Working at a vape shop

[Nikea Tiber]

Since you managed a deli before, I assume you already have customer service skills.
As a B&M vape shop employee these are the skills I feel you should have:
Knowledge of how to set up all the tanks your store sells.
How to use all the mods your store sells.
The CDR of every common 18650, 18500, and 18350 on the market, and know the batteries people shouldn't be using on sight.
Since you wind coils and will probably do so for customers you need to have a firm grip on ohms law. Knowing how to use steam engine will also help when you are building for people.

Above all, you need to have a willingness to teach people about everything I detailed above, including why they need to know. I feel that if you train people in a friendly manner you will get repeat business. I frequent my local B&M despite the markup simply because every single employee in the store does so much for the local vaping community.
Good luck in your endeavours.

 

[Baditude]

OP needs to know the basics of vaping. Much of the information is in my blog Baditude's Blog.

You'll eventually need to learn how to rebuild coils for RBA's, and especially know about 18650 batteries, so that you will be able to teach and advise customers.

Knowing a layman's understanding of Ohm's Law is good for helping out customers with coil resistance choices. You'll need to know how all the tanks work, how to replace a coil and explain when to replace it. If I had a dime for every customer who came in complaining and asking why their tank leaks I'd be a rich man today.

You'll have a broad range of vapers...from novices to cloud chasing enthusiasts. Do your homework and you'll be fine.

 

[DC2]

and never be afraid to say, "I don't know the answer to that but I'll find out for you"

Be courteous and never make something up you don't know as fact.

After seeing all the responses in this thread...
The above are my two favorites.

But then I have a pet peeve about customer service people making things up...
Just to avoid having to admit they have no idea.


If you don't know, then go find out.
That's why you work there, and that's why I asked you.

 

[Bunnykiller]

I would say... be honest with the customers, dont sell them junk, and dont rip them off... returning customers are important.

 

[IMFire3605]

Hi. I want to volunteer at a vape shop. Can you guys tell me what you would expect me to know, and the best things to learn before I volunteer. Getting better from an injury, 2 years not working, wanna see how many hours I can do. If you have seen my posts you will know that I am still wary of using mech mods. I have dabbled with some. I understand CPR and battery safety somewhat. I build my own coils and mostly use rdas. I make my own juice and have a basic grasp of VG/PG. Sos for the long post, any tips would be appreciated. Thanks

I'll chime in as I do work at a B&M

1) Main thing is understand battery chemistries (LiPo, IMR, INR, ICR), have a general knowledge of a few name brand batteries, authentics (Panasonic/Sanyo/Orbtronics, Sony, LG, Samsung) and who are re-wraps (AW IMR, Efest, Imren, Eizfan, MXJO, etc) and understand the limitations of popular models (LG HG2, HE2/HE4, Sony VTC, Samsung 25R, 30Q)
2) Have a grasp on a few of the basic model devices the B&M offers, from basic Egos to Joyetech Evic VT, VTC Mini, Ego One Mega, Eleaf iStick, etc as well as tanks/attachments (Aspire Nautilus, Atlantis, Triton, Kanger Subtanks, maybe a few rebuildable attachments like RDAs/RTAs etc
3) Basic understanding of juice ratios and flavor profiles, PG/VG ratios, Nicotine concentrations, types of flavors (this will be the hardest to learn most times due to variety of vendors/brands etc. I generally glance at the person's device to begin my read here, dripper a thicker premium juice probably a 30ml sale, 0 to 6mg nic strength, then the loaded questions fly "What types of flavors you like, fruity, desert, tobacco, menthol, savory custard, cereal flavors ... ?" You'll learn a few different loaded info questions as you go to feel the customer out as you go, maybe even upsale questions, like buying juice ask if they need any coils as you ring up their order and such.
4) For what you don't know, during down time between customers, research and learning, Youtube is your friend here, most B&M owners will allow this, mine he allows streaming vaping related videos on the TVs, take it slow and at your own learning pace.
5) Basic rules of customer service apply, smile and be friendly, even when the customer is not and do not be afraid to say "That I do not know or know just yet but I can find out for you or call over the owner another employee that does, if that is not available, I can pull it up off the computer/google/research it."

 

[sparkky1]

Yes I will spread the word but get 'em comfortable first then 'boom'. only joking. Yeah, I was the manager of a delicatessen for 5 years. Very friendly as well. I'm 26 now. The reason I won't ask just yet is I have recovered from a severe tbi. Got university from home starting in 4 days, wanna make sure I can cope again 'fatigue-wise'.

Perhaps, customer service is not your forte, there's a big difference in sandwiches, & 20a battery knowledge ................