Pricing discussion

[glowplug]

Jumps in like I usually do.............hey peeps!!!!!!!!!!

@Coralline @Feign ~ Both of you have some valid points.
To those that haven't been around as long as others, Clark has always encouraged everyone to say what they feel; good or bad.
Just because someone doesn't like an opinion--too bad-- it's an opinion and you don't have to dis/agree.

Don't think for a moment Coralline is the only person having these thoughts--she's just the one who opening spoke in detail on it and for that I respect her for sharing her thoughts!
I don't agree with every word but I definitely understood her point & didn't view it as whining or complaining.

The SR's have been busting out at an alarming rate & many have asked if it weren't ready why was it being sold at a premium!
In that regard I have the choice to buy or not which is a very simple decision for me.

No one is attacking any of the NT team. So before anyone tells me I could buy elsewhere--save your breath.
I'm fairly certain I know how to spend my own money.

You do indeed and you know value! I love your collection. Just had to smile when I read that comment! Love you Lex and I love your outspoken posts. It may make waves, but I know where you stand and I appreciate that more than you know. You do it without attacks or snide remarks. You iz one good woman!

 

[glowplug]

here's the thing though - we don't think the deeming regulations will survive unchallenged - it's absolutely critical that the wider community get out there and make the case for diversity in the marketplace. If we do not insist on a reasonable pathway for small and medium sized businesses to exist in the post-regulatory environment, they will most assuredly hand the whole SOB to BT. We expect that some concessions will be made before the final proposal is drafted. Then, the litigation will start... that could string this thing out for 2-4-6... even 10 years. If at any point in that process we manage to find a Republican house/senate majority into the White House, we will have almost assuredly escaped the wrath of big government. The only downside is that the Republicans will mostly likely insist that eliquid be pushed through distributors (like alcohol) so that the government can levy (likely heavy) taxes on the whole thing. Honestly, I think that's the way it's going to go.

There's a few certainties...

No sales to minors... in the absence of reliable age verification software, only the most unscrupulous businesses will continue to use the internet for anything other than "You can get our liquid at these B&M locations." The bottom line is, they need to force these products into B&Ms because local, state, and federal governments intend to tax the hell out of them... they get no tax revenue on internet sales so you can bet it is going to get shut down on the quick. It will become impossible for businesses like me to get credit card process, it will likely be illegal to ship via the USPS, and everything I manufacturer will probably have to be channeled through a distributor to ensure there is a paper trail for purposes of taxation. Welcome to the new world.

I hate shopping except online. I really do. Mostly based on my inability to do much walking without a lot of pain. Heck, I take my pain meds to go to Walmart, but go I do because I need the stuff I buy there. I just hate taking the pain meds except for sleep. So I am whining about this trend to B&M. In addition, a B&M has to charge more. No other way to pay for all the overhead.

On the other hand, I love my local B&Ms and all the great info I get when I stop by. Not to mention the tickles and giggles with the great people that work at the two of them I frequent. I go about once every couple of months. If I have to get vape equipment and juice at a B&M, I bet it won't be as friendly as my vape shops. I plan to get all the equipment I will need before this comes to pass. Stocking up on mechs and some wire. A few more drippers and a couple more Kayfuns. I will be done (I hope).

It is sad really. This is a fun journey. Looking at all the new things, buying a few clones cause I can never afford the authentic ones. This is such a vibrant, fascinating industry that I hate to see it curtailed by some greedy corporations and politicians. Child resistant packaging, I am all for it. The rest? PEWP!

 

[glowplug]

That's rudedog bein' rudedog. LMAO - relax

Yeah, I luvs me some rudedog. He may have a few rough edges, but his heart is made of gold and as big as the Montana sky. His comment may have hurt some feelings, but ya just gotta know him. He is going to call it as he sees it and not sugar coat. We all have our opinions, right?

 

[glowplug]

https://www.usps.com/ship/domestic-tobacco-restrictions.htm?

So, it should be mailed with 'signature required' and age verification of the person required to sign. I know, I know, that makes too damn much sense and would never fly. There are ways to verify age. Really. Not that expensive, not that difficult. But this doesn't have much to do with rational solutions to the problems, now does it? Love my government so much....NOT!

 

[glowplug]

OMG this is brilliant! We could be the Avon of the vaping world

And don't forget my ability to offer temperature controlled transportation to large quantities of juice. Like everyone else, I have to watch my bottom line, but we can work something out for certain. If I am allowed to transport over state lines that is....?? Needs fieldwork. As long as we have some distribution centers and I am not dropping a case off every couple of blocks. What a nightmare that would be LOL!

 

[glowplug]

I cannot stress enough how this entire conversation related to transitioning to B&M is depressing the hell out of me. Hearing this may not happen for another 2 years does not provide me an ounce of comfort.

I cannot speak for others but I don't have the luxury of promoting any vendors juice outside my own home & the few B&M's I've been to are not going to carry Nicoticket. They're quite happy to have an employee mixing up juices in the back room.

It's different when you have exclusive vape shops vs stores that just so happen to sell vape related items.

It took me months & a LOT of money to find my way to Nicoticket & I have this sinking feeling I'll have to start my search for good tasty quality juices all over again.

Many of you may see this as not being loyal--I really don't care. Spending my money on what works for me has nothing to do with loyalty to one particular vendor; a word btw I feel gets thrown around quite loosely anyway.
I have to look out for me & the last thing I want to do is go back to smoking cigarettes. So yeah....my shopping will continue online.

Sent from a BIG phone.....Galaxy Note 3

But Lex, the thing is that those mixing in the back room won't be around any longer and there will be no internet sales anywhere (legally that is) if this all comes to pass. THE GOOD NEWS: there will be places to get NT juice and they WILL be fairly convenient to you. Trust in the force! Clark is working on making this work for everyone. I think we will be pleasantly surprised....just hate the waiting to know what is in the works!

 

[glowplug]

sorry for the flood of posts but I did read all 20 pages and I just couldn't contain myself.

 

[NicoleNXD]

sorry for the flood of posts but I did read all 20 pages and I just couldn't contain myself.

Feel better glow? LOL

 

[ScandaLeX]

I sincerely wish people would stop saying "don't buy it" or "buy it elsewhere!" EVERYONE has their opinion whether we like it or not.
As adults we are well aware we have choices without being told what to do.

 

[ScandaLeX]

And don't forget my ability to offer temperature controlled transportation to large quantities of juice. Like everyone else, I have to watch my bottom line, but we can work something out for certain. If I am allowed to transport over state lines that is....?? Needs fieldwork. As long as we have some distribution centers and I am not dropping a case off every couple of blocks. What a nightmare that would be LOL!

THIS would be EPIC!!!!!!!!!

 

[CorallineAlgae]

I sincerely wish people would stop saying "don't buy it" or "buy it elsewhere!" EVERYONE has their opinion whether we like it or not.
As adults we are well aware we have choices without being told what to do.

Agreed. I don't get it either. Why should anybody tell other people, especially strangers, what to do? This is a place to ask questions, give answers, and share our opinions and experiences. It's ok to ask about unpleasant or confusing changes as customers and community members. It isn't ok to tell people to get out just for voicing their concerns.






Vaping Radioactive in my new KFL+ and LOVING it!

 

[Kent Brooks]

Oh, I totally get your point. To be honest, I've never even seen a vape shop. If there is one in the nearest city the closest one is at best an hour drive away and I can't drive. Believe me, I understand how hard this sucks. Given that, I'm still trying to remain hopeful that the government won't force every small mom and pop eliquid company into the ground. If the best I will be able to do is bribe a friend with beer and gas money into hauling me to the nearest vape shop three times a year... I'd be ...... off but hopefully still vaping and not smoking. The only point I was trying to make is that all ejuice companies, and (we) their customers, will soon be at the mercy of very hostile FDA regulations. It sucks but I'm hopeful that we will still have some access to bNicoticket.

The reality is - I am quite certain every mom and pop vape shop will be driven into the ground. It's not a question of IF, it's a question of WHEN. There was a window of opportunity for people to build a base and a brand as a small business... that window is either closed, or nearly closed. Tick tick tick. The solution... GROW.

 

[Kent Brooks]

So, it should be mailed with 'signature required' and age verification of the person required to sign. I know, I know, that makes too damn much sense and would never fly. There are ways to verify age. Really. Not that expensive, not that difficult. But this doesn't have much to do with rational solutions to the problems, now does it? Love my government so much....NOT!

If that became a reality I am not sure we would continue to do the website, honestly.

 

[emegaz]

The reality is - I am quite certain every mom and pop vape shop will be driven into the ground. It's not a question of IF, it's a question of WHEN. There was a window of opportunity for people to build a base and a brand as a small business... that window is either closed, or nearly closed. Tick tick tick. The solution... GROW.

I agree, its gonna cost big money to stay in this type of market. And the only way to get big money is to get BIG! The big players get a big voice down in lobby town. Which means their voice travels into legislation/regulation.

 

[Kent Brooks]

I agree, its gonna cost big money to stay in this type of market. And the only way to get big money is to get BIG! The big players get a big voice down in lobby town. Which means their voice travels into legislation/regulation.

The time is coming when existence will depend on 5k/plate luncheons. Ask anyone in business - you pay the politicians or bad things happen - it's extortion.

 

[solace.discord]

ok, so I read through this entire thread, and now I'm sad.

Maine ONE dedicated vape shop listed- we have a few "mixed use" shops... but it's not the same.

I haven't even seen a huge interest in vaping in my state- folks seem to be happy with failing on gas station set-ups, and don't want to hear about ECF or better options. and I don't have the means to open my own, create the interest, or I absolutely would.

I go to Saco twice a week- if they're open on my next trip, I'll finally stop in, give some cards and have a chat.

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

solace, I'm thinking the vaping world as we know it will not exist after the regulations hit, you will have to wait and see as the deeming impacts all devices as well. Those of us with B&Ms close by won't even recognize them in a few years if they make it at all...but nothing is set in stone yet. We just have to follow CASAA's CTA's and do the best to speak up and get visible. And hope, and pray, that level minded people prevail....

 

[Kent Brooks]

Back to the Nicoticket pricing... you all see where this is headed. I'm not the type to pass the buck, but it should be more than obvious to all that much of this is outside my control. What I am doing is reacting to outside influence in the most fair and equtable way possible. For Katy and I, it's extremely important to honor and reward the people who made this opportunity possible... that's you folks. I'd say there's some pecking order but there really shouldn't be - at this point we haven't even celebrated our 1st anniversary so we consider everyone early adopters. Supporting a small business and helping make our collective dreams come true should pay lifetime dividends - we intend to make that happen.

It should be obvious to all that with expansion comes additional cost. I can't disclose specifically what investments are being made presently, but I should be able to soon. What I can say is that we are proceeding with the expectation that we will be AEMSA CERTIFIED (not just AEMSA equivalent), GMP certified, and ISO compliant. There are no specific guidelines for our specific industry with regard to what exactly needs to be done, but we can speculate as to where it's going to land based on the food/beverage industries and other alchemical laboratory specifications/considerations.

If we wanted to be a flash in the pan vendor who got into the game, turned maximum profit with minimal investment, business as usual would continue. If price is the only consideration for any of you, I have no doubt there will be less expensive options in the marketplace - vendors whom are making absolutely no investment and whom fully intend to exit the marketplace when the regulations do go into effect. This amounts to supporting a short-sighted get rich quick vendor VS. supporting a vendor who is willing to make sufficient investment to ensure that you have your favorite liquid into the indefinite future. We're taking a HUGE risk by taking the high road... but we believe this community is absolutely worth it.

 

[Megan Kogijiki Ratchford]

Well said Clark!

 

[penguiness]

And don't forget my ability to offer temperature controlled transportation to large quantities of juice. Like everyone else, I have to watch my bottom line, but we can work something out for certain. If I am allowed to transport over state lines that is....?? Needs fieldwork. As long as we have some distribution centers and I am not dropping a case off every couple of blocks. What a nightmare that would be LOL!

With yearly conventions in Omaha!