When you're checking out, a few details matter more than others:

• Age verification system: In New York, every vape sale requires proof of age. In-store, that means scanning an ID. Online, it means a third-party age check that uses public records or ID upload. The payment system should be tied to this verification step.
• Payment processor's high-risk status: Vape shops are considered high-risk by most banks. A processor that specializes in this industry will have clear policies on chargebacks and compliance. If a shop uses a standard processor, it might be skating on thin ice.
• Merchant category code (MCC): Card networks assign specific codes for vape merchants (like 5993 for tobacco stores). If a shop uses a generic code, the transaction might get flagged or declined.
• Clear return policy: Not directly payment processing, but it ties into how refunds are handled. In New York, you have consumer rights against unauthorized charges, but a shop's own policy matters for defects.