Nowadays, disposable vapes have become ubiquitous. They are available in a whole range of retail spaces, and as such, due to their convenience and affordability, they are now challenging the dominance of more advanced refillable vape kits that once dominated the market.
But what about the price? Are they cheaper to buy in some places than others? And where is the best place to head to buy vapes? To give you all the answers you need to queries such as these, in this post, we look at the question, how much does a vape cost at the gas station?
How Much Does a Vape Cost at the Gas Station?
Before we get into the details of buying vapes at gas stations, let’s start with a simple answer.
Broadly speaking, if you buy a vape in a gas station, you should expect to pay about what you would for the same vape if you bought it elsewhere such as in a dedicated vape shop.
This means a basic single-charge disposable vape ranging from 600 to 2,000 puffs will cost you in the region of $5-$10, depending on factors such as your location, the brand and the specific model you are buying.
Similarly, rechargeable disposables that contain enough juice for around 5,000-15,000 puffs will set you back around $15-25, again, depending on the same factors.
However, while it might seem convenient just to pick up a disposable vape from your local gas station when you go in to fill up your car, there are a few other factors in play that may make you reconsider this – so let’s look at this in a bit more detail now.
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- Full-Screen Display
- Smooth & Boost Adjustable Two Models
- 25ml E-liquid Capacity
- 50mg Strength
- Up to 20000 Puffs
Reasons why you should avoid buying vapes in a gas station
Although gas stations are convenient retail locations where you can pick up all kinds of useful items – and they might also be where you used to buy your cigarettes if you are a former smoker – there are good reasons why they are not the best places to buy vapes.
Here are some of the main arguments against buying vapes in gas stations.
1. Lack of choice
The first problem with buying vapes at a gas station is the lack of choice compared to purchasing your vapes elsewhere, and this is due to several reasons.
The first is simply that gas stations only have limited amounts of shelf space, so they can only dedicate a certain amount of their space to vapes.
This means they are only likely to carry a couple of the most popular models in the most common flavors – but this won’t allow you to sample many of the other interesting options that would otherwise be available.
For example, you’re highly unlikely to find products like the outstanding Katana BP10000 from up-and-coming vape brand Spiritbar.
This vape takes its design inspiration from the iconic Japanese katana sword and embodies the honor of the samurai, providing users with up to 10,000 puffs of luxury vape juice.
$34.99$14.99 (Free Shipping, 2-6 Days Delivery)
- Full-Screen Display
- Smooth & Boost Adjustable Two Models
- 25ml E-liquid Capacity
- 50mg Strength
- Up to 20000 Puffs
However, in gas stations, you’ll be limited to vaping from the same few uninspiring models and boring flavors that have been around for years.
Also, the stock gas stations carry is often dictated by big tobacco companies that sell them their tobacco products.
Big Tobacco now also produces vaping devices, and as part of their deals with gas station chains, gas stations may be obliged to sell these products – even though they are not the most attractive, recent or enjoyable vapes.
After all, cigarette companies are hardly going to push products that will encourage people to stop smoking tobacco.
Finally, gas stations don’t have the space or expertise to sell more complicated vape kits and are limited to selling only simple disposables. So in short, if you buy vapes in a gas station, you’ll have to just make do with whatever models they happen to carry.
2. Not the latest models or flavors
Another factor that further limits what gas stations can offer is the way gas stations order their stock.
Traditionally, gas stations are geared towards placing regular bulk orders of the same stock that they know they will sell, but the world of vapes is so fast-moving that what’s popular one month may be yesterday’s news just a month later.
As a result, gas stations simply can’t keep up with the latest trends, and if you buy from a gas station, you’ll have to resign yourself to vaping out-of-date devices and only being able to choose from a limited range of flavors.
3. High likelihood of buying a fake
Perhaps the biggest problem related to buying vapes from gas stations is the high likelihood of buying a fake.
Many gas stations rely on certain distributors to supply them with things like cheap phone chargers and the like – and these same distributors often also supply them with disposable vapes.
The problem is, the products they offer are highly likely to be counterfeits, just like the fake Apple chargers you might find.
However, while it might not be such a big deal if you buy a counterfeit phone charger, when it comes to vaping, it’s more of an issue.
Not only will the vape juice be of inferior quality – and perhaps there won’t be as much in the vape as advertised – but you also don’t know what potentially harmful ingredients it contains.
Fake vapes aren’t subjected to the same stringent controls as genuine products, so you’re really playing Russian roulette with your health – something that’s highly inadvisable, to say the least.
4. No advice about what to buy
Finally, the people who work in gas stations rarely have the vaping knowledge required to advise you if you have any questions – another reason why gas stations are not the ideal places to buy vapes.
Reasons why it’s best to buy from a vape shop or online store
Contrary to gas stations, dedicated vape shops – and also online stores – are the best place to buy your vapes, and there are many reasons why this is so. Here are some of the most important.
1. Much greater range of options available
Clearly, brick-and-mortar vape shops that are dedicated to selling vapes and everything connected to them are going to have a much larger range of products available than a gas station.
This means you’ll have access to all the latest models, and you’re likely to be able to choose from a far wider range of flavors, something that gas stations are usually unable to offer.
2. Chance to sample new different and unfamiliar brands
$34.99$14.99 (Free Shipping, 2-6 Days Delivery)
- Full-Screen Display
- Smooth & Boost Adjustable Two Models
- 25ml E-liquid Capacity
- 50mg Strength
- Up to 20000 Puffs
You’ll be able to find exciting products from brands like the abovementioned Spiritbar.
As we’ve explained, if gas stations sell vapes, they usually only carry products from a few select brands, which means you’ll be missing out on the vast array of other exciting products that are now being made.
However, heading to a vape shop will allow you to choose from a far wider selection, making your vaping experience far more varied and enjoyable than if you’re limited to just choosing from the limited range of products a gas station happens to carry.
3. Possibility of buying refillable vapes
If you make a trip to your local vape store – or if you order online – you’ll also be able to think about whether to upgrade to a refillable kit, something that’s very rarely on offer in a gas station.
4. Guaranteed high-quality, genuine products
Importantly, if you buy your vapes from a dedicated vape shop, you’re all but guaranteed to be buying the real thing – and this is something that should figure prominently in your thinking, as we’ve already explained.
Buying sub-standard vapes not only delivers an inferior experience but also puts your health at risk – so the peace of mind that buying from a proper vape shop should be reason enough not to rely on gas stations for your vaping needs.
5. Knowledgeable staff on hand to help and a community space to enjoy
Finally, vape shops are staffed by highly knowledgeable people who care passionately about vaping and who always do their best to answer all your questions and help you in any way they can.
With the vast array of products many vape shops carry, they are there to point you in the right direction, advising you on new products you might like to try.
The whole experience is far more personalized and enjoyable than buying vapes in a gas station – and often vape shops also have lounges where you can sit and sample the products while connecting with other like-minded vapers, sharing tips and even making new friends.
So, far more than just being a place to pick up vaping gear, a vape shop can be a place that fosters a sense of community – although, of course, you can still just go in to buy vaping equipment and then leave if that’s what you prefer.
$34.99$14.99 (Free Shipping, 2-6 Days Delivery)
- Full-Screen Display
- Smooth & Boost Adjustable Two Models
- 25ml E-liquid Capacity
- 50mg Strength
- Up to 20000 Puffs
A similar price – but a smaller range and inferior service
As we’ve seen, it’s perfectly possible to buy vapes in gas stations, and the prices you can expect to pay there are broadly similar to what you’re likely to pay anywhere else. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
There are so many advantages to purchasing vapes in dedicated vape shops, including the far wider range available, the guarantee that you’re buying genuine products, the helpful staff and the chance to meet other like-minded vapers.
This means while we think it’s fine to head to a gas station for a vape at a pinch, it’s always better to patronize your favorite vape shop and support them whenever you can.
