Dear Kinabaloo,
vaping is much cheaper if you order e-liquid and refill carts yourself. There are videos on YouTube that show how to do this.
Of course, you are right about 12 mg! This seems to be especially true for new "converts." I quit analogs about a week ago. I am using carts with 18 mg in the morning and then switching to 24 mg in the late afternoon. From what I have read on this forum, the level of nicotine needed or preferred varies alot. I have read posts by some users who are
vaping 36 mg straight up, while others are using 0 nic. The best course of action is probably to get a small sample of flavors and strengths and see what suits you best.
Happy
vaping!