not looking though anything with rose-colored glasses. Best of luck on your journey though!
It would also be in your best interest to really get a feel for what it is to be a vaper a bit longer. As well as a full understanding of different threading, kinds of e-ciggs, mods, batteries, protected vs unprotected, what ohms go with what , ect. I've been at this a little while now and even I'll admit I still have a lot to learn. You might be having the "start-up giddies". You may truly whole-heartily want this i just hope you take the time to let the "giddies" wear off so you know where you really stand and you're not looking though anything with rose-colored glasses. Best of luck on your journey though!
I owned my own business for many years, and it's a great lifestyle. BUT, understand that the only way you will get a paid holiday is to work on it, and if you have employees, you will get to pay them to not be there working. While I'm an advocate of the philosophy of free enterprise, and if you can't find a job .. create your own job. I just want to point out that owning a business is a whole lot different than working for a business.
I know what it entails to own and run a bussiness have had several as well as worked in sales for many years the problem is not selling the product the problem is all the legal headache that comes along with selling a product that isn't regulated and I have not found any help on what steps should be taking after a supplier is found just to cover my ... in case of misshaps
Since you have had several businesses, you should be familiar with the process of startup .. liability insurance is designed for just these type questions ..
Myself, I always figured an Amway type model with at home style "parties" would be a great way to start an e-cig business and then just build from there .. minimum investment, orders taken during the party, sampling available .. etc ..
There are a lot of these types of companies, in fact I think almost all companies that sell proprietary devices fall into this category. I won't discourage you from trying but keep in mind a few things. First is that running a successful business is a 24/7 job and requires a very large amount of capital. Second is that the industry as a whole is in a never ending battle with the powers that be, in particular the FDA. If they manage to sneak bill past that allows them to regulate electronic cigarettes you can all but kiss your business goodbye, and they try this constantly (see news and CASAA website for info). Third is the actual probability that you can be successful in a market full of like minded business owners. You aren't going to be able to buy as much bulk as them because they have generated income to afford it, so your prices will have to be higher. You also won't have a reputation to play off of because you are a new business. You can do a LOT with marketing as shown by Blu, V2, etc but in the end people eventually find this forum and marketing goes out the window.
I have been pondering starting a business as well but I have always asked myself a few questions in the past before I did.
What will I offer that is different and or more beneficial to customers that my competition will not?
How will I offer a better service than my competition and how much will it affect my bottom line?
How much time will I have to dedicate to this business and if I figure out my hourly wage (net profit divided by hours worked) am I really happy with it? If I am will I be able to keep up with the rest of my life and family while doing it?
Just some things to think about.
If you think "better advertisement then the competitors" will make you successful and profitable, you have alot to learn.
Remember, your pricing for a "rebranded" item will be higher than the competition since they have more buying power. From what I can tell, you're not bringing anything new to the table product wise. You're knowledge is somewhat limited at this point as you have only been vaping for a month.
Ask yourself, "What can I offer that others do not in order to be successful"? A golden smile doesn't make you successful, nor does the best advertising. If the product AND customer service does not exceed expectations, you quite frankly will fail. You need a "niche" in this market to survive, create one...riding the coattails of anothers product is not a guarantee of success. Not trying to put you down, but im not sugarcoating it either. I wish you best of luck on your venture....just vape before you leap
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