Guide to Preparing Your Store for the UK Disposable Vape Ban
As a retailer in the UK, you’ve likely heard about the impending ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1, 2025. This regulatory change will have a significant impact on the convenience store sector, as disposable vapes have become a major revenue driver in recent years. In 2024 alone, the top 25 bestselling disposable vapes generated an average of £324.58 in weekly sales and £172.77 in profit per store.
To help you navigate this transition and maintain a thriving business, let’s take a closer look at what the ban entails, which products are affected, and how you can adapt your next-gen nicotine offerings to meet the new requirements and evolving customer preferences.
Understanding the Scope of the Ban
The government has released detailed guidance on the criteria that determine whether a vaping product is considered disposable and, therefore, subject to the ban. In essence, any vape that is not designed and intended to be reused by being both rechargeable and refillable will be prohibited from sale as of June 1, 2025.
To assess whether a product in your inventory will be affected, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the device have a rechargeable battery?
- Can the device be refilled with e-liquid, either by filling a tank/cartridge or inserting pre-filled pods?
- If the device has a coil, can it be easily replaced by the user, either directly or as part of a removable tank?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” the product will likely be banned. It’s crucial to start auditing your stock now to identify which items will need to be phased out and replaced with compliant alternatives.
The Impact on Your Business
To understand the potential impact of the ban on your store’s revenue, let’s consider an example. Imagine you’re currently selling an average of 100 disposable vapes per week at a price of £5.99 each. With a typical wholesale margin of 35%, your weekly profit from disposables would be:
100 units x £5.99 x 0.35 = £209.65
Over a year, that adds up to £10,901.80 in profit from disposables alone. Losing this income stream could be a significant blow to your business, which is why it’s essential to start planning your transition strategy well in advance of the June 2025 deadline.
Adapting Your Next-Gen Nicotine Range
So, what can you do to mitigate the impact of the disposable vape ban and maintain a profitable next-gen nicotine category? The key lies in offering a diverse range of compliant alternatives that cater to the varying preferences of your customers.
Pod Systems: The Closest Alternative
Pod systems, which typically consist of a rechargeable device and replaceable, often refillable pods, are expected to see a surge in demand as the closest alternative to disposables in terms of convenience and flavor variety. Popular examples include:
- Vuse ePod 2
- Blu Bar Kit
- Logic Vape
- VEEV One
- Liberty Flights Dot
When stocking pod systems, pay attention to the compatibility and availability of refill pods, as these will generate repeat sales from loyal customers. While menthol and tobacco flavors have traditionally dominated the pod refill market, data from 2024 suggests that expanding your flavor range to include fruity options like Cherry Ice, Blueberry Ice, and Lemon & Lime could help attract former disposable users.
Ecigator Sticky Prefilled Pod Kit
The Ecigator Sticky Prefiiled Replaceable Vape Pod Kit is new kind of vape kit which the prefilled disposable pod can be changed.
That means you don’t need to throw away the whole kit but just change another pod. Also you can change the pods to taste different flavors.
Open Systems: For Experienced Vapers
More experienced vapers may prefer the customization and control offered by open systems, which feature refillable tanks and replaceable coils. While these devices may have a steeper learning curve compared to disposables or pod systems, they offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for long-term vapers.
If you have a customer base of hobbyist vapers, consider stocking a selection of open system devices, tanks, coils, and e-liquids to cater to their needs. Engaging with these customers to understand their preferences can help you curate a range that keeps them coming back to your store.
Ecigator Sticky Open Pod Kit
The Sticky Open Pod Kit is a contemporary vaping device that combines functionality with fashion. This kit is designed with a box-style form factor, offering a compact and stylish appearance that’s ideal for vaping enthusiasts on the move.
At the heart of this kit is a Refillable Open Pod System, with a capacity of 2ml, perfect for accommodating a variety of e-liquids. The pod is equipped with a high-quality Mesh Coil that not only ensures a rich and flavorful vaping experience but also boasts durability for up to 8 Refills.
Heated Tobacco and Modern Oral Nicotine Products
Expanding your next-gen nicotine offering beyond traditional vaping devices can also help capture a wider audience of adult consumers seeking alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Two categories to consider are heated tobacco products and modern oral nicotine products.
Heated tobacco devices, such as Iqos and Ploom, use a battery-powered heating element to generate a nicotine-infused aerosol from specially designed tobacco sticks. These products have gained popularity in the UK and Europe, with sales increasing by 9.4% in the first quarter of 2024.
Modern oral nicotine products, or MONPs, are another smoke-free option that may appeal to some of your customers. These include nicotine pouches like Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn, which are placed between the lip and gum to deliver nicotine without the need for inhalation. In 2024, top-selling MONP brands and flavors included Velo Freeze and Ice Cool, and Nordic Spirit Mint and Spearmint in regular and X-strong strengths.
Ecigator OMIX 6000 (2+10ml) Pod Kit
The Ecigator OMIX 6000 is designed to be replaceable and rechargeable, and the ariflow is adjustable.
The kit comes with a 2ml prefilled pod and a 10ml E-liquid container, delivering up to 6000 puffs.
With the mesh coil technology, the OMIX 6000 will produces a consistent pure taste to ensure a superior vaping experience.
Educating Your Staff and Customers
As you introduce new products to replace disposables, it’s crucial to ensure that your team is well-equipped to guide customers through the transition. Invest time in training your staff on the features, benefits, and usage of each alternative device, as well as the flavor profiles and nicotine strengths of compatible refills.
Some key points to cover in your training and customer interactions include:
- The similarities and differences between disposables and pod systems, open systems, heated tobacco, and MONPs
- The cost comparison between disposables and reusable devices over time
- The environmental benefits of switching to rechargeable and refillable options
- The importance of proper device maintenance and battery safety
Consider creating product displays, informational signage, and handouts to help educate customers and guide their purchasing decisions. Leveraging resources from major suppliers, such as product training materials and point-of-sale displays, can also help streamline this process.
Planning Your Transition Timeline
With the June 2025 deadline looming, it’s essential to start planning your transition away from disposables well in advance. Here’s a suggested timeline to help ensure a smooth shift:
- April-June 2023: Audit your current inventory to identify disposable products affected by the ban. Begin researching compliant alternatives and engaging with suppliers to understand product offerings and pricing.
- July-September 2023: Develop a phase-out plan for disposables and a phase-in plan for new products. Start gradually reducing your disposable stock while introducing a selection of pod systems, open systems, heated tobacco, and MONPs.
- October-December 2023: Ramp up staff training on new products and customer education initiatives. Monitor sales data to identify top-performing alternatives and adjust your range accordingly.
- January-March 2024: Continue refining your next-gen nicotine offering based on customer feedback and sales trends. Ensure you have a robust supply chain in place for new products and compatible refills.
- April-June 2024: Implement any necessary adjustments to your product range, pricing, or merchandising strategy. Intensify customer outreach to raise awareness of the impending ban and guide them towards compliant alternatives.
- July 2024-May 2025: Gradually phase out remaining disposable stock while focusing on driving sales of new products. Continue staff training and customer education to ensure a seamless transition.
By June 1, 2025, your store should be fully compliant with the disposable vape ban, offering a diverse range of next-gen nicotine products that meet the needs and preferences of your adult customers.
Embracing Change and Opportunities
While the disposable vape ban presents challenges for UK retailers, it also offers an opportunity to reshape the next-gen nicotine landscape and drive innovation in the category. By proactively adapting your product range, educating your customers, and staying attuned to market trends, you can emerge from this transition with a stronger, more sustainable business model.
As you navigate this change, remember to stay informed about any updates to the regulations, engage with your industry peers and suppliers, and prioritize the needs and safety of your customers. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully navigate the disposable vape ban and continue to thrive as a responsible retailer in the evolving next-gen nicotine market.
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