Starting a Cigar Shop

[LPs]

I have been thinking about starting a cigar store. The closest cigar store is roughly 25 minutes away, and it lacks a good selection and customer service. I first thought that the cigar stores were located in this city due to good demographics, but I compared the demographics between my city and and the one with cigar store. The demographics for my city were far more superior, which leads me to believe that if I opened a cigar store here it would be successful. I am thinking about renting a place where the traffic volume over 48 hours averages 22,000 cars, and I plan on buying three commercial humidors since I can't build one in the store.

Are there any recomendations before I start to make my first move? Sorry I did not tell the city where I am located, but I did not want anybody to get any ideas. However, it is a college town that ranges from 23,000 to 50,000 when school is in session. I would greatly appreciate some tips!!!

[docruger]

i wish i had a good tip for you. i justed wanted to wish you good luck

[LPs]

Thanks docruger! I am going to need it!

[c2000]

I would not get into this now, my advice(for what it is worth) is to see how the new cigar tax plays out with other B&M's..


Jerry in Minnesota.

[Quasimoto]

Here is a tip. Don't get boxes of Arturo Fuente Don Carlos and Hemingways just to keep them all for yourself My local B&M does that and it just makes me mad.

On a more serious note I have no advice other than maybe contact some manufacturers of cigars or anyone in the industry.

[snowboardin58]

If you are in Michigan you will be out of business before your doors open

[cubanoslibres]

I think you should go for it! Im a freshman in college and the local b&m has a nice selection that gets good business.
I've always wanted to start my own shop too, but maybe further on down the road

[Frinkiac7]

I would caution against opening any store that sells nonessential "lifestyle" pleasures in this economic climate...plus a product that is constantly crusaded against and is in danger of being taxed out of the average person's price range. But if you do enough research and run the numbers and really think you can work, it go for it. I'd never discourage a fellow smoker from sharing and providing for the rest of us. That being said, don't ignore reality and please be prudent.

Best of luck!

[LPs]

Thanks for the advice! I would not open it til next Fall becaue I want to see how this new tax plays out. My goal is to find some of the best cigars that will not put a hurtn on the wallet.

[Cigary]

I'd love to get into the retail end of cigars,,,however in these times it's a real risk. Ensure that if you do this do not tie your personal wealth into this venture,,,it could come back to bite you. Do not use your house, car, real estate in this business because if it does not do well they can come back and take your assets that you put up as collateral. Get a lawyer before you do anything.

[randommcsmokesalot]

Contract a good web designer to put together and online store too. Another form of revenue and keeps you busy in the down time

[uncballzer]

Originally Posted by Frinkiac7

I would caution against opening any store that sells nonessential "lifestyle" pleasures in this economic climate...plus a product that is constantly crusaded against and is in danger of being taxed out of the average person's price range. But if you do enough research and run the numbers and really think you can work, it go for it. I'd never discourage a fellow smoker from sharing and providing for the rest of us. That being said, don't ignore reality and please be prudent.

Best of luck!

Not sure what you mean by "nonessential lifestyle," but I'd like to see more of a "gentleman's" store from a B&M. For instance, go retro to the 1920s-1950s era with the stainless steel safety razors (and some straight razors), the shaving brush, etc. Other things a gentleman would use daily, but a little higher price and nondisposable like the things we use today. I use a stainless steel safety razor with the double edge blade that I got from a B&M and absolutely love it--but you can't really find them anywhere. I feel this is something you might see go over decently with a college town. Also, don't forget us pipe guys and have a decent selection of pipes and tobac (and the other essentials for either the person getting started, or the experience piper looking for find something with a little more quality).

[chippewastud79]

Get out your check book and do a ton of research. Not sure where you live, but the taxes may have a hell of an effect on the B+M business coming up here. Also, be sure that you run a lot of specials and deals to establish a group of regulars because making a living off of people who come in for one stick a month won't make you any money. I would also immediately be in contact with major manufacturers to establish a good working realtionship with the names in the industry. Good luck, in this market you are going to need it.

[LPs]

I really don't want that big of a place just a small place that has a cheap rent. Luckily, I will not have to take out a loan to start the shop, but I would like to make some money back eventually.

[wolfmonk]

Originally Posted by uncballzer

Not sure what you mean by "nonessential lifestyle," ....

I'm pretty sure by this he means selling thing that are essentially luxury items - no one NEEDS them to survive.