Refillable vs Disposable Vapes: What Should You Stock?

For Irish retailers and hospitality venues, vape product selection is no longer a simple choice of stocking what sells today. With changing regulations, shifting customer preferences and increasing scrutiny on disposables, your product mix needs to balance short-term demand with long-term sustainability and profitability.

Understanding the differences between refillable and disposable vape products is key to making informed stocking decisions. Each category offers clear advantages, but they serve different customer types and commercial goals.

The Irish Vape Market at a Glance

Vaping continues to grow across Ireland, particularly among adult smokers looking for alternatives. Disposable vapes have driven much of this growth due to their simplicity, but they are also facing increasing regulatory and environmental pressure.

At the same time, refillable pod systems are gaining traction. More experienced users are moving towards these devices for better value and flexibility, while retailers are recognising their potential for repeat sales through e-liquids and accessories.

For trade buyers, this creates a need for a more balanced and strategic product range.

Disposable Vapes: Advantages and Drawbacks

Disposable vapes remain a strong performer across many retail environments, especially where convenience is key.

Why disposables sell well

• Simple, ready-to-use format with no setup required
• Strong appeal to casual users and first-time vapers
• Lower upfront cost per unit
• Compact and easy to merchandise at point of sale

These factors make disposables particularly effective in convenience stores, forecourts and hospitality venues where quick purchasing decisions are common.

The limitations to consider

• Environmental concerns are driving negative sentiment and potential regulation
• Limited repeat revenue beyond the initial sale
• Increasing scrutiny at both Irish and EU level
• Price sensitivity as competition intensifies

While disposables can generate volume, relying too heavily on them can expose your business to regulatory and market risk.

Refillable (Pod) Systems: Advantages and Drawbacks

Refillable pod systems offer a different commercial model, focused on longer-term customer value.

Why refillables are growing

• Better value for customers over time
• Ongoing revenue through e-liquid and pod replacement sales
• More sustainable than single-use products
• Increasing appeal among regular and experienced users

Devices such as Vaporesso XROS and Oxva Xlim have become particularly popular in Ireland, offering ease of use without the complexity traditionally associated with refillable systems.

Barriers to entry

Refillable vapes do have some barriers to entry compared with disposables. The upfront cost is usually higher and new users may need a little guidance on how the device works, which e-liquid to choose and when pods or coils need replacing.

This can make the initial purchase slightly slower in-store. However, once a customer adopts a refillable system, they are more likely to return regularly for e-liquids, pods, coils and replacement parts, making them valuable from a repeat-purchase perspective.

Pod Systems vs Disposables: A Commercial Comparison

When deciding what to stock, the key differences come down to margins, repeat custom and customer behaviour.

Disposables

• High volume, fast turnover
• Lower customer commitment
• Limited repeat revenue per customer
• Strong impulse purchase potential

Refillable systems

• Lower initial volume but higher lifetime value
• Repeat purchases through e-liquids like ElfLiq and MaryLiq
• More loyal customer base
• Opportunity to upsell accessories and upgrades

For most retailers, the most effective approach is not choosing one over the other, but finding the right balance.

Popular Vape Products in Ireland

Understanding what customers are already asking for can help you make more confident stocking decisions. A range built around established brands gives retailers a strong starting point, particularly when serving customers who already know what they like and may arrive with specific products in mind.

Disposable Vape Brands

Elf Bar – One of the most recognisable vape brands in Ireland and the UK. Known for its wide flavour selection, ease of use and strong brand awareness, Elf Bar remains a popular choice among both new and experienced vapers.

Lost Mary – Manufactured by the same company behind Elf Bar, Lost Mary offers distinctive device designs and flavour profiles. It has become one of the leading disposable brands and enjoys strong customer demand across many retail channels.

Refillable Devices

Vaporesso XROS – A highly regarded pod system known for its reliability, ease of use and excellent flavour delivery. The XROS range appeals to customers looking to move beyond disposables while maintaining a straightforward vaping experience.

OXVA Xlim – One of the fastest-growing refillable pod systems on the market. Popular for its compact design, strong battery performance and adjustable vaping experience, it is often recommended to regular users seeking a cost-effective alternative to disposables.

E-Liquids

ElfLiq – A range of e-liquids created by Elf Bar that replicates many of the brand's most popular disposable vape flavours. It is particularly attractive to customers transitioning from disposables to refillable devices.

MaryLiq – Developed by Lost Mary, MaryLiq brings the brand's best-known flavours into bottled e-liquid form. It provides a familiar option for customers looking to switch to pod systems while retaining the flavour profiles they already enjoy.

Stocking recognised brands can help build trust, speed up purchasing decisions and reduce friction at the point of sale. It also gives customers confidence that they are choosing products with proven demand and established reputations, rather than taking a chance on unfamiliar alternatives.

Emerging Vape Trends to Watch

The Irish vape market continues to evolve, with changing consumer preferences and regulatory developments influencing purchasing behaviour. As the category matures, retailers are seeing increased interest in products that offer greater convenience, value and sustainability.

Rechargeable disposable hybrids are gaining popularity among consumers looking for a balance between simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while pod systems are becoming an increasingly common choice for regular vapers seeking a more flexible long-term option. At the same time, growing awareness of environmental concerns is encouraging some customers to move away from traditional single-use products.

Ongoing regulatory discussions around disposable vapes and other nicotine products are also likely to shape future demand patterns. Retailers that stay informed and adapt their product ranges early are often better positioned to maintain consistent sales and respond effectively to changing market conditions.

Retail Considerations for Stocking

Choosing the right mix of products depends on your specific retail environment.

Shelf space
Disposables are compact and easy to display, while refillable systems require more considered merchandising and customer guidance.

Margins and revenue model
Disposables offer immediate returns, while refillables create ongoing revenue through repeat purchases.

Customer base
High footfall, convenience-led locations benefit from disposables whilst specialist or engaged customer bases are more suited to refillables

Compliance and future-proofing
With increasing scrutiny on disposables, diversifying into refillable systems helps reduce regulatory risk.

Finding the Right Balance for Your Business

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Most successful retailers are now blending both categories, using disposables to drive volume while building a base of repeat customers through refillable systems.

Working with an experienced wholesale partner can make a significant difference here. Newvend supports Irish retailers with access to leading brands across both disposable and refillable ranges, along with reliable supply and practical advice on product mix. Their nationwide service and industry insight help businesses stay stocked, compliant and aligned with market trends.

By taking a balanced approach and staying close to evolving customer demand, you can build a vape offering that delivers both immediate sales and long-term value.