Advice for B&M customers anyone?

markem · 03-06-2011, 07:09 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:12 PM

Let's start by theft. Disgusting.

quantim0 · 03-06-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:13 PM

Not cleaning up after your group when you leave.

03-06-2011, 07:19 PM

Hey buddy! "Got any Macanudos"?

Adriftpanda · 03-06-2011, 07:40 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:54 PM

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 · 03-07-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-08-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by full count

Hey buddy! "Got any Macanudos"?

that is the worst of all!

timo · 03-08-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

Not cleaning up after your group when you leave.

kelmac07 · 03-06-2011, 07:14 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:16 PM

Puffing on a cigar while shopping...really

CigarNut · 03-06-2011, 07:17 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:39 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2011, 09:16 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:41 PM

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

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.

03-06-2011, 07:12 PM	#2
MiamiE I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Erick Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,892 Trading: (38)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? Let's start by theft. Disgusting.

03-06-2011, 07:13 PM	#4
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,305 Trading: (60)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? Not cleaning up after your group when you leave. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

03-06-2011, 07:19 PM	#5
full count Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? Hey buddy! "Got any Macanudos"?

03-06-2011, 07:40 PM	#6
Adriftpanda Peter's Daddy Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Huy Location: No one wants me Posts: 10,313 Trading: (74)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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.

03-06-2011, 07:54 PM	#8
awsmith4 Simple Pleasures - 2oL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Albert Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,602 Trading: (111)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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. __________________ Its THIS easy to support our troops

03-06-2011, 07:09 PM	#1
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,622 Trading: (47)	Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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? __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

03-06-2011, 07:14 PM	#12
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

03-06-2011, 07:16 PM	#13
TBone Equal opportunity Bomber Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Paul Location: Virginia Posts: 2,508 Trading: (25)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? Puffing on a cigar while shopping...really

03-06-2011, 07:17 PM	#14
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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... __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

03-06-2011, 07:39 PM	#15
NCRadioMan Chutney Lovebusciut Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chutney Location: On the shores of Loch Shiel Posts: 4,277 Trading: (66)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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? __________________ The path to loyalty is trust.

03-06-2011, 09:16 PM	#17
MajorCaptSilly Sklee Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Mishawaka, IN Posts: 2,523 Trading: (30)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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 __________________ Pillsbury, Minneapolis, Prince, Spoon Bridge and Cherry, coinkydink?

03-06-2011, 07:41 PM	#18
CoreyD Licking my wounds Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Corey Location: NE Wisconsin Posts: 1,468 Trading: (23)	Re: Advice for B&M customers anyone? 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. __________________ Serenity - 1. A disposition free from stress or emotion. 2. The absence of mental stress or anxiety