FEATURE
INTRODUCING
#VAPETITHING
Can an Age-Old Concept Save our Modern Industry?
BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II
F
ig Ramsey is a name synonymous with “Vape
Advocacy” in America. When Ramsey became a vaper
after decades of smoking, like many other passionate
vapers, he took the initiative by becoming an industry
professional. Fig is the owner of AdvoCotton,
GonzoVapors eliquids and SkyVapeShop located in Oceanside,
California.
Fig is also responsible for successfully bringing together 21 out of
the 37 total state advocacy organisations to join his #GonzoGives
affiliate program.
GonzoGives promotes Ramsey’s VapeTithing approach.
Essentially, this idea is modelled after an age-old concept, known
as “tithing” which basically just means “to give 10%.” Ramsey
incorporates this funding system to each transaction made at his
shop (both online and bricks ’n’ mortar) and the consumer gets to
decide which advocacy group to donate the funds from the 10%.
Plus, Ramsey has pledged to match that 10%
and ultimately sends a total of 20% to
whichever advocacy organisation
is chosen. The fact that the
“VapeTithing” funding approach
is promoted by Fig Ramsey’s
GonzoGives program is
extremely crucial to consider.
From this, more state groups are
likely to join, since all 21 groups
who are members of #GonzoGives
were the recipients awarded with the
donations from the “VapesGiving Manufacturers
Challenge.” This was an online Fundraiser Event organised by
Fig Ramsey, Sponsored by Naked 100 eliquid and Hosted by
the American Vaping Association. In one week, the event raised
nearly $400,000. Never has a fundraising event in the U.S.
boasted such results.
The age-old “Tithing” approach applied to this contemporary
industry, reveals a quick-fix for the U.S. Vape Industry. Fig says:
“If every business is able to kickback a small percentage to their
state advocacy group, then every state can generate 5-10 million
dollars.”
132 | VM15
Think about that. It means if only 25 states raised a minimum of $5
million for advocacy groups. Then, that will guarantee $125 million
in funding to combat anti-vapor agendas relentlessly proposed
as legislation.
Ramsey says: “Advocacy organisations defending our industry
do us a great service. However, the community needs to come
to terms with the fact that before the end of 2018, we could
possibly witness the disappearance of 50-75% of Vape Shops.”
Fig explains: “It’s time to communicate more effectively with the
big money players of our industry, namely the manufacturers and
the distributors. We need them to contribute financially in order to
fund our state advocacy groups.”
Ramsey makes a valid point because far too often, we end up
seeing a lot of the pressure to fund advocacy efforts fall on the
shoulders of small businesses, particularly Local Vape Shops.
Essentially draining these establishments that Fig calls “the heart
and soul of the industry” will eventually
reach a point where no more capital is
available to donate to advocacy
or operate as vape shops.
Therefore, the strategy of
#VapeTithing is undeniably
the answer for the U.S.
vape
industry.
Ramsey
states: “Once we can get
manufacturers and Distributors
on board, understanding just how
serious of a reality this is...then, state
advocacy groups, must prioritise and stress
more urgency to all consumers. VapeTithing essentially brings
all these factors together to function as one major element”
State and local anti-vape legislation is a major problem. “If we do
not begin to ensure each advocacy group has a skilled lobbyist,
who they’re able to compensate, then we are screwed!” Fig
stresses how we should all be encouraging one another by coming
together, spanning all sectors of the industry, from advocate
to consumer, from retailer to distributor, from manufacturer to
supplier — only then will we see our true potential.”
Ramsey illustrates: “When the shops we love begin to disappear