Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Ray.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In late 2008, I was looking in ways to stop smoking. I have tried cold turkey twice, but could not quit. I then stumble on an idea where I could create a product that would look like a cigarette, but the device would hold water and turn that into a mist. I stumbled across something that was already made in China, the Electronic Cigarette. I purchased one of these item in November of 2008 and devoted 1 full week of just using the item to replace my smoking habit. After that week was over, I tried a traditional cigarette, before I could leave the parking lot where I bought them I went thru the whole pack of cigarettes and realized how horrible they were. I then spent the next week researching this product more. Soon my younger brother tried one and quit smoking cigarettes in 2 weeks because of this product. I knew then this was something that would end my terrible habit and probably many other smokers habit. I invested $97.00 and bought a few “starter kits”, similar to the one I used and sold them online. The kits sold right away and I continued to order more and sell more. I was now an online company selling all around the world, the 33rd registered company in the USA selling these and probably then 3rd company in Illinois.
At the time my wife and I just got married, purchased our first home and had our first child on her way. I was working in the IT field for one of the largest banks in the world. That is when I had to make a decision. Either continue working in the IT field and give up selling “Ecigs” or leave my job and start a business. Well I selected the option with more risk … “like any entrepreneur would”. I opened my own retail storefront in 2013 with no knowledge of how to run a business. I used what money I had and savings to open my first Vape Shop. After about 4 months I fully quit my IT job, after about 6 months I was opening our 2nd location!
I now have 4 retail storefronts and an online business. I would have never thought that I would be self-employed, running a business that dramatically changing people’s lives for the better. Sure, there are the ups and downs of running a business, but that is business and I would never trade the path I choose if asked.
Has it been a smooth road?
Running any type of business is never smooth. Some of the biggest struggles in this industry is competition and staying ahead on new products and items… If you thought the computer industry or Cell phone industry changes so fast… The Ecig business is faster!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cigtechs story. Tell us more about the business.
Cigtechs was built on 2 goals. First to offer the chance for smokers to finally have an option that works better than just about anything else. Second to inform society about these products and how they work along with educating people on the proper use and answer any questions.
Cigtechs sell electronic cigarettes and E-liquid for these devices. We also educate a lot of people about our products so that they are informed correctly.
Cigtechs is known for many things, but I would have to say we are best known for our customer service, our education in this industry, our length of time in the industry and our friendship we have built with companies all over the United States.
Cigtechs stands apart from most any other shop with one important rule. Always understand what the customer needs and not what they want. Helping someone to quit smoking is tough, but educating on the correct item and way to use it, is what we pride ourselves on. The easier a customer can understand and relate the better their chances are quitting smoking.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think in the next 5 to 10 years. This industry will hit a plateau. It had a huge boom in 2014-2015, but then came saturation of vape shops everywhere. Things are starting to get to what I consider normal and should level out that way. The biggest change would be when and or if the FDA destroys this industry. Currently they are in the process and provided a guideline which if does not change, 99% of all companies in the United States will close their business due to impossible regulations and costly testing of products that would only leave the big tobacco companies to thrive on.
Contact Info:
- Address: 173 W. Irving Park Road
- Website: Cigtechs.com
- Phone: 855-244-8324
- Email: support@cigtechs.com
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