Can't say I've ever seen anything remotely clean about the way the shops I've been in mix their house liquid. Usually they do it right on the counter, a squirt from this bottle, a squirt from that bottle, and a squirt from the nic bottle. Not the cleanliest manner of preparation in my opinion.
The vibe and marketing of dedicated vape shops
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It is; and the good thing is that between the two shops and the online business, they employ between 30-40 people.
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I'm fully supportive of DIY, I make my own beer and have for years in my kitchen for the enjoyment of myself and friends.
To clarify my position here; I'm discouraging this practice by B&Ms who produce their own lines created in similar DIY fashion in non-ISO certified environments and then directly market them to consumers. It may be their own subjective definition of clean and sterile, but when it comes down to legislation and regulation, a B&M owner stating their mixing environment is "clean and sterile" means absolutely nothing unless it is certified as being clean and sterile. Additionally, If your liquid is produced in your back room in a non-certified/non-sterile environment, then commercially marketed and sold to consumers to directly inhale in to their lungs, it creates a nice, shiny smooth attack surface for ANTZ to impose their legislation upon. Just reporting.
I found my local B&M by reading a post on ECF about 10 months ago. Didn't know there were such things (my first purchase was a cigalike kit from Volcano back in 2010.) Never thought my po-dunk town would get into the vaping scene
I started reading more here on ECF and checked out the B&M. Got some Spinners and a K-1000 (with almost NO instruction from the staff) At the time, this was the only location of this now-chain (they have 4 locations here in town and 3 or 4 others within a 2-hour radius of here.) The location near my home is very nice - but they are more geared toward their juices, and not overly knowledgeable regarding devices or tanks or rebuilding.
Their gear seems to be mech-mod or "beginner" (way overpriced) kits. Back in late March, I did buck-up for a VV3 at full retail, but only because I wanted it "NOW". I've since become an online shopper for my hardware. I choked on paying $16 for a mini PT2 and $2 for a stock coil. Loved the juices, though. Got to a point where I was Norm from "Cheers", and they'd hand me an order pad so I could write up my own orders. However, I'd wait until holiday sales to buy juice because I thought $0.30/mL instead of $0.65/mL "wasn't bad". I could watch them mix (and without being a Class 1000 clean room) they were pretty clean (mostly restricted area and gloves when mixing)
Yzer, this one's for you.... I did happen in there a couple months ago with my Sigelei Zmax V3 and a Nautilus. My favorite "mix-master" was chatting with me and asked "what's that?" Showed it to him - he pulled the "clone" from his cabinet and marveled at my authentic
So, I've learned to rebuild my coils and make my own juice (all with thanks to the kind and knowledgeable folks here on ECF) and I buy my hardware online. I understand the B&Ms need to make some money, but when they're charging more than 2X for an MVP kit that I can buy online (and I know THEY have to mark up the product so THEY can make some money), I struggle. I want to talk to someone about building coils and proper wicking - "lights are on, but ain't nobody home".
I understand there are so many new things coming out so quickly, but when my local shops don't seem to have "middle of the road" equipment (at even a moderately reasonable price), it makes it tough for me to patron them. I don't want a mech (besides my pipe), and I don't want to pay $85 for something I can get for less than $40 elsewhere (and the B&M's gear is probably not even authentic.)
I started reading more here on ECF and checked out the B&M. Got some Spinners and a K-1000 (with almost NO instruction from the staff) At the time, this was the only location of this now-chain (they have 4 locations here in town and 3 or 4 others within a 2-hour radius of here.) The location near my home is very nice - but they are more geared toward their juices, and not overly knowledgeable regarding devices or tanks or rebuilding.
Their gear seems to be mech-mod or "beginner" (way overpriced) kits. Back in late March, I did buck-up for a VV3 at full retail, but only because I wanted it "NOW". I've since become an online shopper for my hardware. I choked on paying $16 for a mini PT2 and $2 for a stock coil. Loved the juices, though. Got to a point where I was Norm from "Cheers", and they'd hand me an order pad so I could write up my own orders. However, I'd wait until holiday sales to buy juice because I thought $0.30/mL instead of $0.65/mL "wasn't bad". I could watch them mix (and without being a Class 1000 clean room) they were pretty clean (mostly restricted area and gloves when mixing)
Yzer, this one's for you.... I did happen in there a couple months ago with my Sigelei Zmax V3 and a Nautilus. My favorite "mix-master" was chatting with me and asked "what's that?" Showed it to him - he pulled the "clone" from his cabinet and marveled at my authentic
So, I've learned to rebuild my coils and make my own juice (all with thanks to the kind and knowledgeable folks here on ECF) and I buy my hardware online. I understand the B&Ms need to make some money, but when they're charging more than 2X for an MVP kit that I can buy online (and I know THEY have to mark up the product so THEY can make some money), I struggle. I want to talk to someone about building coils and proper wicking - "lights are on, but ain't nobody home".
I understand there are so many new things coming out so quickly, but when my local shops don't seem to have "middle of the road" equipment (at even a moderately reasonable price), it makes it tough for me to patron them. I don't want a mech (besides my pipe), and I don't want to pay $85 for something I can get for less than $40 elsewhere (and the B&M's gear is probably not even authentic.)
I've been to several B&M's in my area, and there's only one I go to for my needs. the vibe's geared toward the younger crowd, sure, but the experience IMHO is top notch. Every person working there is very friendly and knowledgeable, and they seem to be more customer oriented than most. they do sell their own house made juice, which is made in a clean room nowhere near the counter. sure, I walk into a brick wall of cloud sometimes going in there, but I don't mind. They do make a good cup of coffee too
-Kingboomer
-Kingboomer
To be honest I wish I could open my own place. I'd be more like a cigar parlor, "members" only because this is Virginia. It'll have a liquor license, a decent sports package, and easy listening music (and zydeco when I feel like it cause damn it I'm from Louisiana) . Craft beer and spirits only, not a Bug Light or Jack Danial's in sight.
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
To be honest I wish I could open my own place. I'd be more like a cigar parlor, "members" only because this is Virginia. It'll have a liquor license, a decent sports package, and easy listening music (and zydeco when I feel like it cause damn it I'm from Louisiana) . Craft beer and spirits only, not a Bug Light or Jack Danial's in sight.
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
This sounds fan-freakin'-tastic ... let me know when it opens. I'll fly out to visit.
yeah i've seen that as well, not even as clean as a well scrubbed kithcen.
To be honest I wish I could open my own place. I'd be more like a cigar parlor, "members" only because this is Virginia. It'll have a liquor license, a decent sports package, and easy listening music (and zydeco when I feel like it cause damn it I'm from Louisiana) . Craft beer and spirits only, not a Bug Light or Jack Danial's in sight.
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
I'd be there!
To be honest I wish I could open my own place. I'd be more like a cigar parlor, "members" only because this is Virginia. It'll have a liquor license, a decent sports package, and easy listening music (and zydeco when I feel like it cause damn it I'm from Louisiana) . Craft beer and spirits only, not a Bug Light or Jack Danial's in sight.
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
WOW all you'd have to do is throw in lap dances, and you couldn't get people to leave the place.
Lap dances? Just lost my business.
Don't fret too hard on it, I am so broke losing my business shouldn't matter.
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Don't fret too hard on it, I am so broke losing my business shouldn't matter.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
To be honest I wish I could open my own place. I'd be more like a cigar parlor, "members" only because this is Virginia. It'll have a liquor license, a decent sports package, and easy listening music (and zydeco when I feel like it cause damn it I'm from Louisiana) . Craft beer and spirits only, not a Bug Light or Jack Danial's in sight.
Cheese and charcuterie plates as well, might as well throw some more of my hobbies in. Wonder if it can double as a gun store also...
Do you need to hold up your pinkie while vaping to become a "member". Sounds like a good place to take a nap.
i've been to two local place. i don't buy hardware there since i know they are overpriced. but i buy juices. first place i've been to makes their own juices. the place looked like some hippie joint. i can dig that. hung around with enough of them back in school. but i didn't really care for the how this guy who looks half asleep coming out with juice he just mixed. while i was standing there, they had hcigar hammer. i asked how much.. well.. let me just say i can get on 1/4 of the price they had without paying shipping or tax.
the other place i have been to few times. if i time it right, they have good selection of juices. brand name ones. it's clean place with chrome and glass. the guys behind the display were very relaxed. they let me taste whatever juices i want and their price is not that expensive. their hardware is expensive. problem is, things there sell out really quick and they run out of things. but i can see hanging out there is any of my friends vape.
so i finally decided to plan things ahead and over things online. one vendor is doing free shipping on brand name juices and was very prompt and hassle free. i'll use them more often.
the other place i have been to few times. if i time it right, they have good selection of juices. brand name ones. it's clean place with chrome and glass. the guys behind the display were very relaxed. they let me taste whatever juices i want and their price is not that expensive. their hardware is expensive. problem is, things there sell out really quick and they run out of things. but i can see hanging out there is any of my friends vape.
so i finally decided to plan things ahead and over things online. one vendor is doing free shipping on brand name juices and was very prompt and hassle free. i'll use them more often.
I've only been to one, and it had a modern coffee shop type atmosphere. Couple chairs, a couch, and stools lining the "bar" where they have all there stuff on display. Young good lookin woman and a middle aged guy working there. Both super helpful and knew exactly what I was looking for. Prices were slightly above internet, but not horrible. Most things I looked at were within a few dollars. Had legit mech mods, legit batteries, good selection of juice, etc. I'm def gonna hit that place up whenever I go up that way (it's in a town 200 miles away. Lol)
I like the idea of a different kind of hangout place, since I'm not into drinking (or spending), but so far I'm not sure how much vape bars answer that need. I've been to 7 of them and so far have yet to encounter one with loud music, so don't know what that's about. They do vary greatly in size, and the small ones sometimes seem clogged with hangers out. Only 4 of them had bars with stools, really inviting you to hang out, although 2 others had a sofa and coffee table type area.
Only one mixes their own juices on location (Vapin in Thornburg). If you ask them, they will tell you they don't actually formulate the flavorings. I presume that is done in a more lab-type environment. This is more to give a you a fresh, or known age, final mix, and customization. It only takes a minute and I don't see any need for a lab at this step. I would be more critical if they didn't have one of the best flavor lines overall. Of the other 2 with their own juice lines, one I'm not sure where they make them but have been around a while, and of course the Avail chain stores don't make them onsite... Of the stores that carry other brands, I'd like to see some NETs and/or WTA juices, just carrying more expensive brands isn't that innovative or interesting.
As to the business side, yeah there's probably going to be some settling out of the market. It's a lot better for me now than it was when I first experimented 2 years ago and all I found locally was tobacco shops with a smattering of cigalikes and an insanely overpriced mall kiosk. Compared to that, they've become somewhat price competitive. For those better off, it's not unreasonable. For me, it isn't so much that B&M prices would make me feel like I'm overpaying, it's too expensive to consider at all. I think one reason they're blooming so fast right now is a need to "stake out their turf" before others become too established in their territory.
I'm amused and not bothered by the vapor haze when I walk in, although overall I don't think the cloud chasing focus is a good thing for vaping in general. Good for selling high dollar equipment and more juice, obviously. 'Nothin wrong with having a little fun with it but I don't see it as a natural progression for all vapers, and isn't particularly favoring progress towards devices better suited to me, either.
Only one mixes their own juices on location (Vapin in Thornburg). If you ask them, they will tell you they don't actually formulate the flavorings. I presume that is done in a more lab-type environment. This is more to give a you a fresh, or known age, final mix, and customization. It only takes a minute and I don't see any need for a lab at this step. I would be more critical if they didn't have one of the best flavor lines overall. Of the other 2 with their own juice lines, one I'm not sure where they make them but have been around a while, and of course the Avail chain stores don't make them onsite... Of the stores that carry other brands, I'd like to see some NETs and/or WTA juices, just carrying more expensive brands isn't that innovative or interesting.
As to the business side, yeah there's probably going to be some settling out of the market. It's a lot better for me now than it was when I first experimented 2 years ago and all I found locally was tobacco shops with a smattering of cigalikes and an insanely overpriced mall kiosk. Compared to that, they've become somewhat price competitive. For those better off, it's not unreasonable. For me, it isn't so much that B&M prices would make me feel like I'm overpaying, it's too expensive to consider at all. I think one reason they're blooming so fast right now is a need to "stake out their turf" before others become too established in their territory.
I'm amused and not bothered by the vapor haze when I walk in, although overall I don't think the cloud chasing focus is a good thing for vaping in general. Good for selling high dollar equipment and more juice, obviously. 'Nothin wrong with having a little fun with it but I don't see it as a natural progression for all vapers, and isn't particularly favoring progress towards devices better suited to me, either.
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I don't believe anyone was hating on folks blowing big vapor... more about the time and place.
What we're talking about is entering a retail store full of clouds. It doesn't take much for 4-5 people blowing clouds to fill most vape retail stores to the point that visibility is reduced to the point you need fog lights and navigational buoys to get across the room...
I've yet to enter a vapor filled shop and think... wow it smells good in here. Generally it stinks and you can't avoid seeing or being in it. That's not a good retail environment to attract new customers or retain those that aren't there to share in the social cloud.
Where I live, we have several b&m's. Two are chain stores, the rest single store outlets. I've been in both chain stores, and the vibe in each is totally opposite each other. One store, is almost how you describe in point 2. They have this nice large store with tables and chairs for lounging. Their products are displayed in a manner you describe with everything separated out. Juice on one side of the store, hardware on the other. Equipment displayed in separate cases from beginner to advanced. Where I've noticed they fall down a bit, is their prices are a bit high and they only carry their own juice line that they mix in their "lab". I put "lab" in quotes because I've not actually seen it. They also do almost nothing to attract people in to use the large space they've set up. However, all the employees are super helpful and friendly. They'll take the time to educate new vapors about their equipment and make sure they have the proper batteries for the gear they're buying. They also don't steer people towards the higher dollar more advanced stuff right off the bat.
The other store is the cloud filled hangout everyone else describes. They're prices are cheaper, they carry top of the line juices like 5 pawns, Space Jam, Nicquid and a few others. They're employees are also helpful and knowledgable. The store is just very small compared to the other chain, yet they attract people in.
If both stores were combined, you'd have the exact B&M that you're describing.
That is what I would like to see more of. It sounds like they have a background in retail. Vaping doesn't need to be huge clouds everywhere, everytime, all the time. If you are in a store, the assumption is that you are there to shop & possibly buy something. The extention to that in vaping is to learn something, pass along info on the hobby & things like that. I go in vape shopes to shop all the time. Many I won't go back to because of all the friends that are just hanging out. I'm 60. Have no problems with music of any kind unless I have to shout to be heard over it when I'm asking about dropping a couple of hundred on merchandise. Employees & owners should know their product, take care of the customer, & take care of business, & have a clean neat appearance. And know that they can hang out with their friends anywhere but at work. Sorry, 20 years in retail, & it makes me sad to know that many of these small businesses will not last more than a couple of years, simply because they run their company like a playhouse instead of a business. Starbucks is a good example of what I'd like to see more of in a vape shop. Buy it there, relax, vape it there. Try out a mod before you buy it, sit at a table with an employee to teach noobs about safety issues, vernacular, juices. It could be better than the present norm.
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