B & M vs. Internet retailer

[bigslim]

I understand how important it is to support local B&M's, but how do you handle limited selection and higher prices?

Next question if you purchase a smoke from somewhere other than the B&M is it acceptable to smoke in the store?

[maduro4me-cl]

I have yet to buy any cigars online, but that will be changing soon. As for smoking a cigar purchased elsewhere at you B&M I have done it. I always buy at least one stick there. I always carry several there with me. They know that I purchase elsewhere but I purchase a lot there. One of the salesmen there has given me cigars that he has gotten elsewhere. I also gave the owner a NUb when they first came out. He knew that I got it elsewhere because he dosent sale them. I think that it depends on your relationship with your B&M.

[GreySmoke]

I have a good relationship with my local (frequently visited) B&M (Burning Leaf in Plainfield Il.). I'm considered a VIP customer (ie - regular). I purchase a box at the events, at least 1 cigar every time I visit. I've bought at least one of almost every cigar in the shop...Plus I think I may have given the owner more cigars that he has given me!!! (It's becoming a joke with the owner, he now tells me sit down Ben, you have too many cigars. Smoke the ones you have, you don't need to buy another one.. it's ok)

[jmlampert23-cl]

i choose not to smoke at any of the local B&M's around me. i like to sit out on my porch on the water and smoke. it does not appeal to me smoking inside a small shop that has 10 other guys smoking in it

[iloveclmore]

I usually buy boxes online, but singles at a B&M. If they don't have what I'm looking for, I'll usually ask around here.

As for smoking at the B&M, most places won't care if you bring one in so long as you purchase something there as well. Some places will charge you to smoke sticks you bought somewhere else if you don't buy anything.

[patefengreen]

You have to do what's right for your wallet. I think the majority split their cigar dollars between local B&M's and online shops. But there is definatey a balance of supporting your B&M. If you don't ever shop there or want to go to an event there or sit in their lounge and smoke, then don't worry about it. If you EVER DO want any of those things, then you should spend some of your cigar budget with them from time to time. You must realize that they are paying rent for their their shop and lounge. So for you to just walk in and plop yourself down in one of their chairs and light up a cigar you bought elsewhere, is rude. You're taking up space that a paying customer may want to use. I think it'd be like a total stranger walking into your house and sitting on your couch smoking, then get up and leave. Now if you go in and buy something from their humi, but then light up a special cigar you brought in that you've been aging, I don't think most B&M's would have a problem with that. However, I have been to a B&M while on vacation, that told me he doesn't allow people to smoke any outside cigars in his lounge. That's totally his prerogative. He's paying for the place, so your "cover charge" is to at least purchase one of his cigars to enjoy while smoking in his lounge. I'm not paying the monthly rent (nor do I want to), so it's pretty simple for me: His shop, his rules. Their shop is their livelihood. It's their job. They can't afford to give things away and giving "free" space for someone to park their kiester for an hour and a half doesn't make good business sense. So at least buy a cigar from them to replace the one you're smoking. Then you've helped them out and you don't look like a freeloader.

[GotaCohiba-cl]

Originally Posted by patefengreen

You have to do what's right for your wallet. I think the majority split their cigar dollars between local B&M's and online shops. But there is definatey a balance of supporting your B&M. If you don't ever shop there or want to go to an event there or sit in their lounge and smoke, then don't worry about it. If you EVER DO want any of those things, then you should spend some of your cigar budget with them from time to time. You must realize that they are paying rent for their their shop and lounge. So for you to just walk in and plop yourself down in one of their chairs and light up a cigar you bought elsewhere, is rude. You're taking up space that a paying customer may want to use. I think it'd be like a total stranger walking into your house and sitting on your couch smoking, then get up and leave. Now if you go in and buy something from their humi, but then light up a special cigar you brought in that you've been aging, I don't think most B&M's would have a problem with that. However, I have been to a B&M while on vacation, that told me he doesn't allow people to smoke any outside cigars in his lounge. That's totally his prerogative. He's paying for the place, so your "cover charge" is to at least purchase one of his cigars to enjoy while smoking in his lounge. I'm not paying the monthly rent (nor do I want to), so it's pretty simple for me: His shop, his rules. Their shop is their livelihood. It's their job. They can't afford to give things away and giving "free" space for someone to park their kiester for an hour and a half doesn't make good business sense. So at least buy a cigar from them to replace the one you're smoking. Then you've helped them out and you don't look like a freeloader.

I couldn't agree more !!!!!

[Mtmouse]

Originally Posted by GreySmoke

I have a good relationship with my local (frequently visited) B&M (Burning Leaf in Plainfield Il.). I'm considered a VIP customer (ie - regular). I purchase a box at the events, at least 1 cigar every time I visit. I've bought at least one of almost every cigar in the shop...Plus I think I may have given the owner more cigars that he has given me!!! (It's becoming a joke with the owner, he now tells me sit down Ben, you have too many cigars. Smoke the ones you have, you don't need to buy another one.. it's ok)

I'm in the same situation.(Cigar Factory Outlet in Troy, MI) I have a great relationship with the guys there. I have spent a good chunk of change there and they show that they appreciate my business. I have paid a little bit more then online and I have paid much less.

I have reach the point where I consider the people that work there my good friends; something that is hard to do with an online retailer.

Once you establish a relationship with your B&M, it pays off.(If it's a good B&M)

[mdj65]

I buy from both, the one we have here in town is really good and the people are great. But it is hard to resist some of the deals on-line.

[Toasted Coastie]

I have actually bought the majority of my boxes at local B&M's because *shudder* the prices are better on the items I want. Especially on Illusione and Tatuaje. However, it is a fair mix for everything else.

I buy all my singles at the local B&Ms as well. Every time I walk into one, I walk out with at least 5 cigars. Any other non box purchases that I make are usually cigarmonster or CI's joe.

I like all the B&Ms in my area.

[m69c44]

My local B&M does not have a smoking room just a nice humi . I try to drop by once a week just to see what's new. I always pick up something from them. They have tues special buy two get one free. I have been doing this for a while and now when I go in the owner always ask me how its going and if there is anything that i want that he doesn't have he will see if he can get some. I was asking about the devil weed cigars and I got him in touch with Luis Molina from Molina Cigar Co and they have been talking and it looks like he will be getting some in. So yes I think it pays off to get in good with your local B&M.. I still get a lot of smokes on line but its just something about going in the local shop and see and touching the smokes . Just My 2 cents

[Slow Triathlete]

I would pick the local B & M that you feel most comfortable at and become a regular customer. Now that doesn't mean buying all of your cigars there but enough to get to know the owner and some of the regulars. It's good to have a local relationship so when the cold of winter sets in you have somewhere to go that you feel welcome. I do most of my larger cigar purchases online but I still go over and buy 5-10 singles from the local shop whenever I'm in there.

[tx_tuff]

I don't like buying online, and one reason is I'm just the kind of guy that likes to be able to pick something up with my hand and walk out with it instead of looking at pictures online. I have bought a few cigars on line but not near as much as I have at B&Ms. And if you plan on hanging out and smoking at the B&M then you should make an effort to spend some of your money there. If you are a good costumer they don't care what cigars you are smoking in their shop. I think Rhonda (patefegreen) put it best with her post.

[tx_tuff]

Originally Posted by jmlampert23

i choose not to smoke at any of the local B&M's around me. i like to sit out on my porch on the water and smoke. it does not appeal to me smoking inside a small shop that has 10 other guys smoking in it

That porch sounds like a great place to smoke, and I'm sure very relaxing. But I hope one day you try the B&M and give those other 10 guys a chance. May be some great people and you may be missing out on a great time and great people.

[Snapperhead-cl]

I love to sit on my porch with friends and smoke a good one, but sometimes it is really relaxing to go sit in a leather cushy chair and smoke a stogie and watch the plasma that they have and talk with other new people. I normally buy 1-10 while I am there but I do bring one that I want sometimes.....they do not care....I have seen them run off someone that never buys but comes in for the smoking area......