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  1. #1

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    Cigars 101, this is kinda personal so feel free not to answer this, but are you still relatively young (under 30)? The reason i ask is because when i first went to my B&M after i had started smoking the occasional cigar, i was 19 years old. I had a very similar experience to yours, where the guys would often follow me around the store and grab cigars from me thinking i would damage them (although they did it more politely than would you describe). I can somewhat understand this as cigar smoking is not stereotypically a young person activity, so it may look suspicious if a younger persons comes in the store and just walks into the humidor (maybe they suspect underage purchasing). I just made sure to take the time to talk to them while they were following me around, just letting them know my tastes and interests. I occasionally get the "you're too young to be smoking cigars line," but in general once they see that i am legit and at least know how to handle a cigar with care they back off a little bit. If you have done this or tried and they still treat you this way, i would peace. With the internet and the ability to purchase from it, its not like they are the only place you can get cigars. Furthermore their cigars are likely to be more expensive. Customer service is all they have and if they aren't giving that to you i say tell you'll take your money elsewhere.
    Last edited by here'sjohnny; 07-15-2008 at 08:17 AM. Reason: elaboration
    Mark 8:36

  2. #2

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    Quote Originally Posted by here'sjohnny View Post
    Cigars 101, this is kinda personal so feel free not to answer this, but are you still relatively young (under 30)? The reason i ask is because when i first went to my B&M after i had started smoking the occasional cigar, i was 19 years old. I had a very similar experience to yours, where the guys would often follow me around the store and grab cigars from me thinking i would damage them (although they did it more politely than would you describe). I can somewhat understand this as cigar smoking is not stereotypically a young person activity, so it may look suspicious if a younger persons comes in the store and just walks into the humidor (maybe they suspect underage purchasing). I just made sure to take the time to talk to them while they were following me around, just letting them know my tastes and interests. I occasionally get the "you're too young to be smoking cigars line," but in general once they see that i am legit and at least know how to handle a cigar with care they back off a little bit. If you have done this or tried and they still treat you this way, i would peace. With the internet and the ability to purchase from it, its not like they are the only place you can get cigars. Furthermore their cigars are likely to be more expensive. Customer service is all they have and if they aren't giving that to you i say tell you'll take your money elsewhere.
    I have to agree about the age thing; my experience was similar. I'd say, regardless of your age, the best way to get good treatment in a B&M is to make friends with the folks in charge. Do what mrtr33 said. Stop by there as often as possible; I'll go in if I'm just in the area or driving by. When you do go in, try to buy something, even if its cheap. Whether you buy something or not, make sure you talk to the guys; just make small talk, ask about events, smoking laws, whatever. Also, go to events hosted by the shops. The folks at my B&Ms seemed very stand-offish when I first started going around, but at this point I know them to be really nice guys. Also, I've gone from getting watched while I shop, to getting discounts every time I go in.
    Last edited by ReV; 07-15-2008 at 01:12 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Kinda like building up trust and joining a community of cigar smokers..........just in real life. I think if you follow the above advice and be respectful, it'll work out for you.

  4. Default

    I understand them checking my id and them not being familiar with me so they are worried about me being careful. the thing is i am new to the cigar scene and not the most social person because of my OCD, so im trying to get familiar with the place before i sit down with them and smoke.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    On the banks of Miskatonic.
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    Cigars101,

    I completely understand how you feel about people watching you in the humidor like you're sbout to pocket all the sticks and run for the exit. When I started smoking cigars there were two shops I stopped in where the employee on duty made a point to stare at me while I perused the humidor. I was a clean-cut 30 year old when I started so I don't think that I exuded some shady or criminal appearance. When I stepped into my current B&M the owner was damn near the friendliest, most helpful gent I've ever had the fortune to meet. I can tell you this-there are enough shops in Atlanta (and I've found the best one ) that those two shops will never see another dollar from me...ever.

    If the closest shop is 50 miles away, hit them once a month or buy online. No need to put up with distrusting retailers. Just my $.02

    TampaSupremo
    "Ph-nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!"-H.P. Lovecraft


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    The Basque Coast
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    Hola Cigars101.

    After reading your post I understand you're not a cigar shoplifter, just a young man with legal age to buy cigars and initiate yourself in this Gentle Art of Smoking. Congratulations for your fine taste. Then, I understand your feelings very well, I'm with you, as many others.

    You received very good ideas and suggestions from reputed smokers in these forums.

    I live far away from the US. But there's a couple of things I would like to explain you that works well here in Europe. You can do what you think is more suitable.

    A written complain form adressed to an Official Consumer Association or a Consumer Defense Legal Department explaining them all you have explained to us, better if you have the rest of the unsmokable sticks you lighted to prove your complain.

    A store owner is not allowed to sell things in bad conditions, normally it could be considered a crime. Considering also the big fight against all tobacco consumption all over the World, you can easily put that cigar shop in troubles. A legal process may start.

    If you decide to do this, forget visit them again.

    However, if you want a milder solution, you may write a letter direct to the shop owner, explaining him his shop team behavior, the bad quality of theproducs they sold you and your legal intention to smoke cigars and learn more about cigar smoking. It may works also. If the guy is smart, he will invite you to visit again his shop.

    Hoping you find the best cigars for a good smoke, receive my regards.

    Ricardo.

  7. #7

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    I'm almost 21 and I just started smoking cigars. The same thing happens to me when I go into my local shop. All of the guys who work there are a bit older so I always get the look, its quite intimidating. I feel so embarrassed I've been getting my stuff from a convenience store with a humidor, though there isn't nearly the selection nor the knowledge.

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by darkmimic View Post
    I'm almost 21 and I just started smoking cigars. The same thing happens to me when I go into my local shop. All of the guys who work there are a bit older so I always get the look, its quite intimidating. I feel so embarrassed I've been getting my stuff from a convenience store with a humidor, though there isn't nearly the selection nor the knowledge.
    convenience store cigars should be motivation enough to march back up in your B&M no matter how embarrassing... see my previous comment. Trust me, I was in your exact shoes just over a year and a half ago. Try taking a friend with you to the B&M so it won't get to you as much.
    Last edited by ReV; 07-24-2008 at 08:42 AM.

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