Advice for B&M owners anyone?

Tio Gato · 03-06-2011, 05:12 PM

Like a lot of folk here I try to visit as many B&M's as I can. Luckily I travel a bit and always research new (to me) shops to visit. We've all been to the fantastic shops and to some real stinkers. However so many shops just seem so mediocre and could be a lot better.

Let's try to give some advice (pretend that they may actually read it) to owners and employees. I'll start.

*When I walk in your shop acknowledge my presence. I know you're busy running a business, but a hello or a nod of the head goes a long way to make me feel welcome.

*Don't assume that because I'm wearing work clothes that I don't have any money to spend. (Therefore I am not worth your time.)

*I know you love your regulars, but please don't make me try to figure out who works here and who is just hanging out. I shouldn't have to work to give you my business and my money. You want more regulars don't you?

*Don't assume that because there are no ladies in the shop that it's OK to throw F-bombs and the like. Do assume that maybe some of your customers are gentlemen.

*I know you can't be there all the time and that it's hard to find good employees. Train them well, especially in the art of customer service. A lot of your customers know cigars better than your employees. What we want is good service first and foremost.

OK, so I started. What advice would you give to shop owner that just doesn't seem to get it?

03-06-2011, 05:12 PM	#1
Tio Gato Uncle Kitty Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 2,075 Trading: (11)	Advice for B&M owners anyone? Like a lot of folk here I try to visit as many B&M's as I can. Luckily I travel a bit and always research new (to me) shops to visit. We've all been to the fantastic shops and to some real stinkers. However so many shops just seem so mediocre and could be a lot better. Let's try to give some advice (pretend that they may actually read it) to owners and employees. I'll start. When I walk in your shop acknowledge my presence. I know you're busy running a business, but a hello or a nod of the head goes a long way to make me feel welcome. Don't assume that because I'm wearing work clothes that I don't have any money to spend. (Therefore I am not worth your time.) I know you love your regulars, but please don't make me try to figure out who works here and who is just hanging out. I shouldn't have to work to give you my business and my money. You want more regulars don't you? Don't assume that because there are no ladies in the shop that it's OK to throw F-bombs and the like. Do assume that maybe some of your customers are gentlemen. *I know you can't be there all the time and that it's hard to find good employees. Train them well, especially in the art of customer service. A lot of your customers know cigars better than your employees. What we want is good service first and foremost. OK, so I started. What advice would you give to shop owner that just doesn't seem to get it? __________________ "You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba.