Start Up

[IrishAces]

Hi everyone I live in Ireland I am 20 years old. I have been thinking long and hard and have decide to start up a small part time cigar business . Will people give me any help and I was wondering would people take me seriously because of my age and inexperience. I am doing this because there are two cigar shops in the whole of Ireland. 2 Cigar shops in the whole of Ireland that’s a lot of missed business but I am hoping with a bit of help I might get it off the ground. Has anybody and suggesting?

There’s a local golf tournament coming up I might try and sponsor a hole or try and advertise there?

[Roham]

I think that's a great idea!! You want to open a little shop up? A lounge where you can smoke, or just a place to buy cigars? Are the other two places in Ireland smoking?

[IrishAces]

The smoking ban has hit the one in dublin so they had to close there lounge and the one is the north is very small.

I was hoping to start small and build to that.

I would really like expert help with this.

[SFG75]

Hi everyone I live in Ireland I am 20 years old. I have been thinking long and hard and have decide to start up a small part time cigar business . Will people give me any help and I was wondering would people take me seriously because of my age and inexperience. I am doing this because there are two cigar shops in the whole of Ireland. 2 Cigar shops in the whole of Ireland that’s a lot of missed business but I am hoping with a bit of help I might get it off the ground. Has anybody and suggesting?

There’s a local golf tournament coming up I might try and sponsor a hole or try and advertise there?

I don't know how things are over there, but have you looked into writing up a business plan and presenting it to a bank to get a loan? How about distributors? Havey you contacted cigar makers and know what numbers they want from you in order to move their product?

[IrishAces]

I have made a business plan but dont need a loan. A wealthy cigar smoking uncle is very happy to back me up. I have already made the office and because my father is into construction and it has been my summer job since i was 12.

Also i am starting building a large display humi this thursday when the spanish cedar arrives.

Also i have contacted the main and only disturber in the UK and they didnt take me seriously. And it is cheaper to buy the cigars from spain online.

Habanaos cigar wholesaler the main cuban importeer they supply the uk wholesaler so i am between a rock and a hard place.

The import tax rate on cigars is £145 thats about $320 per KILO

Still i was wondering is there anybody that runs or knows someone who a cigar business for help?

[grand cru no 2]

The folks over at the distributor will take you seriously if you place an order with them. If they give you lip, just talk to the boss (I am of course assuming that the boss wasn't the one giving you crap).

Also, have you checked out the other 2 shops to see what lines they carry and what is popular (if not do so)? Starting small is a good idea. Don't over-extend yourself. Make sure you have managable operation. Also, you might want to look into putting your shop online as that of course will open up your market.

Start with just a few key brands and branch out once you stabalize. As a cigar smoker, I'm sure you know environment in a cigar shop means alot so be sure to keep that in mind when designing it.

Have you thought about accessories that you will carry? Humidors, cutters, lighters...etc.? Will you carry pipe tobacco and accessories?

Sponsoring a hole at a golf tourney is a very good idea IMO.
Also, have you figured out how else you will promote your shop? I would contact any local cigar newsletters or magazines (even major ones) and see if I could get them to come out to the grand opening. Maybe a smoker or cigar dinner to celebrate. When have you projected to have this thing off the ground and running? If this year then your in a pretty good spot. RTDA is coming up and there will be alot of new lines coming out. Maybe you can get someone to comeout and promote their new product at the opening.

Just a few thoughts. Hope this helps.

[IrishAces]

Brilliant help but there is no cigar or smoking magazines native to ireland.

And thanks anyway.

Any more suggestions?