The idea of a public equipment repository

[Vapinginjapan]

Hey folks

I'm sure everyone has spare equipment laying around. Most of the 'mistakes' we make when we're vaping end up falling into disuse. So the idea struck me.

Perhaps it would be possible with someone with the motivation and spare time, to collect all of this 'equipment collecting dust' and keep it in one central place, so people who are just easing into vaping could have a place to go to get equipment to trial.

I think it would be much easier for the vaping newbies if they could send a PM to a person, and request a trial use 801, 901, 510, and KR808D, and get them all in the mail. Trial them for a few weeks, and then send them all back and purchase the gear that suited their needs. While there would have to be some sort of time limit, it could be lax if the 'library' of gear that would be stowed would be populated by equipment that is no longer needed by it's owner.

Ideally one would be located in europe, and one would be located in the united states.

Perhaps juice could also be requested in 1ml samplers. Good juices probably wouldn't build up too much in the repository, but they say that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Maybe generous people could stock the repisitory with large quantities of popular juices, so the new users could have a tiny taste of what's out there.

All in all, one repeating theme I *always* hear when people first start vaping, is 'I kept trying one thing after the other, until I found my sweetspot'. countless people have tons of equpment lying around in a graveyard, a testament to the fact that everyone is different. I think this could make the trial and error much less financially painful for new users.

I could manage Japan, but Japan has a very, very small representation on the board. Ideally we could split up the US into chunks (south east, north east, mid west, mid south, north west, south west, etc... ) in a best case scenario. But just having one repisitory to start out with would be a fantastic boon for all who need to find their sweet spot.

What do you all think of the idea??

This would require the honor system, and if someone failed to return equipment they could be barred from borrowing equipment in the future. However, I believe that ECF is one example of a place that could successfully run on honor system.

 

[tarheeldan]

I like this idea - and am about to vote "Yes, and I would donate." Though equipment return success rate won't be 100%, it might be surprisingly high as you noted, this forum seems to bring out a lot of good in people. That being said I'd be more inclined personally to place in the repository equipment, juices, etc. that are not only "spare" but would be happy for someone else enjoying without it necessarily having to go on to another person. Sou ka to itte, ii kangae!

 

[studinski]

We have similar things for swaps and *hugs* in several soap making groups I am on. Not so much the "loaner" theory as a central repository (I am one of them) for ingredients and finished products to give someone a smile when they are having a hard time of it. Most of the *hugs* I send out are usually replaced multiple times over by those who were *hugged*. It could work
Sarah

 

[otter]

While I've found this forum to be a great place for information and awesome people full of inspiration and ideas, my feeling is that this idea, while being well intentioned, would attract people just looking for free stuff, with a sort of 'hit and run' 'something for nothing' mentality, or maybe I'm just 'thinking negatively' and 'putting stuff in quotes' in a 'run on sentence'. Dunno, it's vrr late. Either way, good luck should you try doing this.

 

[Joseph Hongel]

My wife and I are pretty serious about recycling our consumer products, especially in a way that benifits others; like goodwill and such. This would be a great idea.

 

[basic_atheist]

Great idea. Unfortunately I use all of my equipment and juice to the very last drop, then I squeeze a little more life out of it, if I can. I do have a box of disassembled broken parts, but those are reserved for rebuilds. I'll pinch a penny until it squeals, then I beat it up against the wall until it screams... Know what I mean?

But... I could donate my rebuilds later. Not so sure about their safety because I tend to "ghetto hot rod" things, but something is better than nothing... right?

 

[RIAFlight25]

Great Idea!

While I understand the potential for equipment to not be returned, whats the absolute WORST thing that can happen? They keep an old 901 set that would be sitting somewhere and not being used? If a $30 kit that was graciously donated for someone to have a chance at saving their life and a person wants to in essence "Steal" that chance from another person, they are the ones that have to live with themselves.

Of course that will happen, and its extremely unfortunate, but I think the vast majority of people will be extremely greatful for this opportunity. So I am totally down for it.

While a bit hesitant due to my flying schedule, If this works out and you need someone to work out of the midwest, Id be down for it... shoot me a pm. Besides my roomie can always pack up the goodies!

Safe travels,
RIAFlight25