Our policy of only shipping to US addresses is a survival policy. We did many global shipments in the 'old' days but our business started to grow too much. We could not keep up and also keep our sanity and a reasonable life. So we stopped global sales and any wholesale sales. That slowed us alot and brought things back to where two people could handle it reasonably.
Why not hire people and expand? We tried that for a very short time and it did not work for us. Too many small details that were our habit and were difficult to get across to others. Beginning of skip a process here or there to make more units quicker. Workers that need attention more often than not. Then there is the nature of the business and we live in Idaho. Bigger means above the radar. Not for me or Zaplady. So we settled into a decent pace, allowing other projects in our lives and then along came FC. Now we are back to ramped up but still manageable while allowing a decent life out of Zapville. Then the new storefront.....creeping up again..............
Our policy is not intended to piss anybody off but it does. We cannot help that. We are a small business and want to keep it that way for the near future. Our policy also means US customers get good attention. We have to stay focused. I also do this because it is much fun making every unique piece and getting better at it all the time. Too big takes out the fun. Life is no fun when work is no fun.
Anyway, a bit more from me on the policy of only US sales. Yes, I have made an exception or two to that policy but only with old customers from way back
Yes, I did not like a "colossal waste of time" and the underwear comments. I am either naked or in my work clothes at any time of the day. I watch very little TV and am out of the house 90% of the time, the other 9% on this PC taking care of this end of Zapville. Stoner yes, lazy no.
I am not complaining one bit. Our policy as far as non US sales go is essential for our current survival.
Last year I sent parts, info, broke down Zap bodies and everything necessary to a fellow out of Toronto to make these simple things. I have done my part to see you folks can get log vapes. I will do it again but damn, it is time for Canada and the EU to have their own log vape.
Incredible opportunity waiting.