This just needed to be said.

[sketchness]

I guess I can understand the nic level issue, sort of hard to keep that many bottles open\ cartos filled. Or when a new customer gets one too many puffs of twelve and doesn't feel so well. My biggest issue is the prices on gear at most that are just outrageous. I will not overpay 30-50 dollars for a mod. I mean that is great you have 25 different mech mods. Minus the obvious aesthetic differences and quality, the 50 dollar tube does basically the same thing as the 280 dollar brass beauty. Out of batteries, poor selection on drip tips,Kanthal by the foot. I want to buy a spoil and not wait for it to ship. And MVP is not really a box mod lol.

And as mentioned the music. I am 42 but have a pretty diverse set of interests, I still don't want to shout over my favorite Metallica song. I have cash in my pocket to spend but typically just leave with a flavor or two.

There I feel better.

 

[Astraea Star]

I've never been to a B&M before, always get things online so I didn't know anything about all this.
Think I'll go see what I can find in my local city because I don't have a shop nearby.
Thanks guys for the inspiration.

 

[Auntie Mame]

The biggest frustration I find is that with the exception of things like this forum and if you're lucky and have a friend who is a vaper, there are very few good sources of information for those looking for information about trying vaping to leave cigs in the dust.

Last month I attended ECC in Ontario. I had a great time. I knew the vendors I wanted to meet, got to try some great vapes and buy a few and certainly left with more free bottles than I ever imagined. But, had I went knowing nothing and hoping to learn, I would have left in the first 30 minutes disappointed and most likely deciding to just keep smoking. The crowd was young, the music was loud and the vibe was far more similar to a nightclub than a learning experience.

My smoking hub (who I secretly had hoped might take an interest) was far from impressed. I was talking with a vendor when the hub said, "that guy over there set his thing on fire". I immediately started laughing..."some guy set his thing on fire?", I asked and while he then understood my laughter, he had obviously seen someone have a malfunction and it bothered him. He concluded that "this <insert bad word here> ain't safe." Later in the day when the crowds began gathering and chanting "free <that bad word again>" over and over until bottles of juice began being tossed into the crowd with some hitting the floor or other vendors sending glass and juice everywhere reinforced his opinion.

Fun is fun. But business is business. If we want vapor and vaping to be considered a safer, far less harmful alternative to smoking, the leaders and vendors and B & M need to consider the image they put forth.

 

[Shipmonster]

The biggest frustration I find is that with the exception of things like this forum and if you're lucky and have a friend who is a vaper, there are very few good sources of information for those looking for information about trying vaping to leave cigs in the dust.

Last month I attended ECC in Ontario. I had a great time. I knew the vendors I wanted to meet, got to try some great vapes and buy a few and certainly left with more free bottles than I ever imagined. But, had I went knowing nothing and hoping to learn, I would have left in the first 30 minutes disappointed and most likely deciding to just keep smoking. The crowd was young, the music was loud and the vibe was far more similar to a nightclub than a learning experience.

My smoking hub (who I secretly had hoped might take an interest) was far from impressed. I was talking with a vendor when the hub said, "that guy over there set his thing on fire". I immediately started laughing..."some guy set his thing on fire?", I asked and while he then understood my laughter, he had obviously seen someone have a malfunction and it bothered him. He concluded that "this <insert bad word here> ain't safe." Later in the day when the crowds began gathering and chanting "free <that bad word again>" over and over until bottles of juice began being tossed into the crowd with some hitting the floor or other vendors sending glass and juice everywhere reinforced his opinion.

Fun is fun. But business is business. If we want vapor and vaping to be considered a safer, far less harmful alternative to smoking, the leaders and vendors and B & M need to consider the image they put forth.

Nail meet hammer, the more I see other peoples experiences the more I realize that type of "night club" mentality will put off younger people as well. Because smokers looking to quit will come looking to quit, not looking for a rave. When I was looking into vaping for the 1st time I can remember saying "screw this, I'll go buy cigs to keep out of that mess." It was my friends who persisted that pulled me of the sticks

Throwing glass bottles at people.... I don't even have words for that.

 

[auxsend]

Where I live, there is one good vape store. They are successful, and they are expanding. They have started opening new locations.

I've seen most types of customers:

I've seen people of all ages and type stop in, chat for a minute, grab a bottle of juice, whatever.
I've seen a couple in their 60's walk in with 4 or 5 top end copper mechs with RDAs to match and talk builds with one of the guys that works there.
I've seen younger guys who are clearly the cloud chasing type drop in and talk about this RDA and that.
I've seen many a person drop in with an evod and try some flavors, and they get right along with the clerk holding some insane box mod.

I've seen just random people who want to start vaping drop in and an employee at the shop drop what they're doing and help them get comfortable and get a nice setup to get them started. In fact that's how I got started. I walked in not knowing a thing, and guy there spent an hour and a half with me and my wife helping us sample flavors, explaining the hardware, and just being awesome. I now live an hour from this shop, and I still go there as often as I can.

I think the know how is important. But the real secret is just customer appreciation. Get on their level, and a few months later, if you did your job right, they'll be on yours.

 

[GinnyTx]

Aux that's true, we went flavor hunting yesterday at a few neighboring vape shops, one they couldn't be bothered and were condescending to us old folks (so much so Ed and I batted around maybe opening a "Mature Vapes" here in Houston) and another we visit with their owner that partners with the owner of the vape shop we cater and had gotten a bad reception the first time we visited, not so yesterday, they were attentive and helpful. Of course the shop was empty school hadn't let out yet

 

[ISGRidge]

Aux that's true, we went flavor hunting yesterday at a few neighboring vape shops, one they couldn't be bothered and were condescending to us old folks (so much so Ed and I batted around maybe opening a "Mature Vapes" here in Houston) and another we visit with their owner that partners with the owner of the vape shop we cater and had gotten a bad reception the first time we visited, not so yesterday, they were attentive and helpful. Of course the shop was empty school hadn't let out yet

A vape shop set up like a fine cigar shop would be very attractive to a more mature audience... WITH LOTS OF MONEY TO SPEND! LOL

 

[GinnyTx]

That's the thought...I'm a people watcher, and said vape shop (unhospitable one) and I was needing two of our Five Pawn flavors, wouldn't let Ed go to the bathroom..

well he has a strict policy, you don't let me pee, I don't spend money here...

and another older couple, stood for about a minute inside the door, and quickly retreated out..I'd caught them out of the corner of my eye, that's money walkin' yanno?

 

[Shipmonster]

We may have just stumbled upon the perfect idea .... "Mature vape" Come in and enjoy luxurious (cigar shop like) surrounding while vaping on samples. Relax as we answer all your questions. And rest assured we have toilets

 

[Penn]

Using the "F" word in a vlog where you criticize a lack of professionalism??????

Just last night I went to one of the few vape shops I hadn't yet been to in the area I cover. Same type of atmosphere mentioned by many here. My musical preference and type of people I usually associate with match them but it wasn't an environment I would put out there for a business in an industry that "should" have a goal of attracting all types of people, especially in a small to mid-size town. I even talked with one of them about it. He pointed out the fact they do get all types of people but all I could think was, "What about the day someone opens nearby that doesn't have such a genre specific atmosphere?".

One thing that drive me nuts is ANYTHING that indicates a person isn't a "real vaper" if they aren't sub-ohming on a mech. In that store the first thing he did was gesture to corresponding areas say one area was beginner stuff, another was "intermediate" and the other was "advanced". After talking to him I know it wasn't meant to be a slight but hey, I can and have done alot of rebuilding. I've even taught some shop personnel in this area how to build a proper coil. I just don't like mechs and get nothing extra out of coils my MVP can't handle anyway. "Hobbyist" equipment would be a better term than "advanced".

The worst single incident I encountered in a vape shop was actually in a shop that I know is overall a good, professional environment shop. I told the guy I don't cloud chase but still had questions about wire. After quickly running through how to build a sub-ohm (even thought I told him I knew how to), he blew a huge cloud in my face. If I hadn't been there before and knew that wasn't their normal behavior I would have walked out and the 3 customers they have due to me would have been referred to the next closest shop to their work/home.

That was the worst single incident. I won't get into the worst overall experience but I will say, I don't recommend the shop closest to the interstate in Conyers, GA.

 

[ProjektMayhem]

Luckily I have a good B&M near my house. But I do know what this guy is talking about. There was one day when I went in to the local store and they had some really loud dubstep coming through the speakers and I was turned off by that. I'm 25 years old and I love dubstep music but I don't love it super loud when I'm trying to have a conversation with someone in their store. I know that there's a lot of younger people that hangout in there all day and build and stuff and that's awesome but when the employees have the music up super loud it's just really hard to hear what they're talking about.

I've never had any of the other problems that he talks about in the video before though.

 

[Shipmonster]

Using the "F" word in a vlog where you criticize a lack of professionalism??????

Yup slip in editing, didn't realize it till it was out in the open. My apologies

I work in engineering, pulling crazy hours and (unlike the B&M's) I'm not making any money off this, it's only to help people quit smoking. So one F bomb after working 10 hours at a normal job and editing video into the night .. Not that bad.

Point taken Penn, will improve. On ward and up ward!

 

[LMS62]

The biggest frustration I find is that with the exception of things like this forum and if you're lucky and have a friend who is a vaper, there are very few good sources of information for those looking for information about trying vaping to leave cigs in the dust.

Last month I attended ECC in Ontario. I had a great time. I knew the vendors I wanted to meet, got to try some great vapes and buy a few and certainly left with more free bottles than I ever imagined. But, had I went knowing nothing and hoping to learn, I would have left in the first 30 minutes disappointed and most likely deciding to just keep smoking. The crowd was young, the music was loud and the vibe was far more similar to a nightclub than a learning experience.

My smoking hub (who I secretly had hoped might take an interest) was far from impressed. I was talking with a vendor when the hub said, "that guy over there set his thing on fire". I immediately started laughing..."some guy set his thing on fire?", I asked and while he then understood my laughter, he had obviously seen someone have a malfunction and it bothered him. He concluded that "this <insert bad word here> ain't safe." Later in the day when the crowds began gathering and chanting "free <that bad word again>" over and over until bottles of juice began being tossed into the crowd with some hitting the floor or other vendors sending glass and juice everywhere reinforced his opinion.

Fun is fun. But business is business. If we want vapor and vaping to be considered a safer, far less harmful alternative to smoking, the leaders and vendors and B & M need to consider the image they put forth.

My wife and I will be going to a ECC in Phoenix later this month, and I'm curious to see what the atmosphere will be like. Even though I'm 52 and a retired military guy, I am still fairly open minded (meaning I haven't gotten too cranky yet....lol) to the younger crowd, or at least I try to be.

 

[Auntie Mame]

My wife and I will be going to a ECC in Phoenix later this month, and I'm curious to see what the atmosphere will be like. Even though I'm 52 and a retired military guy, I am still fairly open minded (meaning I haven't gotten too cranky yet....lol) to the younger crowd, or at least I try to be.

As a vaper, I think you'll enjoy it. You'll meet vendors you only know by labels, will get to taste a lot of great juices and meet some lovely people. Lots of giveaways and great prices were featured. As you wander, just think once in a while if you were not a vaper and just seeking information how helpful do you think it would be.

 

[VA Vince]

There are a handful of shops that are exactly as you described, needless to say, they don't get much of my business! Having said that, being older (50 years young!) I do find that most of my favorite places to browse are very accommodating!

My m.o. Is I go in without my device and start looking around and see where that leads!! I have found that you get a little more attention that way!! Conversation turns to what you are using and what they are using, different builds, juices, quality of vape etc.

Once that "feeling out" process progresses, they will open up as to what might be the next step for me in my journey to achieve the ultimate experience! I have three places that offer me that type of experience and would not hesitate to let others know their location and level of customer service!

Trial and error? Yes, absolutly. Will my turning on a dime and walking right back out the door change the stores' policy, doubtful!!

Check out MyVapez in Manassas, not affiliated with the other stores, different owners. I went in yesterday for the first time and was surprised at the attention and help. It was a young buck behind the counter and pushed nothing on me, that there is a plus.

 

[VA Vince]

Yup slip in editing, didn't realize it till it was out in the open. My apologies

I work in engineering, pulling crazy hours and (unlike the B&M's) I'm not making any money off this, it's only to help people quit smoking. So one F bomb after working 10 hours at a normal job and editing video into the night .. Not that bad.

Point taken Penn, will improve. On ward and up ward!

Rock on man, you can't please everyone and I have no problem with reality. Just remember, you are not videoing for the under 18 crowd.

 

[NOVA jon]

Check out MyVapez in Manassas, not affiliated with the other stores, different owners. I went in yesterday for the first time and was surprised at the attention and help. It was a young buck behind the counter and pushed nothing on me, that there is a plus.

I have been to the one in Herndon, that IS one that I have and will continue to go to. Vapor Solutions in Falls Church and my new fav is Hooked on Vapes in Springfield. Super nice guys that are getting a bunch of good stuff soon!

I'll have to check out the Manassas My Vapez, thanks!

Hooked on Vapes also send you texts when they get new stuff as well as drawing for free stuff!

Not sure if I said stuff ................... enough!

 

[Penn]

Yup slip in editing, didn't realize it till it was out in the open. My apologies

I work in engineering, pulling crazy hours and (unlike the B&M's) I'm not making any money off this, it's only to help people quit smoking. So one F bomb after working 10 hours at a normal job and editing video into the night .. Not that bad.

Point taken Penn, will improve. On ward and up ward!

No need to improve. Your language on a youtube video doesn't need to be professional if you don't desire it to be. However, I do find it hard to take complaints about a lack of professionalism completely serious when profanity is used.

I don't want that to detract from the fact that you made many valid points. I saw the time of the video and thought I wouldn't sit through the whole thing but once you got past the dogs you held my attention. Most vape videos I've seen don't hold my attention even when they are shorter.

 

[ENAUD]

That's the thought...I'm a people watcher, and said vape shop (unhospitable one) and I was needing two of our Five Pawn flavors, wouldn't let Ed go to the bathroom..

well he has a strict policy, you don't let me pee, I don't spend money here...

That right there, I started out purchasing strictly from a local B&M, spent tons of money there, and got lots of help and guidance. All the employees knew me on a first name basis. One day I asked to use the facility, and was told no can do, sorry, store policy. I was in a bad way at that moment too. Long story short, I became as self sufficient as possible in my vape, DIY, re-building coils, and shopping for the best price online. They lost a customer, and a ton of sales that day...

 

[Shipmonster]

That right there, I started out purchasing strictly from a local B&M, spent tons of money there, and got lots of help and guidance. All the employees knew me on a first name basis. One day I asked to use the facility, and was told no can do, sorry, store policy. I was in a bad way at that moment too. Long story short, I became as self sufficient as possible in my vape, DIY, re-building coils, and shopping for the best price online. They lost a customer, and a ton of sales that day...

That's interesting, down here in Florida I think it's mandated by law that if you have an establishment that serves the public, in any way, you have to provide restrooms.

BTW ENAUD I love your signature.