With the current state of the economy, hustles to make or save a quick buck seem extremely attractive. One of those popular hustles is buying or selling second-hand vapes. When I say “second-hand”, I mean previously-used devices. Authorized resellers don’t fall under that category, as they’ve got respectable buyer reviews and a reputation to go along with it, and products fresh off the factory line. However, websites and apps like Kijiji and Letgo are teeming with folks offering deals on their old vapes. You might have even considered this option yourself. When buying a new vape, you may realize that you don’t really want or need your old vape. And there’s nothing wrong with making a quick buck off of your intermediate- or advanced-level vape. But there are some unspoken do’s and don’ts for this little hustle for buyers and sellers alike.
Don’t Bother Buying (or Selling)
Beginner stuff
Beginners—don’t try to snag a deal on your first vape. Too many times has a newbie come into a vape shop because they’ve managed to break a SMOK dual-battery mod, or were ripped off on an ancient Asmodus that bit the dust before it ever touched the buyer’s hands. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, let a vape shop help you out. Any local shop near you would be happy to carefully consult with you about your vaping needs, expectations, and preferences. You’re far better off hearing what’s best for you from someone whose job is to help people like you than someone who’s happy to sell his self-perceived old garbage and drive off.
Drip tips
It should be absolutely clear that nobody should be selling or buying used drip tips online. Yes, isopropyl alcohol is a wonderful, purifying chemical compound ideal for your sanitary needs, but honestly, why bother? Even the most expensive drip tips can be bought online not only at a cheaper price, but fresh out of the bag too!
In addition, you’ll find that quite a few beginner vapes are not 510 drip tip friendly. There are some exceptions, such as the Aspire Nautilus 1 and 2, and in some cases there are replaceable parts to allow for a similar experience to replacing the drip tip. Think about it, though—the discounted second-hand price coupled with purchasing a spare part would add up to about the same cost of a brand new tank and/or dripper.
Tanks
This brings me to my next topic—buying tanks and drippers second-hand is pretty pointless based on their individual price brand new. The only reasonable exceptions would be if a) you’re a collector or b) it’s an amazing deal on a very uncommon, expensive, or limited edition tank or rebuildable atomizer.
E-juice
I shouldn’t have to say this, but I will anyway. Please don’t buy e-juice on Kijiji or LetGo. Realistically, you have no idea what’s in there. Yes, it’s unlikely that somebody would play out an elaborate (and costly) scheme on you. However, the flavour could contain “ingredients” that seller may or may not be aware of. Diacetyl would be the least of your concerns if you’ve purchased backwater juice flavours made without any understanding of production best practices. Again, it’s fairly unlikely that you would be duped, but why risk putting your body in danger when there are great deals for juice at your local vape shop and online on certified, well-respected community-approved websites?
Batteries
Get your own batteries brand new from a vape shop. Considering the relatively low cost, and the assurance that they’re straight from the factory, there’s no reason the investment isn’t worth it.
Do Buy or Sell
Mods
If you’ve just come across one of the more uncommon mechanical mods being sold fifty bucks cheaper, why not go for it? Perhaps you’ll find a regulated mod that’s usually a few hundred dollars being sold for half the price. As long as the mod is in good, working condition, you should be in the clear.
Chargers
Chargers should be okay, as long as you find one in decent shape. That said, most chargers are relatively cheap, but if you find a premium charger at half the price, it’s a deal worth considering.
Advanced kits
I should specify that by “advanced kits”, I’m referring to devices like the Smok Alien 220w kit or the recent Uwell Valyrian and Voopoo Drag combo. Something consisting of a tank and a mod. If you’re not cool with previously purchased tanks (a “don’t” I listed above), then this option may not be suitable for you. But these kits can sometimes go more than $100 brand new, and if the one you’re looking at has been unused or barely touched, then a thorough cleaning and simple drip tip replacement should have you on your way to a cheaper vaping experience.
Do’s and Don’ts for Sellers
Don’t be pushy
If the product is good, the sale will come. Otherwise you’ll find yourself fending off potential buyers in droves. If you’re attempting to make a small profit off of reselling then definitely avoid saying there’s more than what will actually end up being in the buyer’s hand. Be honest and upfront.
Don’t sell sketchy items
To clarify, I mean the aforementioned “don’t” items: e-juice, drip tips, batteries, and tanks. As bad as it is buying these items, there’s really no use in selling them either. You might get lucky and sell a tank, but in all honesty, most folks have a brain screwed in tight enough to avoid buying things deemed sketchy or untrustworthy. If your item meets “sketchy” criteria, you’re better off appropriately recycling the item, keeping it like a sort of relic, or giving it to a friend for free.
Do be reasonable
Your stuff has been in your possession for quite a while, so you need to price your items fairly. If you bought a mod for $60 and used it for less than a year, you should consider knocking $10 or $20 off the price to keep things reasonable. Anything over a year old will naturally be lower in price on the regular online and retail market, so it’s not feasible to sell it at the initially purchased price. If you’re a purveyor of unused products, that’s a different story. But you still have to understand that because you’re not an entrusted retailer, you’ll be rid of the items faster if you take down the price a bit.
