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Last post 22 years ago by Slimboli. 10 replies replies.
Stock my 'dor pt. II
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CL Offline
#1 Posted: Wed, Oct 17 2001, 12:17 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2000
Posts: 855
For some reason I couldn't post again on Pawnpusher's earlier thread; maybe it's maxxed out. To continue.... Pawnpusher, to answer your original question: My suggestion would be to carry some lines the local shop doesn't carry. They have a good selection, but due to shelf space they don't carry some good lines -- look in to Puros Indios, Indian Tabac, Mayorga, Perdomo, La Perla Habana, Cupido. They carry most of the major lines, but you'll want to carry them too, such as Padron and Partagas.
hegemonic Offline
#2 Posted: Wed, Oct 17 2001, 1:14 PM EST
Joined: 01-17-2000
Posts: 1,294
Make sure you remember to carry the popular stuff too. To carry Fuente in your store, I'd suggest buying from a third party, but charging the same price as your competitor (as long as you're not taking a loss on it). Keep that stuff in stock as a service for the customer (your profit margin will be low, but the aim here is to just have it in stock and create reputability), so they know you have it in stock, meanwhile, push another comparable product that only you carry. Get to know your customers, what's good for one customer may be horrible for another. Ask them what they've smoked that they like and you'll know what to suggest to them from there. Of course you'll have to have Macanudo in stock (don't let the General Cigar rep bully you into carrying 100 facings of General products if you don't want to/can't afford to in the beginning). REMEMBER, a customer that has bought Macanudo from you, found you by mistake. Keep that customer by also selling him a comparable mild cigar that you corner the market on. I have a bunch of other tips too, and will share them to anyone interested in opening a successful cigar shop :) email me at [email protected] with any questions.
Charlie Offline
#3 Posted: Wed, Oct 17 2001, 1:44 PM EST
Joined: 06-16-2002
Posts: 39,751
Hey I believe in the American Dream and all of that, but to open a cigar store just because the competition or the existing stores were rude to you is unreal! Good luck, and be sure and carry a good line of accessories in your Tobacco Box! Charlie
rookie139 Offline
#4 Posted: Wed, Oct 17 2001, 3:00 PM EST
Joined: 03-02-2000
Posts: 2,149
To echo what the previous posts generally said, Carry lines that aren't as widely known (Estavan Cruz, Cupido, CAO, etc) but are still great smokes...I hate it when I go into a "cigar store" and all they carry are Macanudo, Partagas, and Hoyo De Monterreys (the usual everyday cigars IMHO)...The cigar stores in my area that I frequent have "boutique" cigar lines as well as the usual lines that you see in every other store...There has to be variety, with those lines that I can't easily find at other stores....Hope this helped...Keith
RICKAMAVEN Offline
#5 Posted: Wed, Oct 17 2001, 7:02 PM EST
Joined: 10-01-2000
Posts: 33,248
lubbock sounds like catalina. i know money talks, but if you ae opening a stall type shop, (like in a mall?) if the overhead isn't bad it could work. the guys are right, do your homework. people in malls seem to buy by brand and will overspend for cigars, especially wives buying prsents for their husbands. christmas is coming so this is a good time. i wish you luck.
mmay Offline
#6 Posted: Thu, Oct 18 2001, 9:28 AM EST
Joined: 06-10-2001
Posts: 121
Best of luck, CL. I agree with the other posts about carrying some of the other lines in addition to the big name brands, along with a little personality. I have been in too many shops where the proprietor acts like he/she should care less if I buy, in which case I usually do not. Trying new cigars is one of the things that makes CBI compelling. But, Rick, I never heard Lubbock compared to Catalina before. LOL. Maybe Coach Knight will come to the opening!
CL Offline
#7 Posted: Thu, Oct 18 2001, 10:03 AM EST
Joined: 02-08-2000
Posts: 855
Thanks for the wishes, mmay, but it goes to pawnpusher; I'm just a potential local customer of his! You may be on to something there -- a Knight appearance would definitely spark interest.
pawnpusher Offline
#8 Posted: Thu, Oct 18 2001, 12:35 PM EST
Joined: 09-02-2001
Posts: 25
Breaking news ... Bob Knight is going to appear at my opening!!!

I wish. Let me work on it.
stogie-man Offline
#9 Posted: Thu, Oct 18 2001, 2:39 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2001
Posts: 612
CL, is still say, get into tree work and level their shops LOL Only kiddin again Every once in a while, throw a cigar tasting at your shop and push the sticks you want to, and maybe some of the folks will purchase more of them besides others from your selections.
stogie-man Offline
#10 Posted: Thu, Oct 18 2001, 2:39 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2001
Posts: 612
CL, I still say, get into tree work and level their shops LOL Only kiddin again Every once in a while, throw a cigar tasting at your shop and push the sticks you want to, and maybe some of the folks will purchase more of them besides others from your selections.
Slimboli Offline
#11 Posted: Sat, Oct 20 2001, 5:18 PM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
That's rich ... throw a tasting at his cubside cigar push cart ...

... nothing like a dozen or more folks standing around on the sidewalk smoking cigars!
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