The B&M dilemma

[jitzy]

Look believe me from my posts it may sound like I don't like B&M's its just the opposite I love them its just difficult here on Long Island to get a good one with GOOD prices. I know in NY we are cursed with high taxes but the B&M's could make up with it with better service and a knowledgeable staff. For instance in Manhattan theres a place on the upper east side thats been around for about 15 years and his prices are kinda high but it is NYC, but his place is always packed. Why customer service the place is owned and operated by two brothers that are very knowledgeable and he takes care of his customers, every night he rents a movie and you have anywhere for 3 to 15 people watching it. Its just the extra mile he goes to take care of his customers.

[poriggity-cl]

I'm with Webby on this one... I go to my local shop at least once a week, and when I am there, I will buy at least 2 smokes and something to drink... I enjoy the atmosphere, the dart board, the music and the comfy chairs. That being said, I am good friends with the owner, and he lets me smoke what I want in there, but I always buy something from him.
Scott

[Wiseash-cl]

As I've stated before on similar B&M vs. Internet threads, yes, you can buy cigars cheaper online -- but try smoking one there. If you go to a B&M and take up their space and use the resources they bust ass to provide, support them by purchasing something. Common sense and good manners, that's all it takes to keep the peace.

[boxer757]

Originally Posted by jitzy

If you have a locker you should be able to smoke what you want especially if you spend so much time and money there. However on a different perspective if you smoke something that the B&M dosen't sell you could send a bad message to other customers so you should take the band off to avoid the "Where did you get that" and "How much was it" questions.

Definitely understand what you are saying. I usually do take the band off when I smoke. When asked "Where did you get that?" or "How much was it?" I will answer if it is one of the 4 or 5 guys I am good friends with outside of the shop and there are not customers within earshot.

But usually when asked those questions I simply say it was given to me by my uncle or something along those lines. I agree you should not run around telling people that you are smoking something you did not buy there and you especially should not tell them where and how much you paid as you are undermining the b&m's business right there in their own shop.

[boomerd35]

One way to equalize the B&M/ online price difference is to go to your B&M's events. I don't know if the rest of you guys are as fortunate as we are here to have lots of different mfg doing events throughout the year. But I find that the deals you get at your local B&M events are usually pretty good and you can stock up without breaking the bank. When I buy boxes from my B&M's it's usually at one of these events where there's some promo item(s) to sweeten the deal. Just my .02

[LkyLindy]

Also remember ,some of those B&M's are also big internet discounters i.e. Serious,Famous, smokeinn,Mikes etc etc-So in a way they are competing with themselves But have a national presence--This is what you call hedging your bet on the future--good business sense

[cybervee-cl]

Originally Posted by boomerd35

One way to equalize the B&M/ online price difference is to go to your B&M's events. I don't know if the rest of you guys are as fortunate as we are here to have lots of different mfg doing events throughout the year. But I find that the deals you get at your local B&M events are usually pretty good and you can stock up without breaking the bank. When I buy boxes from my B&M's it's usually at one of these events where there's some promo item(s) to sweeten the deal. Just my .02

I haven't found a B&M in my area. There are several places with 'displays', but nothing I would call an actual B&M. Because of this I go to only one B&M at the moment - and only for events. I always buy something. Its the same B&M that Webby was speaking about. I'm not there as much as I would like to be because it is a 45 minute drive from work, and when my work day ends I get to battle rush hour traffic to get there. If it was 10 minutes away from me I'm sure they would be tired of me by now because I would be there every chance I could to enjoy a good smoke and shoot the breeze with BsOTL. And I would have a locker.

But as an infrequent patron I would never show up with my own stick to smoke. Never. After the last event we went out for diner, and only then did I smoke one of the sticks I had brought with me. But as an infrequent patron without a locker, I only smoke in the store what I buy there. Or, in the case of the last event, I smoked several of the 'taster' sticks brought for the event (as everyone did) and purchased a few recommended singles on my way out the door.

It would never cross my mind to show up at a store, buy nothing, and smoke something I brought from home.

[drhalle-cl]

We have a few B&M's here. I buy single cigars at quite a few of them. The B&M closest to me is a small shop. It's only been open 2 years, but the owner have been in the tobacco business 30 years. I have learned so much from him the slight extra cost he has to charge to pay overhead is worth it. (in my opinion)
He also has cigar tastings and get togethers. And as far as the non-purchased cutting fee. He doesn't charge that, BUT we his customers don't push the envelope here. I'll bet I've brought him 30 or 35 cigars he doesn't carry in his B&M for him to try or enjoy at his home on his day off. By far, the internet web sites is where I purchase most or my cigars. But I cherish a place to sit and enjoy the smokin, the trash talkin and the comradeship amongst friends.
This is what I think of when some says B&M, not a liquor store that also sells cigars. We have some of those too, but I choose to not buy there. We have other B&M's that don't want you hanging out smoking there. I choose not to buy there. To me a B&M is an extension of the forum, a place where friends hang out and have fun.
If you don't have a B&M where you can enjoy yourself and have a cigar. Do it where you can, at home or with friends. And buy your cigars where you feel like they deserve your business and hard earned money, internet or where ever.
OK, climbing off my soapbox now.:sweat:

[BigBuddha76]

Originally Posted by boomerd35

One way to equalize the B&M/ online price difference is to go to your B&M's events. I don't know if the rest of you guys are as fortunate as we are here to have lots of different mfg doing events throughout the year. But I find that the deals you get at your local B&M events are usually pretty good and you can stock up without breaking the bank. When I buy boxes from my B&M's it's usually at one of these events where there's some promo item(s) to sweeten the deal. Just my .02

I would agree. but the small chain of shops here in Richmond charge $15-$50 just to get in and SEE stuff...not get, not sample, but SEE stuff. Old VA doesnt have events, and Uncle Mikey hasnt had an event in a while (we couldnt even get a V event, dammit)

[Cowboyjeans]

B&Ms, here in the state of Ohio are only good for single stick purchases. If you wanna save money you gotta go the internet route to get your boxes. I dont apologize for my preference either, It seems that if you wanna sell boxes as a tobacco merchant you gotta move to a friendlier place, Until Ohio lifts the confiscatory tax rates on tobacco, I will not be purchasing boxes anytime soon in this state.

[Legion]

I have to say for most part all I do is buy from my local B&Ms...
As a novice learning the ropes I found they really help answer questions and give good suggestions on cigars...That is until I found you all

I found a new place in Everett, WA (Everett Cigar & Tobacco)
Nasir A. Malik the owner has a good selection, low prices, was willing to order any of my fav brands.

What really impressed me....As I walked in he greeted me and asked if it was my first time to the store.Then showed me his walk in humidor like a proud father. Gave me exact break down of what order all the brands were in, He marks them on a 1-5 scale mild to full and reviews of cigars. (So even a newbie like me can understand).Then when I paid for my cigars he gave me a copy of cigar magazine and shook my hand saying thank you for your business.

I just cant get that from an online site....

[LkyLindy]

Originally Posted by Legion

I have to say for most part all I do is buy from my local B&Ms...
As a novice learning the ropes I found they really help answer questions and give good suggestions on cigars...That is until I found you all

I found a new place in Everett, WA (Everett Cigar & Tobacco)
Nasir A. Malik the owner has a good selection, low prices, was willing to order any of my fav brands.

What really impressed me....As I walked in he greeted me and asked if it was my first time to the store.Then showed me his walk in humidor like a proud father. Gave me exact break down of what order all the brands were in, He marks them on a 1-5 scale mild to full and reviews of cigars. (So even a newbie like me can understand).Then when I paid for my cigars he gave me a copy of cigar magazine and shook my hand saying thank you for your business.

I just cant get that from an online site....

Now thats what I'm Talkin about

[Bigfoot]

Jim, This is a great thread!

Look at the responses this thread has produced. Out of 2000 plus members, 40 have replied, granted there will be more so lets project 150 responses total.

Take that and spread it across the U.S. and think how 150 all over the U.S. buying online will affect the local B&M???

This site really is the exception to the rule. I consider everyone here (including myself) a cigar geek/whore. You want to try everything, you want to see everything and to do so my make you shop for the cheapest prices available. But the next time you are in your local B&M, sit and watch the traffic. How many of the customers that come in really know that they can buy online? How many know what should be $5 msrp and not $15 Msrp. This is where the customer service and knowledge that a B&M offers will win over online anyday.

When I worked part time at Up in Smoke in Dallas, I can't tell you how many Women/new smokers that came in and said "I know nothing about cigars, what do you recommend? My husband/boyfriend smokes cigars and I want to buy a gift but I know nothing about cigars, can you help me???

If you don't have a local B&M that is trust worthy, knowledable or has outstanding customer service, then by all means, buy online until your heart is content. Make your online shop your "local B&M". email the owners, get to know them online.

B&M's will always have a place in the Cigar world, if its to help new guys, old guys, women, men, a good b&m is hard to beat!

[Wiseash-cl]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot

Jim, This is a great thread!

Look at the responses this thread has produced. Out of 2000 plus members, 40 have replied, granted there will be more so lets project 150 responses total.

Take that and spread it across the U.S. and think how 150 all over the U.S. buying online will affect the local B&M???

This site really is the exception to the rule. I consider everyone here (including myself) a cigar geek/whore. You want to try everything, you want to see everything and to do so my make you shop for the cheapest prices available. But the next time you are in your local B&M, sit and watch the traffic. How many of the customers that come in really know that they can buy online? How many know what should be $5 msrp and not $15 Msrp. This is where the customer service and knowledge that a B&M offers will win over online anyday.

When I worked part time at Up in Smoke in Dallas, I can't tell you how many Women/new smokers that came in and said "I know nothing about cigars, what do you recommend? My husband/boyfriend smokes cigars and I want to buy a gift but I know nothing about cigars, can you help me???

If you don't have a local B&M that is trust worthy, knowledable or has outstanding customer service, then by all means, buy online until your heart is content. Make your online shop your "local B&M". email the owners, get to know them online.

B&M's will always have a place in the Cigar world, if its to help new guys, old guys, women, men, a good b&m is hard to beat!

Preach it, brother!