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The vape industry is growing fast but comes with strict regulations. Here’s how to start selling vape products the right way.
WRITTEN & RESEARCHED BY
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
REVIEWED BY
Expert Contributor
Opening a vape shop comes with extra considerations due to age-restricted products and compliance requirements. The good news? Choosing the right point of sale (POS) system can make setup and management much easier. Here’s what to look for and how to get started.
Table of Contents
Before you can start selling vape products, you’ll need to cover the essentials: planning, compliance, funding, and protection.
Start with a one-page business plan outlining goals, costs, and priorities. Decide on a name, estimate staffing needs, and understand your state’s tax rates. Be sure to account for government regulations specific to vape products.
Stay current in this fast-changing industry. Follow vape channels on YouTube and online forums, and decide which products you’ll carry based on current demand.
Register your business, label products with proper health warnings, and verify local permit requirements with your county. Compliance is essential in this industry.
Secure funding through crowdfunding, a small business loan, or a business credit card to cover inventory, licenses, and permits.
Protect your business with liability insurance tailored for vape retailers. Specialized coverage can help with product-related claims and other risks.
Your vape business can offer a wide range of age-restricted products sourced from various manufacturers. All items require age verification for purchase.
Many vape products also work well for subscription sales. Customers can schedule automatic deliveries for coils, batteries, or e-liquids, helping you maintain steady recurring revenue.
In 2021, new shipping restrictions for vape products took effect under the updated PACT Act, aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco and vaping products. Sellers must now:
USPS is generally prohibited from mailing vape products under the 2021 amendment to the PACT Act. Many major private carriers (UPS, FedEx) also refuse to ship vapes and related items. Some regional carriers will carry them, but only under strict compliance terms.
To stay compliant, shipments may need to be:
For easier compliance, consider using shipping software like ShippingEasy or Easyship, which partner with approved regional carriers to support vape deliveries.
The best vape POS and eCommerce platforms combine compliance tools with sales features, helping you meet legal requirements while growing your business both online and in person.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how top platforms compare.
| Built-In Compliance | Loyalty Program | Subscription Program | Multichannel Selling | Inventory Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightspeed Retail | Advanced plan | Standard plan & up | |||
| Shift4Shop | |||||
| BigCommerce | Third-party integration | Paid add-on | |||
| Franpos |
Vape products remain a profitable but highly regulated market in the US. Even if your products don’t contain tobacco, your online store must comply with all state and federal laws governing vape sales.
You’ll also need a high-risk payment processor, as most traditional processors won’t support vape transactions.
When choosing a platform, compare pricing, features, and ease of use to find one that keeps your business compliant and running smoothly.
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