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I NEED to open a vape shop. I have this urge to help smokers covert and make a career of it

Tannerlee96

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If anyone has any advise, connections, tips/pointers, or just flat out ideas on how to go about this, it'd be greatly appreciated. I'm a nineteen year old father of one here in Dunlap, Indiana. I currently support my family just fine, but I've recently converted to vaping, after being a smoker of 5 years, and I'm seriously obsessed lol but in a more positive way than it sounds. I have this constant urge to educate myself, learn, and experiment with everything vape related. I really feel this need to get out of my current Line of work, and open a vape shop, not only to covert and support cigarette users, but to service, educate, and help current vapers. If anyone has advice of how I could go about this please let me know anything at all aren't any stupid answers here lol I just really need that push it right idea to really do this! Thanks for your time!
 

OBDave

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Ah, the evangelist phase - lots of us go through it right after we quit. For now, I'd suggest continuing your research. You are skilled and knowledgeable about eGos, clearos, mech mods, battery safety, regulated mods, coil building, temp control, liquid ingredients and their effects on different people, RDAs, RTAs, ohms law, wicking materials, use of digital resistance meters and multimeters, correct?

If there are any areas here where you don't feel like you could speak with confidence to a customer walking through your door you have more learning to do, and need at least one more knowledgeable employee to help you along the way.

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RMarcusY

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Are there other shops in your area? If so then get a job with them. Good place to learn the ropes.
 

Tannerlee96

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Thanks guys both answers greatly appreciated! I think getting a part time job at my local shop would be a great start, along with learning allot of the details on the things you had listed. I've learned allot very rapidly and something about it all just seems to click for me, but I haven't quite had the funds to do allot of hands on experimentation with allot of things. (Different mods tanks rdas stuff like that) I've only had my eleaf istick 30w e/smok vct tank since the beginning lol, I love them for sure! But think you guys are right Ill need more experience to pursue my own shop. Thanks guys any more ideas let me know !!
 

MC5

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It might be helpful to drive away from your area for an afternoon and visit a couple shops that wouldn't see you as a competitor, so you can ask them some questions. One thing they are likely dealing with is the new laws passed in Indiana about licensing for liquids imported into the state. If you start a business without knowing the local rules, you might end up with a bad surprise down the road. Good luck and keep helping others embrace this healthier choice!
 

Tannerlee96

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That's not a bad idea either! Thanks man
 

UncleRJ

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I know one or two vape shop owners that got their start selling at flea markets and swap meets.
 

Huckleberried

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One thing they are likely dealing with is the new laws passed in Indiana about licensing for liquids imported into the state. If you start a business without knowing the local rules, you might end up with a bad surprise down the road.
Absolutely!

Laws, licenses, paying employees... if you DIY juices, having a clean room or proper set up. I've never been a business owner, but stuff to think about or research.
 

Tannerlee96

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Thanks again everyone I appreciate input! I'm brand new to this site and I'd say it's really awesome everyone helpin everyone out and everyone lovin some good ole vape haha thanks guys I'm really hopping in the very near future to quit my job I hate and to achieve this goal.
 

rainidaze

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I love seeing young people motivated to help others and care for their families.

In an industry growing and changing quickly there should be plenty of opportunity for you if you differentiate yourself based on your desired market. Really learn about all that's been pointed out to you then take a good hard look at where your skills, talents and passion would benefit the community in a unique way. Be flexible, always learn and keep at it. The flea market/festival circuit is a good way to test b and m retail waters.

Have fun and good luck to you!
 

Vapingbeauty

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How are are you from Fort Wayne

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Tannerlee96

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Thanks for the encouragement,! It's pretty much just a matter of funds and more knowledge for me to get started, and the risk involved of quitting my day job of course lol. But I'm very confident I could do it I've had a entrepreneurial mind set since I was little and tend to be good at that sort of thing. And no, I'm from Elkhart though right close to ft Wayne
 

Vapingbeauty

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Have you been to extreme vape shop

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Tannerlee96

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Nope haven't heard of it lol. The ones I've been to nearest me are ecig works, cravin vapes, and zx vape all in goshen.
 

Vapingbeauty

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How far are you from Fort Wayne

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Thanks for the encouragement,! It's pretty much just a matter of funds and more knowledge for me to get started, and the risk involved of quitting my day job of course lol. But I'm very confident I could do it I've had a entrepreneurial mind set since I was little and tend to be good at that sort of thing. And no, I'm from Elkhart though right close to ft Wayne


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Vapingbeauty

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If you have a chance to go to extreme in ft.wanye and ask for Dave in the evening he can help you a lot on all aspects even maybe a job there to start !

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Tannerlee96

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Hey I appreciate that! If I ever do get the time I'll try and head out that way. Thank u!
 

Vapingbeauty

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Yeah that's a bit of a travel
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There is a few pictures of there operation

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OBDave

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Thanks for the encouragement,! It's pretty much just a matter of funds and more knowledge for me to get started, and the risk involved of quitting my day job of course lol. But I'm very confident I could do it I've had a entrepreneurial mind set since I was little and tend to be good at that sort of thing. And no, I'm from Elkhart though right close to ft Wayne
I went through this phase myself - and I've definitely been the kind of guy to shuck authority. Started working at a bike shop when I was 12, by 14 was their primary mechanic (working for $5 under the table), by 16 had started my own shop out of the back of my truck and set up 6 days a week at the local BMX race tracks, by 18 was managing a chain fast food restaurant and keeping the books in addition to the bike gig, at 21 running a real estate brokerage. 24 - overseeing all foreclosed property in my state for a $14B S&L (one of the few that survived the 1980s, though it died in '09 and the new Minneapolis overlords quickly tired of my bluntness), reporting directly to CEO and board chair.

Why brag? I've been hesitant to enter the e-cig market, even though it's something I'm incredibly passionate about and something I've literally lived and breathed (pun unintended) the last couple years. I've only recently become proficient to the point where I feel it's appropriate for me to even consider a venture, and I'm doing so by dipping a toe into the water (mixing liquids for a few dozen local customers). I realize that I'll be jumping into a heavily saturated market once I get going in earnest, and I believe in only offering the best product at the best price, otherwise you're just taking up space rather than offering a valuable service - is that a risk you're willing to take?

I don't know your market, but vape shops come and go around here so fast it's hard to keep track. Unless you have a point of difference, you're looking at dumping a ton of money into a losing proposition...just my take. Best of luck, regardless - we'll be here to watch and provide pointers along the way.
 

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