Ecigarette business.. Worth investing in?? Advice Please

[_AdultDev_]

Anyone really familiar with this?

I've had an investment come in front of me, this is for an actual ecigarette storefront. Selling to people etc.

It's a low cost investment, and overhead to start, but I'd be getting in before many others. They are starting to open up slowly, and all appear to be pretty packed.

Want some advice, anything you have to say good or bad is great.

Thanks

[Chris]

if you can get your money back quickly sure

i think alot of regulations will be passed down over the next year to make this business a headache

[ITraffic]

strike now while the product / market / interest is hot. you know others are not waiting, but moving in while there is money to be made.

[baryl]

I don't know, it seems to be getting very over saturated with physical storefronts. At least here and a couple of other towns I've visited.

That and new customers mostly come from smokers. It's rare for non-smokers to start up e-cigs so there's a limited and dwindling customer base to compete for.

I don't necessarily know what the hell I'm talking about though.

[FreeHugeMovies]

ECIG biz is HOT HOT HOT. Why do a store front when you can make easier money selling online?

[SiMpLe]

I broke my tank while in Vegas for the shows and hit one of the shops there. Talked with the owner and he said he had two other stores in Hollywood, CA. I asked about his competition in Vegas and he said there were about 90 shops there. (you all know how small vegas is)

So, it is getting saturated with shops popping up all over but I still think there is a huge op for you to jump in now. Especially if you make the shop just a tad different then your competition and provide 100% service satisfaction. My other suggestion is make sure you have the line on Juice. TONS OF IT so your selection is vast. (you will have the largest profit margin for the juices) Even better, learn to make your own and go world wide.

[KillerK]

I wouldn't suggest it, they sell the shit at 7-eleven...

[sandman!]

depends on if there are stores in the area that sell them also

[_Richard_]

think it's getting more applicable for a buying public.. people have been using and talking for awhile now.. and more pharmacies are starting to stock their own

regulations should be coming up

[dropped9]

Originally Posted by FreeHugeMovies

ECIG biz is HOT HOT HOT. Why do a store front when you can make easier money selling online?

You setup a store and reselling all imported stuff or just promoting through affiliate codes?

[Penny24Seven]

This is too funny. I own 4 and have the 5th one opening tomorrow.
People just act like they know it all. This thread is so full of it that I just laugh. Do any of you own or have tried this biz or you just pull this shit from your ass haha

[CamTraffic]

It was hot hot hot 4 years ago.
Getting Saturated now unfortunately.
Online or elsewhere.

[SiMpLe]

Originally Posted by Brian837

This is too funny. I own 4 and have the 5th one opening tomorrow.
People just act like they know it all. This thread is so full of it that I just laugh. Do any of you own or have tried this biz or you just pull this shit from your ass haha

Way to contribute!

[FreeHugeMovies]

Originally Posted by dropped9

You setup a store and reselling all imported stuff or just promoting through affiliate codes?

I own an ecig review site. I have seen the numbers the big dogs make. I have thought about making my own brand and selling them. The investment needed is probably around 15k.

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by FreeHugeMovies

ECIG biz is HOT HOT HOT. Why do a store front when you can make easier money selling online?

Online e-cig suppliers are a dime a dozen - oversaturated. Dealing with shipping is a PITA. There are still a LOT of areas that don't have bricks 'n mortar retailers.

Originally Posted by KillerK

I wouldn't suggest it, they sell the shit at 7-eleven...

They sell those garbage non-nicotine cig-lookalikes - not the refillable nic vaporizers like Ego, Innokin or Provari.

[Penny24Seven]

Originally Posted by SiMpLe

Way to contribute!

LOL what more is there to say. It has all been said on here by the people who know what they are talking about
It is just amazing how people make shit up.

[looky_lou]

Originally Posted by Brian837

LOL what more is there to say. It has all been said on here by the people who know what they are talking about
It is just amazing how people make shit up.

So, tell us how it really is. Make yourself useful instead of just being a dick about it.

[EddyTheDog]

Where are you in the EU?..

Any upcoming regulations would be my main concern - They are popping up all over the place here (UK) and the one I go to looks to be doing pretty good business.....

[Penny24Seven]

I would gladly tell the OP but I am not going to reply and tell everyone how wrong they are and be a "dick"
I cannot see anyway to say it without sounding like one.

We have a ton of customers that come in who never smoked. They just want to be cool so make it fun. They have eLiquid like MtDew, red bull, bubble gum and so on. Those are great, stupid shit like shiny necklaces to wear to hold them.
Oh and the eLiquid can have zero nicotine in it for the people who do not smoke.
Make it fun. The shit they sell at 7-11 is just that.
It would be like going to the pizza place to buy a diamond ring, you just don't do that there

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by Brian837

They have eLiquid like MtDew, red bull, bubble gum and so on.

Now if only they can make a PV where the coils don't glaze up from the sweeteners. I tossed out an iClear 16 clearomizer the other night that totally glazed up from the sweetish berry I've been vaping (despite rinsing/cleaning every other tankful).

[SiMpLe]

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

Now if only they can make a PV where the coils don't glaze up from the sweeteners. I tossed out an iClear 16 clearomizer the other night that totally glazed up from the sweetish berry I've been vaping (despite rinsing/cleaning every other tankful).

Happens to me too with my Kanger. But I can't give up my Why So Serious white grape - To yummy lol

[Penny24Seven]

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

Now if only they can make a PV where the coils don't glaze up from the sweeteners. I tossed out an iClear 16 clearomizer the other night that totally glazed up from the sweetish berry I've been vaping (despite rinsing/cleaning every other tankful).

They have kinds which do not use the stuff that does that. I have heard of countless people with the same problem and now it is fixed. You must be buying the cheap shit from China then. Buy the good stuff and it will not do that

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by Brian837

They have kinds which do not use the stuff that does that. I have heard of countless people with the same problem and now it is fixed. You must be buying the cheap shit from China then. Buy the good stuff and it will not do that

1. I'm using an Innokin iTaste 3vv
2. The ejuice is premium Gold Seal - made in Canada.

But thanks for the constructive input.

[dropped9]

Originally Posted by FreeHugeMovies

I own an ecig review site. I have seen the numbers the big dogs make. I have thought about making my own brand and selling them. The investment needed is probably around 15k.

I wonder if its something I have checked out before. Small world...

You do youtube vids too or?

[dropped9]

Originally Posted by Brian837

This is too funny. I own 4 and have the 5th one opening tomorrow.
People just act like they know it all. This thread is so full of it that I just laugh. Do any of you own or have tried this biz or you just pull this shit from your ass haha

Been thinking about opening one.. What type of start up cost was involved with your first store? I'd be interested to hear...

[DBS.US]

Vape is the new thing

http://www.luckydeuces.com/

[EddyTheDog]

Originally Posted by DBS.US

Vape is the new thing

http://www.luckydeuces.com/

Site is broken in Chrome - Just in case it is yours...

[Penny24Seven]

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

1. I'm using an Innokin iTaste 3vv
2. The ejuice is premium Gold Seal - made in Canada.

But thanks for the constructive input.

what do you want me to say? Change brands because it must be junk. Not a day goes by that a person walks in and has the exact same problem. I do not make the stuff I just sell it.
I cannot remember the spelling off the top of my head but I will get it tomorrow.
There is stuff from China that will clog it in 30 minutes. I have no clue why anyone would sell it because no way anyone will come back but they do and they learn a hard lesson with a whole store full of crap.
Some try to sell it and replace it as they go but they are losing all of those customers.
I know this because they come to me bitching about it lol, I took a little time and spent time in a dozen stores asking questions before I started and got lucky too.
trial and error is the only way to do it

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by Brian837

what do you want me to say? Change brands because it must be junk. Not a day goes by that a person walks in and has the exact same problem. I do not make the stuff I just sell it.
I cannot remember the spelling off the top of my head but I will get it tomorrow.
There is stuff from China that will clog it in 30 minutes. I have no clue why anyone would sell it because no way anyone will come back but they do and they learn a hard lesson with a whole store full of crap.
Some try to sell it and replace it as they go but they are losing all of those customers.
I know this because they come to me bitching about it lol, I took a little time and spent time in a dozen stores asking questions before I started and got lucky too.
trial and error is the only way to do it

Not that I want to see any regulations slapped on the vaping industry, but I think with all these inconsistent backroom suppliers (and crap from China)...eventually the gov't will somehow get involved and try to set standards and enforce independent lab testing.

I've tried at least a half-dozen different suppliers (so far)...had some really good ones and a few really bad. I've weeded out the bad ones and simply won't go back. But even the good ones (such as Gold Seal) still have problems with the sugary glazing after awhile. Doesn't happen much with my Ry and Red Tobacco flavours, though.

A buddy using a single coil tank (mine are dbl coil) and he doesn't get as much glazing on the same flavour - so there might be simply too much coil/wick superheating faster.

Like you say...much trial and error involved. The journey continues...

[FreeHugeMovies]

A lot of the juice is made in the US, not China

[INever]

Actual people?!

Easier to do an online. Also, I think ecig may have crested as it's being banned now.

If you do open the store,maybe diversify into other smokes, etc.

[NALEM]

Originally Posted by Brian837

This is too funny. I own 4 and have the 5th one opening tomorrow.
People just act like they know it all. This thread is so full of it that I just laugh. Do any of you own or have tried this biz or you just pull this shit from your ass haha

While I don't smoke, I do keep my eyes open wherever I travel.
There are plenty of opportunities both brick/mortar and online to sell to consumers ...

[greenleaf]

My 2 cents, worth about as much...

A brick and mortar store would be interesting, if you go "high end" and carry lots of very varied products. Like an insane selection. Educate customers. Make it a fun experience to visit.

If it's just a storefront to sell ecigs and there's nothing "special" about how you're marketing... I doubt it'll work. Too much competition on the low end. I could go to Walgreens.

[_AdultDev_]

Originally Posted by Brian837

This is too funny. I own 4 and have the 5th one opening tomorrow.
People just act like they know it all. This thread is so full of it that I just laugh. Do any of you own or have tried this biz or you just pull this shit from your ass haha

Do you have skype?

Possible to pick your brain?

[danevans]

Interesting topic, I've been renewing a nice ecig domain for years and didn't put it to good use yet. First idea was to import that stuff from china but after some bad experiences with other electronics I've backed out.
If I wanted to proceed with the idea (import brand e-cigs into my country), where should I look? (Chinese stuff is extremely cheap, while brand starter kits appear to be $50ish.. how much should I expect to pay per box and where to get them, EU source would be best in my case).

[_AdultDev_]

Originally Posted by _AdultDev_

Do you have skype?

Possible to pick your brain?

Hello hello

[candyflip]

I had to hit 4 Vape stores yesterday looking for a charger for my DaVinci.

Every store had a line of people waiting to pay and people waiting to ask questions of the folks behind the counter.

There were probably another 10 stores within 10 miles I could have hit too.

[KRosh]

Originally Posted by candyflip

I had to hit 4 Vape stores yesterday looking for a charger for my DaVinci.

Every store had a line of people waiting to pay and people waiting to ask questions of the folks behind the counter.

There were probably another 10 stores within 10 miles I could have hit too.

That unit is not your average daily user product and the charger is not just a 510 thread USB.

The business is NOT saturated by any means and is growing leaps and bounds.

The regulations that are most likely to come down are for selling nicotine Online. If you have a brick and mortar store, I don't see any problems in the immediate future.

Brian837 - You say that 7-11 sells shit, not entirely true. We have our line of e-juice in 400+ retail locations that include 7-11, Cigarette Shops, and AM-PM

To the OP - The business is really price driven. You want to make sure you have a good amount of inventory with a niche. For instance, you could have a Mod that you are an exclusive dealer for or a line of e-juice that is exclusive to your store.
E-juice is a key component that I feel not enough attention is given to at most of these retail locations. When a customer walks in and wants a 12mg nicotine blueberry flavor juice and you don't have it, that customer is lost. make sure you have a good supply of juices.

Obviously, like any other business, there is a lot more to the whole picture, but believe me when I say there is still money to be made.

[_AdultDev_]

Originally Posted by KRosh

That unit is not your average daily user product and the charger is not just a 510 thread USB.

The business is NOT saturated by any means and is growing leaps and bounds.

The regulations that are most likely to come down are for selling nicotine Online. If you have a brick and mortar store, I don't see any problems in the immediate future.

Brian837 - You say that 7-11 sells shit, not entirely true. We have our line of e-juice in 400+ retail locations that include 7-11, Cigarette Shops, and AM-PM

To the OP - The business is really price driven. You want to make sure you have a good amount of inventory with a niche. For instance, you could have a Mod that you are an exclusive dealer for or a line of e-juice that is exclusive to your store.
E-juice is a key component that I feel not enough attention is given to at most of these retail locations. When a customer walks in and wants a 12mg nicotine blueberry flavor juice and you don't have it, that customer is lost. make sure you have a good supply of juices.

Obviously, like any other business, there is a lot more to the whole picture, but believe me when I say there is still money to be made.

Your own e juice etc?

Do you have skype, would love to get info

[KRosh]

Originally Posted by _AdultDev_

Your own e juice etc?

Do you have skype, would love to get info

I do have skype and would be happy to talk. It would have to be later this evening.

Are you in Europe? what time zone are you in and I will contact you when the times are convenient for both.

[_AdultDev_]

Originally Posted by KRosh

I do have skype and would be happy to talk. It would have to be later this evening.

Are you in Europe? what time zone are you in and I will contact you when the times are convenient for both.

Yes, I am in Europe, but right now my partner is wanting to open a shop in the USA.

I am free pretty much anytime

My skype is adultdev.net

Look forward to chatting =D

[Evil1]

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

Online e-cig suppliers are a dime a dozen - oversaturated. Dealing with shipping is a PITA. There are still a LOT of areas that don't have bricks 'n mortar retailers.

Eh, i'd deal with shipping any day to pay a fraction of the cost of what i'm buying at a b&m.
30ML of ejuice at a local B&M $24.99 + gas. online $7.50 + 2.5 shipping.
Dual 650 batt ego kit @ local B&M $89.99 + gas. Online 19.99 + shipping.

Takes about 1/4 second to weigh the pros and cons of that.

[candyflip]

Originally Posted by KRosh

That unit is not your average daily user product and the charger is not just a 510 thread USB.

I love it, but it's a piece of shit, build quality wise. I am just sending back my second unit to be replaced (under warranty, thankfully) and like you said...it's a special charger. The ONLY one I've managed to get to work with it is the one that Davinci actually sells for it...and those are fucking garbage too. I've had two fall apart and the one I bought yesterday was broken right out of the box.

Like I said, I love it when it's working. I don't love now having to be without it for two weeks while it's replaced.

[Sid70]

Works in Europe, i can see people here and there "smoking".

[BV]

I've been researching this market as well, on the brick & mortar storefront side of things.

[SilentKnight]

Originally Posted by Evil1

Eh, i'd deal with shipping any day to pay a fraction of the cost of what i'm buying at a b&m.
30ML of ejuice at a local B&M $24.99 + gas. online $7.50 + 2.5 shipping.
Dual 650 batt ego kit @ local B&M $89.99 + gas. Online 19.99 + shipping.

Takes about 1/4 second to weigh the pros and cons of that.

The B&M you're dealing with is hosing you.

We just got back from Novellus Vape in Niagara Falls, NY - bought the father-in-law an Innokin iTaste vv3 starter kit for $69.99 (includes five iClear16 clearomizers, USB & AC charger systems) - far superior to the 650maH ego starter kit.

We've been getting 30ml (Gold Seal) ejuice for $10.99 (lab tested and certified - not backroom crap) at another B&M shop.

I bought myself a pair of iClear 30mL clearo tanks for $10 ea.

I'm not disagreeing that online is generally the cheaper way to go - but the B&M prices you're quoting are outta whack. Is there very little competition in your local area perhaps?

[American Psycho]

Anyone here operate a decent web store for ecigs?

[MediaGuy]

Sorry I didn't read the other responses, but I would say wait until the FDA comes down with their supposed regulations we've been waiting on forever before you move in this industry. As much as I back it and think it could be a game changer, and lots of people are running online and brick & mortar shops that could fight anything the FDA comes up with just because business is powerful and these e-cig guys are getting huger and huger, FDA regs could change everything...

Or, you could jump right in and you'll definitely cash in because the territory is ripe, and then have to fight for your place if the FDA rules against e-cigarettes - but you won't be alone, at least....

:D

[American Psycho]

Anyone here operate a decent retail or web store for ecigs? In have a few things that will likely increase your traffic and sales.

Please icq me 685490739

[American Psycho]

Anyone here operate a decent retail or web store for ecigs? In have a few things that will likely increase your traffic and sales.

Please icq me 685490739