Tobacco Store Etiquette

[brianwalden]

So my Local B&M (Old Virginia Tobacco Co) has a few lounge chairs in the middle of their store where you can sit and smoke. Every time I stop in there for something the guys always have a wealth of pipe knowledge. My wife is starting a traveling role for work in April, so I'm thinking that instead of smoking alone on my apartment balcony I could head over there once every week or two so I can smoke while learning from experienced pipe lovers.

I haven't smoked in there yet (haven't gotten over the fear of my poor technique outing me as a novice yet). I assume they won't mind if I bring my own pre-packed pipe as long as I buy something from them. Problem is I don't have that much I need to buy right now. I only smoke a few times a week so I don't go through tobacco fast enough to buy a lot of tins. Most of their pipes are out of my price range. Even with small things like pipe cleaners, I'm stocked up with a huge bulk box I bought on the internet a while ago.

If I smoked cigars it would be easy, buy a stogie and smoke it in the store. But I don't think they let you buy tobacco by the bowlful. Even if they were a cigar bar I could at least buy a drink or two. Does anyone else use their tobacco shop as a social smoking place (if your state allows it). Got any tips?

[Rmac58]

No such thing around here, but your best bet would be to ask. I don't think they'll mind, but you never know.
One of the reasons folks sit and chat is to learn techniques, etc.

[uptown_cigar]

If you regularly shop there, I doubt he would have a problem. I have customers who will bring in their own smokes, but will also buys something. When a regular comes in to smoke his own, I don't have a problem with it, because he normally purchases through me, with few exceptions.

[Dgar]

Just go in and ask them how they'd fell about you smoking there, my bet is they wont mind.

[dmkerr]

I consider pipe and cigar smokers a fraternity of like-minded brethren. Certainly this forum lends credence to that. When I worked in a tobacco store, we always allowed our customers to fill their pipes with a house blend and fire up. How else could we sell tobacco? Just go in there and ask if they'd mind if you sampled one of their house blends. If they mind, find another store! I've never been refused that in my life, no matter which store I go to, even if it's a store in another state I've never been to and never will go to again. House blend pipe tobacco is still relatively inexpensive and the 50 cents or so that you cost them will be made up later, or so they should figure.

If you just want to take your own baccy and smoke there to learn, just tell them you'd like to chat with experienced smokers but you're not in the market for anything just now. As I said, it's a fraternity. And what long term pipe guy wouldn't want to give a newbie the benefit of his wisdom? If I had any, I'd sure as hell want to share it.

[Dzrtrat]

Just my 2 cents, but as far as not having the knowledge...we all started somewhere, so don't worry about being a novice.

If they have loose tobacco, an ounce doesn't cost more than a couple of bucks, still cheaper than most cigars (just say you'd like to buy an once of this or that to sample)...not only can you try some different blends but also gives you an excuse to sit there and get to know some people, then after you've gotten to know them they prolly wouldn't mind you coming in and kinda hanging out. Most pipe smokers don't mind and usually welcome a novice in the fold.... and if they want to be a jerk about it, then you prolly don't want to hang there with them anyway.

[MrMusicMan1]

All the B&M shops I've been to have no problem with you brining in your own pipe and usually will let you try some blends for free. One I've been to does sell it by the bowl. I agree it is usually like a brotherhood/sisterhood in most shops and outsiders are welcome to come chat and join in. Just be comfortable, relaxed, and be yourself. If they judge your technique and comment on it in a non-tactful way, definitely find a new shop. I love shootin the sheet with anybody who feels like talking and love to give advice if it is wanted. Enjoy, I'll bet you'll make some great new friends.

[ghe]

I've been to a couple of Old Virginia shops and recall a very friendly atmosphere and quite a bit of pipe tobacco in addition to fine cigar selections. I would heartily agree with those who suggest you simply ask about smoking in the shop. No one likes to find themself in an uncomfortable position -- owner or customer. And you can completely avoid that by inquiring first. I'd also recommend you tell them you haven't been smoking long and wouldn't mind some suggestions or tips. I'd be astounded if you don't find yourself welcomed with open arms.

[SmokinJohnny]

Gathering for a pipe chat in a baccy store does breed business. The chats often turn into meeting new buds, interesting blends or a pipe shapes you might like to add to your collection. I agree, for as inexpensive as they are, buying an ounce of a house blend to sample doesn't hurt either. You might discover a new taste that blows you away. Been there and done that. I like to spend time examining pipes on display when I'm in there so when I'm ready to add another pipe to my collection, I know where to go and what to get. It saves the grief that a hasty impulse purchase can sometimes bring.

Some tobacco stores put on festivals of sorts to breed business such as pipe initiations for NOOBs, pipe smoking contests, and blend tasting parties.

[zackly]

Originally Posted by brianwalden

So my Local B&M (Old Virginia Tobacco Co) has a few lounge chairs in the middle of their store where you can sit and smoke. Every time I stop in there for something the guys always have a wealth of pipe knowledge. My wife is starting a traveling role for work in April, so I'm thinking that instead of smoking alone on my apartment balcony I could head over there once every week or two so I can smoke while learning from experienced pipe lovers.

I haven't smoked in there yet (haven't gotten over the fear of my poor technique outing me as a novice yet). I assume they won't mind if I bring my own pre-packed pipe as long as I buy something from them. Problem is I don't have that much I need to buy right now. I only smoke a few times a week so I don't go through tobacco fast enough to buy a lot of tins. Most of their pipes are out of my price range. Even with small things like pipe cleaners, I'm stocked up with a huge bulk box I bought on the internet a while ago.

If I smoked cigars it would be easy, buy a stogie and smoke it in the store. But I don't think they let you buy tobacco by the bowlful. Even if they were a cigar bar I could at least buy a drink or two. Does anyone else use their tobacco shop as a social smoking place (if your state allows it). Got any tips?

I visit a local shop on my lunch break 2-3 times weekly. I've gotten to know the two gents who work there pretty well & we enjoy each other's company. I've started to bring my own sticks to smoke on that particular day because their humidor is too moist (around 73% relative humidity) & I've had several sticks clog up & smoke poorly. I do always buy a stick or two to go when I'm there. Also, if I'm smoking a brand they don't stock I take off the band beforehand because sometimes other customers will ask "what are you smoking".

[nuke999]

When I visit the local shop I always buy from them instead of bringing my own. I like to show support but they don't mind if I bring my own. As far as being a novice, if they are like the regulars at my local they love to share their knowledge. Don't be afraid of asking questions and lighting up.

[morefifemusicanyone]

With a name like Old Va, they sound really neat!

I would say buy something to smoke there the first couple of times, either a house blend or a tin of something. Heck, buy a tin of something you like, and bring it back with you the next time. Once you have smoked and chatted for awhile, ask about coming in to smoke your own stuff and shoot the breeze. If you have shown commitment to frequenting them, they would be fools to turn you away.

[brianwalden]

Originally Posted by morefifemusicanyone

With a name like Old Va, they sound really neat!

Old VA is great. I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression about them. Everytime I've been in there they've been great to me. My fears were based on my own nervousness rather than any reason they gave me.

[contract]

No problem with Old Virginia. If your looking for a cigar bar in the area, try Alto Plaza in Centreville. Its at the corner of 28 and 29. Third floor has its own smoking lounge. Buy a drink and stay all evening.

[Cliffhanger]

Living under a smoking ban, nowadays I find the idea of walking into a shop smoking, in fact, waking into any place smoking, very strange indeed. You guys are very lucky - although, now the tobacconist smells really like a million different pouches of tobacco all rolled into one, it smells soo nice.

When I think back to the days when you'd walk into the pub through a cloud of smoke, it just seems like another era!