This article is sponsored by DankStop, an online headshop carrying the best selection of bongs, vaporizers, dab rigs, glass pipes, and smoking accessories. Use discount code “DankDaze” to save 15% storewide, ending 4/20/2016.
Many people have certain reservations when it comes to purchasing bongs, dab rigs, and vaporizers through an online smoke shop. These hesitations are founded either on preconceived notions or a lack of available knowledge on the topic. Understandably, some of them are also the result of previous unsatisfactory experiences with a poorly operated online headshop. The prevalence of these types of shops has led the myths described below to proliferate.
As an established and trusted online headshop, we at DankStop feel that it is important to address these myths directly and in detail. As we explain how a trustworthy online headshop can and should function, it will become abundantly clear why we use the word outrageous to describe these myths.
Myth #1: “Online headshops are more expensive.”
The idea that buying a bong or dab rig online is more expensive is a common misconception. By creating strategic partnerships with American and foreign manufacturers, online headshops are able to stock a larger quantity of each individual product than traditional headshops. This leads to lower prices for the online smoke shop, which are then passed on to the customers. A legitimate online smoke shop employs fair pricing for their customers on all of their products.
These strategic partnerships also allow online smoke shops to procure manufacturers’ newest products, letting them offer you the latest and greatest smoking gear.
Myth #2: “If I order from an online headshop, I’m breaking the law.”
This is one of the most important myths to debunk. As long as you are at least 18 years old, ordering from an online headshop is in no way illegal. Online headshops sell bongs, dab rigs, glass pipes, and vapes that are intended for tobacco, medical use, aromatherapy blends, and legal concentrates. No matter what state you live in or what the legal situation when it comes to the classification of cannabis, ordering from an online headshop is not illegal. Many people voice their concern that they may get in trouble or be flagged due to placing an order with an online smoke shop. This reasoning is analogous to stating that, “If I purchase from a liquor store, then I’ll be arrested for drunk driving.” Buying a bong online does not mean you will use it for illegal purposes, just as buying a bottle of liquor does not mean you will drink it and then drive.
Myth #3: “Online headshops will not protect my privacy.”
There are multiple ways in which an online headshop can and should protect your privacy. One is through discreet shipping: the mail carrier, your neighbor, or anyone else who sees your delivery shouldn’t be able to discern its content. Another way is through credit card confidentiality; at DankStop, unless you choose to place your order manually over the phone, we do not have access to your credit or debit card beyond the last four digits. Knowing this should alleviate any qualms about identity theft or fraudulent activity pertaining to you or your banking cards. A quality online smoke shop will take extra measures to preserve your privacy and do as much as any other trustworthy company to defend you from identity theft.
Myth #4: “Workers at online headshops are too busy getting high off their own supply.”
When people think of headshops in general, they frequently picture them being run and operated by employees who have been doing too much “product testing” to be of assistance. This false sentiment is even more prevalent when it comes to online headshops, as shoppers are unable to physically see any of the employees. Not to state the obvious, but an online headshop is a business like any other. Would you expect a bartender to be belligerently drunk while he pours your drink? Have you ever seen a waitress eating her own food as she serves you yours? Hopefully the answer to both of those questions is no.
Myth #5: “If I order from an online smoke shop, my package will take weeks to ship and my bong will arrive broken.”
A reputable online headshop will have shipping policies that prevent this. At DankStop, we focus on packing and shipping every order within 24 hours, and offer same-day shipping if your order is placed before 12pm EST. The average time for an order to arrive is three to five business days, and depending on the shipping destination, it can be quicker. All of our U.S. orders include free shipping, with the option to upgrade to express shipping for an additional fee.
An eight-step quality control process is in place to prevent breakage. When products arrive at our warehouse, they are diligently inspected before being stocked on our shelves. When an order is placed, the products are inspected again before the order is packed securely and shipped. Your package will arrive promptly, with every precaution taken to ensure it stays in pristine condition.
Myth #6: “An online smoke shop is just a website. It’s better to purchase products in person.”
The only accurate part of this myth is that an online smoke shop is indeed a website. However, the information a website can provide far surpasses what you’ll find at a brick and mortar headshop. Through detailed product descriptions, product feature lists, brand descriptions, and informative articles, there are plenty of resources available to those who want to research before purchasing. For visual learners, we offer bubble videos as well as product photos to show you exactly what you’ll be receiving and how it functions. By thoroughly detailing product specifications including height, glass thickness, and joint type, you have the most specific and accurate information available to help you make your purchase. It would be false to claim that brick and mortar headshops don’t explain their products to customers, but it is fair to say that the comprehensive information available on our website enhances the shopping experience.
Myth #7: “Online headshops will sell me fake knockoffs.”
Unfortunately, there are inferior online headshops that will attempt to sell you cheap bongs and dab rigs with name-brand decals. These imposter pieces are generally imported and have a lower-quality glass construction. There are multiple ways to tell if you’ve been scammed into buying a knockoff bong: inspecting the joint welds, percolators, and thickness of the glass will differentiate a brand-name bong from an imitator. If the percs are crooked, the welds aren’t flush, or the bong is clearly made from thin glass, you may have been duped.
A genuine online smoke shop works to become an authorized retailer of the brands they carry, and since it takes time and hard work to become an authorized retailer, you know that an online headshop has a concrete and authentic relationship with a brand if they are labeled as such.
Myth #8: “It’s a nightmare to return items to online headshops.”
An authentic online headshop has a transparent return policy that guarantees an expeditious turnaround while minimizing cost to the consumer. In the unfortunate instance that you are not satisfied with your bong and it is unused, a reputable online smoke shop will have a convenient means of streamlining the return. Contact with a customer service representative via phone, email, or live chat will initiate the process, a return shipping label will be dispatched to you, and as soon as we have received the item back in our warehouse, your chosen refund method will be applied.
One exception to this rule is that most online headshops will not accept returns on used products. This is standard in retail: you would not be able to return a shirt after taking the tags off and wearing it a few times.
Myth #9: “Shopping at an online headshop takes away from the personal experience.”
Shopping for bongs or vapes at a reliable online headshop can actually be a more personalized experience than frequenting your local headshop. Customer service representatives are available to answer phone calls and live chat messages immediately. These trained professionals are experts on glass and vaping, and can answer questions about hundreds of products or take you step by step through finding your ideal glass pipe, dab rig, bong, or vaporizer. Whether it comes to helping you make the most of your budget, guiding you to popular products, or explaining individual brands, our customer care specialists aren’t just a voice on the other end of the phone: they’re glass and vape enthusiasts, just like yourself, who enjoy guiding you through the buying process.
To continue reading this story, visit our friend’s website (opens in a new window):: Buying Bongs Online: 9 Outrageous Myths About Purchasing from Online Headshops