What To Look For in a Smoke Shop
Did you know there are over 11,000 smoke shops in the United States? With so many options, you must find a shop that suits your needs. Today we’ll review what you need to look for when visiting a new smoke shop.
The earliest smoke shops started popping up in America around 1857. Their most popular product was cigars, then cigarettes, and soon these stores evolved into head shops during the sixties. Today, they continue evolving to meet customer needs.
Smoke shops can carry a wide variety of products to satisfy your cravings and desires. But not every smoke shop works the same way, and some are downright grungy. So keep reading for a full breakdown of smoke shops and how to find your new favorite.
Pricing
A proper smoke shop will offer you competitive prices for all the latest products. Although, prices can vary because some items are hard to find.
Typically, glass pipes range from $10 to hundreds depending on their build quality. Ensure you ask about the materials used to create the pipe, so you know what you’re buying.
Water pipes usually have a starting cost of about $30 to $40. And the best ones can cost thousands, so make sure the shop can inform you about the piece.
For tobacco and marijuana strains, check pricing online and compare with other shops. The average price of tobacco is about $6.43 a pack, and the average marijuana costs $7 to $15 a gram. If the shop is charging more, their products better be amazing!
Selection
A wide selection is your best friend when it comes to smoke shops. Smaller shops will offer a more limited selection, affecting your options. If you’re looking for medical weed or CBD, you will need options to find a strain that works for your body.
If you’re new to the world of marijuana, you may enjoy having many options to fine-tune your experience. Skilled users will know what they like and may not have trouble in a small shop. But having a healthy selection of products is a sign of a great smoke shop.
You’ll also want your shop to offer some variety for pipes, vapes, and bowls. Ensure they have enough products to help you find something that suits your smoking style.
Quality
The quality of smoke shop products is a huge factor in whether you’ll return. And the disappointment that comes from smoking a dud product is not enjoyable. So ensure your smoke shop is sourcing its products from reputable, trustworthy brands.
Products without brand names and background information should be avoided at all costs. These products could be laced with dangerous drugs that can cause harm or even death. While this is rare, it’s always best to be cautious and use your head.
If you’re a smoking connoisseur, you will want top-shelf products from popular brands. Make sure your shop sells quality products that are well-known around the smoking community. A shop that only sells cheap products and no-name strains should be avoided for your safety.
Customer Service
The customer service provided by a shop needs to be thorough and attentive. If you walk into a shop and everyone is high, that’s probably not a good sign. Note how helpful the shop employees are, and ask basic questions to see if they know their products.
This is especially important for newbies who need guidance with smoking products. Knowledgeable staff should walk you through their products and provide recommendations for your needs.
Find another store if employees don’t make you feel confident in what you’re buying. Your ideal smoke shop will be honest with you and provide an insightful shopping experience. Avoid shady shops that make you feel unsafe or neglected.
Reputation
It’s a good idea to know the reputation of a smoke shop before making a purchase. Check online and see if the shop has a website to look through. If they don’t have a website, this isn’t the best sign, and you’ll be walking in blind for the most part.
If you find a website, look it over and note how organized and friendly it feels. What’s your first impression of the brand? Do they look reputable and trustworthy?
Even if the website checks out, the most important factor is looking for reviews. If the shop is doused in bad reviews, you’d be well advised to skip a trip there. If they don’t have reviews, you can also go to the shop and ask customers what they think.
Rules and Regulations
Every smoke shop (not on a reservation) has to follow specific rules and regulations. Shops need to have up-to-date permits and licenses to legally run their business. The government heavily regulates this industry, so make sure they follow the rules.
One of the most common red flags is when a smoke shop fails to ask for your ID. Be prepared to hand the employee your ID at the counter if you appear young or under 18. If they don’t ask you for an ID, the store is probably sketchy and should be avoided.
Find a Smoke Shop Today
To find a great smoke shop, make sure that a store offers plenty of variety to meet your needs. They should carry premium products from well-known brands. In addition, shops should have a good reputation, quality customer service, and good prices to make your cut.
If you need a store with all these values, get in touch with us. Our stores carry CBD products for a variety of spicy needs. Contact us today if you have any questions!