CA B&M's? Really??

[Clint]

I always support small business. It's important, and it gives the "little guy" much needed revenue. I also beleive in trying to spend my money here where I live, in California. It keeps the economy moving, etc.

Having said all that, I absoloutely hate to enter a B&M anywhere here in California because the tobacco tax is so prohibitive.

Why would I spend 30% more on a box or a single when I can save that much by going online? Especially after my paycheck has already been taxed 30% or more!

And generally speaking, I don't even really mind paying taxes...I am aware that it goes to things like road repair, street lights, fire and police, etc.

I just think that enough is enough...If the state doesn't want my money, fine...I'll spend my dollars elsewhere and save my hard earned $$$.

 

[benday]

colorado is 40% tobacco tax...yuck! we are finding many local members shopping online more than ever and paying for memberships to cigar lounges to smoke.

 

[andy]

I'm a fan of the membership/subscription model. I think it might be a good solution for B&M's to combat taxing in their respective states. The lounge would have to provide things like beverages and comfortable surroundings to encourage their patrons to stick around. Which many do already. Maybe something like a member's only social club. I can't imagine its cheap to get off the ground though.

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[.jacob]

Ya, I just moved to CA and I don't expect I'll become a regular at an B&M. I saw a box of Short Stories for $350...

 

[ndn384]

There are some Local B&Ms in California that sell boxes for around the same price as online. I guess you just have to look around till you find a place that will give you a good deal.

 

[andy]

Ya, I just moved to CA and I don't expect I'll become a regular at an B&M. I saw a box of Short Stories for $350...

Don't know where in CA you are but Big Easy in Studio City is a pretty cool spot.

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[dpricenator]

CA Tax is 46% over MSRP. I have purchased 5-6 cigars from B&Ms here, and have roughly 350 smokes in my humi. As much as I would like to support ocal business, I can't justify it with the tax involved.

 

[Clint]

Don't know where in CA you are but Big Easy in Studio City is a pretty cool spot.

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Yes, I have been to The Big Easy...Fairly close to me.
But you are "obligated" to buy a stick or two when you plop down on one of their chairs or sofas. No problem, I'd have the same policy if I ran a lounge. BUT, again...that tax keeps me away.

 

[Clint]

CA Tax is 46% over MSRP. I have purchased 5-6 cigars from B&Ms here, and have roughly 350 smokes in my humi. As much as I would like to support ocal business, I can't justify it with the tax involved.

Yup. I have just about that same ratio on my NC's

 

[Le Buzz]

check out Tower in Sac, CA my B&M. Good prices. Don't know how he does it.. don't care.

Mark, the owner, is a BOTL and is good people.

 

[dpricenator]

Yeah Mark is good folks

 

[mu_brian]

I'm in the same boat. It's really tough to justify frequenting a b&m when you can buy your own sticks so cheaply online and avoid the taxes. Soon, however, you won't be able to smoke anywhere in public - beaches included - if these laws continue to pass. Bummer if you ask me...

 

[WMGF]

check out Tower in Sac, CA my B&M. Good prices. Don't know how he does it.. don't care.

Mark, the owner, is a BOTL and is good people.

Yeah I'm always surprised to see how fair their prices are. Great place.

 

[srduggins]

If it's raining at lunch time tomorrow - I'll be at a B&M. Some of them have good prices on Tats or other stuff.