Intrusive B&M Sales Help

[BlackDog]

There are several nice B&M's here in the Minneapolis area, two of which are in the Minnetonka area, on my way home from work. I've stopped at both to buy sticks, and they each have a nice selection. But what bugs me is that they both basically follow a customer into the humidor and stand and watch while you make your selections. I realize I haven't been in their stores enough that they "know" me, but it really puts me off. I'm usually dressed in slacks and a button down shirt, so I'm not "sleezy" looking. Since I'm new to cigars, I want to be able to take my time and make my selections, read the little signs, compare prices, etc. It's very off-putting to have someone follow me up one side of the humidor and down the other.

So, if you happen to be reading this, please back off. If I want help or have questions I'll be only too happy to ask.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

There are several nice B&M's here in the Minneapolis area, two of which are in the Minnetonka area, on my way home from work. I've stopped at both to buy sticks, and they each have a nice selection. But what bugs me is that they both basically follow a customer into the humidor and stand and watch while you make your selections. I realize I haven't been in their stores enough that they "know" me, but it really puts me off. I'm usually dressed in slacks and a button down shirt, so I'm not "sleezy" looking. Since I'm new to cigars, I want to be able to take my time and make my selections, read the little signs, compare prices, etc. It's very off-putting to have someone follow me up one side of the humidor and down the other.

So, if you happen to be reading this, please back off. If I want help or have questions I'll be only too happy to ask.

So why not just ask them to give you a few minutes to peruse on your own?

[mugen910]

I usually get this too...I've learned to deal with people's prejudgements and prejudices...I usually just start talking cigars and flavors...it usualy helps calm their nerves...chit chat always helps...but I agree it does suck to have that big brother thing over your shoulder.

[TDIvey]

Originally Posted by pnoon

So why not just ask them to give you a few minutes to peruse on your own?

It's what I did back when I wanted time to shop but please understand that alot of people are dropping in for a special occasion (wedding, birthday, job promotion, divorce-HA!) and have no clue as to what they are looking at and need alot of advice to get them pointed in the right direction; this is what the sales guy is looking for. Just turn to him and tell him you're good - just shoppping like a kid in the candy store and he'll move on to the next guy I would imagine.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by pnoon

So why not just ask them to give you a few minutes to peruse on your own?

I don't follow anyone in unless they have been in there a while and then I stick my head in and ask if they are finding everything ok. However, I do keep and eye on them through the glass door and cc camera.

They probably have had recent problems with cigars coming up missing and unaccounted for. When that happens here, I do watch people more closly. FWIW, I have caught several that stuck cigars in their pocket and they were very nicely dressed. You're best bet is to visit them often and get to know some of the folks that work there.

[Beer Doctor]

My favorite part about going to a B&M is perusing the stock. I'll spend 30+ minutes in a humidor. I love the smell! Usually I'll tell the staff that I like to look and I'll be awhile or I'll start up a conversation. I think the staff are just bored

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Beer Doctor

I think the staff are just bored

If some folks only knew.

[BlackDog]

Thansk guys, I'll just strike up some conversation next time like you suggest. The possibility of theft crossed my mind. These two B&M's are within a mile or two of one another, so it is possible they have been experiencing some theft. Thanks for the advice.

[Beagle Boy]

My guess is that you are talking about Cigar Jones, and maybe the Grove?

about 1.5 years ago, the day that the opus shipment arrived in town, 2 boxes walked out of Stogies on Grand - since then, several stores have moved their highest $ cigars into cabinets in sight of the counters.
With the way that the Grove is laid out, they can't move their GOF, etc up front - they send someone back to the humi for everyone, even if you know the owners personally - part of it is a customer service issue, part of it is security - just my

Same thing happens out in Vegas at Casa Fuente, even though they all know me by name

Originally Posted by BlackDog

There are several nice B&M's here in the Minneapolis area, two of which are in the Minnetonka area, on my way home from work. I've stopped at both to buy sticks, and they each have a nice selection. But what bugs me is that they both basically follow a customer into the humidor and stand and watch while you make your selections. I realize I haven't been in their stores enough that they "know" me, but it really puts me off. I'm usually dressed in slacks and a button down shirt, so I'm not "sleezy" looking. Since I'm new to cigars, I want to be able to take my time and make my selections, read the little signs, compare prices, etc. It's very off-putting to have someone follow me up one side of the humidor and down the other.

So, if you happen to be reading this, please back off. If I want help or have questions I'll be only too happy to ask.

[Lorglath]

Originally Posted by Beagle Boy

My guess is that you are talking about Cigar Jones, and maybe the Grove?

about 1.5 years ago, the day that the opus shipment arrived in town, 2 boxes walked out of Stogies on Grand - since then, several stores have moved their highest $ cigars into cabinets in sight of the counters.
With the way that the Grove is laid out, they can't move their GOF, etc up front - they send someone back to the humi for everyone, even if you know the owners personally - part of it is a customer service issue, part of it is security - just my

Same thing happens out in Vegas at Casa Fuente, even though they all know me by name

You might be a redneck... err... cigar nut, if...

[ActionAndy]

I know what you mean man.

I'm a very confident guy. I don't have any problem talking to women or expressing myself. But for some reason I have a bit of anxiety around sales people--I clam up and come off like an amateur (except for when I bought my car a few summers ago, I was stone cold reptilian about that one). There's just something about being deep in concentration and consideration, like when I'm staring at a massive wall of stogies, and then having it broken by the "Can I help you?"

Obviously I'm not going to fault them for it, it just throws my personality off and I end up feeling rushed/look like an amateur. "Oh, no...I'm just...here for, yknow cigars." Obviously, Andy.

Question on etiquette though: I was in my B&M once and I wasn't really sure what I wanted. The salesman introduced himself and I said I was just looking, so he stepped out. About 5 minutes later he comes back in and starts off with "Andy, I see you touching a lot of sticks, bla bla bla, can I help you find anything specific?"

Is it bad form to touch cigars? Keep in mind these are in cello--I'm not squeezing, sniffing, or snotting them. Just like to get a closer look. My logic is that if I'm paying 16 bucks for something I want a look at it. I guess with how young I am he might have thought I was going to pocket a few...

[DonnieW]

Not only can we not go into most of the humidors we'd been able to do so previously, but the ones you do go into are almost always chaperoned. Some won't even let you grab your own sticks. I understand they don't want everyone touching them - to which I scoff, why can they touch them. This is the second reason why I take my business to accommodating shops in the US - the first being price.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

Is it bad form to touch cigars? Keep in mind these are in cello--I'm not squeezing, sniffing, or snotting them. Just like to get a closer look. My logic is that if I'm paying 16 bucks for something I want a look at it. I guess with how young I am he might have thought I was going to pocket a few...

I don't think it is. This is just specualtion but maybe he thought you one of the uneducated mass of cigar smokers and he was trying to "help" you with some knowledge. I see many folks that really know nothing of cigars and they pick up alot of cigars just to look at the bands and alot will choose a cigar based on the band.

[mdman]

Ya, they probably had a lot of thefts...
also, nothing sucks more than to see a customer rub a cigar on his nose then put it back!!

[pro2625]

Originally Posted by mdman

Ya, they probably had a lot of thefts...
also, nothing sucks more than to see a customer rub a cigar on his nose then put it back!!

I thought that gave more flavor to the cigar?

I know what you guys mean when you say you feel uncomfortable....Almost every cigar shop Ive been to they always follow you in the humi...Its annoying but I can see where they are coming from with thefts and/or helping noobs