The Vape Industry - Your Thoughts
- Thread starter wm762
- Start date
Having just recently entering this industry (unintentionally, lol), I still can't really comment from an educated standpoint.
However, I find this to be a rather exciting time - the vaporizer industry overall seems to be picking up steam - there's more critics now than ever, which means it's getting people's attention! I think more customers will drive the industry skyward, and I certainly don't see a lack of new customers.
I still fear what'll happen when society realizes how many people vape in public with all the recent advances in portability, and hope congress doesn't crack down on the use of vaporizers (such as smoking indoors has been banned in pretty much every state). But for now, I'm having a blast, and look forward to what the future holds for me and my ventures in digital fabrication.
However, I find this to be a rather exciting time - the vaporizer industry overall seems to be picking up steam - there's more critics now than ever, which means it's getting people's attention! I think more customers will drive the industry skyward, and I certainly don't see a lack of new customers.
I still fear what'll happen when society realizes how many people vape in public with all the recent advances in portability, and hope congress doesn't crack down on the use of vaporizers (such as smoking indoors has been banned in pretty much every state). But for now, I'm having a blast, and look forward to what the future holds for me and my ventures in digital fabrication.
max
Out to lunch
Considering the easy access to vaporizers from all kinds of sources, compared to smoking paraphernalia, I don't think anyone should be disappointed. E-cigs have been available for years, and the general public is just now getting a clue about that product. I think the mj vape market is coming along just fine, and it'll do even better as the legalization movement picks up steam.
What is disappointing to me, but expected, is the current explosion of crappy vape models (lots of e-cig conversions) being put out by companies who don't care about quality or performance. They just want to make a buck. It used to be that you had to put out a decent design or your company couldn't get off the ground. Now we've got a lot of vape models that are the equivalent of a $29.95 iPad.
There's also the possibility that down the road government will want to regulate the vape industry, which is what we're seeing with e-cigs. The deep pockets companies will also likely be OK with regulations and requirements, since they can afford the costs and smaller companies can't. Fees and red tape can help eliminate the small, start-up companies. It costs at least $10,000 to get a UL listing, and very few vape makers have gone that route so far. Cheap labor isn't the only reason companies set up manufacturing overseas. They don't have all the regulations and hoops to jump through that we have in the US.
What is disappointing to me, but expected, is the current explosion of crappy vape models (lots of e-cig conversions) being put out by companies who don't care about quality or performance. They just want to make a buck. It used to be that you had to put out a decent design or your company couldn't get off the ground. Now we've got a lot of vape models that are the equivalent of a $29.95 iPad.
There's also the possibility that down the road government will want to regulate the vape industry, which is what we're seeing with e-cigs. The deep pockets companies will also likely be OK with regulations and requirements, since they can afford the costs and smaller companies can't. Fees and red tape can help eliminate the small, start-up companies. It costs at least $10,000 to get a UL listing, and very few vape makers have gone that route so far. Cheap labor isn't the only reason companies set up manufacturing overseas. They don't have all the regulations and hoops to jump through that we have in the US.
NorVape
Vape Rictim
I think that a lot of the type of guys who are now basically running small vape businesses out of their garage or small workshops eventually will end up working for the R&D and design departments of medium and big vaporizer companies.
We have seen in some cases that good product ideas and smart designs for vapes have been flawed by a small company's lack of ability to handle an increase in sales and the following need for a more professional handling of customer service. And in other cases we see how a small company structure enables a unique communication between the companies and their end consumers.
Some may see this as something that will streamline and cripple some of the creative energy thats in the biz these days, others may see it as a more efficient way to get the right people to work with the right parts of the biz.
I guess only time will tell.
We have seen in some cases that good product ideas and smart designs for vapes have been flawed by a small company's lack of ability to handle an increase in sales and the following need for a more professional handling of customer service. And in other cases we see how a small company structure enables a unique communication between the companies and their end consumers.
Some may see this as something that will streamline and cripple some of the creative energy thats in the biz these days, others may see it as a more efficient way to get the right people to work with the right parts of the biz.
I guess only time will tell.
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fft
Well-Known Member
I like this topic and the comments so far. Let me try some scattered thoughts ...
1) The vape industry is still in an early stage. It still seems like there are more people who dont know about vaping or are just learning than there are educated consumers (like on this forum). As states get legal and mainstream "soccer mom" types start picking up the hobby, there are so many that turn to edibles instead of vaping. There's a lot of knowledge about vaping that is not getting across right now... and a ton of room for the industry to grow.
2) Vape designs are still evolving. There are so many different vape designs right now with different features, gimmicks, and tradeoffs. Today you can't get stealth/portability, vapor quality, ease of use, and battery life all in one product. But each year there are innovations that reduce tradeoffs. I can see a day coming when the industry is more mature, innovation slows down, and there are fewer "best" ways to build a vaporizer - maybe with 2-3 mainstream base designs. Today it seems most manufacturers are still bootstrapping which limits product innovation... as they become more experienced and better funded it will be interesting to see which way designs go.
3) Concentrates seem further behind herbal vapes. If herbal vapes are in generation 3-5 of product development going back to the mid-2000s, concentrates are a few cycles behind this. Concentrates have the potential to be a huge part of the market, provided legal and production issues can be taken care of.
4) Don't forget about distribution. When I think about the vape industry, the "product" side comes to mind first, but distribution is also in early stages. Today there are a handful of reputable online sellers. For many vapes you're better off buying direct from the manufacturer. Physical retailers need to become more reputable as so many people want to buy face to face. The whole distribution side will certainly improve if this all becomes more mainstream. That could in turn influence what products are developed to serve the market.
1) The vape industry is still in an early stage. It still seems like there are more people who dont know about vaping or are just learning than there are educated consumers (like on this forum). As states get legal and mainstream "soccer mom" types start picking up the hobby, there are so many that turn to edibles instead of vaping. There's a lot of knowledge about vaping that is not getting across right now... and a ton of room for the industry to grow.
2) Vape designs are still evolving. There are so many different vape designs right now with different features, gimmicks, and tradeoffs. Today you can't get stealth/portability, vapor quality, ease of use, and battery life all in one product. But each year there are innovations that reduce tradeoffs. I can see a day coming when the industry is more mature, innovation slows down, and there are fewer "best" ways to build a vaporizer - maybe with 2-3 mainstream base designs. Today it seems most manufacturers are still bootstrapping which limits product innovation... as they become more experienced and better funded it will be interesting to see which way designs go.
3) Concentrates seem further behind herbal vapes. If herbal vapes are in generation 3-5 of product development going back to the mid-2000s, concentrates are a few cycles behind this. Concentrates have the potential to be a huge part of the market, provided legal and production issues can be taken care of.
4) Don't forget about distribution. When I think about the vape industry, the "product" side comes to mind first, but distribution is also in early stages. Today there are a handful of reputable online sellers. For many vapes you're better off buying direct from the manufacturer. Physical retailers need to become more reputable as so many people want to buy face to face. The whole distribution side will certainly improve if this all becomes more mainstream. That could in turn influence what products are developed to serve the market.
CarolKing
Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
In Washington state I would like to see more vaporizers in the mmj dispensaries and head shops. I'm spreading the word when I go places that are cannabis friendly. I'm excited about vaping and I want others to know how better their lives can be if they fuckcombustion.
At the mmj Farmers Market where I get my products they have a lounge where most folks are smoking cannabis. I will bring my Solo one of these days. I won't even have to put it in a McDonald's cup.
The progress of the public to latch on to vaping is too slow IMO. The vaping industry seems to be exploding with progress. Some bad quality vapes out there, buyer beware. Some companies once they get your money they don't continue through with good customer service. Emails aren't answered and they don't have a phone number that you can contact on. Don't get me started.
EDIT
Snappo is right, we're blazing the trail.
At the mmj Farmers Market where I get my products they have a lounge where most folks are smoking cannabis. I will bring my Solo one of these days. I won't even have to put it in a McDonald's cup.
The progress of the public to latch on to vaping is too slow IMO. The vaping industry seems to be exploding with progress. Some bad quality vapes out there, buyer beware. Some companies once they get your money they don't continue through with good customer service. Emails aren't answered and they don't have a phone number that you can contact on. Don't get me started.
EDIT
Snappo is right, we're blazing the trail.
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lwien
Well-Known Member
The market seems to be reaching maturity, but there's still room for innovation.
Really? I guess it all depends on how you define "maturity". To equate it to human years, some would say maturity is reached when you are 21. To me, maturity really isn't realized until one has more years behind them then in front of them simply due to the wisdom that is gained through experience and the application of that experience to translate into benefits, so in that context, I'd put the vaporizer industry in the age range of the low 20's, which to me, is far from being close to maturity. LOTS of room to innovate and to populate.
grokit
well-worn member
Okay, but I don't equate widget platform experience to benefit ratios with human years.
The Vape industry is pretty amazing to me. I mean since people smoked their herbs in basically the same ways for a few thousand years, and have been vaporizing them for only a few decades i find the progress kind of astounding myself.
&
is Fucking amazing !
The Father of History, Herodotus, wrote in the 5th century BC:
I don't think you can separate the e-cig industry and the cannabis vaporization industry when it comes to regulation. If governments choose to outlaw e-cigs in public places—and there's a trend in that direction—there won't be an exception for cannabis.
The vaporizer business is still in its infancy. Most cannabis users are vaguely aware of vaporizers at best. Nevertheless, if the prohibition continues to collapse, there'll be a boom in the cannabis industry and vaporizers will be caught up in it. I expect that when this happens, we'll see a shakeout. There'll always be a place for artisan vapourizers (basically hand-made by one or two people) but there'll be a lot more of what @max complains about: mass-produced cheap generic vapourizers. These are the only vapourizers that I can see capable of keeping up if the demand exploded.
The innovators will have a hard time staying afloat. I think that the companies producing mid-level priced units ($200-300) are probably most vulnerable because they're writing off their R&D costs, while pirates can clone their designs and undercut their prices. The sad fact is that most people will purchase the cheapest device without much regard for anything else.
MinnBobber
Well-Known Member
In Washington state I would like to see more vaporizers in the mmj dispensaries and head shops. I'm spreading the word when I go places that are cannabis friendly. I'm excited about vaping and I want others to know how better their lives can be if they fuckcombustion.
At the mmj Farmers Market where I get my products they have a lounge where most folks are smoking cannabis. I will bring my Solo one of these days. I won't even have to put it in a McDonald's cup.
.......
A next step in evolution would/ should be a Farmers Market with separate lounges for vaping and combusting.
Modnote: edited to remove reply from quote.
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Enchantre
Oil Painter
I have, indeed, passed my Elevape at the MMJ Farmer's Market lounge!
I've seen mostly concentrate pen vapes, for those not burning their herb, but I have seen a Pax or two in there, also.
I am just sad that dispensaries/access points don't actually stock quality vaporizers. I do understand that they have overhead, and inventory issues... and it's that much more to be seized, if seized... but at least provide more visible, understandable options for partaking.
I've seen mostly concentrate pen vapes, for those not burning their herb, but I have seen a Pax or two in there, also.
I am just sad that dispensaries/access points don't actually stock quality vaporizers. I do understand that they have overhead, and inventory issues... and it's that much more to be seized, if seized... but at least provide more visible, understandable options for partaking.
Dawntreader
Kayakist
As a total newcomer to vaping ( as in, i did not know it even existed before 3 weeks ago) this thread is a great read! I will just address the area I feel competent to reply to and that is the newly introduced market/people. I am the first in my circle of friends to move from the pipe to a vape and they are intrigued but not sold. Cost of the device is a factor for them and most of them are content with a mid grade weed. None of them are cigarette smokers and i was. I moved to a nicotine vape to decrease/wean myself off that substance and on to the vapman to prolong the health of my lungs in regards to inhalation of weed. I also wanted a method worthy ( to me) of the higher quality product i am purchasing. To me, the conversion from combustion to convection, is an investment in the future of my enjoyment and I believe there must be others like me who will slowly perhaps but surely become the solid foundation for vaping in the future.
It has been my experience that the success/progression of ANY industry is linked, if not primarily fueled by the education or "lack there of" of the consumer. And so often it is by example and word of mouth...
It has been my experience that the success/progression of ANY industry is linked, if not primarily fueled by the education or "lack there of" of the consumer. And so often it is by example and word of mouth...
weedemon
enthusiast
with it still being illegal in my area i am a little sad that they are becoming more mainstream. it means I have less stealth. but on the flip side, there are some really cool vapes invented as a result of more engineers taking interest in it. so it's a double edges sword i guess. the inner hipster in me liked being ahead of the curve too.
cityslang
A taste on the tongue
As said earlier the mass produced cheaper ones might be the savoir if demand takes off.
Smiss seem to be the 1st big company to have a serious go
http://flowermate.eu/products.php
Smiss seem to be the 1st big company to have a serious go
http://flowermate.eu/products.php
luchiano
Well-Known Member
I'm happy because there are more choices now, but, I'm disappointed in the quality of the vapes. Only a few are accurate in the temperature when you are inhaling or have hot air going through them, and only a few use materials that you don't have to worry about offgassing. Most don't come with filters to keep small particulate matter from going into your respiratory system or to cool off the hot air. This is very important for your lungs to be healthy. Most companies are just focused on being different and cheap, but not health, and quality in build so that the product will last for years, and help increase your health, not lower it.
lwien
Well-Known Member
I disagree. There are many vapes on the market that will last for years and I've owned a few. Also, most all legit vapes are a healthier alternative to smoking so in that context, they do increase your health and do not lower it.
luchiano
Well-Known Member
The only vapes that seem to last for years are log vapesz and the two German ones(volcano,aromed). All the other ones eventually have problems that need to be sent back to the company for fixing. The log vales only have one to a few temperatures you can work with, and you have to do internal work for that to happen. Any other vaporizer that allows you to go from low to high and has a screen that allows you to see where you are at, I constantly see problems over the years. Something eventually goes wrong. This is for me though, because I don't like to use vapes that have a set temp unless I have to. For others there are tons of choices but I'm a healthut so iI have only a few choices. I need to be able to choose temperatures from low to high, have preicse temperature during the air going through the herb, not worry about offgassing over the years, need to have the vapor cool, and with very little particulate matter, and easy to fix if needed it or at least I won't have a problem replacing the heater, or other important parts.
Vaping is better when compared to smoking but, I'm not comparing it to smoking, that is a given. I'm comparing it to someone who doesn't inhale anything but air. I have seen too many people complain about respiratory issues when vaping for a while. Some don't know about this site so they won't be able to find help to deal with it. Even before this site, I would hear about vaping throat, and lung, issues.
Vaping is better when compared to smoking but, I'm not comparing it to smoking, that is a given. I'm comparing it to someone who doesn't inhale anything but air. I have seen too many people complain about respiratory issues when vaping for a while. Some don't know about this site so they won't be able to find help to deal with it. Even before this site, I would hear about vaping throat, and lung, issues.
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