Selling Custom Cartomizers

[roxics]

I have way too many people asking me about my KR808D-1 to pass this up. I've been talking to various Chinese manufactures who make the KR808D-1. Well, three of them anyway. Getting prices on empty cartomizers in bulk of 1000 or so. My goal is to refill them with American e-liquid, make sure the wick of the atomizer is nicely centered and add one extra special touch to help prevent leaking out of the mouthpiece.

So although the physical cart itself would be made in China, the e-liquid and care of attention would be done here in the US. Each cart filled by hand. Because of this the prices would be a little higher then vendors selling stuff shipped and filled from China.

I'm looking into various things right now, included getting clear molded plastic cases for the cartos themselves rather then just cardboard boxes.

These would be premium cartomizers and come in various strengths and flavors, including seasonal flavors.

My question to you guys is, what price would be right for you? What would you or for that matter the general public be willing to pay for a five pack of premium cartos like this? $15? $16?

My problem right now is trying to figure out where to get the vinyl stickers for them in various colors as well as what is the best option for printing on them.
As they will be custom made for each order I will need to be able to print the stickers on demand with logo, flavor and strength on them. Or maybe just get a few printed in bulk from an outside source, but which source?

 

[Taryn]

I believe you have to register as a supplier with the forums before posting any commercial endeavors.

 

[meir]

I'd buy some if you make VG based ones.

 

[HaploVoss]

I don't think market research requires purchasing his own forum... he's not trying to sell his product yet - he's asking if it would be something people are interested in BEFORE he makes an investment, which I'm sure would include a forum here, etc. if he goes ahead with his project.

Moderators? Anyone?

I would purchase some - especially VG as meir suggested. Although admittedly I will still have to purchase my greencig cartoz from Drew cuz I just can't live without them... but I would definitely keep some of yours on hand for trips and outings and certainly don't mind the sound of the price.

I would imagine if you are ordering in OEM quantities that labeling would be taken care of for you at no extra cost by the manufacturer - then you can take care of the important stoofs - filling and QC, etc. yourself here.

Take care,
- Hap

 

[Thyestean]

I don't know about others but from reading your description I wouldn't buy them at all.

If all you are providing is cartomizers that you are filling yourself with juice you are purchasing from another vendor with an added "touch" to prevent leaks and possibly a plastic case then they wouldn't be worth forking out any extra cash to me.

Whatever the extra "touch" is I would be skeptical as to its ability to guarantee it absolutely 100% never leaking, which is what it would have to do in order to be any different than the current setup being that leaking is rarely an issue(at least in my personal experience).

As for a clear plastic molded case for the cartos, I wouldn't have any use for that unless it is something that can hold more than the 5 cartos that come in it, which I don't think is your intention by your wording. The reason being that I wouldn't want a whole bunch of little cases to have around when I can just as easily get one larger case to keep them all in.

And since you're apparently planning to just buy the liquid from another source and not make your own I wouldn't see the sense in paying more for something that I can already get myself.

None of this is to slam your idea it is just an honest opinion of what you would be offering. The good thing with the cartomizers is that they are meant to be disposable but can be easily refilled. And, although some may be willing to pay for the ease of just changing and never refilling, I believe many refill because it is such a simple process and cuts costs down drastically. So, without coming up with some great new brand of liquid to prefill them with, I don't see many paying even more money for something they can already get a lot cheaper.

But maybe that's just me.

 

[Birdy]

What Thyestean said ^^^

 

[roxics]

I believe you have to register as a supplier with the forums before posting any commercial endeavors.

Yeah I haven't gotten that far yet. Not selling yet. Which is why I haven't posted any links or asked the moderators for vendor approval.

I would imagine if you are ordering in OEM quantities that labeling would be taken care of for you at no extra cost by the manufacturer - then you can take care of the important stoofs - filling and QC, etc. yourself here.

They can do that. But the problem with that is the color selection and the printing on the labels. It's going to be a small time operation and it's going to be difficult at first to see which flavors/strengths will be more popular then others.

That means having to print the labels one off at a time with the correct flavor and strength identified on them. The companies in China want to do everything in large quantities and limited colors. They don't have a problem printing off 1000 labels in one color with one flavor and strength printed. But what happens when I have 20 flavors in four different strengths? Major bucks for a small time operation.

I don't know about others but from reading your description I wouldn't buy them at all.

If all you are providing is cartomizers that you are filling yourself with juice you are purchasing from another vendor with an added "touch" to prevent leaks and possibly a plastic case then they wouldn't be worth forking out any extra cash to me.

Whatever the extra "touch" is I would be skeptical as to its ability to guarantee it absolutely 100% never leaking, which is what it would have to do in order to be any different than the current setup being that leaking is rarely an issue(at least in my personal experience).

As for a clear plastic molded case for the cartos, I wouldn't have any use for that unless it is something that can hold more than the 5 cartos that come in it, which I don't think is your intention by your wording. The reason being that I wouldn't want a whole bunch of little cases to have around when I can just as easily get one larger case to keep them all in.

And since you're apparently planning to just buy the liquid from another source and not make your own I wouldn't see the sense in paying more for something that I can already get myself.

None of this is to slam your idea it is just an honest opinion of what you would be offering. The good thing with the cartomizers is that they are meant to be disposable but can be easily refilled. And, although some may be willing to pay for the ease of just changing and never refilling, I believe many refill because it is such a simple process and cuts costs down drastically. So, without coming up with some great new brand of liquid to prefill them with, I don't see many paying even more money for something they can already get a lot cheaper.

But maybe that's just me.

I don't know where you got the idea I wasn't going to be making the e-liquid myself. That was sort of the point. That way I could offer my own spin as well as having seasonal flavors and so on.

As for the plastic cases, that's just an idea I'm tossing around. You got it right, they would be five packs. Something a little tougher then cardboard that could easily slip into the pocket. That part is just an idea right now.

Thank you for your input though. That's my goal here, I'm looking for input.

To be honest, you guys are more hard core vapers. Which is really cool. But my market goal is more toward the people who would buy the cartomizers and not bother refilling them. People who aren't necessarily coming to this forum and reading everything they can on vaping. There is still a huge untapped market of folks who aren't going to want to bother with dripping e-liquid. Which is sort of the point of offering this in cartomizers and the KR808D-1, being that it is the easiest system to use. It's also the most likely to succeed among people who want easy to use, no fuss.

I'm looking more at local sales. I can't tell you how many people come up to me asking me about me e-cig. I want to offer them something. But I can't compete with the big guys who have tens of thousands of dollars already invest into their business. So in order to offer a variety of flavors and something unique I have to do things differently. I can't afford to buy thousands of cartos in various flavors and strengths. But I can afford to buy a couple thousands blank cartos and fill them with my e-liquid on demand. This also ensures I have the flavor and strength in stock and don't have to wait for shipments from China for a certain flavor or strength.

Maybe the price is too high. That's something that can be reconsidered. It depends on how quickly this processes can be refined as it goes into full swing.

 

[Thyestean]

Ah I see.

Re-reading it I think I just assumed you were planning to buy already made liquids from the fact that you just stated "American e-liquids" without any mention of them being ones you would make yourself.

I think if you are making your own and you have some original flavors that you come up with then that would possibly better your chances.

Good luck

 

[Katmar]

But you would still have to keep your prices reasonable. As a kr808 vapor, I refill my carts a gazillion times to save money. Trust me, there are a ton of people who are low income and this allows us to vape and stay healthy without going broke. I think more people refill than just vape and toss the prefilleds.
Good Luck...

 

[crowntuner]

I would actually like to post a little bit of encouragement. I think that the OP is right - this forum is comprised of hard-core vapers who WOULD refill every time to save money. However, that isn't a description of most vapers - I swear that most of the vapers that I know in Buffalo pay $20 / 5 cartridges (100% made in China with no special touches) AT THE MALL and LOVE IT.

So, there's a little encouragement for you.

And, if you compare to the pricing of "analogs" you're still offering a good deal at $15/5. Who knows? You might even get away with pricing @ $20 / 5.

Keep us posted in this thread - I would really like to know how your endavor goes. And hell - I'll sign up as your first customer right here. While I wouldn't spend $15 / 5 more than JUST ONCE, I did buy some OVERPRICED GARBAGE "Johnson Creek Smoke Juice." I bought it because they were marketing it as a high-quality product at a fair price for a high quality product, just like you would be with your cartomizers. I should mention that I now buy juice from "The Bear Juice." Their prices are GREAT and the juice is the best I've had yet. When I refill cartomizers with it, they're just like factory filled cartos - AMAZING!

So go for it ! And, while you're going for it, please keep us posted!

 

[Birdy]

However, that isn't a description of most vapers - I swear that most of the vapers that I know in Buffalo pay $20 / 5 cartridges (100% made in China with no special touches) AT THE MALL and LOVE IT.

<...>

And, if you compare to the pricing of "analogs" you're still offering a good deal at $15/5. Who knows? You might even get away with pricing @ $20 / 5.
<...>

I'll sign up as your first customer right here. While I wouldn't spend $15 / 5 more than JUST ONCE, I did buy some OVERPRICED GARBAGE "Johnson Creek Smoke Juice." I bought it because they were marketing it as a high-quality product at a fair price for a high quality product, just like you would be with your cartomizers.

I don't get it

You admit you'll only pay those prices once. Then you get all CAPSLOCK about JC'S overpriced "garbage"?? JC is $.66 per ml ... So by your standards $15 for 5 cartos is highway robbery - that's $3 per ml.
Would JC still be garbage if you'd paid $7 for it?

You buy BearJuice- arguably the least expensive hand mixed stuff around ($7 per 30ml) ...and you refill your cartos with it - which is exactly what his customers would wind up doing.

Just because your friends pay $20 for 5 carts from the mall doesn't mean its typical. Right after the typical new user buys some overpriced juice or PV at the mall they usually head over here... only to be totally disappointed that they paid so much for something they could have gotten cheaper. There are a gazillion rant threads about feeling ripped off and warning everyone away from them.

They try to find the cheapest juice they can get their hands on, because well, people are frugal. And that really cheap juice? Usually Dekang, straight from China. Trust me, for the most part they just don't care. That is what I believe to be the typical vaper.

So yeah, this all just sounds like a perfect argument against what he's proposing. So color me confused.

 

[donnellyk]

roxics: my opinion would be that you rack up MANY more hours of research on this forum regarding vaping styles before spending your hard earned money...

 

[cos]

Roxics
Starting your own little business sounds like a great plan. I used to use kr808 cartos but switched over to Greencigs. i love the cartos and love most liquids they make. I buy my liquid from Nhaler and will continue to do so cause he sells the greencig product and i also fill my own empty gc carts with Nhaler liquid. Just a few of my favorites.
Now back to you. I wouldnt mind paying for quality liquid like you started but here is my concern.
How much experience do you have?
Are the nicotine levels going to be on the money?
Where are you mixing the liquids? garage, in a store somewhere, or on the kitchen table?
What about sanitary conditions when your mixing? wearing gloves and hair nets etc?
All these things have to be considered if your running a small business or larger business.
Now if you can answer my questions and i like what i hear i would probably buy your product from you.
I am not trying to knock you at all. Matter of fact i do wish you all the best of luck.
also i want to add maybe i am wrong by wanting these things from a supplier. Before i ever purchased any liquid from a supplier i did say in an email to that supplier how strongly i felt about buying liquid and if safety and cleanliness was an important factor to him or her a sit is to me.
anyway i am done ramblin on and sorry i dont want it to rain on your parade. Im just saying how some people (like myself) may feel buying a product that involves chemicals or whatever you call nic liquid. i really dont know the proper word you call it.
So good luck and hope you do well . Please keep us posted and just do your research and everything will work out just fine. Take care
Cos

 

[TaketheRedPill]

well, I'll be honest. The M401 is still my primary. Cartomizers are a luxury item. I buy most of mine blank and refill with my own blend - so I know exactly what is in it. I only buy flavors on sale, and only pay premium prices for exotic flavors from V4L, as a treat - even then, I wait for them to be marked down. 10 bucks is my top ceiling. 16bucks I'd walk away from - the blanks are $7ish, so why pay $10 for approx 5ml of liquid? I'd rather revert back to a 801 atom/cart on a JantyStick, faced with that choice. Sorry, not what you want to hear, I'm sure, but it's how I feel.

TTRP

 

[sherid]

well, I'll be honest. The M401 is still my primary. Cartomizers are a luxury item. I buy most of mine blank and refill with my own blend - so I know exactly what is in it. I only buy flavors on sale, and only pay premium prices for exotic flavors from V4L, as a treat - even then, I wait for them to be marked down. 10 bucks is my top ceiling. 16bucks I'd walk away from - the blanks are $7ish, so why pay $10 for approx 5ml of liquid? I'd rather revert back to a 801 atom/cart on a JantyStick, faced with that choice. Sorry, not what you want to hear, I'm sure, but it's how I feel.

TTRP

Have you bought any cartomizers from www.mist-stix.com ? They are $7.95 there with cheap shipping.

 

[keyzygirl]

I dont think your going to produce better quality than V4L,and you want to charge more $$??

 

[cos]

keyzygirl sorry my dear i do not agree with you. not jumping on you at all just do not agree. Do you know for a fact that he wont make a better quality juice? ya never know. Maybe he is the type of person that everything he trys he will be a sucess. Maybe he does have that talent.
I personally would try a product first before i say anything negative about it. anyway just my 2 cents. its too early to not agree with someone. still on my 1st cup of coffee and no vaping yet lol.
happy vaping keyzygirl

 

[Lightgeoduck]

I dont think your going to produce better quality than V4L,and you want to charge more $$??

keyzygirl sorry my dear i do not agree with you. not jumping on you at all just do not agree. Do you know for a fact that he wont make a better quality juice? ya never know. Maybe he is the type of person that everything he trys he will be a sucess. Maybe he does have that talent.
I personally would try a product first before i say anything negative about it. anyway just my 2 cents. its too early to not agree with someone. still on my 1st cup of coffee and no vaping yet lol.
happy vaping keyzygirl

Yeah I am going to have to agree with cos on this... I mean there are alot of juices out there that are higher quality... some us made... and some coming from the same factory that leaf is at...(I highly doubt that factory is only catering to ONE reseller) now not saying that you won't turn out to be right.. but that is sort of a presumptuous statement.

I know one thing for sure I fill my blanks with some high quality stuff (IMO)
and in case you didn't know V4L started small

NOW with that being said ROX you already know my feelings on your venture... but if you do advance on your ambitions... I wish you the best.... and I may even make a purchase to support your cause....(discounted of course)hehehe

 

[keyzygirl]

Okay,Okay,just picturing Roxics in the garage mixing it up,Im sorry,bad to assume things,If you feel you can do it,Do it!! I run a jewelry bus from home and people thought I couldnt do it!!Think,move,do!!!Go for it!!

 

[Lightgeoduck]

Okay,Okay,just picturing Roxics in the garage mixing it up,Im sorry,bad to assume things,If you feel you can do it,Do it!! I run a jewelry bus from home and people thought I couldnt do it!!Think,move,do!!!Go for it!!

Well I dont mean to give him false hope either.... hehehehe

JK really JK