Advice for B&M customers anyone?

[markem]

Seems like threads trashing B&M owners are common, but far fewer are ones that point out the rather boorish and tacky behavior of the customers.

I've seen what appear to be adults throwing temper tantrums over prices, selection (what do you mean you don't carry the one stick that I, someone from out of town who will never be here again, want to smoke RIGHT NOW!), lack of proper attention, etc. etc.

So here's a good place to comment on those experiences that make us cringe and make us all look bad.

So, what have you seen in a B&M that gives us poor customers a bad rep?

[MiamiE]

Let's start by theft. Disgusting.

[quantim0]

Originally Posted by MiamiE

Let's start by theft. Disgusting.

I have never worked in a shop, but I would like to think it isn't a huge problem. It comes up a lot, so it must be.

[icehog3]

Not cleaning up after your group when you leave.

Hey buddy! "Got any Macanudos"?

[Adriftpanda]

Walking into the shop while on the phone and just loud like you were at home.

Asking for discounts.

Putting things on hold.

Asking why their prices are more expensive, to the owners.

My good friend owns a shop here in Sacramento, and these are the common things that come up.

[Ogre]

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda

Walking into the shop while on the phone and just loud like you were at home.

Asking for discounts.

Putting things on hold.

Asking why their prices are more expensive, to the owners.

My good friend owns a shop here in Sacramento, and these are the common things that come up.

I have to agree with this one!!!!

[awsmith4]

Showing up for poker night and NEVER buying a cigar from the owner.

The shop I go to is fine with you smoking outside cigars but at least buy something. If you don't want his selection buy a lighter or a cutter.

Also, if a shop owner charges a dollar for a drink on the honor system remember to pay your dollar.

[Devanmc]

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda

Walking into the shop while on the phone and just loud like you were at home.

Asking for discounts.

Putting things on hold.

Asking why their prices are more expensive, to the owners.

My good friend owns a shop here in Sacramento, and these are the common things that come up.

i asked this at the counter over a extremely over priced box of viaje HBs when i was doing the group buy. But mine was called for. Boxes were going for 270 they wanted 410 after giving me a 10% military discount. I asked why they were pricing things so much higher then MSRP. He looked at me as said "he wasnt". I just walked out...

I currently buy alot and have been talking to mark at tower cigar for my future viaje buys. That local shop could have my business and alot of money from it, but his price gouging means i will never shop there again.

[guitar4001]

Originally Posted by full count

Hey buddy! "Got any Macanudos"?

that is the worst of all!

[timo]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Not cleaning up after your group when you leave.

[kelmac07]

Acting like 6 year old kids fighting over the last stick of gum when it comes to that last elusive, limited stick.

Rubbing their noses all over the sticks they are looking at and then putting them back down.

[TBone]

Puffing on a cigar while shopping...really

[CigarNut]

Lighting up a stick you brought in without buying any -- and without first asking if it is OK to light a stick you brought in...

Rudeness...

Complaining about prices...

[NCRadioMan]

Theft is #1. That's why you are watched closely if you are not known. Customers thinking they know everything, being loud and obnoxious, complaining about prices. The ones that come in asking if we carry Cuban cigars. The customers that come in and want a suggestion for something new but almost always goes another way as they physically turn their nose up at my suggestion. Customers that think a smaller ring gauge cigars are feminine.

The one that ranks up there with theft with me is when customers come in and say, 'I smoked this one cigar last week in Indiana and the band was red. Do you have it?' and expect me to know what it was! WTF?

[markem]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

The one that ranks up there with theft with me is when customers come in and say, 'I smoked this one cigar last week in Indiana and the band was red. Do you have it?' and expect me to know what it was! WTF?

Saw a variation of this happen at a local B&M last year. The counter guy was way fast on his feet. I think his reply was something like, "No, those are only available in Washington". (our version of Indiana)

[MajorCaptSilly]

Criticizing an owner's choice of cigars to stock is in bad form. Making suggestions of brands you enjoy in a non-snobbish way is much better.


MCS

[CoreyD]

I did this one friday night, hope I wasn't a prick . went to look at a stick I have been thinking of trying found a hole in it took it to the shop employee that I go to and get my hobby info from and asked if it was a beetle hole and then after yes put it back then went back grabbed it and gave it to him to see it get tossed. Then went back to the box and looked for more hole in sticks and brought 1 more to him. Was it wrong, I thought I was helping them out, but feel I mighta been rude.
As a new hobbyist asking the 2 knowledgeable employees question after question on the hobby sticks etc.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

I did this one friday night, hope I wasn't a prick . went to look at a stick I have been thinking of trying found a hole in it took it to the shop employee that I go to and get my hobby info from and asked if it was a beetle hole and then after yes put it back then went back grabbed it and gave it to him to see it get tossed. Then went back to the box and looked for more hole in sticks and brought 1 more to him. Was it wrong, I thought I was helping them out, but feel I mighta been rude.
As a new hobbyist asking the 2 knowledgeable employees question after question on the hobby sticks etc.

No, you are not wrong and it was not rude imo. As long as you didn't pitch a fit about it. I would want somebody to spot that asap if I have not.

[nick2021]

Originally Posted by CoreyD

I did this one friday night, hope I wasn't a prick . went to look at a stick I have been thinking of trying found a hole in it took it to the shop employee that I go to and get my hobby info from and asked if it was a beetle hole and then after yes put it back then went back grabbed it and gave it to him to see it get tossed. Then went back to the box and looked for more hole in sticks and brought 1 more to him. Was it wrong, I thought I was helping them out, but feel I mighta been rude.
As a new hobbyist asking the 2 knowledgeable employees question after question on the hobby sticks etc.

I would think that if I were a B&M owner I'd be happy that something like that was brought to my attention as it might've prevented more cigars from being damaged.