WHAT DO SHIPPERS WANT ?
The Challenges & Benefits of Delivering Vaping Products
EightVape is an online vape retail store offering vape / e-cig products and accessories . EightVape representatives attended the 2022 FMF specifically looking for couriers interested in making those deliveries to consumers . According to Weiss , “ The biggest issue that we are experiencing right now is finding carriers that will deliver our products . When some carriers learn that USPS , UPS , FedEx and DHL aren ’ t handling vape goods , they do not want to consider getting into this vertical . They assume that if national delivery companies won ’ t handle them , that the process is too challenging . But what we found at last year ’ s FMF was that those couriers who deliver pharmaceuticals understand how to work in a regulated industry like ours . They are already performing the steps that we require , which are asking for signatures and ID checks for adult verification .”
Weiss acknowledged that there are unique requirements for those doing deliveries of vape and nicotine products . “ At this point , the delivery of vape products is more heavily regulated than alcohol , though we understand it ’ s for the protection of youth ,” she said . “ Carriers that are interested in delivering vape will need to do ID checks to make sure the person receiving the package is at least age 21 and will need to get a signature before handing it over to the consumer . Once they get their processes in place , there ’ s a lot of potential in home delivery within this industry .”
That ’ s especially true because purchasing of vaping and nicotine products is shifting to online platforms . “ We expect to see online shopping for these products escalate in the years to come . Consumers can get them for less even after shipping costs are added ,” predicted Weiss . “ As things start gathering speed , our goal is to offer reliable , faster and cheaper shipping which will make online shopping for these products even more attractive .”
Weiss summarized the opportunities for couriers that get into this vertical : “ Since national carriers won ’ t handle our products , the industry offers a lot of financial growth opportunities for smaller regional carriers to jump into this fast-growing vertical . Over the past two years , we have connected with local carriers across the US to build partnerships that solidify the continuance of both industries . We encourage all final-mile carriers to join us and become a part of the vape industry ’ s delivery solution and be a part of the industry ’ s revenue growth as well .” CLDA
32 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I winter 2023