where should i buy?

[Slaterstogies]

thankks for replying to my previous post. Now that i have an idea on what cigars i would like to try where should i buy? from a cigar business or personally if so is there a risk that someone is going to rip me off?

[gjcab09]

If you only want to try singles, and have a B&M handy, that may be the way to go for your initial experimentation, after that, there are many online retailers that provide great service and prices, here's a poll I started awhile ago with some preferences...

Internet Cigarama!

[JoeyBear]

Cruise through the b/s/t section on here and check out what people are selling. Also, go to cigars international's website and check out the Joe's Daily Deal. Usually great cigars and those come with free shipping.

[Mitch]

I go to my local cigar shop. I would rather buy singles from them, and keep them in business. My cigar shop has a lot of events, and specials also. Some B&M places have happy hour specials (Buy one and get one free). I also smoke at my shop, they have a cigar lounge. It's too cold right now to smoke outside for an hour and enjoy it. So I would feel bad buying a box on the internet and going there to smoke them. Plus if I have a cigar that isn't burning right, they will trade it out.

[mkimbler]

Originally Posted by Mitch

I go to my local cigar shop. I would rather buy singles from them, and keep them in business. My cigar shop has a lot of events, and specials also. Some B&M places have happy hour specials (Buy one and get one free). I also smoke at my shop, they have a cigar lounge. It's too cold right now to smoke outside for an hour and enjoy it. So I would feel bad buying a box on the internet and going there to smoke them. Plus if I have a cigar that isn't burning right, they will trade it out.

What Mitch said!

I started out buying exclusively from internet sites, but have gone the other direction in the last year and a half. Nothing wrong with buying from the 'Net, but I enjoy going to a good B&M and having a nice place to smoke. If we don't support them, they won't be around when we want a warm place to smoke and watch a good game.

[duckmanco]

I do a mixture of B&M and internet big boys.... I like to help the B&M's when possible though.

[guy g]

I buy 90% from one B&M in town. When visiting your B&M treat it the same as any place else you shop. The first thing is a friendly face, second is an ability to answer questions even if they dont know the answer. It waould be very tough for an owner to have tried all 500 cigar lines he has in stock. If they are good people, you'll see it right away.

[danmcmartin]

If you don't have a local B&M try Famous Smoke Shop. They let you create your own sampler and every fifth stick is free. The price is probably on par with a local shop. That's what I did when I started out. I got 20 sticks for about $90 bucks. I allowed me to figure out what I liked, before I committed to a five pack or a box. Plenty of advice for a noob smoker on here to help you figure out what to order.

[Herf N Turf]

I too am a big proponent of "support your local B&M". Thing is, in Kalifornistan, youre gonna pay through the nose. Tough call.

Personally, I buy mostly singles from my B&Ms. There's one that I frequent that has prices rivaling the online monsters and if I buy three, I get an additional 10% off. Unfortunately, that one has no place to smoke.

For larger purchases, I go online. Thing you have to remember though, is that often shipping takes the "deal" out of the equation. It pays to buy in larger quantities to offset it. Some sites, like Cigar Monster, offer free shipping, so even a fiver can be a good deal.

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by Herf N Turf

I too am a big proponent of "support your local B&M". Thing is, in Kalifornistan, youre gonna pay through the nose. Tough call.

Personally, I buy mostly singles from my B&Ms. There's one that I frequent that has prices rivaling the online monsters and if I buy three, I get an additional 10% off. Unfortunately, that one has no place to smoke.

For larger purchases, I go online. Thing you have to remember though, is that often shipping takes the "deal" out of the equation. It pays to buy in larger quantities to offset it. Some sites, like Cigar Monster, offer free shipping, so even a fiver can be a good deal.

I agree with the shipping. One product I pay 17.99 at the B&M. Online I can pay 9.99 +3.5 shipping. So for a few more bucks, I don't have to wait for shipping. If I were to buy large quantities, I understand. But then I am not smoking them at the shop which stinks in the winter.

[Stench]

While I am buying more and more off the internet, I always try to buy from my local B&M every week or so. Best place for singles and for excellent advice. I'll always appreciate the time and wisdom imparted to me. If we don't support these guys, all that will be left are the internet monsters and their flagship brands.

[ca21455]

Shop around. Sign up for daily emails. You can save a ton of money buy looking around a bit.

B&Ms are a great place to look around a buy a few cigars. On-line is the best place to stock up on your favorites.

[domer]

My problem right now: I have a ton of sticks that I purchased over the spring and summer, and now that it's cold outside I've got nowhere to smoke 'em! The idea that you can get cigars at your local B&M for the same price as online after shipping is ridiculous - you'll definitely pay more at a store for obvious reasons. But sometimes having a good indoor place to smoke outweighs the price concerns, even when the weather is decent.

[Mitch]

Originally Posted by domer

My problem right now: I have a ton of sticks that I purchased over the spring and summer, and now that it's cold outside I've got nowhere to smoke 'em! The idea that you can get cigars at your local B&M for the same price as online after shipping is ridiculous - you'll definitely pay more at a store for obvious reasons. But sometimes having a good indoor place to smoke outweighs the price concerns, even when the weather is decent.

Hence the reason why I pay a $3 more for a tin of tobacco, so I have somewhere nice and warm to smoke, while you get to enjoy the cold. Just messing with you... Plus I smoke a pipe, I can see saving $3 a stick can make a big difference. But during the winter months I will still only buy cigars from B & M. I don't enjoy a cigar when my body is shaking.

[rmrozek]

I'm a newbie, but without knowing anything I do know you need to support your local shops. The internet seems to have good deals all the time, but it won't kill us to stop in to our local shop purchase a stick from them here and there. Once you do that regularly, you will get good deals from them too.