Online Sales Practices

Online E-Cigarette Vendors Follow Market Trends, Marketing Tactics Vary Widely

Online E-Cigarette Vendors Follow Market Trends, Marketing Tactics Vary Widely

A previous study revealed that the number of Internet E-cigarette Vendors (IEVs) increased more than threefold between 2013 and 2014. In 2013, the research team identified 980 IEVs, surging to 3,096 IEVs over the course of a year. The researchers also discovered roughly two-thirds of vendors were using ineffective age verification strategies – or none […]

Little Cigar and Cigarillo Sales on the Rise, New Regulation is Needed
By February 8, 2019 0 Comments Read More →

Little Cigar and Cigarillo Sales on the Rise, New Regulation is Needed

A recent study reveals that over the last decade, as cigarette sales continue to decline, cigar sales have nearly doubled. Most concerning is 91% of the cigar market is dominated by little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), many of which are flavored, using the same chemicals found in candy. The availability of LCCs is rising as […]

Marketing of Flavored Cigarettes Continued After Ban

Marketing of Flavored Cigarettes Continued After Ban

In an effort to reduce the appeal of tobacco products and discourage young people from smoking, several governments have banned the sale of flavored cigarettes. In the United States, the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits companies from selling cigarettes with artificial flavors, such as strawberry and grape, with the exception of menthol. Nonetheless, […]

Before Regulations, Online E-Cigarette Vendors Expanded Rapidly

Before Regulations, Online E-Cigarette Vendors Expanded Rapidly

A new study reveals more than 3,000 vendors in 2014; most show lax age-verification practices despite laws prohibiting sale to minors. As the popularity of electronic cigarettes (known as e-cigarettes and vape pens) soars, concern has grown over potential health and safety risks associated with these devices and the nicotine-rich fluids they contain. A number […]

Investigating E-Cigarette Packaging (And Finding It Lacking)
By August 12, 2016 Read More →

Investigating E-Cigarette Packaging (And Finding It Lacking)

As the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) industry continues to grow, minors are using e-cigarettes at higher rates than they are using cigarettes. To date, minimal regulation of the production and marketing of these products has allowed companies to ship e-cigarettes to minors and promote unsupported claims. In this study, researchers ordered e-cigarettes from online vendors and […]

“Light” and Flavored Tobacco Available Online Despite Bans
By March 7, 2016 Read More →

“Light” and Flavored Tobacco Available Online Despite Bans

  In an effort to curb misleading advertising and discourage smoking among young people, the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act created new restrictions on cigarette manufacturing and marketing. This study, which assessed compliance with these restrictions among Internet-based tobacco vendors, found high rates of noncompliance, particularly among vendors based outside the United […]

Despite Law, Cigarettes Sold Cheap and Tax-Free Online
By March 7, 2016 Read More →

Despite Law, Cigarettes Sold Cheap and Tax-Free Online

Many tobacco control efforts focus on raising prices and taxes as a way to discourage smoking for public health benefits. But previous research has shown that these efforts can be undermined by online tobacco vendors, who often advertise selling cigarettes “tax-free” and at prices lower than can be found in brick-and-mortar retail outlets. In this […]

Sales and Marketing of Cigarettes on the Internet: Emerging Threats to Tobacco Control and Promising Policy Solutions

Sales and Marketing of Cigarettes on the Internet: Emerging Threats to Tobacco Control and Promising Policy Solutions

The nation has made tremendous progress in reducing tobacco use, yet tobacco-related illnesses and death continue to place a huge burden on our society. In its 2007 report Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation, the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Reducing Tobacco Use: Strategies, Barriers, and Consequences offered a blueprint for the […]

Smokers’ Beliefs and Attitudes about Purchasing Cigarettes on the Internet

Smokers’ Beliefs and Attitudes about Purchasing Cigarettes on the Internet

Research shows that raising the price of cigarettes is an effective public health measure because it reduces cigarette consumption and deters people from starting smoking. As a result, many states have increased cigarette excise taxes, substantially raising cigarette prices at retail stores. However, Internet-based vendors often circumvent these taxes by selling cigarettes “tax-free.” This study […]

Internet Cigarette Vendors’ Lack of Compliance with a California State Law Designed to Prevent Tobacco Sales to Minors

Internet Cigarette Vendors’ Lack of Compliance with a California State Law Designed to Prevent Tobacco Sales to Minors

When it was enacted in 2002, California’s law BP § 22963 was one of the country’s most stringent laws restricting minors’ ability to buy cigarettes online. Its six provisions were designed to make it difficult for Internet-based cigarette vendors to sell cigarettes to minors by imposing new age verification requirements, delivery processes, minimum order sizes, […]

Web Sites Selling Cigarettes: How Many Are There in the USA and What Are Their Sales Practices?

Web Sites Selling Cigarettes: How Many Are There in the USA and What Are Their Sales Practices?

In the late 1990s, Americans were increasingly using the Internet to purchase products. At the same time, vendors selling cigarettes and other tobacco products had begun popping up online. This study offers a baseline assessment of the number of Internet cigarette vendors as of 1999, along with an overview of their sales practices. Key Findings […]