Do you buy locally or on-line?

[CrankyChris]

I was wondering how many people buy their pipes and tobacco on-line versus at a local shop.

I have access to a shop but their selection is not that great. I would like to support them, but every time I go in there I come out with something that I really didn't want in the first place. Last time I went in for Escudo and 2015 - and came out with University Flake and (of all things) Abingdon. I'm sure it tough to really have a great selection. The cost difference doesn't really bother me - I don't mind paying 10 - 20% more.

Also, the stems of the pipes I've bought locally always look terrible after a couple of weeks. My guess is that when they sit out on display the clouds of smoke somehow clings to the stems. My spit an the smoke must have some sort of reaction.

I prefer on-line - though I think I would patronize a local shop if they were really well stocked and well run.

[AcworthAl]

I buy exclusively online. There is not a tobacconist close to where I live. I work long hours and driving to a shop in Atlanta is just not in the cards. The few times I tried a local shop, their selection of pipes and tobacco was poor. The companies with whom I have had a great deal of success are in this order are (1) Frenchy’s (2) Iwan Ries and Co. and (3) Pipes and Cigars. Iwan Ries and Co has a huge selection of both pipes and tobacco. Frenchy’s has those great Danbark pipes. Pipes and Cigars have the great Hearth and Home blended tobacco. One last thing, the shipping costs offsets the local taxes. Having written that, I would dearly love to find a great tobacco shop close by.

[plexiprs]

Not any real pipe stores locally, now that the Tinderbox folded. A few damn nice cigar stores, with just a smattering of pipe paraphernalia and then those damn "Smoke Shop" strip-mall abominations that cover perfumes, incense, and "collector only" glass pipes.

Thank you Al Gore, for gifting us with your glorious Information Superhighway!

[dmkerr]

Originally Posted by CrankyChris

Also, the stems of the pipes I've bought locally always look terrible after a couple of weeks. My guess is that when they sit out on display the clouds of smoke somehow clings to the stems. My spit an the smoke must have some sort of reaction.

A natural reaction given all the time the vulcanite pipe stems are exposed to fluorescent light, I suspect.

I buy almost exclusively online but I'd pay more to be able to go and SHOP! I still prefer the tactile experience of fondling the tobacco tins and getting a close examination of the pipes.

How did you end up with Pete UF and GLP Abingdon in place of Escudo and 2015???? I hope that wasn't the tobacconists recommendations as replacements?

[nothingclever]

I have yet to purchase a pipe or pipe tobacco online.

For my previous job I would travel around the country giving tax reporting seminars. The one perk (other than great food on the company) was that they seemed to put me close to a great tobacco shop every once in a while. When I was in portland I was in a hotel right by Rich's Cigar Store. I picked up a great meer and some Real Irish tobacco. A wonderful combination. While I was in Saint Charles, MO I stopped by John Dengler's Tobacco. Pickup up a Vuillard and some Vintage Virginia.

Locally, I have a few "nice" tobacco/pipe shops. However, only an hour away from here is the famous Paul's Pipe shop.

So far, I havent had a need for the internet (to purchase pipes or tobacco). Plus...I like instant gratification.

[8ball917]

Most of my local B & M only seem to have bulk blends, so Ill go online if I'm looking for something specific. If I'm in the neighborhood, I'll check out the B & M.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Where ever there is a deal, or a find.

[DSturg369]

I visit my local shops from time-to-time, and purchase things like MM cobs, cleaners, various accessories, and a small sampling of tobaccos, but the bulk of my purchases are online because the local shops just can't compete with the online selection or the prices.

[beaglepower]

Originally Posted by Cigar Man Andy

Where ever there is a deal, or a find.

I'm on this boat as well. Although I won't buy a pipe from my local B&M due to the high prices. I'll buy my tobacco from him once in a while when I'm in a pinch or if I want to try something new.

[DeadFrog]

For pipes, it's been mostly ebay for me. For tobacco I've mostly gone to the local B&M or one of those "mall smoke shops" named Sheffield & Sons that are in every mall. Sometimes I get lucky at one of those and they'll carry MacBaren products instead of just Captain Black and Amphora. My next big pipe purchase will be from an online shop most likely. Even with exchange and shipping you just can't beat the prices. Yesterday I placed an order with 4Noggins for the noobie trade and they were great to deal with. My next tobacco order will be from them.

[IrishPiper]

Being in New York it's more cost effective to shop online. Unfortunately, PipesandCigars is located in NY - so I might buy a pipe from them; but tobacco - no. (4noggins actually carries some of their blends anyway.)
Locally, there is an 'old time' tobacco shop but only carries limited stock and no blends.
I even order drugstore tobacco online - even with shipping it's cheaper. So I'd venture to guess most New Yorkers order online.
I do have to say - with all the online ordering I have done - the tobacco sites I've dealt with are most efficient, prompt and responsive. I am amazed how quickly they ship - usually the same day if you order in the morning.

[SmokinJohnny]

Our local B&M has a very limited selection of tinned tobacco. However, his pipe selection is huge with practically all the popular mid price brands, shapes, etc. I'm sure this has a lot to do with puffers prefering to buy pipes over the counter so they can examine and inspect. Tinned tobacco on the other hand is the same no matter how you buy it so his selection must be limited because he can't compete with the internet. Because there is such a huge variety of tinned blends out there along with different tastes, it must be mind boggling for the B&M to figure out what to stock.

All but one of my pipes were bought locally and I prefer to buy them over the counter for the reason above. I buy most of my tobacco on the internet because it isn't available locally. I save some money buying on the internet if my order is over 75 bucks. Otherwise, shipping is a killer on one or two tins.

I think you will find good selection and experience behind the counter only in densley populated areas. My area not being one of them (when it comes to tobacco). There isn't enough of us to support a seasoned full time tobacconist. The smoke free moves in the white house aren't making life easy on the tobacconist either. They are becoming an endangered spieces. It sucks major big time. Especially when they were born into the trade, became artists at it, and it's all they know. They bring us great pleasure only to be stepped on by some right wing socialist. I'll get off my soap box because I don't want to take this too far off topic.

[uncballzer]

Originally Posted by CrankyChris

I My guess is that when they sit out on display the clouds of smoke somehow clings to the stems. My spit an the smoke must have some sort of reaction..

You spit on your stem?

I prefer online, just by being frugal. I don't mind buying a tin or two from a B&M, except when they are way over priced. Where I'm at now, there's nothing real close enough to me to bother with unless I'm in the area and have some time to kill, but it's mostly cigars and not much pipes--although he's building up his pipe and tobac section, so it's interesting to see what's new he's got in. I like being frugal, and if I can save quite a bit going online, I'd prefer to do that, unless it's just for one tin or so.

[orca99usa]

I do both. My closest B&M has a great owner and a good atmosphere. I buy most of my singles there, and it gives me a chance to try things out without buying in quantity. I also like the social aspect of smoking there, swapping informal cigar reviews with others and just relaxing. The bulk of the stuff in my humidor is bought online. The reasons are selection and economics. No B&M can match the selection and prices of the online vendors. Once I find something I want in quantity I check online for the best deal.

[Yoda!]

I'm here in California, need i say more?