Cigar Store

[ashauler]

Alright, I have been thinking about this for quite some time now, and I'm fed up enough with working to line "the mans" pockets that I'm writing my business plan, consolidating capital, and trying to figure out how to get started with a B/M of my very own.

Locally there are 3 discount cigar stores that also sell ciggarettes, pipes, tobacco, etc.....and 2 "upscale" tobacco shops with basically the same line up of merchandise....maybe more lines of cigars than the discounters, better conversation and assistance than the discounters, but that's about the only difference.

Along with the b/m's, there is only one, that's right ONE, cigar bar in town. NONE of the b/m's have a smoking area where you can sit, smoke, chat, etc.......and this is what I hope to exploit.

I've researched local laws, and a smoking area is allowed, especially since there won't be any food or drinks sold initially and it will be strictly a tobacco store. I'm thinking of finding a site that will allow for expansion from a b/m to a sports bar/ b&m.....but I want to start out with the smoking lounge on-site.

I would like to know what things about your local b/m you really enjoy.....what type of "attractions" do they offer? Free coffee? Newspapers and magazines to read? Wireless internet? I'm looking for stuff that I could open with that won't require me to have a 1/2 million dollar bankroll to get started. I also don't know how to get in with the cigar manufacturers, distributors, etc........or what kind of expense in start up cigar inventory I am looking at.

If any retailers can give me a hand there, I would appreciate it. PM me with any suggestions and advice. Thanks in advance.

[drew_goring]

Wireless internet would be great. It the people are friendly and knowledgeable, it makes for a nice experience as well. Not sure what the local laws and regulations are like in your area, but I really like the idea of a private club and a BYOB policy. Even if it is just a nominal charge to gain "private club" status. A cash bar would be nice as well with a nice selection of scotch/beer/rum, etc.

[WOXOF]

What Drew said. Gotta have some kind of way for patrons to BYOB. Some type of coffee bar would be a nice touch imho. You dont have to have anything elaborate. Just a couple of leather sofas and a TV on the wall will get guys to hang out. Most guys hang out for the company not the amenities in my experience. Good luck!

[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.

[chefchris]

First of all, you need a handsome young man as "the face" for the store.

Now that that's squared away, I just look for a nice place to sit and talk. My B&M is just some nice chairs with a tv that we never watch. He also has a very nice selection of imports & microbrews. And next Sunday starts our Beer Club. But most of all is the friendship that he and I have now. We work together on getting new lines in. If he tries to contact a company with no response, I'll call and ask if they sell any where in MS and tell them the only decent shop in my area is his. That speeds things up a little bit. Worked with Tatuaje and Illiosoune (sp?).

It's seems to be good product and good conversation are gonna be the two biggest sellers.

[ashauler]

Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it. Your comments are right along the lines that I expected them to be. I certainly hope to provide an atmosphere that will make people want to hang out and chat and smoke. That's what is lacking at the existing stores.

Being new to cigars myself, just over a year smoking them, I am trying to absorb as much information and knowledge as I can......so the "knowledgeable" staff may be somewhat lacking to start with, but there will be no lack of courtesy and effort put forth to make the customers happy........I just won't have this huge wealth of knowledge to draw from. I mean, I know what I like, but I won't have smoked every cigar that will be in my humidor....unless I start with a very limited inventory.

[Jonjonmacky]

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]

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