B&M frustrations

[CalixtoLopez]

When you buy online, you are technically responsible for paying your state tobacco taxes yourself. Obviously nobody does, but before you blame your B&M for gouging you, remember they pay the taxes and most B&M are barely getting by.

I see a lot of posts on here that insinuate that their local is ripping them off. That may be true sometimes, but usually the extra money you pay goes to taxes and the overhead that goes into giving you a local shop to smoke in and try singles of cigars before investing in a box online. There is a great value in a trusted B&M if you can find one.

I'm partial because I run a B&M but obviously this is an online community so buying online is popular here. I agree with the other posters who've recommended BOTL sponsors to buy from online and reminded you to also support your B&M when you can.

 

[CalixtoLopez]

Also, Cigar King has been great for mail orders IMO.

 

[Sirspanksalot]

I use famous-smoke.com. we have a great 15% off using the BOTLORG CODE.

Hey, @problemsolverjc is that just a code you put in when finishing your purchase?

 

[cgraunke]

I use famous-smoke.com. we have a great 15% off using the BOTLORG CODE.

Hey, @problemsolverjc is that just a code you put in when finishing your purchase?

Enter BOTLORG as a coupon code during checkout, orders of $50+

 

[wantacigar]

Check out the site sponsors. They are the ones that help keep the lights on here and all of them have excellent prices.

In addition, because you are not in the same state you will not have to pay any taxes which generally more than makes up for the extra shipping costs. From time to time they will also offer free shipping which is a nice bonus.

Famous smoke has a section of their site called cigar monster. They have a special each hour with a mashup from 10-11 (central) that includes all of the hourly deals. Most of the items also have free shipping. There are generally some pretty good deals to be had there.

On Tuesdays and Fridays cigarmonster.com has the mashup ALL DAY! Great prices AND free shipping. You can pick up some really nice fivers for $15 to $30. Plus, if you spend $50 you get a 15% discount. See this thread to explain it.
http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php/68942-Hello-From-Famous-Smokes-BOTL-s-Newest-Site-Sponsor!?highlight=famous

Also Sailsman may be able to help you out also. Just shoot him a pm

 

[Sirspanksalot]

Yea monster has some really good deals sometimes.

 

[problemsolverjc]

I use famous-smoke.com. we have a great 15% off using the BOTLORG CODE.

Hey, @problemsolverjc is that just a code you put in when finishing your purchase?

Yep... in your cart (either on famous OR on Cigarmonster) you can use BOTLORG in the coupon code spot. Only works over $50 not including shipping.

 

[problemsolverjc]

I use famous-smoke.com. we have a great 15% off using the BOTLORG CODE.

Is this code valid all the time? I use Famous a lot, but this would certainly keep me there more!

Yep... free to use all day any day!

 

[Sirspanksalot]

I use famous-smoke.com. we have a great 15% off using the BOTLORG CODE.

Is this code valid all the time? I use Famous a lot, but this would certainly keep me there more!

Yep... free to use all day any day!

Are you suggesting he buys everyday, all day?

 

[SDShark]

Sorry to hear this man. I try to go my locals to shop first before the web as well, but if their sticks aren't properly maintained and they are rude on top of that, look elsewhere! We have some great sponsors here that can offer us deals or free shipping just stay on the lookout and keep smoking! :waving:

 

[Speedbump]

Just a thought
What would the industry be without the local B&M

Do online retailers give sound advice as to what to buy based on what you smoke?

I get that some local shops are not up to the standard of others, but going in and figuring out what you want based on sound advice and then buying online from big tobacco sites just does not make much sense IMO

I have worked for a local who is a sponsor but that does not cloud my opinion of large online retailers with their bullshit pricing structures

 

[CO Smokes]

Just a thought
What would the industry be without the local B&M

Do online retailers give sound advice as to what to buy based on what you smoke?

I get that some local shops are not up to the standard of others, but going in and figuring out what you want based on sound advice and then buying online from big tobacco sites just does not make much sense IMO

I have worked for a local who is a sponsor but that does not cloud my opinion of large online retailers with their bullshit pricing structures

I agree with this 100%

 

[Deathskin]

one thing i love about the b&m is that you can pick the gars up and look at them smell them and guess by what you see how its gunna taste

 

[mdwest]

Just a thought
What would the industry be without the local B&M

Do online retailers give sound advice as to what to buy based on what you smoke?

I get that some local shops are not up to the standard of others, but going in and figuring out what you want based on sound advice and then buying online from big tobacco sites just does not make much sense IMO

I have worked for a local who is a sponsor but that does not cloud my opinion of large online retailers with their bullshit pricing structures

I agree with this to a certain degree.. (and, while I do quite a bit of shopping online and in duty free... I also religiously support two local B&Ms.. as well as occasionally visit a third in the area.. and always make a point to visit B&M's in the local area whenever I travel).. but...

there are distinct alternatives to the B&M staff giving sound advice based on what you smoke...

such as.... BOTL...

The information age is upon us.. 20 years ago a squared away employee in a B&M was probably the single best resource for information.. these days you have online reviews, blogs, forums, etc.. with bi-lateral, tri-lateral, and God only knows how many lateral conversations going on.. where experienced smokers can tell you what they have tried, what they have liked, what they didnt like, can talk to you about what you have tried and liked (or didnt like) and make recommendations, etc..etc..

To be truthful.. I find the B&Ms to be one of the least useful resources in this area these days.. I find that my circle of friends, and the information I can obtain in places like BOTL are far more reliable..

This doesnt mean I dont support the local shops.. as a general rule, I support local small businesses period (not just cigar shops).. I prefer locally owned/managed restaurants, sporting good stores, etc.. and am willing to pay the extra buck, etc.. to help keep them in business.. I find that customer service, personal touch, etc.. to be well worth the added cost..

But these days, no matter what business you are in.. you better be on your toes if you expect to compete with online establishments.. that offer convenience, typically have lower prices, etc.. and sell the same products...

 

[Speedbump]

Just a thought
What would the industry be without the local B&M

Do online retailers give sound advice as to what to buy based on what you smoke?

I get that some local shops are not up to the standard of others, but going in and figuring out what you want based on sound advice and then buying online from big tobacco sites just does not make much sense IMO

I have worked for a local who is a sponsor but that does not cloud my opinion of large online retailers with their bullshit pricing structures

I agree with this to a certain degree.. (and, while I do quite a bit of shopping online and in duty free... I also religiously support two local B&Ms.. as well as occasionally visit a third in the area.. and always make a point to visit B&M's in the local area whenever I travel).. but...

there are distinct alternatives to the B&M staff giving sound advice based on what you smoke...

such as.... BOTL...

The information age is upon us.. 20 years ago a squared away employee in a B&M was probably the single best resource for information.. these days you have online reviews, blogs, forums, etc.. with bi-lateral, tri-lateral, and God only knows how many lateral conversations going on.. where experienced smokers can tell you what they have tried, what they have liked, what they didnt like, can talk to you about what you have tried and liked (or didnt like) and make recommendations, etc..etc..

To be truthful.. I find the B&Ms to be one of the least useful resources in this area these days.. I find that my circle of friends, and the information I can obtain in places like BOTL are far more reliable..

This doesnt mean I dont support the local shops.. as a general rule, I support local small businesses period (not just cigar shops).. I prefer locally owned/managed restaurants, sporting good stores, etc.. and am willing to pay the extra buck, etc.. to help keep them in business.. I find that customer service, personal touch, etc.. to be well worth the added cost..

But these days, no matter what business you are in.. you better be on your toes if you expect to compete with online establishments.. that offer convenience, typically have lower prices, etc.. and sell the same products...

And that is why we have our own opinions

 

[dustin.pike]

Support your local B&M's if you can. As nice as it is to support this site and its sponsors I think its a good bit more important to support your local businesses. Maybe mix it up and buy what you cant find in your B&M from a sponsor but keep going to your local shop for what you can find.

THIS! Should always try to support a B&M when possible.

 

[Mr.Maduro]

one thing i love about the b&m is that you can pick the gars up and look at them smell them and guess by what you see how its gunna taste

And sit down and smoke with like minded cigar loving fools!

 

[dustin.pike]

one thing i love about the b&m is that you can pick the gars up and look at them smell them and guess by what you see how its gunna taste

And sit down and smoke with like minded cigar loving fools!

Cigars became so much more enjoyable when I found a great B&M with a great group of regulars. You meet some interesting people who share the same love as you do. Can't beat it.

 

[TheFoosh]

ya, online can def be cheaper, but if you get good service and a good place. an extra buck to smoke it then aint too bad

 

[mjohop]

There are some great online retailers who advertise on this site.

I understand your frustration though. With 5 local B&Ms you'd think the pricing would be more competitive. Barring taxes, there isn't really a reason to go over MSRP if you want to stay competitive. The thing I notice with a lot of B&Ms who tend to have ridiculous prices is their overhead is also outrageous and they try to factor in the pricing.

But, everything is worth what someone will pay for it. There are stores that sell Opus Robustos for $30+ all day long. I've even seen stores have a tiered pricing program where if you are a member of the lounge you get the stick at MSRP, "outsiders", so to speak, get charged significantly more.