Getting others to try snus

[meta]

In my last order, I purchased some ice-mint and wintergreen flavored snus-es that I thought would appeal to my parents. They're both heavy smokers, but not brand-loyal whatsoever. They smoke the cheapest menthols they can find... which I think for some time has been a brand called "Tourney".

(Note: I don't live with my parents. Just thought I should nip that in the bud.)

Anyway, a few weeks ago I mentioned 'snus' to them and they were open to try. This week I hope to make the 2-hour drive and deliver their snus... and spend a few hours as they sample a couple portions, ask questions and complain.

But, as we all know, snus isn't always 'love at first try'. Similar to when we started smoking cigarettes, there was a period of overcoming and getting used to it.

So my question is... has anyone else had experience trying to get a loved one to convert to snus? If so, how did you go about introducing it to them and explaining the differences between snus and smoking in a way that they would be open to?

I'd tell them to just read this forum, but they're not that much into the internet.

[bearcat87]

My mother has smoked for almost 40 years. I tried to get her to switch but she just gave me excuse after excuse. In all I gave her about 20 portions over the course of a month or so and later found out she wasn't even using them, just lying to me. (not a big fan of my mother but I don't want her to die). Needless to say I got pretty irritated. Every morning she coughs for 30 minutes and cannot even smoke a cig without coughing. It seems idiotic to me not to even give snus a try.

Good luck meta, may you have better success than I did.

[clitten]

I got a buddy of mine some snus, and he didn't even touch it. He smokes and was trying to quit so i thought I'd give him a tin of General portions. I saw the can of general in his van recently and asked him how he liked it, he hadn't touched it, as he reached for his can of skoal wintergreen, can't please everyone. But I tried. I also gave my cousin and another friend a tin of Toque to see if they liked it, neither of them have much more than tried it. Oh well, I stopped smoking over a month ago, and honestly It was a great decision. I have more money, and I can taste and breathe again. Plus i get funny looks when i use my snuff.

[MN_Snuser]

I have considered offering snus to some family members that are long-time smokers, but at this time I have chosen not to. I have concluded that I do not want to influence anyone when it comes to tobacco. But being that this is your parents, I can appreciate why you would like to offer them an alternative to cigarettes. It's worth a shot, good luck to you!

[Kerprodo]

Seems from most of the members here that snus in the US seems to be a journey of self discovery. I've tried to interest a couple people in it, but really have not had any success with getting anyone to make the switch.
Oh well, happy with my choice, and it really has been a nice experience for me.

[mercvrivs]

I introduced my roommate to snus, and he uses it occasionally. My stepdad started snusing after I let him try a can of Grov when I visited him, and then for the holidays I sent him a couple rolls and some cans to try. He loves it. I think that part of what helps is when someone has tried to quit smoking and not found anything that worked. That's what it was like for me. I find the best thing is just to explain how well it's worked for you, and highlight the harm reduction while informing them that there are many different flavors and types of snus, and that it's not the same thing as dip.

I definitely think that snus is something that appeals to some more than others. However, I think that telling people about it if they ask and letting them try some would be the way to go. Even if they keep smoking and start snusing as well, the chances are that they will decrease their cigarette consumption some.

[Ainkor]

I found that playing cool about it and even being a little rebel like helps. Everyone wants to be the bad boy!

When I offer my fiends it I tell em it's 10 times more addictive than smokes, it will make you pimp yourself out to get some and I have two or three hot chics who will come up to me begging for a snus.

Gets em every time. They are like damn motha ****a, that's some kicken shit.

Next thing I knew all my homeys were snusing. Pretty cool to see everyone with that little "Swedish Snarl" look going on.

Then I woke up and remembered that most people I know have a bias against oral tobacco. It's hard, all I can do is provide the information and let them discover it for themselves!

[bearcat87]

They are like damn motha ****a, that's some kicken shit.

Thanks for a good morning laugh Ainkor!

[deebocools]

my boss uses dip, and is also trying to quit through the use of coffee flavored lozenges. I was thinking of getting him on the snus but I'll phrase it more like "if you like this portion, you have to give me a raise"

[Dunno]

I think the reason most people won't try it is because:

1) If they're a smoker they're more inclined to be turned off because it's very similar to dip, which most people find disgusting and
2) Because it's not readily available, meaning they'd have to order it from Sweden and not from 711.

If it was marketed better and more people were made aware of the benefits I think our "niche" wouldn't be that anymore.

Btw, I've got a buddy at work who's trying to quit smoking too and I've given him a few of the Camel Mellow, which he seems to like. He bought his own can today and hasn't smoked so hopefully this'll help him.

[NonEntity]

I am sharing snus with every tobacco user in my circle. Thus far my brother in law is in for ten assorted cans and I have two friends who are dippers who are considering the switch after trying the can I gave them. I have enough stockpiled that it does not hurt to hand a can to anyone who is interested in trying something new.

NonEntity

[Sal1000us]

I have been snusing for almost 2 months and have converted my friend and also his 19 year old son. They started snus last month and haven't smoked since. They just put their second order with northerner. His wife has been real appreciative since both guys smoked in the house and she hated it but had to live with it for 20 years with the husband and then 5 years with the son smoking in the house.

[fugitiveinkblot]

I'd suggest LD portions or minis for newbs, is there a milder snus?

[meta]

Update

I went to my folks' house early in the afternoon yesterday, allotting myself plenty of time to explain my experiences and planning to be there during their first couple portions to answer questions/concerns.

My dad opted to wait to try until the next morning. But he was inquisitive and engaged... while smoking his Tourney Menthols.

My mom, after a while, finally tried a General Wintergreen (along with me... I'd never at a GW before). We both noted the burn. As I was somewhat more accustomed to snus-ing, it had to be much worse for her. After a few minutes I commented that, surprisingly, I really liked it. At the same time, she spit it out and lit up.

I haven't heard yet if my dad tried this morning or not. But based on the reaction last night, I have a feeling I'll be heading back in a few days to pick up what I left them so it won't go to waste.

[Raddleman]

My father is 57 and has smoked since a young lad. He smokes a pipe and cigars now, but I am planning on introducing him to the idea of using snus. Like you guys say, though, it's very difficult to convince smokers to even think about it. My best mate is a smoker and keeps kidding himself - "I'll quit next week, on Monday. I'll be ready then". Of course, Monday comes, and his mind has made another rationalization in favour of smoking. At the end of the day, ignorance is the key factor here. I'm not going to go out of my way to change people's mindsets, it's up to them. I just hope my loved ones don't become ill.