Oh where do I start?

1. B&M's typically have alot more expenses associated with operating a store. Internet sellers (especially some of the deep discounters) have a no need for the costs associated with retail space, retail display, merchandising product, ect.. They can operate with the min. number of staff with no cigar knowledge needed.

2. One thing that makes a successful B&M is Customer Service. Some of the free Customer Services we provide: Coffee, Cigar Knowledge, free lighter refills, free lighter repair (no parts needed); buff, clean, & polish pipes; free pipe tobacco samples, custom tobacco blending, ability to find & sell you any box of cigar that is not machine made (although we do from time to time) , a second or private label cigar; replace bad sticks (bad draw, canoing, taste off) even when partially smoked.

3. Promotions and events. Free in store promotions that provide you with a chance to meet the cigar makers, try cigars for free, free booze, free drinks. Special events for customers based on their smoking preferences that include free dinner, drinks, and a chance to buy cigars they can't normally buy by the box. (We've had both Ashton VSG, Opus, & Padron 1926 nights.)

4. As you mentioned Fuente "being difficult", the discount guys can say that for many other manufactures as well. NO one likes seeing their product discounted. Not to the extremes that some of these discounters go to. Imagine that your family has spent 75+ years making a premium product that you put a retail price of $8 on, you go online or to a discount store and see them selling it for $5 to $6 a stick or less. They are devaluing your product and naming you a bargain basement item. And they are putting the B&M's that have been selling your product for 40-50 years out of business.

5. Taxes, Taxes, Taxes... Every state has their own taxing structure. Here in Florida we do not pay taxes on cigars. (Cigarettes, Pipe Tobacco, Chew, & Snuff are taxed.) So prices will vary from state to state.

Quote Originally Posted by ashauler View Post
An example:
I can purchase a 3 pack of a certain cigar online for $19.50, you add the $5 for shipping and the price per stick is about $8.17........the exact same cigar at my local shop is $10 w/tax. Is this in-line, or an excessive "mark-up"? 1/3 of the cigars for 41% of the cost.
Sounds pretty inline considering they typically have 1/3 of the over head that a B&M has. Depends on the cigar as well.

Quote Originally Posted by drew_goring View Post
I buy the odd stick...maybe a few a year from my local. I just can't afford it though. Why pay 26 bucks for a CAO Brazilia when I can get it for less than 6?

edit: If I lived in the US I would support a B&M as much as I could. As long as the prices were within 10-20% of online pricing.
That just goes back to taxes.... I can't blame you there Drew. Support a US B&M like me!

This industry is just like any other. It all boils down to quality, supply, demand, ect.

I like bargains as much as the next person. I buy my favorite clothes, shoes, electronics, and even cigars on sale when I can. I spend a lot of time evaluating my humidor, discounting items, looking for new product, and dodging the bundle BS. I don't like bundle cigars.. Why? Because they don't pay the bills, put food on my table, and keep my son in his favorite video games.


Ok... there's my 2 cent rant for the day. Hope I wasn't sounding B****Y.