My First Experience In A Real Vape Shop

[Jman8]

I've been in places where vaping stuff is sold. But until this past weekend, I hadn't been in what is a real vaping establishment (or vaping lounge) where try before you buy was, very visibly, encouraged. I can't wait to go back.

I didn't get a chance to try anything cause I was out with the fellas (on a bachelor party) and seeing that none of them are vapers, I only felt like I had time to stop in, introduce myself, find out a little bit about the place and let them know I will for sure be coming back.

What made this experience, noteworthy, IMO was how utterly full of vape clouds the place was. It was very visible from the outside and my non-vaping friends were treating it like a spectacle - as if the people in there were zoo animals and how could it possibly be impolite to stop and just stare at these vaping creatures in their natural habitat.

I admittedly have not been around that much exhaled vapor before, and yet, I've vaped in public places more times than I care to count. I would say the most amount of vapor I (and say two others who were vaping) have ever produced while vaping indoors was around 1/50th of what these vapers were doing to this establishment. Which, of course, made me feel like I have to go in there. Now.

I thought when I told the store clerks that I'm on a cigalike device and prefer that, they would be all snooty and poking fun at me. Nope. They were entirely friendly, helpful and very much encouraging me to try all 30 or so flavors that they sell.

I must admit that I felt a little light headed after walking out, but that lasted all of 1 minute. I did wonder why better ventilation wouldn't be desired for the vape lounge, but also realize it is in fairly old building. Also thinking that part of the allure is the vape clouds. Like going to a bar without that smell of liquor that permeates the air from the moment you walk in, until you leave. Or like the boogie to the boogie without the boogie bang.

Anyway, it was truly vaper's delight and I look forward to going back.

Curious what other vapers think about a very cloudy vape lounge? Do you relish in it, or not so much?

 

[Paramaniac413]

I'm not a fan of 'clouds.' There are more shops where I am than I had originally thought. One I definitely don't like because of how 'cloudy' it is (among a few other reasons) - it's almost like London along the Thames. Another I wasn't thrilled with the clouds, although it was a little better. The other 4 are pretty good - one doesn't sell what I use, so I think the only way I'd go back there would be to try some of their juice. One of them is a little bit hazy, but I love their flavors. The other two I don't really notice much haze. If I like the staff, the juice, the location, and the selection I can overlook haze, but fog is another story. lol

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Not a fan. Not in the shopping area anyway.

 

[Wissel Joe]

I dont even pay attention to it when inside, My friends are funny they see a guy blowing a cloud
their like if there is formaldehyde in vaping that guys dead..lol

 

[DingerCPA]

Ehhhhh, Even though I smoked, I didn't like overly-smokey bars. I don't think I'd be all that jazzed on an overly-vapory shop - especially if I'm trying to look at stuff or talk to employees. The B&M I go to has a pretty big storefront (at least what I'd consider big for a vape shop) where the back half is the actual shop area, and the front has tables and chairs for people to sit and "chill". I think I'd be put off if I had to plow my way through ginormous clouds....

 

[Rat2chat2]

After reading so many posts about B&M's in less than a positive light, I am glad you had such a good experience. With the cost of juice, that is great to be able to try them before you buy. You may even find flavors that you would not have tried otherwise. I have only been in two and was less than impressed with the people that worked there and their lack of vaping knowledge. We have so many where I live so I just might try another one. Thanks for the post.

 

[fyrefiend]

I've been to two B&M shops with vastly different experiences:
The first one I'd been to three times (it's right around the corner from my girlfriend's place). The first time was a Wednesday evening. It was filled with people cloud chasing (not my thing but whatever floats your boat) and there was zero ventilation so it was like walking into a fog bank. It was so bad that my girlfriend, who is not a vaper or smoker but isn't bothered by my vaping, had to wait outside because it was making her cough. The workers were more interested in talking with their friends than helping a customer (me). When I went to buy some eliquid the guy behind the counter acted like I was bothering him to shop there. I decided to give them another shot on Saturday afternoon and it was actually a somewhat pleasant experience. The owner was there and was very friendly, helpful, and very apologetic about my last experience there. I left feeling happy I gave them another shot and planned to come back soon. The final time was a Wednesday morning. This time I decided to check out their tasting station only to find that half the clearos were either empty or leaking. When I politely mentioned this to the guy behind the counter (who hadn't even said hello when I walked in) he mumbled 'sorry' and kept on ignoring me. It was then that I noticed a poster on one wall offering 'herbal extracts' that are 'undetectable in drug tests'. It was then that I decided they will never get another cent from me. Bad service is one thing but by offering those products they're doing the whole community a disservice.
The second shop has been around longer and it shows. I went there on a Sunday afternoon. While there were people vaping and blowing clouds they had a ventilation system set up so that it's not stifling. Even though they were packed (so much so I couldn't even get near the tasting bar) I was greeted by every employee that came within 5' of me and made to feel welcome. Even though this shop is a bit of a haul for me I will be back. I work retail and know what makes a good shopping experience and these folks have it down.

*names left out to protect the crappy