Need a bit of advice...

[Khromm]

I'm giving some thought to the possibility of opening a vaping store, but need a bit of advice first regarding pretty much any and every aspect (I've worked in shops/clubs/pubs but never actually run one before, ignoring being left in charge for a day or so...)

So... where to begin? I'm open to all suggestions on all aspects, as at the moment it's in the "Dream" realm rather than the "Opening next week" realm, but it's something that I'd really like to get into, as even though I'm relatively new to vaping, I think this is something I could really get behind and enjoy. But before I take the next step, I really do need some advice please...

[VE Jason]

Are you talking online or bricks & mortar Khromm or both?

[albavapours]

You will need to look into quite a lot of aspects, Chip compliance for labels on bottle. laibilty insurance, setting up the website. sourcing who you will buy from , product testing. it is a minefield to say the least, but once you manage to get over hurdles you can move forward. im new to this to and have asked for help, but so far you have to pay for that help so im told or do the research yourself.
you will also need to look at import duties and becoming vat registered aspect should the business take off.
becareful who you buy from some items on the market are cheaper copies. they will still work just not last as long.
make sure you understand the rules behind importing Liquid Nicotine into the country. it is 75mg/ml at present i believe might be a couple of mg lower though.
what payment method you are going to accept, paypal or sage pay, something like that.
that also depends on the e-commerce that runs on the website you will have to build or have built.
everything you cant find out for yourself or cant do, will cost in some way. but there are people that do help and will give advice for free. just never many in life

i dont mind passing on what has been passed on to me in the form of help. and what i have found out for myself.

[Khromm]

jason - Bricks and mortar; there's enough web based suppliers out there for the moment, and although I'd probably offer some limited mail order functionality, I'm more interested in opening a place where people can come for information, to actually try flavours before buying, and possibly even running a small coffee franchise on the side ("Come in, try and buy your flavor, then enjoy a coffee indoors while vaping!"), while stocking the majority of vaping goods and accessories (or at least a decent selection).

@alba - thanks, this is the kind of stuff I need to know as well, although like I said I'm not looking at it as a straight web-based enterprise...

[VE Jason]

Dec 12, 2011 20:10:30 GMT Khromm said:

jason - Bricks and mortar; there's enough web based suppliers out there for the moment, and although I'd probably offer some limited mail order functionality, I'm more interested in opening a place where people can come for information, to actually try flavours before buying, and possibly even running a small coffee franchise on the side ("Come in, try and buy your flavor, then enjoy a coffee indoors while vaping!"), while stocking the majority of vaping goods and accessories (or at least a decent selection).

@alba - thanks, this is the kind of stuff I need to know as well, although like I said I'm not looking at it as a straight web-based enterprise...

Have you considered a TW Franchise? I don't know exactly how it works because they won't tell me, being a vendor. But, it does limit you to selling TW products.

B&M is a different world to Online. The kits you stock need to be more down the Ciggy Like route than the Provari and the e-liquid choices pretty basic.

I've had quite a few people call in over the last couple of weeks and with the odd exception they are only interested in Ciggy Like + Tobacco flavour.

Insurance is expensive (astronomically so for e-liquids) and if you mix on the premises you will need the relevant health & hygiene certificates.

As Lee says, there are lots of regulations and pitfalls if you don't do your homework, but it is very interesting nevertheless.

[albavapours]

bricks and mortar. planning permission might be needed from the council depending on the shops rates setup, cant think what term is off top of head.
Rental

Ok how long a contract do you want to get into for the lease. also you could need upto 3months rent and deposit of the same amount when it comes to renting a property, will it have a full reapair agreement in the lease, meaning you repair the lot.
also you will need a solicitor to setup the lease agreement.
Rates

depending how big shop is depends on amount paid, you can get upto 50% of business rates for small business it helps trust me.
insurance
once again public liablity insurance for customers and staff. normally £2million
also contents and stock insurance and the rest that comes with the package, windows the lot. theft.
Stock and shop matters

ok stock so a cashflow. bills to be paid. they are the same as at home, electric gas water.
staff if needed. sole trader yourself and partner normally.

also doing the shop up. signwriting and shop fitting

register business within 3 months with the inland revenue.

just a short list

also not to sure if the EHO would be involved with a shop of this nature, it was with my tattoo shop

just read your message again about B&M you said coffee shop to. does this mean you might consider food to. eho will be involved for sure.

[Chrissie]

Can't help with advice Khromm but just want to wish you luck

And big thumbs up to Jason & Lee for offering their advice

[Gordy]

Khromm sorry mate i cant offer any advice but count me in for some visits

[Khromm]

Thanks for the information guys (and the luck wishes ) - it's precisely the kind of feedback I need, and food for thought... Will keep y'all posted as to progress. With regards to the coffee shop section, at the moment it would be limited to drinks only, but again it's an aspect to which I'll be giving some serious thought, as part of the concept would be as a place people can actually vape indoors in public, helping raise the profile even more...

Thanks

<edit> Jason - what precisely is a TW franchise? Got a lot to learn, and this might be a starting point... </edit>

[jungle]

I'm guessing "Totaly Wicked"?

[Gordy]

Totally Wicked Reseller maybe worth having a look to see what its all about Khromm

[Scylla]

Glad you are thinking of B&M Khromm, the online sector is more than well covered for basic products

A vaping coffee bar sounds a great idea, but you don't want loads of customers spending little money but lots of time there - little money + lots of time 'n space = no profit We'll have to think of high mark-up irresistible consumables...

Thanks to our great existing suppliers for helping out with info - daunting, yes?!

[Jemima]

Cant offer any advice on shop running, but from a customers point of view I would def have a web presence. Not everyone can get to a shop and even if its just to browse whats on offer and maybe make a tele sale it's a big help.

Plus if someone local googles "local supplier" and up you pop, and they can come down and see whats on offer, that's a world of difference, being able to see and get advice face to face before you commit.

And to be honest any kind of web presence these days is pritty much a requirement of business.

I wish you the best of luck with it

[Gordy]

Dec 13, 2011 2:01:11 GMT Scylla said:

Glad you are thinking of B&M Khromm, the online sector is more than well covered for basic products

A vaping coffee bar sounds a great idea, but you don't want loads of customers spending little money but lots of time there - little money + lots of time 'n space = no profit We'll have to think of high mark-up irresistible consumables...

Thanks to our great existing suppliers for helping out with info - daunting, yes?!

maybe you'll have to make it like 'those bars' where they have girls that make you buy drinks every half hour

[hollyhold]

Opening a store is good, but should think it over. Check it and think it over.

Hope you are sucess in this field