B&M Pricing

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by area51

Its probably just markup. He's selling it for what he knows people are going to pay for it + taxes and all that stuff. It's nice to support B&Ms but they've got to support you as well.

Not sure that I agree with this. A Retail store costs a lot more than an Internet-Only business.

• You have to have a nice looking store rather than a warehouse
• You have to pay sales people -- who have to look nice and have some experience with cigars -- rather than a stock person in a warehouse**
• You need to be able to handle cash
• You need humifiied display cases rather than humidified bulk storage
• And so on...

Anything (not just cigars) you purchase at a B&M store is going to cost more -- that's the whole premise behind Internet businesses. They can sell for less because their costs are lower.

Just my

(** I know that some stores do not have experienced help but I think that they all desire experienced help)

[Subvet642]

The B&M I go to in Weymouth sells at MSRP, even Opus.

[Fia]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Not sure that I agree with this. A Retail store costs a lot more than an Internet-Only business.

• You have to have a nice looking store rather than a warehouse
• You have to pay sales people -- who have to look nice and have some experience with cigars -- rather than a stock person in a warehouse**
• You need to be able to handle cash
• You need humifiied display cases rather than humidified bulk storage
• And so on...

Anything (not just cigars) you purchase at a B&M store is going to cost more -- that's the whole premise behind Internet businesses. They can sell for less because their costs are lower.

Just my

(** I know that some stores do not have experienced help but I think that they all desire experienced help)

All good points. I know price is important to people, but if that is all you value then one should only order via mail order/internet. If you enjoy the ability to look at your cigars before purchase, have a place to relax, camaraderie, etc then paying extra isnt so bad. Of course, there is a line when there is a premium due to the owners costs and when the owner is just gouging.

[lenguamor]

Originally Posted by Fia

All good points. I know price is important to people, but if that is all you value then one should only order via mail order/internet. If you enjoy the ability to look at your cigars before purchase, have a place to relax, camaraderie, etc then paying extra isnt so bad. Of course, there is a line when there is a premium due to the owners costs and when the owner is just gouging.

Excellent point.

We risk Home Depot-ing ourselves right out of good B&Ms in this industry if we aren't careful.

It's all about balance.

[Minuterice]

"rare" or "hard to find" cigars can also be over priced online. A b&m near my house always has Liga Privada No. 9's in stock for cheaper then what I can find online.