Here's where buyers often get burned. Watch out for:

• Sellers who inflate traffic numbers with bots or fake accounts
• Inventory lists that don't match actual stock
• Age verification that's only a checkbox, not a real check
• Supplier agreements that don't exist or are with unknown companies

Ask for a live demo of the back end, and contact a few suppliers to confirm they actually work with the store. If the seller resists, that's a red flag.

For guidance on nicotine strength and product selection, check our guide on choosing the right nicotine strength. Also, be sure you know how to spot fake disposables before you stock up.

Buying an online vape store is a serious investment. Do your homework, ask for the right documents, and don't let a seller rush you. The right store can be a solid business; the wrong one can drain your time and money.