A recent survey of electronic cigarette users yields some interesting numbers:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm=HrpzL8PN5cP366RWhWvCTjggiZM_2b8yQJHfwE9UXRNhE_3d

Over 50% of users were aged between 30 and 50.

In a survey of over 1,100 survey respondents, as of 4/29/2010:

• 82.5% of electronic cigarette users reported they are over the age of 30 years old and only 2.1% are 18-21 years old
• Over 50% of users were aged between 30 and 50.
• 21.5% smoked about a pack a day before trying electronic cigarettes.
• 84.4% stated that they smoked cigarettes for over 10 years before switching to electronic cigarettes
• 75.2% report that they have ceased smoking traditional cigarettes completely.
• 83.1% report they use electronic cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes and not as a way to treat nicotine addiction
• 56% of these older adult respondents report that they “regularly,” “often” or “always” use non-tobacco flavors such as chocolate and strawberry
• 91.4% report “better lung function/easier breathing” and
• 80.2% report “increased lung capacity”
• 89.6% stated they would be “very likely” or “likely” to “ buy electronic cigarette supplies directly from China or the black market,” should electronic cigarettes become unavailable in the U.S. and
• 72.1% stated they would be “likely” or “very likely” to return to smoking cigarettes.
• Only 7.6% reported that they would attempt to quit smoking using an NRT or through complete abstinence i.e. cold turkey

(Source: CASAA Electronic Cigarette User Survey)

Your atomizer (the part of your eCigarette that heats up) is a sensitive part of your vaping experience and should be cared for.

Opinions vary widely about how and how often to clean an atomizer, but here’s what the experts at Vape Gourmet have found:

1. Clean your atomizer by blowing it out at least once a day.  Remove the battery and cartridge.  Wipe off any excess eLiquid.  Place the battery end (the part with the threaded brass connector) in a tissue – a paper towel works well for this.  Blow hard through the cartridge end.  Excess eLiquid in the coil area will expel into the tissue.  Do this a few times till no more comes out.
2. Once a week or so, thoroughly clean your atomizer.  This can be done by boiling it in water for a few minutes.  Leave it in the pan to cool and remove it.  Follow the instructions above to blow out the water.

Some people have had good results using vodka, dish soap in hot water, high pressure hoses, hydrogen peroxide, denture cleaners, etc.  Here at Vape Gourmet, we suggest plain old boiling in water.

If your atomizer becomes difficult to draw through, it may be too late.  This is a sign you need to get a new one and clean it more often.  Results will vary, depending on your vaping habits.  For some, the atomizer needs to be boiled almost daily.  For others, atomizers can last a month or more.  No matter what though, over time, your atomizer will slowly lose its effectiveness and will need to be replaced.  That’s why they make spares.

Happy Vaping!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is “Which nicotine strength should I get? ”

While I would love to say, “None.  You should cut down to zero” most people wouldn’t be using eCigarettes for long if that was the only option.  The reality is that if you normally smoke full flavored cigarettes, you should probably start off with “High” nicotine levels or about 18mg/ml.  Some people, especially heavy smokers go higher with the “Very High” level, but 18mg/ml is a good place to start.  If you normally smoke lights or ultra-lights, try “Medium” or 12mg/ml first.  From either of these, you can go higher or lower as needed.

The samples from the factory are on their way and should arrive early next week.  From there, with your help, we will be able to select a flagship model and work on putting in an initial order.

We’re still looking for a small investment to jump start that order though.  We only need $5,000 right now and we can begin to get Vape Gourmet products in every corner store.  Soon, you’ll be able to get your eCigarette parts and accessories at your favorite convenience store!

Vape Gourmet is located in New Hampshire in the USA. A new law in New Hampshire requires that we check ID before allowing the sale of any electronic cigarettes or nicotine containing eLiquid. Before we send out your order you will need to present proof that you are over the age of 18.

For more info please see NH RSA 126-K which took effect July 31, 2010.

The University of Auckland in New Zealand has announced plans for clinical trials of eCigarettes to see if they work as a smoking cessation device.  They have received funding and are currently acquiring regulatory approval to begin.

Despite much anecdotal evidence, there are very few such scientific studies to prove it once and for all. The US FDA does NOT approve of the eCigerrete as a smoking cessation device at this time.  Perhaps if more studies are done and cold hard facts available, the FDA may allow us to make such a claim in the future.

The purpose of the new study in New Zealand is, “To evaluate the efficacy and safety of active 16 mg nicotine ENDS compared to placebo ENDS versus usual care (Nicotine patches) plus in each arm standard behavioural [sic] support, for smoking cessation at six months.”

You can read more info by following this link.

Since none of our visitors today answered this on the right side bar…. here’s the question of the day right here:

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One of our suppliers has two new start-up kits and we’d like your help in choosing which one we should carry! We’ll be ordering a sample of each of these to test out.  These samples should be in within a week to ten days.  In order to carry them though, we will need to purchase at least 200 kits to make it worth the shipping.  That’s why we want to enlist your help here.  I know the Joye 510 and I love mine.  In fact, I love it so much, I hope to make it the backbone of Vape Gourmet’s product line, but not until I can order direct from the factory and they want a minimum of 500 units which I plan to retail around $50.  (The local head shop retails them at $69.99 or so.)

Yes, we WILL be wholesaling whichever kits we decide upon and will be collecting wholesale pre-orders so fund the bulk purchase from the manufacturer.  Unless you want to invest in Vape Gourmet.  With $15,000 we can rock the market right now.

Choice Number One: Model K514

K514

The K514 is very similar (and probably is compatible with) the Joye 510, probably THE most popular electronic cigarette on the market today.  I vape with a Joye 510 myself and love it.  The Joye 510 and it’s spin-offs are tried and true with accessories already available all over the ‘net. This kit comes with one atomizer, one manual battery, 6 cartridges, and a USB-powered recharger case that fits conveniently in your pocket.  MSRP of these is $42.60.

Choise Number Two: Model K8101

K8101

The K8101 is a BRAND NEW electronic cigarette model and as such has not seen much use yet.  The manufacturer claims they have designed the eCigarette to make leakage next to impossible.  This model of eCigarette, being new is pretty much unknown.  I won’t know how good it is till I see one in person, but it looks to be an “automatic” style.  This kit comes with one atomizer, one battery, 5 cartridges, USB charging cable, AC plug, and a plastic storage (and charging?) box that is sized similar to a regular pack of smokes.   MSRP: $25.50

Please take the poll on your right and let us know what you prefer!

Today, the new Vape Gourmet online shop goes LIVE!  Links to various categories are over on the right.

We now have an affiliate program where you get 10% of all sales you refer to us! Sign up for an account at http://www.vapegourmet.com/shop/index.php?main_page=login and then click on the “Affiliates” link at the bottom of any store page.

We are currently looking for a drop-shipping wholesale company in the USA to reduce the shipping costs.  Stay tuned!

We’ve decided to cease using PayPal all together.  Their conflict resolution is minimal and their acceptable use policy is unclear and poorly enforced.

We will be announcing a brand new online store in the next couple days which will feature GPal online payments.  GPal is as easy as PayPal, but more sensibly managed.

Stay tuned! We will be featuring new products, too!