Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I just dont like when the employes lie about the cigars, acting like they know the blend and where it came from but really have no clue. Also If someone asks you what you thougth of a cigar dont quote cigar Aff, I can read that on my own.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I hate when I walk into a humi and I feel like the smell of mold is punching me in the face; only to see the fuzzy source of the smell all over their stock. Usually in such cases there is literally water dripping down the walls or pooled on the floor.

Plus I HATE being told that mold is plume. I am not an idiot. I know the difference. YES, I've seem plume and smoked cigars that had it. Don't play me for a fool because you don't know how to maintain your humi. I get that it happens in well maintained humi's, but not when it is on half of the cigars in your store.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

The worst B&M was by my old house. It's actually a beer/wine shop, but they have a HUGE walkin humi. They are $2-3 per stick more than any other local B&M in town, plus the door to the walk in is always locked. To get in, first you had to know it was there, since the sliding door was always blocked by crap(boxes, beer promo cutouts, etc). Then you had to ask to go and look around. The owner or his son would litterally look over your shoulder the entire time. No suggestions, no, check this out. Just looming there. Not to mention the walkin was so over stocked, that you could barely side-step through the isles. Boxes were stacked in the walkways from floor to ceiling.

The only reason I ever go back is if I'm in the area, need a cigar, and its between 8PM (other B&Ms close) and midnight (when they close). Even then, it's usually not worth it.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Going dark they call it..........as in the dark ages.


;s

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Great thread, thanks for starting this one - not much to add, everyone is spot on!

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

:tpd:

If anything, since I am relatively younger, this is an opportunity to market your store to me and lock up a lifetime of business. I plan on living for a long time.

Don't hock the same house brand cigars to me and compare them to cubans every time I walk in. I am immediately skeptical and I will now question any advice or comments you offer.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Is this unique to Ontario? I am from Alberta and I still walk into the Humidor at my local B & M.

Reading these makes me very thankful for my local place, these are some horror stories here. My local owner went as far as to offer to phone my university to vouch about my pipes not being for drugs when I got searched and reported. The only problem I have is me being young and considered immature except that is from other customers and not the owners.

Mind you one tobacco store here hires anyone, regardless if they know anything about cigars at all. I went there once only to be greeted by a 18 year old girl who complained about the smell of the humi and told me to hurry up. Tobacco lovers only please!

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I'm not sure if it is Ontario only. I'm guessing so. They even have plastic flaps to cover the cigarettes (on the shelves) at gas stations. It's mind boggling. Apparently it is illegal to see a tobacco product in person before you buy it. All exterior signage had to be removed as well. The only exceptions were grandfathered in where cigar or tobacco was in the name of the business.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Perdomo, Just buy Perdomo :r

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Up front, I have no patience for theives. Period. Hang 'em high. No problem here.

Having said that, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. I believe that with a little time in the store, maybe nine times out of ten you should be able to tell who is a customer and who is a theif. I have to agree that a bank of cameras and multiple, conspicuous signs saying "Smile, you're on video surveillance" or something to that effect should get the point across. Heck, I don't mind being followed into the humidor and asked if I have any questions, but when I say "no, just looking at what you have in stock" that's your clue to leave me alone.

I know what I want, and if I don't see it, I will ask.

I do realize it's a balancing act; too little attention and you'll get robbed, too much and many guys, like me, will walk and not return. But to say there's "...no pleasing B&M customers...." just isn't accurate.

One man's opinion - N.F.H.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Hahah, this happened to me at the Silver Star Hotel and Casino in Philly , Mississippi.
The whole humidor was DANK-a$$,the flooring was buckled in three places under the susp.
ceiling that was falling apart and I asked for a mold discount on the Puroos Indios I was
getting and he told me it was PLUME!!! I left it all on the counter.

And then one day I gave it ALL back. Walked into a humidor room in Metairie, LA
and reached up to grab a box of Padron Executives off the top shelf, and when I put it
back, it slipped and fell what, 8 feet? I put it on the shelf and left a minute or so later.
NOT a good moment in the cigar life of OLS.
;s

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I think that is a good point, and I wish I had made it in an even better way, lol.
A SIGN telling me that I AM being watched is NOT OFFENSIVE to me. BEING
watched in person pi$$es me off to the point where I am not likely to come back.
And there was a time that pissing me off cut your annual turnover by 5-6 thousand
dollars a year. Once I found a B&M I liked, I was loyal. Then I discovered mail
order habanos.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Video Cameras- Why don't more B&M's install video cameras in the humidors if they are so worried about shoplifting? Is there a problem with the cameras and the humidity?

Any CA members have video cameras in their B&M's?

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I've seen them in many B&M humidors. I much prefer that to the human shadow.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Yep. We have them set up throughout the store. It really helps, especially when I am working alone.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I actually like the shadow thing when it is preformed under the guise of wanting to show off the humidor, especially if the person has a genuine passion for their stock.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I have to agree with most of these. Very good points.

Adding: Just because I am a woman does not mean that I do not appreciate or have knowledge of cigars!! I am relatively new to this hobby, but I am an intelligent woman and demand to be treated as such! :sl

Don't just assume that all I want to smoke is little flavored cigarellos!!

Please acknowledge me when I walk in, and then let me check things out(drool @ your goods). I will ask questions if I have them.

Thanks,
That is ALL!:sw

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

:tpd: I never knew how fortunate I was to have my B&M of choice until I read this thread. Honestly, at that shop I've never experienced any of the complaints that others are reporting here. Employees at my B&M are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about cigars, and seem to know just when to leave me alone to browse and when to spend twenty minutes walking me through the shop, chatting about my tastes, and giving me personalized recommendations.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

:tpd: this goes for the patrons as well. Just because a sister of the leaf comes in to the store doesn't mean that it is date night at the OK corral.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

don't be cheap

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Weird, I know they can't advertise any. Yeah when I worked at a gas station I could not show the tobacco or advertise it, yet in a Irish Pub they had a cigarettes ad. Oh well. Maybe I should figure out what these laws are exactly.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

hahahahaha :tpd:

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

This thread is a GREAT! Customers meet B&M employees and owners! Its nice to get both sides of the story.

Some of the things I've run into:

Their hours are too short. Being open until 5pm everyday doesn't do anything for me, I work too. I would love to have a B&M that stays open until 7pm so I could stop there after work.

Inventory. I've read posts complaining that B&M's stock only the common brands or something to that effect. My problem is the opposite. The local B&M doesn't have any brand name I recognize. I'm not as knowledgeable as many of you fine folks here, but I have heard of a lot of common brands. When I walk into the local B&M and don't recognize anything, if the owners don't engage me, I leave.

Just a note: I guess I shouldn't be surprised that people will steal cigars in a B&M, but I was. I "thought" that anyone that would be interested in purchasing a cigar would not be a thief too. Maybe thieves just go into any retail store and try to steal anything, I don't know.

Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect. However if I would ever entertain stealing, it would be a Brinks job or nothing. :D


Cheers,


Mike T.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

$700 gone in minutes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNVL1nNaEgw

It's always the people you wouldn't expect to steal that does.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Unfortunately, our local B&M, which I am a locker member, has become this. I cleaned my locker out last Wednesday. I have no intentions of frequenting them as much. The last straw was last Tuesday where a girl of 22 who couldn't give 2 sh^ts about the store treated two of my friends very rudely near closing time. One of the gentlemen complained the following day of her rude behavior. Nothing done, to my knowledge. Also, they've decided to implement rules that have practically removed any enjoyment of being there. It's an uncomfortable environment and I've already relocated to more enjoyable places for a smoke.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

that sucks buddy

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

My wife is with you on this one. She likes Tatuajes and Illusiones and they always want to steer her towards milder sticks. It's fun for me to watch the B&M staff get chased out of the walk-in by her. :D

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Very interesting reading in this post......I have been in many, many B&Ms throughout Florida and many other states and have experienced just about every reaction/action from the owners/managers that are listed here in this post....all but the Eating Pizza in the humi....that is a new one. If most places in the United States require you be 18 years old or 21 years old to purchase tobacco, why don't shop owners require picture ID when you first walk through the door, like a night club does? In addition to cameras in the humidor, it would tell you who was in the store. I mean, I am asked for picture ID many places that I go already, wouldn't bother me one bit and it should make the rest of the time I spend looking around the store much more enjoyable! -(P

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Very good point, waaaaay better then the shadow & look...

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Don't slam brands you don't carry. ;)
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I would have to agree!!

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Never met a lawyer, huh?

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

:r:r

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

1. Don't disrespect me because of my age. Yes, I look young, but after 4 kids and 3 wives...I need a stogie.

2. When I ask about a top 25 NC stick, don't look at me like I'm the crazy one if you don't have it. "HUH? Whats a Liga Privada? Who makes it? Is it a generic?" LOL

Yeah Rich's in Portland....I'm looking at you! You've been promising to get me a box for over a year.

3. (Already been mentioned) When I come into your store wearing a sweatshirt, don't expect me to be looking for the dog rockets. Last time this happened, I ended up buying $200 in sticks.

4. When I ask if you have the new thing I'm looking for, and you tell me "yes we do, but they are in the back and I haven't priced them yet", prepare for me to call you a lazy bastard.

5. Get off your damn computer and interact with your customers. Yeah, forums are fun...but customers bring you money. Save the forum updates for after work please.

6. Don't mark your sticks up with more than a 70% profit margin, and I'll be willing to bet that your "theft problem" might go down some. Ever bought a stogie on the strip in Vegas? Talk about price fixing!

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Just out of curiosity how do you know what there profit margin is and how does that make theft justified???

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

I'm not justifying ANYTHING. But when you've gone to conventions, know what wholesale is, and then see those sticks in certain stores for 25% more than your regular B&M's, yeah..something is up and it stinks.


$40 45th Padrons

$20 Nostrosos

$25 Camacho Triple Maduros


These are why I don't go into certain stores. When something is above MSRP, who is the real thief in that equation?

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Often times cigars in event areas are bought from a retail outlet not a wholesaler or a manufacturer. Every time a cigar changes hands (as well as many other products) it often needs to be doubled to make a margin that is profitable. Without profit there is no point in business. If the market will bear a $40 Padron then that is not gouging, that is providing for your customer base. Cigars are not a necessity so no one is forced to pay high prices. The only way a person would be a thief is if they misrepresented what they were selling. If they have a cigar clearly priced and a customer is willing to buy that cigar at that price then that is the free market at work. If the seller was peddling fakes or rebanding lower grade cigars then that would constituent thievery.

With that said it does trouble me to go to a local shop that has higher prices than their competitors, know that they get them from the same source, and then hear them complain that no one is buying and the other guys are undercutting them. If your competition is pricing lower maybe you need to as well. Yes, you may not make the same margin per cigar but a low margin is better than no margin from lack of sales.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Oh, I completely understand what you are saying, and completely agree. I don't steal, and would never justify it, I just thought I might throw out a reason I could see someone justifying it over.

I simply just don't offer gougers my money. ;s

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

The term 'gouger' is what I don't understand. If that person paid retail for there product and needs to sell them to make a profit then they have to sell above MSRP. If that person paid wholesale for the product and needs to sell above MSRP to make a profit then that is there choice and we have the choice not to by. But let's say that person's overhead is such that they have to charge more, even double. That is not gouging, that is running a profitable business.

I understand that you don't want to overpay, but here is another example: I can go to Total Wine, a very large chain, and buy a 6 pack of Dogfish Head 60min IPA for $8. The same beer may be at a smaller store for $10. Total Wine buys, and sells, much more product than the small store. Their profit margins do not need to be as high because they have large sales volume. The small store needs to have a bigger margin because they have to make more per beer because of low sales volume. I know everyone gets that concept so we'll move to restaurants. Now, I can pay $8-10 for a 6 pack but then I go to a bar/restaurant and they want me to pay $4-8 for 1 beer. Is that gouging? No. They are providing a product that is convenient and desirable at a price they can make money on. A small cigar vendor in an event type atmosphere is doing the same, they are providing a desirable product at a price people are willing to pay. Chances are they do not do the volume of sales as a regular cigar store, and as I stated above, they may have had to buy there stock at a higher price. Value is not MSRP, it is not set by the manufacture, value is what someone is willing to pay.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Vary well put Albert!!!

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Good one Albert. I hate the over use of the gouger term too! If you don't like the price move on, if you make a offer and the sellers says no move on.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Yep, and these same retailers will tell you "our prices are higher than the internet because the online guys don't have to pay for a store!". BS

They pay employees, overhead, warehousing, shipping, and electricity like anyone else.

Also, the practice of B&M's telling customers not to purchase online because the "feds will come after you for taxes" is just about as low as it gets.



If a retailer is paying more than MSRP for a specific product, rather than finding a dealer for their customers who offer said product at the MSRP, I would say they are ripping their customers off.

If they wanted to save the customers business, they would say "I can get them for you, but they are way above MSRP due to demand", and offer either another source, or possibly buy them from the retailer, add on $10 and make the profit on the customers subsequent purchases.

Simply sticking on a sticker price that is $10-15 higher per stick than the guy down the road is a quick way to be labeled a cheat or scammer. Thats an extra $200-400 a box.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Depending on where you live, the typical cigar retailer is at a disadvantage when compared to Internet stores. Where I live (Pennsylvania) we have archaic laws and the state isn't afraid to charge gratuitous license fees for anybody that is in the "sin" business (smoking, drinking, sex). Cigar retailers may also be hit with an additional city tax for same. Retailers also have a smaller market to serve.

Internet dealers that have a user friendly website and fair prices can sell anywhere in the US, so they have a larger customer base. Internet stores don't have to pay all those license fees for allowing smoking in a public place. They can operate out of a warehouse and not have to work a retail establishment with wall to wall, leather chairs, expensive glass front humidor cases, etc.

Small cigar retailers don't survive where I live.



Mike T.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

My replies are in red, and I will find the thread that has the letter where the state demanding payment.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Really?



No... I gotta ask, are you serious on this one?

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

One of the things that I don't like is some Internet cigar resellers won't accept my UPS account number for shipping. I can use our company's UPS account# if I ask and I don't have to pay shipping at all. Some of them say their "system is automated" and they can't use another account number. That's baloney. Worse, one company told me that it was against their policy to use another UPS account#. So, its against MY policy to buy cigars from poor business people.

Anyone that is in business can get the UPS World Wide software from free from UPS and a label printer and labels for DIRT CHEAP! its cheaper and more efficient that using the UPS website and your laser printer or your own label machine. I know this for sure because we use to do it the old way and several months again we switched to the UPS software and label printer and my life is so much easier. I can crank out the packages now! Also, I can use anyone else's UPS account provided I have all the correct information, which the owner of the account would have to give me.

Some companies that insist on doing the shipping over-charge for that service, and I find it annoying. It's so bush league. I won't buy from them.

Rant over,



Mike T.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

You are correct in your replies guys, but we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one.

You're right, the free market will take care of the issue at hand. Being labeled a scammer doesn't mean you ARE a scammer, just that people view you that way. Once that happens, you might as well board up the windows because its all down hill from there. Even if you have awesome prices, if you seem 'shifty' as a proprietor, you are probably not going to be around for very long.

To those who complain about state taxes. Move. Sorry fellas, I had to move out of state to gain lawful compliance in the industry I'm in, coming from Idaho. As I was told before my move, "if you don't like the laws in your state, get out.". I did. The rules that are setup by your local legislature can and do get changed through action and BOTL's running for local office, not charging more at the register.


There is a reason that Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all take a hit on the hot items during the xmas season. They realize that they could charge more for an Xbox, but they lose money on those purchases to attract more customers into their store, and make the profit margin up on cheaper products.

Just like the restaurant business, where most kitchens lose money due to food costs, and make it up on alcohol sales. If you can't compete with everyone else in town, that is nobody's fault but your own when it comes to running a small business.

If you don't like taxes, there are a number of way to start a Cigar Union, Association, or other 501(c)3 non-profit to get around that, and possibly get around local laws limiting smoking areas in public.

I guess it comes down to this for me. When I walk into a cigar shop, I expect to be talking to a tobacconist who does it for the passion of the leaf, not a guy trying to make a quick buck.

Where there is a will, there's a way.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Nope. Paul's Cigar Shop on Beaverton-Hillsdale HWY.

Asked about Warlock (by omar ortez), and the older salesman told me "yep, we just had some dropped off in the back for promo, but i haven't inventoried them yet".

I laughed all the way out the door.

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

Maybe he was busy?

Re: Advice for B&M owners anyone?
 

So are you now saying that a local cigar shop should keep prices in line with a online store and if they can't they should move out of state to avoid the taxes but continue to stay in state and provide cigars and a place for you to smoke?

Seems impossible...