Picking The Right Distributor For Your Vape Shop
One of the most critical elements of running a successful vape shop is purchasing the right products from the right distributor. However, this task is not always easy. Today, there are hundreds of vape suppliers and figuring out who to do business with can be daunting. Here's what you need to know to pick the right distributor for your vape shop.
China Vape Products or From The US?
You should always consider whether you will be purchasing wholesale vape products from the US or China. Ordering directly from China may seem like a great idea because you'll get lower pricing, access to a wider variety of products, and almost never run out of stock. However, there are a few drawbacks that you should take into account.
Ordering products from China means longer lead and shipping times, so you'll have to wait for the products to reach to your shop. There's also a time zone difference, so if you need to make an order as soon as possible, you may end up waiting. These are just two of the cons of purchasing from vape shop distributors in China.
When it comes to ordering products from US vape distributors, you can expect fast shipping, quality customer support, and regular business hours. Essentially, ordering from US distributors is just a lot more convenient than getting products from overseas. However, the US does have a more limited product selection, and new items go out of stock quickly. You can also expect higher pricing when you buy your products in the US.
It's important to remember that the pros and cons of overseas distributors and US distributors may not always be true. You may find a vape distributor who actually offers cheaper rates than those in China. That's why doing your research is so important.
Deciding Which Wholesale Company Is Right For You
Every vape shop is different. When it comes to your shop, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when deciding which vape supplier to work with.
Location
You should have at least one wholesale company that you work with that is located in the same region as your shop. In fact, the closer, the better. When you run out of a product, you will want to have the option available to get more as soon as possible without having to pay too much for overnight shipping.
Brands and Products
You'll want to shop around to find all of the different brands you may want to carry. Wholesale companies have preferences when it comes to which manufacturers they work with. Like them, you'll want to align your business with wholesalers who carry a large selection from the preferred brands.
For this reason, you should know the brands and products that you sell the most, and which products your customers want to see you carry. For example, if you are getting a lot of requests for the IPV V3 Mini, you should make sure to order it as soon as possible and before the demand runs out. Make a note of the brands that people buy and ask for at your shop so that you can have those that your customers prefer.
Shipping
Shipping is one of the reasons why location is so important. Make sure you know and understand the company's shipping policy so that you know their cutoff. Take into account the timezone the company is in as well, so that you know whether it's easier to get your products shipped the same day from a company that's further away than one that's closer.
Shipping Cost
Many US-based wholesale companies offer free shipping if your order is over a certain dollar amount or if you are a preferred customer. Some don't offer free shipping, but they have discounted rates if you order over a certain amount. Others will charge you clear cut shipping costs.
You should always factor in the shipping costs when you look at the pricing of their products. A company with free shipping may have slightly higher prices on their items than a company that charges you the full cost of shipping.
Where Should You Buy E-liquids? Wholesaler vs. Distributor
You should try to purchase your e-liquids directly from the manufacturer whenever possible. You will pay more for e-liquid at a distribution company than you would from the manufacturer. However, there are circumstances where buying from a distribution company is better.
Reasons to Buy E-Liquid From A Distributor
- The manufacturer is difficult to contact
- Manufacturer's shipping time is slow or expensive
- You want to pay a higher price to get everything from one place
- You want to buy multiple brands from one place
Reasons to Buy E-liquid From The Manufacturer:
- There are lower rates
- Faster access to products
- Extra support with advertising
In short, you are paying more when you use a distribution company. However, you are getting the convenience of getting everything you need from one place. Whichever route you choose to go, make sure that it fits within your business plan. Try not to spend more just for the convenience of one or another.
A Quick Tip For Saving Money
When it comes to purchasing products for your vape shop, pick up the phone. The simple act of calling a sales representative might save you money. While the job of a sales rep is to get you to buy something, you could ask for any deals that they offer that you might not know about. Look for savings wherever and whenever you can, especially when it comes to your distributor so that you can keep your rates low and beat the competition.
