Even if some smoke shop is not new, only new to you, you don’t necessarily have to go out of your busy way just to look into a new channel that ultimately turns out to be a flop.

So, if you’re looking for a new smoke shop in Fort Lauderdale (or anywhere in the area) check out these three criteria.

(You can use this framework for any smoke shop, by the way; it’s not location specific.)

Reviews (with Particular Attention to Offsite)
One of the most important things you should look into before patronizing a new smoke shop is the reviews.

It’s important to note that while onsite reviews and testimonials can be useful, they may be biased. This makes offsite reviews your most important source of information.

Look at Google reviews and other impartial reviews on other business boards. The more the better, and the more favorable the better, but pay close attention to negative reviews, too. These may be the most honest.

Also, one more thing to note here. Some of the best little shops have very little digital presence. So the lack of reviews is not necessarily a bad thing.

If there’s a shop in your area and you’ll hardly be going out of your to check it out, don’t let a lack of reviews stop you.

You might just stumble on a true diamond in the rough.

Their Social Media Channels
As stated, some small brick-and-mortar shops may offer very legitimate selection and service but still have a severely limited digital presence, even in 2023.

All the same, activity on a smoke shop’s social media channels can be very telling.

For one thing, look for frequency and constancy of posts. After that, look for engagement with customers.

Also, if there is engagement with customers, is it positive or negative? This can offer some very important insights.

Any Specials the Smoke Shop Is Running
One more bonus to look for before going out of your way to try out a new smoke shop in your area is whether or not the shop is running any specials.

Consider, for instance, one smoke shop in Fort Lauderdale, The Hip Cat Smoke Shop (which, by the way, also has a shop in Pompano Beach).

They’re running an ongoing special that gives select customers 20% off anything in their store. All customers have to do is take a selfie or group picture, and if The Hip Cat Smoke Shop features it on their website, that customer can claim their discount.

Looking for a New Smoke Shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
This is a quick way to ascertain the legitimacy of a new smoke shop, but sometimes the best thing you can do is just drop by the shop to scope it out.

If you’re in The Hip Cat Smoke Shop’s area (Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach) it’s highly recommended.

Drop in one of their shops. They offer excellent service along with glass water pipes, hand pipes, smoking accessories, and much more.

For more information before your visit, check out their website at TheHipCatSmokeShop.com.