Supporting B&M vs. Saving Money

[Mizicke5273]

Ive been starting to give most of my premium box purchases to my B&M, because I want to support the business. But for everyday cigars I turn to online sites. For the amount that I smoke in a week, Id go broke in a month buying everything from my B&M. Besides, most of the everyday cigars that I smoke are house brands or such, that I dont think my B&M could get anyway.

So in essence, it all comes down to what Im buying, as to where Ill get it from.

[BunkyX]

Strange this should be brought up. I was wondering about it myself as I made my weekly purchase from my B&M. The owner who has become a 'friend' of mine will give me a break on boxes of my daily smokes. Comparatable to buying them on line. His per stick price is definately higher than most on line shops. He explains it over and over to people that he has a keystone mark up on all his cigars. I happen to know it is 100% over his retail price.
And I have flatly told him I would not buy certain cigars from him because he is $1.00 too high on them. He always asks how I know this and I tell him - because I use the internet. Some of the other B&M's I visit are 110% to 140% mark up, They only get my business on a few select cigars.

Anyway I spend about $40.00 at my local B&M every week, but I spend many times this on line. I work too hard for my money to burn it all up.

[The Korean]

I buy 80% of my sticks from online. The other 20% I split between two B&Ms. One has horrible prices on just about anything, but has the best enviroment in my town. I feel the need to spend some money there to justify my usage of the lounge. The other place has better prices and is a smaller mom&pop. My hopes in spending a little bit of money there is to get establish a relationship with the owner and some of the patrons. Everyone seems nice, but I can tell that they are very protected in who they allow into the "Circle". I admit, the fact that they seem close but guarded actuallys draws me to want to become one of them more. That truely sounds like high school, but one of the things I like the most about smoking cigars is the people you smoke them with.

I also, look at it this way, both of these shops are against some big competition, and I want to always be able to on a whim stop by and pick up a smoke, so I do my little part.

[cigar no baka]

I buy 80% of my sticks from online. The other 20% I split between two B&Ms. One has horrible prices on just about anything, but has the best enviroment in my town. I feel the need to spend some money there to justify my usage of the lounge. The other place has better prices and is a smaller mom&pop. My hopes in spending a little bit of money there is to get establish a relationship with the owner and some of the patrons. Everyone seems nice, but I can tell that they are very protected in who they allow into the "Circle". I admit, the fact that they seem close but guarded actuallys draws me to want to become one of them more. That truely sounds like high school, but one of the things I like the most about smoking cigars is the people you smoke them with.

I also, look at it this way, both of these shops are against some big competition, and I want to always be able to on a whim stop by and pick up a smoke, so I do my little part.

I hung out at my shop about six months before I became a "core" group member. I sat around, minded my mouth, didn't piss anyone off, made it clear I was here to stay, smoked my cigars, and was as friendly as I could be.

After about six months, I got christened (as part of the CCC, that has special significance for me) with my own nickname and my own coaster made from a cigar box lid with my nickname on it adonred with various affectations from the group. By now, four years later, I have been called a "hardcore core group member" (never called myself that but others have). So it just takes time for guys to figure out if you're gonna be a fit for the group and you're not a weenie and you can take it as well as you give it.

Best of luck to you in your quest to join the group!

[Cabaiguan Juan]

working at a b&m, i get a decent discount, which basicly puts cigars at the internet price. That being said, if i can buy a bot at the shop, I'll do it. However, if its a box that we dont have I'll buy the box at the cheapest internet store. I know this probably doesn't answer your question so let me put it this way: Obviously, buying sngles at your local B&M is more cost efective then online. Buying a box, if its close to B&M prices, go with your B&M. Remeber, they provide you with costomer service, and recomendations on cigars and a nice smoking area. If you can get on line for way cheaper, then do it, its America afterall. You are fighting for freedom and with freedom comes really good deals on stuff. My lasting words are, support your B&M on box sales unless it costs you substancial money. But suport your B&M for single sales.
PS- pardon the misspelling, i just got back from a horse race, and i was in the in-field!

[islcigar]

As a owner / opereator of a cigar store we are the "testing center". Many people come in and use our knowledge of cigars and try some sticks. That's ok. We have a very good mail order business to many out of state customers (that appreciate the care and quality- and can not find back home), and when you remove tobacco tax, sales tax and give box discounts (and are able to put together mixed boxes together) it makes a difference.

We are a speciality store and specialize in boutique brands (Davidoff, Ashton ESG etc) . Many of the brands we carry are contract only pieces and can not be sold or even available to the large discount companies......never mind a deep discount numbers. That being said just be careful........some companies sell seconds (advertised as premium line) and list cigar lines that they do not carry just to reccommend the customer to another "just like ------" cigar. And- they can not maintain the care and quality one gets at a local store that is passionate about their store and products. Either way, I look at the big guys as one of my great advertisers.