Have you been wondering how to open a smoke shop and possibly conducting research online about the topic? If this is a business you are interested in starting, then this is the blog for you! Here, we will cover some business and marketing tips to help get you started if you are interested in starting a smoke or vape shop.
At Lifelong Merchant Services, we care about our customers and want their businesses to thrive. That is why we focus completely on the customer service experience. From being there to help with your POS troubleshooting to providing informative blogs on a variety of topics for entrepreneurs and business owners, we’ve got you covered!
If you are looking for help with setting up a point of sale (POS) system, or need marketing assistance for your smoke shop, then give us a call at (678) 201-0911.
Or, keep reading the blog below for smoke shop ideas to help you get this business up and running.
Five Business & Marketing Tips on How to Open a Smoke Shop
If you are wondering how to open a smoke shop, then you likely are in the beginning stages of starting this exciting new venture. Below are five tips to help you kick start your business in the smoke and vape industry.
1. Obtain the Appropriate Licenses and Permits
In most states, if you want to start a vape shop and sell e-cigarettes, then you need to obtain a tobacco retailer license. Generally this is obtained from the state’s Department of Revenue.
2. Set Up a POS System that Makes Taking Credit Cards Easy for Customers
Nothing is more frustrating to a customer than when there are hang ups in the checkout process. Once people select their vapes they want to purchase them quickly and go on with their day. That means you need a POS system that is fast, accurate, and secure. This is where Lifelong comes into play.
3. Establish a Loyalty App to Reward Repeat Customers
From a marketing standpoint, it is much easier to retain a repeat customer versus starting from scratch to earn a new one. That means it is vital to keep your customers happy so they return to your vape shop or business. A great loyalty program does just that.
4. Create a Robust Marketing Plan
Marketing is one of the most important aspects of your business. It is how you let people know about your business! In order to get the most out of your marketing, especially when starting up a business, you need to create a solid and doable marketing plan. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining your marketing plan:
- Website
- Social Media
- Advertising
- Email Marketing
- Branding
- Overall marketing budget
- Advertising budget
These are merely some of the factors to consider when creating your marketing plan. Just be sure to think from your customer’s mindset when setting your marketing plan.
5. Follow Your Instincts
This tip is not one you hear often enough in the business world. You should absolutely have experts in various fields to help you build and grow your business. But, you should also always trust your instincts. This is your business after all, so follow every aspect of your dream from inception to that first sale.
Frequently Asked Questions on Starting Up a Vape Shop
Do you have more questions about starting up a smoke or vape shop? Luckily, we’ve got more answers in our FAQ section. Feel free to also call us at (678) 201-0911 to speak with us directly. We are here to help you grow your business and answer any questions you have on this topic.
What Business Classification is a Smoke Shop?
Any business that sells cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, or smokers’ supplies is classified with the NAICS Code 453991. However, if you want to also or only sell vapes, e-cigarettes, or those supplies that classification is NAICS Code 459991.
Is a Smoke Shop a Good Business to Start?
According to IBIS World, the tobacco industry is projected to have $66 billion in revenue. This means it’s a very lucrative business choice! Furthermore, this puts the industry at a growth in 2024 of 2.8%. Anything with growth is always a good business to consider starting.
How can Lifelong Merchant Services Help My Business?
At Lifelong Merchant Services, we offer multiple solutions for your business. In fact our POS system features a vast array of features for your smoke shop. They include:
- Reporting & accounting
- Inventory management
- Warehouse management
- Employee management
- Multi-location features
- Loyalty program
Additionally, we offer three different digital marketing services packages. We are able to help you with everything from social media to websites and all your other marketing needs.
When you sign up with us, you get so much more than a POS system or digital marketing platform though. You get a partner to help you support and build your business. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.
Lifelong Merchant Services is Here to Make Your Smoke Shop a Success!
Don’t wait any longer to start your new business venture! Call us today at (678) 201-0911 to help take your smoke shop to the next level. We would love the chance to be a partner in your business.
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