Offline vs. Online Purchase of E-Cig Cartridges

I’ve already covered the cons involved with purchasing smokless vapor cigarettes at convenience stores, and thought a refresher article comparing the two would help explain better how I saved much more money purchasing online, and how I got much better products. Those just getting into the habit of smoking electronic cigarettes may find it hard to choose between offline and online purchases of E-Cig Cartridges. Buying on the Internet may be the easy way for some users, while others prefer to take a quick drive or brisk walk to the local convenience store or gas station to get their E-Cig Cartridges. Ultimately, online purchase of these liquids for your electronic cigarettes is the best option. Why?

Summary of Offline vs Online Shopping

Online Pros:

• Best Prices
• Best Discounts
• Lots of Selection
• Convenient & Time Saving

Online Cons:

• Shipping Transit Time
• Custom Tax for International Shipping
• International Import Restrictions – SEE: Best E-Cig for UK

Offline Pros:

• No Wait Time for Shipping
• Personal Face to Face Service
• No Shipping or Duty Costs

Offline Cons:

• Limited Choices
• Risk of Out of Stock on Wanted Items
• Risk of Purchasing Poor Quality Vaporizers
• Pay Local Taxes

Brick and Mortar E-Cig Stores

The display of electronic cigarettes and the array of e-liquids can be astounding for new electronic cigarette users. Because these buyers do not know that much about these devices, they typically make an impulse buy. The positive side of this kind of purchase method is that you go in, buy your cartridges, and walk out. You don’t have to disclose any financial information because you use cash, do not have to wait for your package to arrive, and the option of trying out liquids before purchasing an entire set of cartridges.

The downside to this purchase method includes the possibility of limited choice or products that have been sitting on the shelf past best use dates. You may not find the flavor you want because they may have sold out or not even carry it. Product hardware may be outdated. There might not be any discounts, brand accessories, proper customer service, or a good return policy. Also, keep in mind that every trip means you’ll have to walk or drive or commute as well.

Additionally to the small quirks and annoyances that could happen when going out to shop at a store, the main other disadvantage is possibly buying bad quality products. They may carry a variety of re-branded cheap e-cigs that will leave you very dissatisfied.

Buying E-Cigarettes and Cartridges only

There are some advantages available only to those who choose to purchase E-Cig Cartridges and liquids on the Internet. You can check out more brands, read customer reviews, and mostly get a wider range of product offerings online. Hardware is usually up to date and liquids fresh, plus Internet shopping typically comes with customer service, big discounts, loyalty programs, and money-back guarantees on E-Cig Cartridges.

The first advantage is being able to shop in the comfort of your living room and such, saving time and money on gas. The second advantage is being able to purchase the best quality e-cigs. All the top manufacturers now distribute on their own through their websites. The third advantage is that you get the best price! Since the manufacturer does not need to pay distributors or various transport costs, they can sell directly to the customer at wholesale cost. The fourth advantage is that you can save even more by using coupons and taking advantage of seasonal sales. The list goes on, but millions of customer’s can’t all be wrong, shopping for your devices and re-fill cartridges online will always be the most cost effective option that really keeps you saving your money.

Vape Lounges & Coffee Shops

There has been in a big boom in small privately owned coffee shops that welcome vapers. These small businesses capitalize by selling clone vaporizer devices, the most popular models coming out of China for example. They will rarely been seen carrying popular brands because those require special licences to sell. This means that if you limit yourself to only shopping at your local vape store, you’re forced to use the devices, and e-liquid lines they hold. Many of these often produce their own e-liquid brand. They are not all bad, and many are actually distributing great products, but it limits you on choice, and saving money. Although it’s important to support local businesses, they often sell cheap devices and e-juice at high mark-up percentages, in order to cover rent and salary costs, let alone make a profit. The business model is not viable on the long term, and in my opinion, these shops will slowly vanish in the next few years.