Feeling cheated

[chefchris]

After being treated like that I would just do my business elsewhere. I think some shop owners don't realize the competion they're up against sometimes. My B&M owner was telling me that JR's will sell a box cheaper than what he gets it for at cost. Then he has to mark up his profit plus tax. They should treat you with respect and do anything to keep you happy and coming back for more.

[Cigars 101]

I don't think i have ever met the true owner. mainly its the older guys that treat me badly but the younger guys just ask if I need help. they are very friendly, but there something like six people that work there. so its kind of a crap shoot on which person is working.

They never actually called me a criminal but when I walk in they get up real quick when they see I'm going in the cigar room.

Yes that is the same guy that told me about the humi- bag.

I believe there cigars are in very good conditions. they have a large humidifier and there are in a different part of the shop.

[mrtr33]

That's a shame. There is really only one B&M close to me. I know when who works when, so if there is someone I try to avoid, I know when they work. But I've made it a point to meet the owner, attend events they hold, etc. I hang out there when I can, meet the regulars, etc. In addition to this place, I've learned a lot about cigars there. There are certainly guys that get "run out" of there, but they've deserved it.

From what you've described, you don't deserve this treatment. I would maybe try to find out when the younger guys work, or ask the older guys for suggestions. Maybe don't pick a cigar from a tube? Just about everyone that works and hangs out at my local B&M is more than willing to provide suggestions.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

[here'sjohnny]

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.

[ReV]

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.

[ashauler]

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.

[Cigars 101]

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.