FAQs - Vaping
Can Australians Import Vape Products?
Due to recent law changes, we can no longer ship vaping products to Australia.
My Vape Device Won't Charge?
There are many things that can cause a vape to not charge, from broken pins to faulty wiring. It is very important to be careful when plugging in and unplugging your charger, as rough handling will break connection pins. Make sure not to tug on the cord as this will damage the wiring of the charger. If you are having charging issues, make sure to try a different cable and a different USB port, this often fixes the problem. Some older vapes are not suitable to be used with fast charging or Apple brand wall adapters. Do not vape during charging.
Pods V Mods?
The two main types of vapes have an array of features that make them better suited to certain people’s needs.
Pods are ideal for the ex-smoker who wants a vape that closely imitates a cigarette. They have a similar draw, put out a similar amount of vapour and don't require heavy maintenance.
Mods are for cloud chasers. They have adjustable power settings and separate tanks which pump out huge clouds of smooth flavourful vapour. They are far more comprehensive than pods and require constant maintenance.
What Is The Difference Between Freebase Nicotine And Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts use a pH adjuster (e.g. benzoic acid) to provide a higher concentration of nicotine with a smoother taste. Nicotine salts are best used with small, low power pod devices. The advantage of using nicotine salts is that it provides vapers with better nicotine blood absorption and a milder throat hit when inhaled. The higher nicotine mg makes it ideal for smokers making the switch.
Freebase liquid has a lower nicotine content and is most commonly used with tanks/mods that run at a higher power, but can also be used in most common pod devices when you are looking to lower your nicotine intake. Freebase flavours are often more complex and enjoyable than nicotine salts, so you can look forward to this aspect as you taper down your strength.
Why Is My Vape Leaking/spitting?
There are many things that can cause leaking and or spitting in your vape. Make sure you are taking light draws, the vape should do the work. Sucking hard will draw more liquid into the coil and it will begin to flood.
For mod/tank combinations, under-use will also cause flooding, as the coil is soaking up liquid even when it's not being used. A flooded coil can leak and sometimes spit when heated, so it's important to make sure you are using your vape correctly. Other causes of leaking include: misaligned coils, worn down seals and general wear and tear. Some moisture around the mouthpiece and airflow is normal and simply a result of vapour condensation from regular use. If you are having consistent problems with a traditional tank, a thicker liquid can often be the solution as thinner ones will flood the coil much faster. Try to store your tank upright and keep it clean. When used and kept correctly, these issues can be avoided.
My Battery No Longer Holds Its Charge
Like most other Li-ion batteries such as those found in cell phones, the longevity of a vape battery is directly linked to charging habits. It is very important that you charge your batteries only for as long as they need it, and remove them as soon as you can once charge is full. Overnight or extended charging is likely to reduce the overall life of your battery. Do not vape while charging.
How Do I Know When To Change My Coil/pod?
This will vary depending on how frequently you vape, the length of the draws you take and the power of your battery. Even with minimal use, coils are made with cotton and will degrade over time. Replace your coil or pod when you start to notice a change in the taste. The flavour will eventually begin to taste burnt. In a device with a separate tank, you may also notice darkening of the cotton which can indicate it is time for a change.
I've Damaged My Vape Battery, What Should I Do?
Damaged e-cig batteries are a potential hazard, and have been known to catch fire and/or explode. If you have dented, dropped or tampered with your vape, there is a risk. Drop in to your nearest Cosmic store to recycle it at our battery recycling station. BE SAFE.
I Need Help Setting My New Vape Up?
Our shop staff are experts on all things vape. Take advantage of their knowledge and helpful nature and pop in store for a comprehensive walk through on the set-up, and the general dos and don'ts of vape care. If you have purchased online, run through the Cosmic instruction sheet and specific device instructions provided with your purchase. Usually the answer can be found there. If you are still in a pickle, give us a call on 0800 COSMIC (Ext.204) and we can talk you through the process.
Help! My Disposable Vape Isn't Working!
Due to the sheer volume of disposables produced and sold, there are bound to be the occasional duds. If your disposable isn't working, the first thing you should do is check the amount of puffs. Disposables come in varieties from 3000 to 8000+ puffs. Sometimes you don't realise how much you've been using it!
If you feel that your vape has run out much sooner than expected, or it hasn't worked from day dot, you can take it into one of our stores with proof of purchase to be exchanged for a new one. If you don't have access to one of our stores, flick us an email at info@cosmicnz.co.nz and we'll take care of you :)
Disposable Vape Recycling T&C's
If you're worried about the impact that used disposables are having on the environment, we have you covered.
Customers may return any vape, disposable or vape battery from Cosmic and we will recycle it properly.
This is offered in-store only.
Is My Vaping Device Under Warranty?
All non-disposable vaping devices purchased from Cosmic come with a three month warranty (Uwell products have a six month warranty). The warranty does not cover vape tanks, pods or coils, as these parts are consumables.
The warranty will not cover any defect caused by modification, tampering, or rough handling of the device. The warranty will also not cover any defect which would not have occurred had the instructions for use been followed.
For issues with disposable vapes please contact either the store you purchased it from or email us at info@cosmicnz.co.nz.
New Vaping Laws For 2024
The vaping laws are changing
Hello Cosmic fam! The vaping laws are changing, and so is our range. Our vape wizards have put in the hard yards to make sure we can keep offering high quality products that meet all the required criteria after these changes.
Here's how things shake out in the coming months:
December 21, 2023
All disposables must have:
- No more than 20mg Nicotine strength
- A removable battery
- Generic flavour descriptions
- Child safety mechanism (including auto shut off after 10 minutes)
March 21, 2024:
All e-liquids must have:
- Nicotine limit of 28.5mg
- Generic flavour descriptions
- A removable battery
- Child safety mechanism (including auto shut off after 10 minutes)
So how does this affect me?
We have sadly had to retire some old favourites, but it's in with the new! Starting December 21st we will be introducing a new range of fully compliant disposable vapes, offering many of the flavours you know and love along with some fresh faces. Over the coming 3 months, leading up to 21st March 2024, we will be phasing out many of our old devices to make room for new, fully compliant devices. We will continue to offer peripherals (such as pods, coils etc) for many of the devices you already own, so you don't have to throw out ol' reliable!
If you have any questions about the changes - get in touch!
info@cosmicnz.co.nz
0800 267 642.
Or pop in to one of our stores and have a natter to the staff.
Links:
About the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act
Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Regulations 2023
How Will The Regulation Affect Me?
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020 came into effect on 11 November 2020. If you vape and would like to be aware of how these regulations affect you as a consumer, you can read about it HERE.
Do I Have To Be 18 To Shop At Cosmic?
All of our Cosmic stores (excluding Cosmic on Cuba Street in Wellington, but including Cosmic Vape & Coffee next door) are now completely R18. You will be required to prove your age and provide ID in order to shop in-store at Cosmic, regardless of which products you are browsing.
People under the age of 18 are welcome to shop with us online, however our R18 and vaping sections are age gated. In order to shop R18 and Vaping products online you must be 18 or over and agree you are 18 or over to proceed past the age gate. Any R18 or vaping product purchased will be sent as an R18 delivery via Courier Post, this means the person who placed the order must be available to sign for the package and produce ID proving they are of legal age to accept these goods. If valid identification cannot be produced, or if the person is not the same person that purchased the goods, the Courier will not complete the delivery. Please note that during periods of contactless delivery we cannot guarantee this service.
Can I Still Buy Flavours?
Yes! Under recently passed legislation, stores that wish to sell flavours other than tobacco or menthol must conform to the requirements of a Specialty Vape Retailer (SVR), and all our stores meet those requirements with the exception of our Cuba Street store. To that end, we operate a second store (Cosmic Vape & Coffee) next to the Cuba Street store that can fulfil all your vaping needs.
Will I Still Be Able To Get Deals And Bulk Discounts?
Yes. All specialist Cosmic stores that sell vapes will continue to offer deals and bulk discounts as normal. Please note that as our Cuba St and Cosmic Plaza stores are not Specialists Vape Retailers, you will have to mosey on next door for your vape needs!