One just isn't enough...

[RoseB]

So my first AVP is on the way. After looking at every single thing, reading reviews, and asking for advice....I finally decided. One just isn't enough. The MPV is on it's way. All of my equipment is failing. I had to go out and get some blu cartomizers to hold me over. Now I don't want to be in this predicament again. In a couple of weeks I get to order a Provari, which is very exciting. Could of gotten it yesterday, but there would've been a wait. Also would've had a lack of funds for juice ect. Just knowing that is coming up is a major sigh of relief. Thank you provari owners of the forum. If I didn't have your input I am pretty sure convincing my other half wouldn't have happened.

 

[DavidOck]

You're going to love the pair of MVPs.

Indeed, it's often said that we need to have backups for our backups! That includes chargers - but with two MVPs, you'll have two cables for them. You might also want to look into a retractable micro USB cable. It's going to be smaller and easier to pocket / purse / glovebox than the provided adapter cable.

 

[soba1]

You're going to love the pair of MVPs.

Indeed, it's often said that we need to have backups for our backups! That includes chargers - but with two MVPs, you'll have two cables for them. You might also want to look into a retractable micro USB cable. It's going to be smaller and easier to pocket / purse / glovebox than the provided adapter cable.

That's one of the first things that locked into my brain when I got here. Have back ups for your backups.....

 

[DavidOck]

Besides, it's fun getting new toys!

It does seem, though, that we often overlook the basics. We might stock up on toppers, coils, wick, wire, and forget things like chargers...

At least in my neck of the woods, vape stores are popping up everywhere, so in a pinch (or on a whim!) I can at least get the basics, although sometimes not at a price I like compared to online.

 

[Nev NYC]

Besides, it's fun getting new toys!

It does seem, though, that we often overlook the basics. We might stock up on toppers, coils, wick, wire, and forget things like chargers...

At least in my neck of the woods, vape stores are popping up everywhere, so in a pinch (or on a whim!) I can at least get the basics, although sometimes not at a price I like compared to online.

I'd have to agree with you on the overpriced B&M stores. There is only one in my area and their prices are 3 to 5 times more than even higher priced vendor sites online. It's kinda hard to imagine why there would only be 1 B&M store in all of the 5 boroughs of NYC. My jaw dropped when they told me $125 for an AGA-t2

 

[DavidOck]

Supply and demand...

If only one B&M, they "control" their market...

I think as more shops open they're going to have to become more competitive on pricing. At this point, many are still WAY out of line!

Some in my area are reasonable on some gear, outrageous on some other gear... go figure! Others are just outrageous on everything...

Conversely, a convenience store fairly close to me (I'm out in the sticks, and love it!) just started carrying a good brand of juice at a price that rivals online. The also have some overpriced ego gear??

But as we see more acceptance and growth of vaping, I hope we'll see more competition for our $$.

 

[Baditude]

For the other side of perspective concerning B&M shops:

Consider how difficult it would be to start such a shop up. You'd have to spring for quite a large selection of battery devices and juice delivery devices, not to mention e-liquids. Initial invententory cost would be staggering. Many smokers considering making the switch to an e-cig product are not comfortable with ordering online based on a picture and a short description, and prefer to see things in person and hold it, and possibly use it before making a purchase. So B&M shops definitely have their place in the scheme of things, especially with the convenience factors described above, and not having to wait for an online purchase to be shipped to your home.

Overhead costs are high for any business, especially if the location is a convenient one with onsite or nearby parking. My guess is even with seemingly inflated costs of their products, many of these vendors are barely making a profit, especially when first starting out. Add to this the uncertainy of what future FDA regulations my have on their products, and with Big Tobacco selling their versions where ever analogs are sold, and e-cigarettes as a business could be uncertain.

 

[EddardinWinter]

For the other side of perspective concerning B&M shops:

Consider how difficult it would be to start such a shop up. You'd have to spring for quite a large selection of battery devices and juice delivery device, not to mention e-liquids. Initial invententory cost would be staggering. Many smokers considering making the switch to an e-cig product are not comfortable with ordering online based on a picture and a short description, and prefer to see things in person and hold it, and possible use it before making a purchase. So B&M shops definitely have their place in the scheme of things.

Overhead costs are high for any business, especially if the location is a convenient one with nearby parking. My guess is even with seemingly inflated costs of their products, many of these vendors are barely making a profit, especially when first starting out. Add to this the uncertainy of what future FDA regulations my have on their products, and with Big Tobacco selling their versions where ever analogs are sold, and e-cigarettes as a business could be uncertain.

I know a B&M owner and this is precisely true. They charge as little as they can, but the initial investment of about 10k on inventory, plus lease costs, etc. made her first three months (even at a brisk business) before she got out of the red. The initial inventory investment today would be at least twice as much, since the number of products offered are 3 or 4 times greater. The prices may seem high compared to FastTech, but I might not have ever quit analogs had I not walked into that B&M in May of 2012. What price tag do I put on that?

When the Brick and Mortar has a decent and knowledgeable staff, there is value in paying the premium price to get immediate help, replacement parts in stock, and sound advice. I got my first twist on the advice of this owner. It is the only place I buy certain items. I know I can save money getting them elsewhere, I am happy to pay a premium and support this local business with a portion of mine.

Now if a B&M does not provide good advice, quality service, and a good stock of replacement parts and material, their value is greatly reduced. This component is essential for a business like this to survive.

 

[RoseB]

I would love to open a b&m vape shop. It definitely be tied in with another type of business though. Getting shut down by the FDA and losing everything would not be a good thing. BTW I am just getting one MVP. My second prize is the provari. Figured since vv is a new thing for me, I'd make all the stupid mistakes on the MVP. It only has to last me a couple weeks lol. I am going to mount a bungie type cord in a fanny pack and use the MPV for fishing. Oh man is that going to embarrass the husband !

 

[DavidOck]

Actually, I was just in a new B&M last week, opened mid-June. Spent maybe a half hour talking with the owner. He's into it about $40,000.

Like many, my entry to vaping was as a B&M, for all the reasons Bad and Eddard cite. That was with a 650 ego and CE5 kit. Helpful staff, lots of hands on "training", and got me hooked. (Dang, whatever happened to "first one's free? ) Actually got my MVP there as they had it for only about 20% more than online (before Fasttech had them), and just picked up an Itazte VV at another B&M last week. Again, within about 20% of online, and worth the extra to support local. (And that shop also gives me a senior discount - haven't seen that online!)

And I do try to get at least some juice from several of my nearby B&Ms, to do a small part. I like having them around, and want to encourage them.

But things that are 200% of online, well, I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid

And very true, too, that buying online can be like the "pig in a poke" situation, not knowing really what it feels like in the hand, and so on. It can be a substantial investment for something totally new and unknown. I don't know many (any?) who want to dump significant $$ into something without having a clue that yes, indeed, this is better than what they're already doing. Heck, when I started, I got help on juice flavors from the store staff, discussing what I'd been smoking, tasting at the juice bar and so on. Can't do that online either.

 

[Nev NYC]

Don't get me wrong, I've been to quite a few B&M stores throughout the NE and some have been great with reasonable prices and great staff that is very knowledgable. The only one in NYC takes advantage of the community by charging such outrageous prices on gear. The juice prices are reasonable but EVERYTHING else has a ridiculous mark up well beyond any overpriced online vendor or even any other B&M store that I've been to. I'll gladly support a store just because they are fellow vapers but I cannot in good judgement pay triple if not more than a suggested retail price. I won't mention the name of the store but there is only one in the NYC area. $6 for a CE4, $100 for a Vamo, $20 for a phoenix RBA, $12 for a 510 atty, and the kicker for me that I will never EVER go back was the Aga-t2 for $125.. At most, a B&M store has no reason to charge $125 for that item. I could only imagine what they'd charge for a high end genesis RBA..

 

[timc2202]

A local shop would have been nice but for me nonexistant..i started with the blu and 3rd hand rumors.....6 months later i have a small arsonel and four back ups for my evics back up.ecf is actually where i have learned the most.....just by skimming thru.

 

[Chelley]

I agree. I don't mind supporting someone close to me. I get to go in and taste juices and they are always so helpful to me.

 

[RoseB]

Don't get me wrong, I've been to quite a few B&M stores throughout the NE and some have been great with reasonable prices and great staff that is very knowledgable. The only one in NYC takes advantage of the community by charging such outrageous prices on gear. The juice prices are reasonable but EVERYTHING else has a ridiculous mark up well beyond any overpriced online vendor or even any other B&M store that I've been to. I'll gladly support a store just because they are fellow vapers but I cannot in good judgement pay triple if not more than a suggested retail price. I won't mention the name of the store but there is only one in the NYC area. $6 for a CE4, $100 for a Vamo, $20 for a phoenix RBA, $12 for a 510 atty, and the kicker for me that I will never EVER go back was the Aga-t2 for $125.. At most, a B&M store has no reason to charge $125 for that item. I could only imagine what they'd charge for a high end genesis RBA..

I would've loved to have the option of going to a local shop. Hours in the car to get to one. Would've gladly paid $10+ for a CE4. Instead I went to Walmart and picked up a pack of FIN cartomizers. The blu cartos I bought the other day burnt. Horrid product. The FIN works better, but had Dekang liquid. Yep would've gladly forked out. If a brick and mortar is going to make money they have to mark things up. The key to staying open is also carry a stock of items you sell just a bit above cost. Or sometimes at cost.

 

[Nev NYC]

I understand the value of a B&M store and gladly support most of the ones I've been to. I know that they're also running a business and have to markup their prices to make a profit and cover their overhead. I don't have a problem with that at all but it's one thing to make a profit and run a business and its a completely different thing to take advantage of an uninformed consumer who just doesn't know any better. That's all I'm saying with this particular store. I'm sure most of the ppl in the NYC area who know of this store in Jamaica Queens that I'm speaking of would agree.

 

[rockb4]

Make sure your third device is VW.

 

[RoseB]

Make sure your third device is VW.

LOL! No way my third device is going to be a little provape-1. That sucker has a lifetime warranty.

 

[RoseB]

I understand the value of a B&M store and gladly support most of the ones I've been to. I know that they're also running a business and have to markup their prices to make a profit and cover their overhead. I don't have a problem with that at all but it's one thing to make a profit and run a business and its a completely different thing to take advantage of an uninformed consumer who just doesn't know any better. That's all I'm saying with this particular store. I'm sure most of the ppl in the NYC area who know of this store in Jamaica Queens that I'm speaking of would agree.

That's just begging for a complete business failure. A place can only burn so many people, before word gets out. Then it goes from ripping people off to going out of business liquidation sales