June 2012 will see the official launch of the first CAM-VIP E-bacconist at a small traditional pub in South Yorkshire. The pub will initially stock a range of disposables, entry level kits, 510 cartomisers, eGo type batteries, chargers and eliquid. If successful, the pub will be able to source a great variety of products.
Why is it called an E-bacconist?Most, if not all, bricks-and-mortar outlets in the UK tend to only stock one brand (vendor). These could be TW or ECW resellers, Matchless stockists (pubs), Intellicig (corner shops), 10 Motives (Tesco), or the current trend for vendors setting up their own shops (TW, LF, VE, Liberro etc.).
The E-bacconist will sell a range of products from six of the top UK vendors, each with their unique selling points. This means that if the E-bacconist successfully attracts established vapers (as well as those interested in trying the smoking alternative), they will be able source probably the best range of products of any ecig shop in the UK and sell them at or below the prices already found on the internet.
Who are the target customers?There are two sets of customers that the E-bacconist will be aimed at;
Smokers in the area.
Established vapers in the area.
Many smokers still haven't heard of ecigs or they are reluctant to purchase online as they are not sure which ecig will work for them. A physical shop means that they can be given 'in the flesh' advice on the different types of ecigs available and which will best suit their needs. The main focus initially will be on attracting smokers to the pub to give ecigs a try. There will be information leaflets on how ecigs work, the different components, safety, possible health benefits, financial benefits over smoking, ECITA, ECCA, the online forums etc. etc..
Established vapers are essential in helping the E-bacconist get established. During the first two months, CAM-VIP will organise 'vape nights' where vapers are encouraged to come to the pub and share their experience with those just starting out, or the curious smokers. These 'vape nights' will include raffles and quizzes for the chance to win prizes. These prizes will be geared towards existing vapers rather than the newbies. It is during these nights that requests can be made to the shop to order more specialist products from the VIP partners. The more the established vapers recommend the E-bacconist to others, the more likely it is to succeed and grow.
Who is involved in the project? CAM-VIP: Our organisation will co-ordinate the initial set up of the E-bacconist and provide free advertising for the pub and the VIP partners as well as produce all the instructional and educational leaflets. We will also offer free email support for the pub during the first two months. Our aim is to make the shop a success by using the resources and time we have available.
VIP PartnersThe following companies are working closely with CAM-VIP to ensure this project is a success. They each bring something different to the project, but most of all, they can offer the E-bacconist a wide range of products at prices that will allow the pub to match or even undercut their own internet price;
The SD Shop (Cavecom): Trog and Matt sell ideal products for the new vaper, from the cheap and cheerful 'Social Smoker' to the excellent 'SD Keyring' and the pre-filled 510 cartomisers that are essential for those devices with auto-batteries. These will be available in the 'start up kit' that the pub will receive. Once established, their 'SD-EGO' range and their classic 'Screwdriver Mk1' will be available on request.
The Smoker's Angel (e-cigarettedirect): James and Jean sell the 'Halo Mini' which is an entry level kit that comes in its own metallic clasp case. The quality is better than a lot of similar looking products on the market and their customer service is second to none. They also supply the cartomisers to go with the 'Halo Mini'. This device and the refills will be in the 'start up kit'. Once established, their 'Halo Tank' system and their eliquid will be available on request.
Safercigs: Daz has worked really hard in sourcing the best disposables at the best prices for this project. These will be included in the 'start up kit'. Once established, the options of getting your hands on an 'Evolv Kick' or one of the fantastic 'Siam Mods' will be there, at your local.
Vapour World: Paula sells an unrivalled range of 'Dekang' eliquids, including a number of flavours designed for Vapour World such as RYHi5 and the CAM-VIP 'Vapours 'n' Ale' range. A selection of these will be in the 'start up kit' along with VW's own range of 510 atomisers. Once established, a greater range of flavours and strenghts of eliquids and their ever expanding range of unique e-cigs will be available on request.
Vape Escape: Jason sells a no nonsense, no frills quality product range which he backs up with excellent customer service. The jewel in his crown in our opinion is the excellent range of 'Grizwald's Gourmet' eliquids, a selection of which will be in the 'start up kit'. Once established, other starter kits, spares and accessories will be available on request.
Liberty Flights: Abe and Matthew probably sell the largest range of ecig products in the UK mainly geared towards the established vaper. The range of items they can offer the E-bacconist once established is breathtaking. It is great to have them on board.
Finally the pub provides the physical shop and the staff to run it.
Who benefits and why?The Smokers: They are made aware of ecigs and the health, financial and social benefits associated with them. They have access to the best products at competitive prices and all the information and support they require in one place in their locality.
The Vapers: If the E-bacconist becomes established, local vapers will have access to the largest range of products in the UK at great prices. The pub will also be a focal point for social events and special promotions.
CAM-VIP: If this initiative is a success, we will be fulfilling our aim of getting the word out about ecigs to smokers and at the same time, supporting The Great British Pub.
VIP Partners: More outlets for their products, increased sales and no extra overheads.
The Pub: A secondary source of income with no initial outlay. Full support and information regarding ecigs. More local recognition and therefore more customers spending their money in the pub.
Will it work?We can only try our best to make it work. Co-operation between CAM-VIP, VIP Partners and The Vapers will increase the chances of success. The biggest unknown for us is how much established vapers want it to work and how much support they will give to make it work.
The people of South Yorkshire are the chosen ones this time around. I know we have a lot of people already on the forums from this area and many have attended meet-ups in the past - we tend to be quite a sociable bunch. If we cannot make it work, there is summat wrong
Russell VR Ord
CAM-VIP
