Table of Contents
- What Do You Want This Brand to Be?
- Choose the Right Product Type
- What Will Your Device Look and Feel Like?
- Your E-Liquid Formula
- Branding and Packaging – Make It Count
- Find a Manufacturer You Can Actually Work With
- Launch Smart: Build Awareness Before You Launch Inventory
- Final Thought: Build Something You’d Be Proud to Use
Hey—if you’re thinking about creating your own vape brand, that’s a smart move. The industry’s still got a lot of momentum, and there’s room for brands with personality, quality, and a solid story.
I’ve worked with a lot of people who started with just an idea and ended up with products on shelves across multiple countries. So if we were sitting down and you asked me, “What do I actually need to do to create my own vape brand?” — here’s what I’d tell you.
What Do You Want This Brand to Be?
Before you think about devices or flavors, think about the brand itself. What’s the story behind it?
– Who are you building this for? Is it Gen Z trendsetters? Health-conscious ex-smokers? High-end lounge users?
– What’s the vibe—clean and minimal, bold and edgy, luxurious and smooth?
– What values do you care about? Is it sustainability? Performance? Style?
This early clarity will make every decision after that—design, marketing, packaging—way easier and more consistent.
Choose the Right Product Type
Once your vision’s set, you’ve got to pick your format. Different markets lean toward different products.
Here are your main choices:
– Disposables: These are super hot in a lot of markets right now. No buttons, no charging, and low barrier to entry.
– Pod Systems: Sleek, reusable, and often perceived as more premium.
– Open Systems (Refillables): More complex, but gives the customer freedom.
If you’re targeting Europe, for example, you’ll need to keep TPD in mind—so 2ml tank max, 20mg/ml nicotine limit, etc.
What Will Your Device Look and Feel Like?
This is where your brand really comes to life.
We usually talk about two things here: ID (Industrial Design) and CMF (Color, Material, Finish).
– ID: Think about the shape, feel, airflow, and button layout.
– CMF: Surface texture, color palettes, materials. Matte vs. glossy, soft touch vs. aluminum.
A good factory will give you options. Ask to see previous custom work.
Your E-Liquid Formula
Flavors are a big part of what sells a device. Great design isn’t enough if the juice isn’t good.
– Flavor lineup: Mix bestsellers (like watermelon ice) with something unique.
– Nicotine strength: Depends on the market. 2% in TPD regions, up to 5% elsewhere.
– Sweetness and cooling: Preferences vary by region.
– PG/VG Ratio: Impacts throat hit and vapor production.
If possible, get samples and test before committing.
Branding and Packaging – Make It Count
Packaging isn’t just a box—it’s part of your marketing.
– Make it feel consistent with your brand.
– Ensure compliance with market regulations.
– Use this space to build trust—great packaging impresses both customers and B2B buyers.
Also: don’t skimp on your logo. It’s going everywhere.
Find a Manufacturer You Can Actually Work With
This part can make or break the project.
– Look for real customization options.
– Ensure they have proper certifications and solid communication.
– Ask for samples and check previous work.
You want a partner who gets what you’re trying to build.
Launch Smart: Build Awareness Before You Launch Inventory
Don’t wait until products land to build interest.
– Build a website (Shopify or WordPress).
– Start your social media presence early.
– Reach out to distributors, retailers, and reviewers.
– Prepare a strong pitch deck and price list for B2B outreach.
Final Thought: Build Something You’d Be Proud to Use
There’s no perfect formula—but if you know your customer, build a great product, and work with the right team, you’re most of the way there.
You don’t have to be the next Elf Bar overnight. Just build something real and consistent.
And if you ever want feedback on your design or factory shortlist—happy to help.
