Vape stores and the over 30 crowd

[Giovanni99]

OK.. I get it... vaping is new, hip, electronic and 21st century.

But, I don't have any tats or piercings and I don't wear tee-shirts with names of metal bands on them.
Nothing wrong with any of that, my kids enjoy it... but it's not for me.

What I do have is money to spend on the things that give me enjoyment...like vaping. Used to be cigarettes at $12.00 per day or $4,380.00 a year.
So when I walk into a vape shop please don't treat me like I am there from some group looking to shut you down. I am there to shop and buy. And as more and more of the "older" generation discover that vaping is the only way to enjoy nicotine, you are going to get hundred and then thousands of us "older customers".
So do both of us a favor.... look around your shop. Is it inviting to all age groups? Maybe you are not getting the 35+ age group because you aren't attracting us.
Having been in retail for many years and started a number of companies I really appreciate the entire vaping store thing. I love that it is an avenue for younger, entrepreneurial types to get into their own business with a minimal investment. Vape store are creating jobs and generally rent out the store fronts that have been closed for a long time and adding tax dollars into the economy.
Perhaps it was your friends that got you started. You were mixing juice in your kitchen and reselling it. Or maybe you bought hardware in bulk and resold it. I am not saying to forget your friends... but are they the ones that will not just sustain you, but rather grow your business?
Did I mention I used to spend $4,380.00 a year on cigarettes?

 

[Robino1]

Maybe we, the older generation, are the smarter ones
We go online and purchase our supplies at a lower cost!

 

[RoseB]

Hello Ignoring Vapers of quality vintage is a bad bad business move for these stores. I've been on this forum for a while. The folks that had been smoking for decades...they've got the best stuff! Especially the folks who smoked 20-40 plus years!! Most of them have more money to spend. Especially the folks who's kids are grown and out of the house. Some of the most awesome gear I've ever seen on this site belonged to grandmas and grandpas. No joke.

 

[Robino1]

Hello Ignoring Vapers of quality vintage is a bad bad business move for these stores. I've been on this forum for a while. The folks that had been smoking for decades...they've got the best stuff! Especially the folks who smoked 20-40 plus years!! Most of them have more money to spend. Especially the folks who's kids are grown and out of the house. Some of the most awesome gear I've ever seen on this site belonged to grandmas and grandpas. No joke.

Grandma here!! And Yup! I have to agree with you

 

[DaveP]

Since young America has been taught the dangers of smoking, they aren't so much the target of the vaping industry. It's people our age who have smoked all our lives (the over 40 crowd) who crowd the vaping boards and the vape shops.

There's a sign on the door of my local B&M that says, "You must be 18 to enter". I'd say the average age of the people I meet inside is a median 40, some older and some younger.

Electronic cigarette: users profile, utilization, ... [Addiction. 2011] - PubMed - NCBI

 

[Completely Average]

I cannot agree more. I have been in several vape shops where I've been outright ignored in favor of some kid that could be my child and their latest selfie.

Are you in business to make money, or to be a hangout for all of your friends? If you want to make money then you need to seriously pay attention to the guy that just pulled up in the shiny new car, wearing business clothes, and immediately seeks out the big case of mods. I can assure you that such a person has a LOT more money to spend than your overpierced and overinked friends who apparently don't have jobs of their own to be at.

 

[RoseB]

Grandma here!! And Yup! I have to agree with you

You have some nice gear I've seen pictures

 

[Robino1]

It might have something to do with the mentality of the "I want it now" crowd. As we age, or even us older folks, know that we spend a little more on something that will last longer. Younger generations seem to have the disposable syndrome: Use it till it doesn't work then buy another one.

As the ecig industry becomes more mainstream, younger people will be purchasing more of these.

 

[daleron]

Maybe we, the older generation, are the smarter ones
We go online and purchase our supplies at a lower cost!

 

[Giovanni99]

Robino1
I understand you wanting to save money when buying vape supplies but it's like everything. We can all go on line and cut out the local stores, or we can pick and choose where we spend our hard earned cash.
As I said in my post, I really like the fact that vape store are being started by a younger group that are truly contributing to the local economy as well as perpetuating the benefits of vaping.
So when it comes to spending my $15.00- $25.00 a week on juice, I would rather support a local shop than some faceless website.
I am searching out a store that has struck that "magic" balance of great customer support, with reasonable pricing and a good assortment of inventory. I expect to pay at least 10% more for product in a store rather than on a website. But for me, that one on one interaction makes the entire purchasing experience enjoyable. Plus, in a store, I can try all the flavors they offer and get some great tips and information on how to improve my vape experience.
What I have found in my search for the best vape store for me is that all of the stores have been started by people who really love vaping. They generally employ those who also enjoy it. Talking to an operator somewhere in downtown India just doesn't do it for me.
And, I am one of those instant gratification types... I bought it and I want it in my hands ready to go. Waiting for UPS to deliver just sucks. And in many cases, what I saved by buying online, just went to the shipping charges.
Now, if you unfortunately live in an area that doesn't have any vape shops yet, then of course it's online to shop. I travel Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa and after I finish the day's work, before I hit the hotel, I enjoy finding the local vape shop and getting a bottle of juice to enjoy. It's easier in Nebraska, but Iowa is pretty barren by way of vaping.
But when I do find a shop, I enjoy talking to the folks that work there as well as other customers. The vaping community is pretty special to me and these are experiences I can not get if I buy online.
So although I can not disagree with you about lower costs of hardware online, I urge you to find and support a local venture and get the entire vaping experience.
Just my humble opinion

 

[guest357]

I may not be part of the over 30 crowd; but, I could not agree more. Being a person who isn't into all of the tattoos, piercings, and whatever else comes along (I don't want to mess up my body and regret it when I'm older), it would be wonderful to have a shop to go into where it is centered towards the more "mature" crowd.

 

[stonesfl]

Not a fan of the b&m vape shops applied at vaporzone for a part time position on a store that needed help basically got told thanks for your time but your to old to work for us. I honestly felt like I had walked into some type of emo hangout so no big loss.Now the tobacco shops that sell vape materials are more my speed but even with shipping I come out better online.

 

[ckquatt]

So do both of us a favor.... look around your shop. Is it inviting to all age groups? Maybe you are not getting the 35+ age group because you aren't attracting us.

Damn I must be doing something wrong then... I'm 37 and all I wear is metal band t-shirts, and my wife (who is 40) is sleeved (both arms) with tattoos and has 10 piercings.

 

[RoseB]

It might have something to do with the mentality of the "I want it now" crowd. As we age, or even us older folks, know that we spend a little more on something that will last longer. Younger generations seem to have the disposable syndrome: Use it till it doesn't work then buy another one.

As the ecig industry becomes more mainstream, younger people will be purchasing more of these.

The latest and greatest crowd. Consuming huge amounts of various electronics. Thank goodness my kids are still young enough to not be at that stage. Between wanting things instantly or the constant competition over the newest most in thing ugh...I am getting old! When did that happen ? I despise having to throw things away. Especially when it's unnecessary. Not trying to rip on younger people or anything, but when it comes to sales...you need to sell things. That's not going to happen if the customers with the cash in hand are being ignored. That's foolishly bad business

 

[Giovanni99]

So you guys are opening or own a vape shop? Just kidding, and no, you are doing nothing wrong. But if all you wear are metal band t-shirts, may I suggest pants to go along with them?

 

[Dee R.]

I cannot agree more. I have been in several vape shops where I've been outright ignored in favor of some kid that could be my child and their latest selfie.

Are you in business to make money, or to be a hangout for all of your friends? If you want to make money then you need to seriously pay attention to the guy that just pulled up in the shiny new car, wearing business clothes, and immediately seeks out the big case of mods. I can assure you that such a person has a LOT more money to spend than your overpierced and overinked friends who apparently don't have jobs of their own to be at.

While I understand the main concern here, being ignored when seeking service, I disagree with the entire thought process above. I have been in sales all my life, and have yet to see an instance where clothes or a shiny new car made a difference. Anyone who has decent credit can drive a shiny new car it doesn't mean they have a pot to piss in, so that point is null. As for "business clothes", well that's relative now isn't it? If your business is a fast food franchise for instance, then your "business clothes" would probably be a branded polo and khakis. Perhaps your business, as mine does (self-employed), allows you to dress casually without the need for professional attire constantly. If I walk into a vape shop in a t-shirt and cargo shorts, does that mean the guy in a dress shirt and tie is more important and should be treated better than me? NO, it doesn't. You know the saying..."Don't judge a book..."

The key to success in any business is to treat everyone with the same level of respect until they prove undeserving. Everyone has the potential to be a huge sale regardless of the car they drive or their current attire. I treat everyone the same, regardless of material possessions, and it allows me to have a diverse client base. Open minds and thinking outside the box is what creates ideas. Stereotyping people will quickly put an end to any business venture, regardless of the products/service potential.

Just my two cents...

Dee

 

[RoseB]

Damn I must be doing something wrong then... I'm 37 and all I wear is metal band t-shirts, and my wife (who is 40) is sleeved (both arms) with tattoos and has 10 piercings.

Ok I am younger than you (33) and feel like a huge weirdo for not having tattoos and piercings

So you guys are opening or own a vape shop? Just kidding, and no, you are doing nothing wrong. But if all you wear are metal band t-shirts, may I suggest pants to go along with them?

If I could I would. Worked in stores most of my adult life Know a thing or two about running them and what not. Still....I am not sure about wearing pants Robe and p.j.s perhaps....oh wait that was my Wal-mart work uniform

 

[Frenchfry1942]

I was thinking that the majority of vapers were a bit older. The idea of quitting the analogs is more on our minds.

 

[vapero]

I'm 34 and I would love to see a vape shop in the lines of a fine cigar shop



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[Baditude]

A classy juice sampling bar and vapers lounge can be inviting and appropriate for all age groups.