Starting a Cigar Shop

[MrJerry]

Been in the business for a looooooong time.......... good luck! My advise - save your money and do something you know. I have seen too many people lose everthing. If their is a spot that doesnt have a cigar store....... their is a good reason for it. It will not work. I am sure you are not the only person who had this idea and will not be the last. Unless you have verrrrrrrrrrrrrry deep pocket - don't do it. Though, I also think opening any business in our current economy is a big mistake....never mind cigars. Remember......the grass is always greener.

I have to agree with islcigar regarding your plan. Very deep pockets are needed. Plus, be ready to work 100+ hours a week.

I was in the cigar business with four factories and am very happy to have gotten out several years ago. My coffee shop keeps me busy 100+ hours a week...plus I've got a big internet division that adds time to my week.

Sorry for the bad news, but I'd hate to see anyone get buried in debt getting into the cigar biz.

[knightnorth]

Sorry for the bad news, but I'd hate to see anyone get buried in debt getting into the cigar biz.

If nothing else this is my advise - take a risk when you can afford to take the loss.

I'd hate to see anyone get buried in this economy at all. You go down now it might take a while to get back up. When investors went down during the depression they took a leap - from a high building. Now's the time to work hard in something stable. Get you knuckles bloody, get your boots muddy.

What is it? About 80% of all restraints fail within a year or two? Hate to see that statistic on luxury stores. Within 10 miles from me is a fancy cigar shop with a built in humidor. You can't smoke indoors in Delaware even to taste a cigar in a cigar shop (and maybe that hurts them) but I've only ever seen one employee (the owner works all hours alone). Every time (every time) I walk in he's on the phone and I overhear him complaining about not having money or being able to pay bills. I feel bad for him, so I try to give him as much business I can (every time I've ever walked in I've been the only customer in the store) even though the JR Cigars in DC has a better selection and better prices.

If you're independently wealthy do what makes you happy. If you need a job get something secure like a government job like dept of trans, or dept of corrections. If you've already got the store and made a payment on it do what you know is best - only you know what that is.

Again, if nothing else this is my advise - take a risk when you can afford to take the loss.