The original article we’re ranting about can be found here.
1.
Them - E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals.
Our Customer - Like formaldehyde, arsenic and cyanide? Nope, that's cigarettes.
Us – You know what else contains toxic chemicals, of which you inhale plenty of daily? For starters, household chemicals and emissions from motor vehicles. As the article here shows, the chemicals in e-liquid is negligible.
2.
Them - Kids and teens can buy them.
Our Customer - I was sold cigarettes from the age of 13 on...and every e-cig shop I've visited has observed the law(s), without exception.
Us – No one under the age of 18 is allowed in our store unless they’re with their parents.
3.
Them - While cigarette companies say they don't market to kids, e-cigarettes come in flavors like cherry, strawberry, vanilla and cookies and cream milkshake.
Our Customer - Winston used the Flintstones cartoon to advertise cigarettes, Kool had a cartoon penguin logo for years, and Camel sells Exotic Blends with flavors like Mandarin Mint (orange/mint), Dark Mint (chocolate mint) and Crema (vanilla). Did I mention Joe Camel?
Us – We’re tired of this flavor argument. No adult just magically loses interest in flavor because they’re older.
4.
Them - Laws regulating cigarette ads don't yet apply to e-cigarettes.
Our Customer-Yet the only television ads I've ever seen for e-cigs is for Blu, which is owned by the company that owns Pall Mall, Camel and Newport cigarettes.
Us – They shouldn’t. Our product is not tobacco. Our product is anti-tobacco.
5.
Them - And e-cigarette companies are spending a TON on advertising.
Our Customer - They are NOT getting their money's worth...I've seen the Blu ad maybe 10 times ever.
Us – Most manufacturers of e-cigarette hardware have no need to advertise, and the manufacturers of most e-liquids are mom and pop type businesses who sank all of their funds into creating sanitary spaces for liquid creation that meet tough industry standards. The people spending “tons of money” on advertising are the individual stores, and as you’d guess, the budget of your mom and pop vape shop is not billions of dollars.
6.
Them - E-cigarettes can be used in many places where smoking is banned.
Our Customer - Not so much. Unfortunately the average person cannot or will not distinguish water vapor from smoke. There is a difference.
Us – In the places vaping is allowed indoors it’s helping to promote a reduction in tobacco consumption.
7.
Them - People think e-cigarettes can help them quit smoking.
Our Customer - I smoked a pack a day from 1985 through 2013, and have smoked two packs total since starting e-cigs. The patch didn't work, nicotine gum didn't work...E-CIGS WORK.
Us – Quitters Wall. ‘Nuff said.
8.
Them - E-cigarettes aren't taxed like traditional tobacco products.
Our Customer - They aren't tobacco products, they're nicotine products. Minor detail, but there is a difference.
Us – Our customer said it best.
9.
Them - Despite unknown health consequences, e-cigarettes are poised to make inroads with a new generation of young people.
Our Customer - I have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my life since the e-cig...I can breathe much deeper, run a lot further and I sweat far less, not to mention that my clothes/car/home no longer smell like an ashtray. Oh, it costs less than a dollar a day to vape, cigarettes are around $7 a pack.
Us – We hope that this changes the way an entire generation looks at tobacco and nicotine consumption. In an ideal world, no one would use nicotine, but until then, we’re going to shoot for the next best thing – No tobacco.
