Cigar Store

**Jonjonmacky** · 10-12-2007, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by JFellows

A Friendly and Respectful Fucking Staff. Granted, I'm young, but when I get harassed, followed around constantly like I'm going to steal something, or treated rudely/like I don't know anything about cigars, not only am I going to hold a personal grudge against a store, but I'll be sure to tell others not to go there as well. It's inexcusable (and a dumb idea) to treat ANY B/M customer with a lack of respect, after realizing how many things B/Ms have going against them already (taxes, anti-smoking legal discrimination, the customers' ability to buy cigars online for cheaper, etc). All I ask for is a friendly conversation with the proprietor, possibly a suggestion on a new blend to try, and a simple "thank you" when I go to pay.

Dude i love you.. lol. you spoke my mind to the fullest of my feelin on that situation..

**FunkyCold5** · 10-19-2007, 01:59 PM

1. Relaxing atmosphere.
2. Helpful/Nice employees.
3. WiFi.
4. BYOB

I was thinking about starting my own B/M her also, but the amount to lease property here wouldn't make it feasable. That's why all the local B&M in Northern VA mark up their cigars, rent is too expensive.

Having WiFi and BYOB will create that enviroment where people would like to actually stay there long periods of time and just relax. With more customers staying longer, they'll tend to buy more cigars and smoke it there on the spot.

Another idea (might want to make sure you can do this) is to have private rooms with a table. You can rent it out for free for 1 hour or 2 to anyone who purchases $100+ worth of cigars. So, local customers who have weekly poker games can use that room to play poker. You are just providing a room and a table (whether normal table or a felt table), so the customer would have to bring their own poker chips and cards. 6-8 players, that's new customers for the store and you get business for the 2-3 hours they are there drinking and smoking.

There are a lot of ways to improve on a B&M. Just as long as you have cheap rent, and a great selections, it will be successful.

Andrew

**Cabaiguan Juan** · 10-20-2007, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by FunkyCold5

Another idea (might want to make sure you can do this) is to have private rooms with a table. You can rent it out for free for 1 hour or 2 to anyone who purchases $100+ worth of cigars. So, local customers who have weekly poker games can use that room to play poker. You are just providing a room and a table (whether normal table or a felt table), so the customer would have to bring their own poker chips and cards. 6-8 players, that's new customers for the store and you get business for the 2-3 hours they are there drinking and smoking.

That is a great idea. Like many of the others here who have answered, I go for conversation, to get out of the house, try new cigars. I think the BYOB is a great idea, a TV with the NFL or NBA package would be a great idea. A lounge is a must in my eyes. WiFi sounds nice, I think my B&M has it but I never use it. Coffee is a goiod idea. And then the obvious: selection good help, and atmosphere. WOXOF is right about a lounge needing nothing more then a sofa or two and a tv.

**ashauler** · 10-25-2007, 08:29 AM

O.K.......haven't found suitable property that I can afford. Was thinking of naming the place Ashauler's........yep, I'm not very imaginative. Does it sound alright?

I'm going to make the retail section seperate from the "members" area. In the retail section I will have a relatively small smoking area, newspapers, magazines, coffee and soda.

In the members area there will be a TV, leather sofa and recliners, wi-fi, a couple of tables with some comfy chairs for those that want to spread out and work a little on the intenet or whatever.......I'm trying to find some kind of portable tables or something that will work for people on the sofas that want to work on their laptops and don't want them in their actual laps. Humidified lockers and lockable individual liquor cabinets will be available.

What is the typical fee that is charged for the memberships to places like this? What do you guys feel is reasonable? Base it on a monthly fee with options to pay by the year? Tiered memberships of some type, or one price gets all?

Thanks for the help everybody.

**BigMacFU** · 10-25-2007, 09:17 AM

The name might make people think it is a gay bar. I've always read it as Ass-Hauler, even though it's clear on a cigar forum that you probably meant the S and H to stick together, Ash-auler.

**chefchris** · 10-25-2007, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by BigMacFU

The name might make people think it is a gay bar. I've always read it as Ass-Hauler, even though it's clear on a cigar forum that you probably meant the S and H to stick together, Ash-auler.

ah, never read it like that. i, too, always read it as ass hauler. i just thought maybe you drove around fast.

my screen name should actually read 'chefch ris'. In German it means, "Has the strength of gorilla, that has the strength of five gorilla".

**ashauler** · 10-25-2007, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by BigMacFU

The name might make people think it is a gay bar. I've always read it as Ass-Hauler, even though it's clear on a cigar forum that you probably meant the S and H to stick together, Ash-auler.

Wow, never thought of it like that.......don't want to get confused with a gay bar for sure.....I'll have to reconsider. Maybe I'll hold a contest.

**drew_goring** · 10-25-2007, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by ashauler

O.K.......haven't found suitable property that I can afford. Was thinking of naming the place Ashauler's........yep, I'm not very imaginative. Does it sound alright?

I'm going to make the retail section seperate from the "members" area. In the retail section I will have a relatively small smoking area, newspapers, magazines, coffee and soda.

In the members area there will be a TV, leather sofa and recliners, wi-fi, a couple of tables with some comfy chairs for those that want to spread out and work a little on the intenet or whatever.......I'm trying to find some kind of portable tables or something that will work for people on the sofas that want to work on their laptops and don't want them in their actual laps. Humidified lockers and lockable individual liquor cabinets will be available.

What is the typical fee that is charged for the memberships to places like this? What do you guys feel is reasonable? Base it on a monthly fee with options to pay by the year? Tiered memberships of some type, or one price gets all?

Thanks for the help everybody.

From what I've seen a lot of places charge a monthly/yearly fee, as well as a per use fee. The monthly makes you a member and then you only pay as much as it is used. Usually with a max and a min for each month.

Sounds like you have some great ideas already.

**The Korean** · 10-25-2007, 11:42 AM

Like others have said, it more about the atmosphere and staff than anything else. In my area there is a smaller B&M, that I would go visit mainly to support the small businesses. I found that there weren't always as friendly and helpful as one of the others in town. I now just go to the one that has the friendly staff. One other thing that I enjoy is they have events usually on Thursday nights, it cost $5 to get in the door, but you get a smoke or two out of it and a coupon on your purchase that night, there are reps from cigar brands come in and do the normal stuff. Good luck man, I wish you all the success in the world.

**FunkyCold5** · 10-26-2007, 09:14 AM

Renting/leasing humidor normally range from $25-$250 per month. I noticed the closer you get to the city (Washington, DC) the higher the humidor lease in the B&Ms here.

I say, if they rent/lease a humidor, they should have membership to all that is available. They'll be your "whale", since most likely they'll be your big spenders when it comes to cigars. Separate them in Tiers. Members shelling out $100-$200 month to get a in-house humidor will be Tier A.

Tier B would be regular members who don't want to shell out $100+ for humidor space, but would like to use the Wi-Fi, sit on the couch, watch tv, etc. Charge $50/month or less.

Normaly foot-traffic or now and again customers that don't want to pay for membership can sit on the chairs that are available at the retail section. Get water or soda (they need to pay for it obviously), etc.

This sounds like a great idea. LOL. Hope you don't hold it against another BOTL for opening it up in their own state.

Andrew

**Shervin** · 11-23-2008, 09:35 PM

My fav B&M has three Flat Screens all on wall mounted swivel's, a poker area and a huge sub zero in the back for your bev of choice. Mix in large comfortable leather couches and good friends and you've got a recipe for a great atmosphere.