Tabacconist vs internet pricing

[Evillepaintball]

Warning: pissed off rant ahead
I personally hate going to my local B&M. its about a 35 minute drive from my house, and the customer service, at least for me(my guess is because of my age) pretty much sucks. Its ok when the younger guy is working, he's pretty cool, but the owner is, to say the least, an asshat. Whenever I walk in, the first thing he says when I open the door is "so you gonna buy somethin or what?" Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the main factors of good customer service is being kind, or at least neutral to your customers right? I let it slide the first couple of times but now i've decided that if he's going to be a dick about it, I might as well just go to some internet retailer. It's cheaper, uses less of my time, and this way i don't have to physically interact with the guy who's just trying to get my money.

[stjohnroe]

I like B&Ms for the opportunity to chat, but more importantly (IMHO) you get to have a look and sniff at the merchandise before you buy. While I buy most of my sticks on the web, the majority of cigars that I have smoked have been initialy seen, discussed and bought as singles at a B&M. Only after I am satisfied through that process will I but a box online.

[cigarsarge]

I patronize my local B&M weekly. Every Saturday I make a trip there to have a smoke or two, watch a game, and have a little drink...The Saturday crew keeps a bottle behind the counter to encourage conversation.

A mixed group of people are there. We have a State Senator, cops. Coca- Cola route guys, truck dirvers ect. that come in to smoke and swap lies...Can't get that on the internet.

I agree with Sid...The backbone of the industry is the local B&M. Internet sales are fine and have their place...But you just can't beat the feel of a good local shop.

[tampacigargirl]

Warning: pissed off rant ahead
I personally hate going to my local B&M. its about a 35 minute drive from my house, and the customer service, at least for me(my guess is because of my age) pretty much sucks. Its ok when the younger guy is working, he's pretty cool, but the owner is, to say the least, an asshat. Whenever I walk in, the first thing he says when I open the door is "so you gonna buy somethin or what?" Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the main factors of good customer service is being kind, or at least neutral to your customers right? I let it slide the first couple of times but now i've decided that if he's going to be a dick about it, I might as well just go to some internet retailer. It's cheaper, uses less of my time, and this way i don't have to physically interact with the guy who's just trying to get my money.

It sounds like the owner needs a new line of work. Everyone needs to make a living but if you can't be courteous to everyone (that either deserves it or has never had a reason not to deserve it) you need to get out of any type job where you interact with people. Check out some other B&M's when you have the chance. We're definitely not all like that, but like with any business you will have bad apples.

[bigpoppapuff]

eville...you need to try to engage the owner in conversation...let him know that you're serious about cigars,etc.....exchange stories.....break down the barrier that he put up...

[Desert Rat]

Simple math for me-do I buy 10 gars from my local B&M or 15 online for the same price.

I smoke a lot of cigars so the choice is obvious.

Sampling, smoozing, "supporting" the locals gets a few of my dollars, but by the box, its strictly online.

And remember, the locals in my area don't mind one bit charging $20 to $30 dollars per premium stick.

[drew_goring]

Wow, this is sad. I just realized that when I move to the States, the tobacco tax rate and availability of nice B&Ms in the area is going to have a large bearing on whether I move to a certain place or not.

[chefchris]

Wow, this is sad. I just realized that when I move to the States, the tobacco tax rate and availability of nice B&Ms in the area is going to have a large bearing on whether I move to a certain place or not.

i smell an intervention.

[drew_goring]

i smell an intervention.

Hi, my name is Andrew and I am a Cigaraholic

[nhcigarfan]

Come to New Hampshire. Live Free or Die. No cigar tax.

I enjoy going to my local's. I like the people working there and I like having a lot of choices. I order boxes online when I can't get them locally. But my local's can generally beat any online price also.

Case in point, I search for the best deal on La Flor Dominicana Lanceros. Found a box for 162. Great price, free shipping. Got them at Rocky's. Good to deal with.

The next week my local got in 2 boxes of lanceros and they are selling at 162.

The kicker is most cigar types up here have no idea what those are and he still has the two boxes.

Also, for you VSG fans. He has probably close to 15 boxs, at least one of each size except for the wizards and his prices are just as good as any I have found to date on the boxes.