E-Juice Start up Questions

[VapedCrusader]

So I know a guy - who knows a guy - who wants to start making e-juice and selling at a local shop.. Hypothetically if he were to start a small business with making juice, what is everything he would need to get started..

Looking for the best sites to buy bulk - whatever is needed (nicotine, vg/pg, bottles, flavorings etc)

What places have the best prices, best ingredients, fastest shipping (I'm sure you smart DIY folks know the deal already)

Ok enough typing from me - hit with me some knowledge!

 

[fq06]

Best nic I've used is vapers tek and that's also the consensus here. There is cheaper out there so I guess if profit is a higher priority than quality there are other places to order from.

Ecx has bulk pricing o nic, vg, pg and flavors and I think a few of the other online diy vendors do too. I haven't got that far into it to where I am buying in bulk so I will let others comment on that one.

 

[VapedCrusader]

Best nic I've used is vapers tek and that's also the consensus here. There is cheaper out there so I guess if profit is a higher priority than quality there are other places to order from.

Ecx has bulk pricing o nic, vg, pg and flavors and I think a few of the other online diy vendors do too. I haven't got that far into it to where I am buying in bulk so I will let others comment on that one.

I hear VT has good stuff too but glad to hear that claim backed up..

never heard of ECX (never been into diy) so I'll deff check them out..

I need a good site for flavorings too ..

and to answer your question - it would be quality over profit for sure.. the community is well aware of the QC issues with juice and I wouldn't want to inadvertently put him in a situation where he is called into question for having questionable ingredients

 

[fq06]

Ecx= electronic cigarette express... sorry.
They have bulk flavors too.

Maybe ordering directly from the flavor maker too, that way you can get exactly what you want and in big jugs.

 

[AmandaD]

My only question would be if he's experienced enough to be making juice and selling it from a shop - how does he not already know this information?

Just a thought

 

[VapedCrusader]

Ecx= electronic cigarette express... sorry.
They have bulk flavors too.

Maybe ordering directly from the flavor maker too, that way you can get exactly what you want and in big jugs.

Yea that might be something we need to look into.. I'm trying to find a couple sites to order from without needing to order each item from a different spot..

I assume a label maker and all of that will be needed too.. Theres a lot more that goes into this type of venture then one thinks.. I'm trying to get a small business model together for him .. with the money it will take up front to get started, initial yield etc.

 

[VapedCrusader]

My only question would be if he's experienced enough to be making juice and selling it from a shop - how does he not already know this information?

Just a thought

He makes mods.. and hes opening a shop to sell them.. wants to get into DIY to broaden his horizons if it makes sense - I have some exp in diy but I just never have the time to get into DIY as much as I'd like.

Plus he doesn't do the forums so since I do, figured I start asking since I haven't even dabbled in diy since I started vaping 2 years ago - I'm sure sites/ things have changed since then

 

[AmandaD]

He makes mods.. and hes opening a shop to sell them.. wants to get into DIY to broaden his horizons if it makes sense - I have some exp in diy but I just never have the time to get into DIY as much as I'd like.

Plus he doesn't do the forums so since I do, figured I start asking since I haven't even dabbled in diy since I started vaping 2 years ago - I'm sure sites/ things have changed since then

The only thing I would say about that, then, is that with the FDA regs coming down sometime in the near future, I wouldn't invest too much into DIY at this stage. Again, my 02cents worth!

 

[VapedCrusader]

The only thing I would say about that, then, is that with the FDA regs coming down sometime in the near future, I wouldn't invest too much into DIY at this stage. Again, my 02cents worth!

Agreed.. and he knows the risks.. he has enough $ where it doesn't matter.. and if the diy part doesn't take off then i don't think he will be too upset by it since he primarily makes mods

I think he just wants to make 2-3 good blends to sell in house (sort of like 9SouthVapes did with Ceral Killer) .. and then make more if they take off.. I will say he is a perfectionist so I wouldn't have encouraged him if I didn't think he was capable of making a decent product

 

[Time]

The possibilities are endless when it comes to shop juice. But to try and answer your questions, other than TFA's that can be bought in bulk direct from TFA or Heartlandvapes in bulk easily I don't know where to get other brands in bulk. I wouldn't think most of the vendors that cater to the DIY crowd would be the best sources but I don't know. Most seem to have a wholesale section that us regular folks can't access. Without having wholesale access, it would be impossible to recommend any vendor as their wholesale prices may not correspond with retail(the price regular folk get).

First he would have to have recipes with particular flavors and then contact suppliers for wholesale costs. The closer to the manufacturer the better.

I'm still working with TFA's because I prefer bulk and they are easy to get so while I've planned to try and find some bulk options(4oz) for others, I've not looked very hard and so far it looks tike it requires a wholesale account for most.

 

[misswish]

I know you can order directly from Flavor Arts and The Flavor Apprentice. No idea on wholesale prices, though.

 

[AmandaD]

Anyone can set up a 'wholesale' account at TFA. It's the cheapest option for ordering 4 ounce bottles, which is why I used it once. They have much larger quantities available under this account!

 

[Time]

Heartlandvapes is cheaper for 4oz than TFA wholesale on anything I've bought.

 

[junquedujour]

@VapedCrusader - i am curious - does your mod-making friend vape? or just make the mods?

 

[VapedCrusader]

The possibilities are endless when it comes to shop juice. But to try and answer your questions, other than TFA's that can be bought in bulk direct from TFA or Heartlandvapes in bulk easily I don't know where to get other brands in bulk. I wouldn't think most of the vendors that cater to the DIY crowd would be the best sources but I don't know. Most seem to have a wholesale section that us regular folks can't access. Without having wholesale access, it would be impossible to recommend any vendor as their wholesale prices may not correspond with retail(the price regular folk get).

First he would have to have recipes with particular flavors and then contact suppliers for wholesale costs. The closer to the manufacturer the better.

I'm still working with TFA's because I prefer bulk and they are easy to get so while I've planned to try and find some bulk options(4oz) for others, I've not looked very hard and so far it looks tike it requires a wholesale account for most.

Everything you said was spot on.. Wholesale would be awhile down the line anyways but thats always the way to go.. I will need to hunt for some recipes for sure because nothing can be done without good flavors lol and thats even harder these days with everything thats out - I'm wondering what type of kit would be needed to start a fairly large batch to start out

 

[VapedCrusader]

@VapedCrusader - i am curious - does your mod-making friend vape? or just make the mods?

Yes he vapes.. he makes dual 18650/26650 box mods and sells them around MA .. I don't know if he wants me putting up pics yet because he doesn't have any available right now (he doesn't do that pre-order shit) but I'm expecting either one in the next batch or waiting for his mini versions to come out.

 

[AmandaD]

Everything you said was spot on.. Wholesale would be awhile down the line anyways but thats always the way to go.. I will need to hunt for some recipes for sure because nothing can be done without good flavors lol and thats even harder these days with everything thats out - I'm wondering what type of kit would be needed to start a fairly large batch to start out

To be successful he needs to come up with his own recipes!

 

[freemind]

A gallon of PG and VG, several 30 ML of flavor, and 250 ML of nic will make MUCH juice.

 

[CgS_Drone]

Essential Depot is having a special on PG and VG. You can get one gallon of each for $59.49 shipped free . This is the PG and VG that we have been using.

 

[VapedCrusader]

To be successful he needs to come up with his own recipes!

Whoa whoa now LOL- I never mentioned anything in regards to passing them off as something I or anybody else created.. that was a far off implication to say the least.. Using other people's receipes for personal use and to practice mixing seems harmless to me - isn't that why people pass them around on here?

 

[VapedCrusader]

A gallon of PG and VG, several 30 ML of flavor, and 250 ML of nic will make MUCH juice.

okay word. I was thinking i needed like triple that lol..

 

[VapedCrusader]

Essential Depot is having a special on PG and VG. You can get one gallon of each for $59.49 shipped free . This is the PG and VG that we have been using.

Happen to know how long shipping usually is?

 

[CgS_Drone]

Happen to know how long shipping usually is?

They sell on Amazon as well and that is actually where I ordered mine and got it in about 4 days. I ordered the quart size bottles from them. I plan to make an order this week directly through them on this special before it's over.

Getting ready to load up on Nic as well LOL. Thinking 1000ml of VT 100mg PG. I really wish BCV had the VT Nic in 500ml though, it jumps from 240ml to 1000ml.

 

[VapedCrusader]

They sell on Amazon as well and that is actually where I ordered mine and got it in about 4 days. I ordered the quart size bottles from them. I plan to make an order this week directly through them on this special before it's over.

Getting ready to load up on Nic as well LOL. Thinking 1000ml of VT 100mg PG. I really wish BCV had the VT Nic in 500ml though, it jumps from 240ml to 1000ml.

haha there yah go!

 

[AmandaD]

I also bought a gallon each of PG/VG from essential depot a long time ago. I forget how long the shipping was, but the price can't be beat!

VapersTek is currently out of their regular nic, but they do have their throat-hit nic on sale for a really good price. And I'm told it's still less peppery than other nic, so that might be an option.

And, yes, of course the recipes people post are for personal use - that's why they're shared I mean that he's going to have to come up with some good ones to sell!

 

[CgS_Drone]

VapersTek is currently out of their regular nic, but they do have their throat-hit nic on sale for a really good price.

The VT at BCV doesn't say that it's the throat-hit nic, Is there a different label with the throat-hit nic?

 

[AmandaD]

The VT at BCV doesn't say that it's the throat-hit nic, Is there a different label with the throat-hit nic?

BVC has the regular nic. The throat-hit nic is only at Vaperstek!

 

[Time]

Everything you said was spot on.. Wholesale would be awhile down the line anyways but thats always the way to go.. I will need to hunt for some recipes for sure because nothing can be done without good flavors lol and thats even harder these days with everything thats out - I'm wondering what type of kit would be needed to start a fairly large batch to start out

There won't be a kit to meet his needs to start on a bigger scale.. Just think of the basics. PG, VG, Nic, Flavors and mixing gear(syringes or scale, containers, stirring). As stated, PG/VG can be found by the gallon. Nic by the liter or more. Some flavors in bulk. Search for syringes by the box and on down the line.

Personally, unless he has the mixing bug or catches it, I'd go with simple and vapable mixes, maybe stand alones even, and secure a line of "premium" juice for resell. But that's me. I don't know what his goals and demographic will be.

 

[AmandaD]

One thing to add, as someone who spent a fortune in syringes and other stuff before I discovered the $15 scale...weighing is much cheaper and simpler in the long run - and very little clean up (which is good!)

 

[CgS_Drone]

One thing to add, as someone who spent a fortune in syringes and other stuff before I discovered the $15 scale...weighing is much cheaper and simpler in the long run - and very little clean up (which is good!)

Stop smacking me around with that . I just got everything for beaker/syringe/squeeze bottle method. I think your just trying to push my buttons.

If and when we get into making larger batches I may just try the weight method and see if we like it better. Right now though we are just playing with flavors and I think the syringe method is easier for us.

 

[AmandaD]

Stop smacking me around with that . I just got everything for beaker/syringe/squeeze bottle method. I think your just trying to push my buttons.

If and when we get into making larger batches I may just try the weight method and see if we like it better. Right now though we are just playing with flavors and I think the syringe method is easier for us.

LOL I mixed for almost a year before I got into weighing! I don't think anyone starts out that way. But if someone is serious about doing it commercially it might be a good idea (Oh, you still need squeeze bottles, so they'll be useful...haha!)

 

[junquedujour]

@AmandaD - got a link to the scale you are using?

 

[AmandaD]

Sure - here you go:

 

[Mommay]

The first & foremost thing I look for in a juice maker is a well-developed palate. I can do fine with simple DIY flavors, but developing complex, premium recipes (that are better than my best DIY) takes a talented mixologist with an evolved sense of taste. I am forever grateful to HIC, wllmc & others on here for their advanced skills - I buy a lot less readymade because it's not better, or as good as what I can make with their assistance. Just my .02 cents.

 

[CgS_Drone]

I really wish BCV had the VT Nic in 500ml though, it jumps from 240ml to 1000ml.

I contacted BCV about this and they say they may start selling it in 480/500ml in the coming months. This would be nice since I really wasn't wanting to get 1000ml but wanted more than 240ml.

 

[CgS_Drone]

Sure - here you go:

Shows up blank on VU but when I hit Reply it shows you trying to link to This scale

 

[AmandaD]

Yup that's the one! (The pic shows up for me in my original post?)

 

[BigNasty]

Yup that's the one! (The pic shows up for me in my original post?)

Gets even worse when you can do it from memory. without the scale