Distributor Business

[wyattearp]

I think it depends on how big you want to start off. If you want to rent a warehouse for your stock, spend thousands upon thousands in advertising and marketing from the jump, then maybe. But if you want to start small and grow regionally over time, then it's very possible to do.

Growing your business to the level of Cigar.com or Thompsons for example takes time.

[badwhale]

<snip> Growing your business to the level of Cigar.com or Thompsons for example takes time.

And relentless, spirit crushing, mind numbing telemarketing in Thompson's case...

[wyattearp]

Ahh....Telemarketing! I'm going to try to stay away from that type of marketing. Still developing the advertising and marketing strategy as of now and open to any feedback and/or ideas for it.

I take it you're not a fan of the telemarketing?

[ggiese]

I think it depends on how big you want to start off. If you want to rent a warehouse for your stock, spend thousands upon thousands in advertising and marketing from the jump, then maybe. But if you want to start small and grow regionally over time, then it's very possible to do.

Growing your business to the level of Cigar.com or Thompsons for example takes time.

The idea that you're looking to be a "distributor" in favor of just being a retailer suggest you have grander plans than just starting up a website. And I have some sense of what it takes to be a retailer - and you're not even truly in that ballpark yet...

If you're doing this as a hobby, it sounds like you're on the right track. If you're truly looking at doing this as a serious business enterprise - I think you've been provided some very sage advice which is contrary to the way you seem to be heading.

Safe travels!

[wyattearp]

All of the advice has been appreciated so far and yes this is a hobby of mine. I'm a firm believer that you can start something as a hobby and grow it into a successful business. When the time comes where it becomes more than just a hobby I would take the necessary steps to expand and accomodate the demand by creating more overhead if it makes business sense (profit margin growth).

I understand Rome wasn't built in a day and it takes time, superb customer service, and demand to grow anything. I'm comfortable with that.

I don't think you need " Hundreds of thousands" of dollars to build your hobby from the start if your strategy is solid.

[ggiese]

All of the advice has been appreciated so far and yes this is a hobby of mine. I'm a firm believer that you can start something as a hobby and grow it into a successful business. When the time comes where it becomes more than just a hobby I would take the necessary steps to expand and accomodate the demand by creating more overhead if it makes business sense (profit margin growth).

I understand Rome wasn't built in a day and it takes time, superb customer service, and demand to grow anything. I'm comfortable with that.

I don't think you need " Hundreds of thousands" of dollars to build your hobby from the start if your strategy is solid.

Geez... I hate to rain on your parade, wyatt...

You ask the members of this community - sight unseen - for advice with licensing, etc. This would seem to indicate that you don't know what you should be doing with licensing, etc. You want to eventually develop a "Thompson" sized business, yet you are intent to do it starting from your basement? Aside from you seeking business advice from a cigar board - what have you done to develop your overall business plan?

I don't know what the specific stats are (I'm sure they're out there somewhere) - but I can tell you from personal observations and experience that what you're planning on doing is far more likely to fail than succeed. As a matter of fact - I'd suggest the failure rate is well in the high 90% range. It sounds as though you're already getting way over your head - and you haven't even started up the business.

I wonder if Young Forbes still stops by. Perhaps he can set you on the right path to financial success.

[ashauler]

Here's an interesting tid-bit for ya wyatt.....know where I got my stash of "real" cigars started?

From a bankruptcy auction.

[wyattearp]

Bankruptcy Auction? Can you elaborate on that?

Thanks

[ashauler]

Bankruptcy Auction? Can you elaborate on that?

Thanks

Sure, a local cigar merchant went bankrupt and I bought a shitload of cigars very reasonably at the auction. Too bad for me I had only been smoking real cigars for a month or two when it happened. Shitty cigars soaked in charcoal fluid make great kindling for the wood stove though.