B & M vs. Internet?

[NCRadioMan]

Singles - B&M
Boxes - internet vendor

I understand his reaction as I work in a b&m. It's best to not mention internet vendors when in a b&m, imo.

[Smokin Gator]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Singles - B&M
Boxes - internet vendor

Even though he isn't stupid!!!

I doubt I would say to anyone in a B&M that I was going to order something from an online vendor. Nothing good could come of it in most cases.

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Singles - B&M
Boxes - internet vendor

I understand his reaction as I work in a b&m. It's best to not mention internet vendors when in a b&m, imo.

Even singles you can save money online by finding sampler packs and such.

As far as discussing buying online while at a local shop, I wouldn't if the local shop carries the same thing you bought. If they don't carry it though, I don't see the harm. They wouldn't have made the sale either way. Might be able to turn it into a conversation on whether they could get that cigar for you. Still might keep it to myself though just to avoid the possible strain it might put on the conversation.

Most of them can't compete with the buying power of the online shops (Unless they belong to a big chain), and they don't like being reminded of it. For example, I can get a 5-pack of RP Olde World Reserve for less than $25 online. They're $9.70 each at my local shop.

Local shop has a few things going for it though. More personal interaction; you can actually talk to someone as you browse and get opinions. You can see the actual item you will be buying, not a picure that was likely touched up with Photoshop. You don't have to wait for the item to come in the mail. Instant gratification. No Shipping Costs.

[TripleF]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Singles - B&M
Boxes - internet vendor

I understand his reaction as I work in a b&m. It's best to not mention internet vendors when in a b&m, imo.

Yup I work in a B&M too!

[68TriShield]

I always support my local B&Ms with singles,and box purchases as well.
You'll never find me buying only one cigar.
I spent 60 dollars today on a whim.I should have bought 2 A.Fuente Rosados instead of one ..doh!

[Skywalker]

Originally Posted by T.G

Didn't you guys lean anything from legend? Sheez, everyone knows that internet cigars are inferior!

Originally Posted by Kreth

Kreth is of the opinion that sticks obtained from an online vendor are of lesser quality, no more than a 40 on the Kreth rating scale.

And that's when the fight started!!!

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

I always support my local B&Ms with singles,and box purchases as well.
You'll never find me buying only one cigar.
I spent 60 dollars today on a whim.I should have bought 2 A.Fuente Rosados instead of one ..doh!

Nice one, Dave!!!


To answer the op: I buy at the b&m to support the b&m, and I buy online to support my hobby.

[Pat1075]

I work at a B&M as well and I love it. Not only do we provide the upfront service of educating people about cigars or helping them choose one (should they need it). And as you all well know I do buy online from time to time mostly CC. But Up here in MN we have a rediculously high cigar tax and when those came down the pike well we had to slash our own throat. Another thing you guys need to know is that distributers aren't making life any easier lately. I mean RP and AF, Ashton and all the boutique guys are playing nice but the big branders are putting the screws to everyone in their pricing unless you want quantity that virtually no one can afford. So these are just some things you
But we're pipe guys too and well that is a whole nother thing that is starting to go away. Yeah I can buy a pipe online but I can't look for pits or fills or really inspect the grain pattern and that my friends is why we matter. And that is another place that the B&M rules overall. well more like a nickel

[Shadow]

I work at local B&M and I told the owner who is a good friend of mine that if carries it I buy from him. If he doesn't carry it I buy on-line.

[Volusianator]

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Singles - B&M
Boxes - internet vendor

I understand his reaction as I work in a b&m.

Very interesting. You work in a B&M but yet advocate buying boxes online? Odd. I too work at a cigar shop and will fight to the bitter end that the days of B&M stores is going to be soon over if we continue that way of thinking. I'd rather pay a few extra bucks to help ensure that in the cold sub zero winter months in WI, I have a place to go and smoke a cigar inside.

[76GTFan]

Originally Posted by Volusianator

Very interesting. You work in a B&M but yet advocate buying boxes online? Odd. I too work at a cigar shop and will fight to the bitter end that the days of B&M stores is going to be soon over if we continue that way of thinking. I'd rather pay a few extra bucks to help ensure that in the cold sub zero winter months in WI, I have a place to go and smoke a cigar inside.

I would rather just smoke at a cigar friendly bar. I worked in B&M's as well and understand their pain vs. online. But here it is:

People who purchase online don't necessarily need a B&M there to tell them what to try and whatnot. I can get that information at places like CA or other review boards. I worked in a shop for 4.5 years, and most of my self obtained knowledge was from buying and learning online. Granted alot of folks on here giving the advice could be B&M owners, but then why give the knowledge online instead of your store.

I respect the store owners and try and give them as much business as is practical, but the fact is I am a consumer and will always look for the best deal/value.

My dream in later life is to open a B&M, but I will plan on having MUCH more up front capital than alot of these guys that have opened in the past 5-10 years, because I know that I will always have to compete w/ these big online vendors.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by LORD PUFFER

I would rather just smoke at a cigar friendly bar.

Not everyone has that option with state smoking bans. I know I do not.

[Volusianator]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Not everyone has that option with state smoking bans. I know I do not.

WI will have a state wide smoking ban starting June 7th. Finally cigarettes will NOT be allowed in the shop, and of course a "cigar friendly" bar won't be found either.

[76GTFan]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Not everyone has that option with state smoking bans. I know I do not.

I can understand that. If I was on that side of the coin I may have more reason to support B&M's. Until then I will donate to lobbyists to change the tax laws. Which in turn will help out the B&M's. Which in turn, hopefully will lower their pricing.

Like I said, I will do everything I practically can to support them. I just can't afford to be a cigar smoker buying from them.

[timo]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Not everyone has that option with state smoking bans. I know I do not.

I chuckled when I read that. A cigar friendly bar? That would be the local cigar lounge here. BYOB

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Volusianator

Very interesting. You work in a B&M but yet advocate buying boxes online? Odd. I too work at a cigar shop and will fight to the bitter end that the days of B&M stores is going to be soon over if we continue that way of thinking. I'd rather pay a few extra bucks to help ensure that in the cold sub zero winter months in WI, I have a place to go and smoke a cigar inside.

I'm not advocating anything. To each his own. That is just what I do.

FWIW, the boxes I buy are ones you can't get at the store.