Howdy, from Katy, TX. I am pretty much new to vaping and will stop and visit a local shop in the Greater Houston area. I make a "list" of what each shop has as far as e-juice flavors, mods, rdas, etc. I try to support local shops as I depend on a few for advice and direction.
One thing that I've noticed, here in Houston TX, there are numerous brick and mortar vape places. Some are strictly vape, some are smoke shops that include vape, some are hookah bars that include vape. Even have some in gas stations. Just as there are various places, the reception that you get from the shop proprietor is widely varied. Some (the ones that I come back to) are laid back and very helpful. I am a person that asks tons of questions and may not make a purchase the first or 2nd time, but I will remember you and show my thanks by making a sizable purchase when I finally do make a purchase.
Other locations often display the outright lack of wanting to help you. They lie and try to pressure you into buying something clearly not right for you; and don't use the words, "I'm just looking"-they instantly become used car sales persons. I've had one shop proprietor tell me they don't take too kindly to "just looking". I've never been back to that establishment since.
I've also had one proprietor ask me why the heck was I wanting to vape since I am a non-smoker of over 30+ years. On the 3rd or 4th visit to his shop, after asking questions the other times, he did not even want to let me demo his e-juice. After he saw I was serious, he changed his tune. I bought a lot of stuff from him but he had to endure my "lecture" about my shopping style and how this was my money and maybe a different type of customer than he was accustomed to.
In this short time for me, I've also seen a few local shops go out of business or move. I am trying to support one that has moved to a "secret" location after losing his lease. I get a couple of 60/120 ml bottles from him regularly and really hope that he can stay in business. I've even offered to volunteer at his new shop to help him out.
Like I said, I am new to vaping. I would love to hear from someone who knows more about trends, or where the vaping industry is headed (online and Chinese made?)
I welcome comments.
vincent1966
One thing that I've noticed, here in Houston TX, there are numerous brick and mortar vape places. Some are strictly vape, some are smoke shops that include vape, some are hookah bars that include vape. Even have some in gas stations. Just as there are various places, the reception that you get from the shop proprietor is widely varied. Some (the ones that I come back to) are laid back and very helpful. I am a person that asks tons of questions and may not make a purchase the first or 2nd time, but I will remember you and show my thanks by making a sizable purchase when I finally do make a purchase.
Other locations often display the outright lack of wanting to help you. They lie and try to pressure you into buying something clearly not right for you; and don't use the words, "I'm just looking"-they instantly become used car sales persons. I've had one shop proprietor tell me they don't take too kindly to "just looking". I've never been back to that establishment since.
I've also had one proprietor ask me why the heck was I wanting to vape since I am a non-smoker of over 30+ years. On the 3rd or 4th visit to his shop, after asking questions the other times, he did not even want to let me demo his e-juice. After he saw I was serious, he changed his tune. I bought a lot of stuff from him but he had to endure my "lecture" about my shopping style and how this was my money and maybe a different type of customer than he was accustomed to.
In this short time for me, I've also seen a few local shops go out of business or move. I am trying to support one that has moved to a "secret" location after losing his lease. I get a couple of 60/120 ml bottles from him regularly and really hope that he can stay in business. I've even offered to volunteer at his new shop to help him out.
Like I said, I am new to vaping. I would love to hear from someone who knows more about trends, or where the vaping industry is headed (online and Chinese made?)
I welcome comments.
vincent1966