How To Sell Vapes Online: 5 Simple Steps

Want to know how to sell vapes online, but aren’t sure how to get past the legal hurdles?

There’s plenty of demand — the global vape market reached a staggering $36 billion in 2024, even with all the red tape. Shipping restrictions, age verification, and platform bans can derail progress before you get off the ground. For example, USPS won’t deliver vape products, and payment processors like Stripe often reject vape-related businesses outright.

Selling vapes online isn’t as simple as listing products. You need to understand federal laws, find compliant shipping options, and build a storefront that won’t get flagged. This blog breaks it down step by step, so you can launch a vape business that’s profitable and legally sound.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Landscape

Before you sell a single vape online, you need to get clear on the rules. Vape sales are heavily regulated, and skipping a step can land your business in serious trouble. From federal PACT requirements to state-level taxes, here’s what to handle upfront:

• Register with authorities: Sign up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and state tobacco tax offices if you ship across state lines — this is mandatory under the PACT Act.

• Verify buyers: Use a reliable point of sale (POS) system to confirm every customer’s age at checkout and work only with carriers that check ID at delivery.

• Use legal shipping methods: Partner with private regional carriers or third-party logistics providers that meet federal standards, since USPS, UPS, and FedEx won’t deliver vape products to consumers.

• Follow local rules: Check state laws for tobacco retailer licenses as well as tax or certification requirements — New York, for example, requires a Vapor Products Dealer Certificate of Registration.

• Keep detailed records: Track every shipment and keep those records for at least four years in case of audits or investigations. 

• Watch for legal updates: Stay ahead by signing up for alerts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or industry groups like the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA).

Missing even one of these steps can block shipments, trigger fines, or get your store shut down — so cover your bases early.

Step 2: Pick Tools Built for Vape Sales

You can’t just list your vape products on any e-commerce platform and call it a day. Popular platforms like WooCommerce block vape transactions, and others like PayPal require special approval. 

If you want to sell (and get paid), you need the right setup:

• Pick a platform that won’t block you: Choose an online platform like BigCommerce that supports vape stores and integrates with your POS software to offer the online features you need — age checks, secure checkout, and shipping controls that match the rules.
• Use a processor that accepts vape products: Go with a high-risk payment processor like Authorize.net (with a vape-friendly gateway), DigiPay Solutions, or Easy Pay Direct. These processors are built to handle regulated products.
• Be ready to show documentation: Submit licenses, PACT Act registration, age verification policies, and shipping procedures to speed up the approval process.

Getting your platform and payment setup right is a big part of learning how to sell vapes online

successfully — and it keeps your store open, orders moving, and payments coming in.

Step 3: Build a Legally Compliant Website

When figuring out how to sell vapes online, you can’t afford to treat compliance like an afterthought. You need a transparent, professional website that makes it easier to meet legal standards and build trust with customers at the same time.

Here’s what you need to do to stay protected: 

• Add age verification tools at entry and checkout: Set up pop-ups or checkout tools that confirm customers meet the legal age before they can browse or buy.

• Make policies easy to find: Link your shipping, returns, privacy, and terms of service pages clearly in your site footer so customers and regulators can easily find them. 

• Keep your product copy clean: Avoid health claims like “safer than smoking.” Stick to clear, factual details about what you’re selling.

• Secure your site: Use an SSL certificate, trust badges, and encrypted checkout tools. Since many vape shoppers buy from their phones, a fast, mobile-friendly design is essential. 

Building a compliant site also sets you up to expand later, whether it’s adding new products, reaching new states, or partnering with larger distributors who expect businesses to have their legal and security foundations locked down.

Step 4: Manage Shipping and Fulfillment

Once you’ve made a sale online, you need to fill the order and ship it — but with vape shops, every step comes with extra rules. Age verification, carrier limits, and strict state laws all add layers you can’t afford to miss.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Work with 3PLs specializing in restricted goods: Partner with third-party logistics companies like Better Trucks or LSO that already handle vape, tobacco, and alcohol shipments and know how to meet legal guidelines.

• Use age verification and adult signature services: Confirm buyer age during checkout and require an adult signature at delivery to meet compliance standards and prevent underage purchases.

• Prepare for international restrictions: Research where you can legally ship and what paperwork you need before offering international sales. Many countries ban vape products, while others require heavy documentation and customs filings.

Delivery mistakes can cost you customers and your license. Partnering with experts in vape compliance sets your business up for stability, scalability, and long-term growth.

Step 5: Market Your Vape Business Legally

Major platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook ban or tightly control vape advertising. Marketing your products requires creativity while staying 100% compliant. 

To sell vapes online without risking your store, try these tips: 

• Use direct communication channels: Set up email and SMS campaigns for verified customers and require age confirmation before they can sign up or view promotions.

• Build a vape education blog: Publish guides on vape devices, e-liquid types, and how-to tips. Educational content establishes trust and improves search engine visibility.

• Partner with influencers in legal spaces: Collaborate with vape reviewers and creators on age-restricted forums, Reddit groups, or specialty vaping websites where ads are allowed.

• Add clear disclaimers everywhere: Include age restrictions, health warnings, and legal disclaimers to every email, blog post, and advertisement you post.

Compliant marketing doesn’t mean going silent — when done right, it builds your brand, drives real traffic, and protects your vape business from fines or shutdowns.

How To Sell Vapes Online: Make It Easy With the Right POS 

Selling vapes online comes with more restrictions than most e-commerce businesses. You need a POS system that processes transactions, tracks inventory, and helps you stay fully compliant to avoid costly mistakes.

Cigars POS allows you to verify age automatically at checkout, track inventory in real time across every channel, and view sales trends and low-stock alerts with built-in reporting. This lets you spend more time on customer connections and growing your business.

Take the guesswork out of compliance and start selling with confidence. Book a demo today to learn how Cigars POS can support your business from day one.