Legitimacy to Tobacconist University?

[smokinghole]

I remember when this place launched it's site not too long ago. I got put on the mailing list and they send out regular letters. Has the concept taken a foothold anywhere? I know they have some big name players from Miami Cigar Co., La Aurora and a few big name retailers.

Do you guys think it adds any legitimacy to a store having a certified retail tobacconist working? I do know some places have people working that don't really know about cigars or pipes and do not smoke them. So would you walking through the door at a place displaying the Tobacconist University seal make you feel any warmer inside. Granted a retailer trained to a specified level is more geared to the less informed customers.

 

[daniyal]

No idea bro.. I've seen their website and it has some great info not sure if it would make me feel any better walking into a place displaying its seal.

 

[jmatkins]

I don't konw if I care too much now a days for myself. I know what I like and how I like them stored. I would like a B&M to have a educated person selling for the new smokers coming into the mix so they do not miss lead them. I too have ben to there website and have liked some of the info that I have gotten.

 

[Moro]

I find the information and videos on it to be more than good; and actually yesterday I stumbled upon their retailer list (some big names like Outlaw). Then I thought about the exact same thing ye ask, and I thought if it would matter to me. In a way it would: not because it is TU approved, but because seing they have that would show me the worry about being able to offer me, consumer, information and advice, and not just the cigars they've seen highly rated in CA. If they didn't have it, yet they still were well informed, it would be good anyways; but I loathe those who have no idea of what they're selling.

 

[VirginIslander]

I don't think I would, it'd kinda be like choosing a bar based on whether or not their bartenders went to bartending school. Most bartenders have never been to a bartending school.

 

[coppereagl]

So I havent been to many cigar stores, but to me(especially being new) the two best signs would be
1). the retailer actually smoking a cigar, and enjoying it(prefferably one similar to what hes recommending for me) , if he can smoke in his shop that is, damn hippie laws
2). and the retailer staff being personal and honest, not acting like a snob. Ive had many problems with snobbery when I tried shopping at some wine stores, and some restaraunt Sommelier's, not all of them but enough to mention. Maybe cigar shops dont have this problem, but I could easily imagine the cigar snobs exsist as well.

Being a new guy I probably wouldnt notice the Tobacco University Seal, or might even think it was a gimick. However a similar institution I have come to know and respect is the University of Colorado Brewmaster course. I have tried many beers from companies and students who got their start from there and have always enjoyed their products. So maybe you are onto something here, afterall knowledge is power. If your store and staff were great and I enjoyed my purchase I would undoubtedly associate the T.U. Seal with good cigar people, much like i do with the brothers of BOTL. Lol I hope I am some help, I realize that this whole reply is just me thinking out loud.:thumbsup:

 

[Soundwave13]

Would a stamp of approval make a difference? I don't know- perhaps now, after reading up on the TU.

Regardless of certification - if I ran a B&M, I would encourage everyone to read as much info as possible from that site - what an incredible resource for tobacco education. I think that they cover a lot of ground & find it very interesting. They miss some things, but I believe it's a 'work in progress' that is extreemly valuable if you have interest in cigars, pipes or being involved in (tobacco) retail in any way, shape or form...

Thank you for posting this - Great source of info!

 

[dpricenator]

I don't think I would, it'd kinda be like choosing a bar based on whether or not their bartenders went to bartending school. Most bartenders have never been to a bartending school.

True, but you wouldn't offer a 21 year old girl an "OLd Fashioned" or a Gin Martini, any more than you would offer a 70 year old lady a Chocholate martini. A little education is good for any one operating a business. I don't like walikng in to the B&M here and having the guy offer me a $30 Gurkha, the size of my arm, when I asked for a Nicaraguan Petite Corona. The guy has no idea what he's selling or where they are from. I wonder if he takes care of the humidification as well?

 

[d_day]

I don't think having a TU sticker in the window would make me feel any better about any place. Just because one person from the shop went to school does not mean any others that work there have.

 

[smokinghole]

Only reason I ask is I wonder if my local B&M would be even interested in pursuing a few certifications. I think the more people certified the more legitimacy it will garner. I do believe it would help a store with new people in particular or those unfamiliar with luxury tobacco in general. Many of us know what we want and what we like so it wouldn't really make any difference.

I guess it's kind of like getting your hair cut by me or getting your hair cut by someone that went through beauty school. So who wants a haircut?

 

[Mitch]

Mixed feelings on this, I think an enthusiastic new hire who memorizes well would put me off by not having the experience to match his academic knowledge. I also think many veteran smokers repeat hearsay with little to back it up so they could gain alot. I guess I just want someone honest with an opinion of there own. I doubt the piece of paper would mean anything to me, I'll judge based on the first minute of talking with them.

 

[cigarguy71]

I like a person who knows his are her cigars. There are times that I go to my local shop. And get a little frustrated when they don't no what they should imo. Then I am like were is Wade.

 

[carocaniac]

I can say that I work in the pipe and cigar industry on the sales level. We are a small buisness but have been in the same place for 38 years. I am not a certified tobacconist but I train under one. Our owner instills knowledge on us from day one. You have to have a passion to work around tobacco, first it starts as a hobby - then you can make it a career. The most frustrating thing in tobacco to me is the customer who thinks they know all but refuses to accept they really don't know anything! I'd rather someone be humble up front and say, Help me! I would then have the same incentive that my boss put in me a while ago, the thirst for cigar knowledge!

 

[CWS]

The service industrys are really going for the "certification" process. Almost every industry now has a certification process that ends with their seal of approval. Education is a good thing. Does it matter to me. Not really. I like service. Went to a cigar dinner last night at the Watermark in Ventura. As we left I stopped to thank our hosts. Jim and his daughter both stopped what they were doing, shook my hand grabbed my shoulder, looked me in the eye and thanked me for coming like I was a long lost relative. I have had the same experience in many cigar stores. Make me feel at home and that you really care about what I want. Then i will come back. I know what i like to smoke, after a few visits I may even ask for a suggestion. A very wise store owner once told me that new customers rarely listen to his suggestions, but if one of the guys smoking in the store suggests a smoke they will buy it almost everytime. he says he spends his time making the atmosphere comfortable and friendly, stocking the best stuff he can, and his regulars handle the rest. Not sure you can learn that anywhere but in the school of hard knocks.