Support your local brick and mortar?

[SWMBO]

Found out yesterday we have a local brick and mortar vape shop. Not a mall joint either. Went by there today to check it out.

Got me to wondering if folks here try to support a local shop if they have one or mostly still use the online suppliers. I just ordered supplies last week so I didn't need anything today. She had lots of premixed flavors, a few different types of starter kits, some hardware (atties-carts-cartos etc) a few batteries, chargers and other accessories. She is planning on having a DIY section in a month. I didn't pay attention to prices there so I don't know how they compare to internet prices. The shop was actually steadily busy for the 1/2 hr I spent there. Surprised to find them open on a holiday. The owners were very friendly and willing to chat even though I was not spending money today.

Links to news stories and articles on the stores web site show that the owner is front and center in the fight to halt the bans in our county. As a new vaper, I was totally unaware that such was even going on. Think I'll try to throw some business her way from now on even if the cost turns out to be a little higher. And try to pay attention to the political wrangling going on.

 

[hairball]

If we had a B&M, even with prices being a little higher than online, I would support them and shop there as long as they carried what I like. I would rather give them a few bucks extra than to pay the postal system (they tend to lose packages).

 

[OrthodoxAtheist]

To the extent peeps here have local sellers, I'm sure they go out of their way to patronize them when the mark-up in price isn't too exorbitant (if at all).

My smoke shop used to have the garage entry e-cigs until I started speaking to the owner and encouraging him to branch out. Now he has about 30 juices, a few slightly better cig-size devices, and a few odds and ends - not great, but better. I'll go in and chat with him, show him what I've bought recently, pick up a juice or two (higher cost but at least he knows someone's buying them) and if someone comes in asking about them, he's better informed. Another smoke shop near me sells absolutely zero e-cig stuff. I gave them the wtf look when they told me that, and walked out.

The only real bricks and mortar vape shop near me (other than brand-specific ones I don't support in LA etc) that I know of is almost 2 hours drive. I made the trip, glad I went, and whenever I run across someone who seriously wants to try an e-cig, I'll take them down there for the weekend. Sadly I've influenced few irl. Will keep trying.

I have a feeling there are many more around me in driving distance than I'm aware of. Maybe there's a resource available I'm aware of, but the only thing I've found for finding this e-cig stores is a mediocre list (no offense intended). We need something better than that. The community needs something google-maps oriented, for example, so its more fluid and visitor-friendly. I'm in the Inland Empire in California... just by the nature of Californians, chances are there are 20 stores around me I don't know about. At least in 2 hours I can get to Jason's E-Cig store, and that's fantastic.

 

[faux_sheaux]

I used to exclusively shop at volcano.. until I discovered ECF and have since been helping secure the job of my post lady.

 

[whitetortuga]

If there was a B&M store close to me, I would try and support them. That is, as long as their prices were pretty reasonable. I don't mind paying a few dollars extra, as they do have overhead costs to take care of. I think that B&M are an important aspect of this hobby. They provide a concrete showing that this hobby is real, and not just something "you found on the internet."

Like I said, I have yet to find any relatively close to me, but I am in the hunt! When I do, I'll be sure to give them support!

 

[Abec82]

For sure I'd support it, as I already started doing despite having to drive to an area I don't normally frequent here in LA. Granted my last three visits there 2 of those visits were al about getting juice which thank God although it's more expensive than buying online it's not big of an outright expense (one can ask for a 5 or 10 ml for 5 or 10 bucks matter of fact.). Also, it's probably better both for them as the merchant and me the consumer that I'm not just a name with a set of corresponding order numbers; having the merchant actually meeting face to face with the consumers probably would help them keep the store the store stocked and up to date as far as what customers are looking for and want in their PV and their accessories.

 

[OrthodoxAtheist]

Well, in searching for a useful resource in finding e-cig retailers, I came across this: E-Cigarette Directory though its a pretty thinly-veiled NJoy marketing website. Virtually everything in the listings for my area (25+ miles away) are gas stations that sell their products. I know there's another link floating around ECF for a listing, that was the one that I was referring to in my earlier post, but I don't have it bookmarked. *wrist-slap*

 

[bigtiime]

I use online shops as well as a B&M that is local to my home. Sometimes having a knowledgeable person to talk to and being able to see the hardware and test juices (bring a drip tip) is very helpful. Our local shop is a "lounge" type atmosphere where you can go, plug in your passthrough (if you use them), talk with other vapers, watch TV or play a video game. Very social and enjoyable.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Went to the only one we have and I was charged $30.00 for a 30 ml bottle of juice...and the bottle wasn't even full so that's the last time I went. I don't mind paying a premium but $30.00 is price gouging IMO. Also wanted an empty 30 ml bottle with blunt needle tip and they wanted $6.25 for it. An elderly couple was in there looking to buy their first PV and, although not lying, the salesman was giving them some serious misinformation.

 

[dandelionwings]

we don't have a local B&M, though i've found out that there is one in a town not to far. i won't drive out of my way unless i get totally desperate, but that's because of what i would be paying extra in gas and i've heard that they carry cheaply made non-us made flavors that don't taste that great. i, personally, believe in support local businesses as much as possible and i expect prices to be higher due to overhead costs---but i also expect the business to lower costs as their sales increase and they drum up more business. i'm not one of those strict, will only buy american made, consumers---but i am one of those think globally/buy locally peeps. i want my neighbor to have a job and i want my community to live the dream of their shops ;-)

 

[tj99959]

I have one of the major suppliers just 5 minutes from my house, and you bet your life I buy there.
I give them a good word whenever I get the chance too.
So ENS, here's your good word, and thanks for showing this old man that thare's something better than smoking.

 

[kwanYin]

When I am in Indy I go to the vapor shop there. They have excellent prices and honor the 10% discount. Wish I lived closer as they have everything 30 ml is $9.99 clearomizers are pretty cheap to. Haven't purchased any batteries so don't know their pricing for that. they do have some juices that are a little more expensive but I stay with the store basic brand. Wish I had one in Tennessee but haven't found one. Its so nice to be able to talk to someone and they do sometimes have clearance products but a little to high in nic strength as I only use 12mg. But if your in Indianapolis IN it is worth checking out.

 

[HzG8rGrl]

Here is the other locator. Be sure your local B&M are on the lists!

 

[MadValleyVapingMama]

You Americans are so frigging lucky! If there was a B&M store near me I'd be applying for a job

The entrepreneur in me wants to come out & play, problem being, I don't want to waist my time doing battle with HC, & there would be a battle cuz I believe we Canadians should have a choice on how we fulfill our nicotine addiction.

 

[Spazmelda]

I don't have anything local. There are a few vapor shops in Ohio, but the closest to me (I think) would be the one in Indy. I plan on going out there one of these days, but it's two hours out there and two hours back, so I'd have to make a day of it.

There are a few tobacco shops here that sell sub-par e-cigs. I wouldn't buy one of those and I find the proprietors of the tobacco shops seem kind of surly when I ask about them and have no interest in hearing about other types of e-cigs.

I got my first e-cig at a local pharmacy (Fuma brand), and it was okay. Overpriced by maybe x3 and kr808-d2 so not really compatible with much else, but I didn't know what I was doing at the time and it did clue me in that an e-cig might actually work for me. The local Walgreens have disposable Blus.

If I had a real e-cig shop close by I'd certainly check them out and try to support them if they sold decent stuff.

 

[Beech]

We have one about 30 miles from us... right now it's only open three days a week. But let me tell you, the guy Rocks! He carries a good supply of e-cigs and lots of juice. In PA he's about the only reliable source. He is in Warminister, PA. Vaporphoxxe.

He lets you try the juices, the equipment. At the time, it was the difference between me buying something right for me over returning again and again to buy stuff I don't need. He keeps his customers happy. I find what he carries has little to no mark up. So love your brick and mortar!

 

[jimmy2x]

I'll second the thoughts about Vaporphoxxe here in Warminser, PA. It is only about 5 minutes from where I live and I get all of my hardware there. Alan has really built a business out of nothing and has the advantage of being a vendor in a complex that only opens three days per week, so it is really a part-time gig. He always seems to have a steady stream of customers that thrive on sound advice.

 

[Alac]

I have a Great B&M in Phoenix (ecigsupply) that I have stopped at. The guys there are awsome.

Thing is, they dont have anything gear I use. They don't carry 4081 gear, and now that I'm useing 808s, they seem to have stopped carying anything for that.
Even though its in town, it would still end up almost an hour and a half drive time (there and back) which seems a bit much to just pick up some juice.

There is supposed to be a vape lounge in Phoenix, but I'm not sure where it is but I would go there at least once.

 

[Peezy]

I live by juicy vapors and I don't support them... Iv been in there a few times and its always a bad vibe..
the owners and employees all have a attitude problem and that's probably why the place is dead every time we go there

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

There is one but very expensive
1295 Mosley st, Unit 6, Wasaga Beach, On.

You Americans are so frigging lucky! If there was a B&M store near me I'd be applying for a job

The entrepreneur in me wants to come out & play, problem being, I don't want to waist my time doing battle with HC, & there would be a battle cuz I believe we Canadians should have a choice on how we fulfill our nicotine addiction.