I'm getting ready to visit a nearby B&M for the first time. Can you offer me some tips on simple benchmarks with which to judge the selection and/or pricing of a particular B&M?
Por ejemplo, can you name a stick or two that I should look for and perhaps an average price? It obviously would have to be something common and found in most shops. I don't think a WV shop will have too many exotics.
I know absolutely nothing about brands and prices yet so barring taking a laptop and sitting in the shop comparing prices with CI I'd have no idea if the prices are decent.
Obviously I'm willing to pay more at B&M since you're paying for local availability and (hopefully) the expertise of the clerk, but I don't want to get ripped off either.
Look at all of their stock, making sure there is no mold on any sticks.
IF there is, run.
You can usually find Padrons in most B&M's. Look up the 64 anniversay price per stick than you can compare it with the shops. I usually see those at most shops.
Look at all of their stock, making sure there is no mold on any sticks.
IF there is, run.
You can usually find Padrons in most B&M's. Look up the 64 anniversay price per stick than you can compare it with the shops. I usually see those at most shops.
^This, also look for Arturo Fuentes 8-5-8, short stories, maybe Opus.plus if you buy a tubo cigar open it and look at it, really inspect the cigars' condition. It seems your not looking for a specific cigar/s, since you could just look up that cigar's price on the internet, you want to talk to the employee and see how much they can help you, ask 'em questions, don't be shy, a good B&M w/ good prices and knowledgeable employees can be hard to find.
don't expect B&M prices to be lower than what you find on CI or any other site. B&M owners have to charge more depending on what state they do business in because they have state taxes to pay and they still have to make a profit. But, if it's merely a selection issue, just go to the B&M and if they have something that you're willing to pay for that you haven't tried yet and simply buy it.
Example: I was in a B&M a couple of weeks ago just looking around. He didn't have the greatest selection(mostly General Cigar stuff) but he did have the Montecristo 75th Anniversary cigars so I picked up a Lancero for like 13 bucks(I know..overpriced, but it was there and I was there and I wanted it so I bought it) When I get to the counter he told me that he'd sell me a box of 10 for 11 dollars a piece. One stick is fine, but boxes are when I do comparison shopping. I found them online for less than his price(including the S&H I'd pay) so thanks, but no thanks.
B&M's are great for trying new smokes if they have a good selection, but boxes?...I'll check prices online and get back to ya.
Working at a B&M I can tell that we can't offer the same prices that you find online. We don't have warehouse fully stocked 24/7. However, we do offer knowledge of what we sell and personal service. B&M's also offer a place to smoke inside out of the heat! At my shop we keep the humidity just right and haven't had mold in years. If you come in and you think you see mold it's most likely plume. As far as cigars go, look to see if they have Padron X,000 series cigars, perdomo's, and CAO's. Also if they have Montecristo and R&J. If they have all this then that tells you that they have accounts with the major companies and they can typically order anything. If there's something that you're really craving for then they can probably get it.
Hard to tell you what to buy but If you start frequenting the B&M I can assure you one thing. The one I frequent most has paid enough attention to what I buy that he can always help select something outside my normal sticks. Many times a new line comes in and he will hand me one and say, try this. 9 out of 10 times I like them. I would bet he is the first smoke the new lines that come in so I trust his judgement. There are times I grab something and lay on the counter and he will take me back to the humi and say try this instead. Thats why I pay more and frequent B&Ms.
As KJHERR stated, its a temperature controlled environment and a hell of a lot of fun socializing real time. I would never price compare them as they have doors to keep open but I do know they are very reasonable. Eventually once you have shopped enough you will learn pricing and know when your being had but most in my local area are fair.
As a new enthusiast it can be daunting to walk into a B&M and not feel a bit intimidated at first esp. when the clerks show up and start talking to you about the "new" brand they just got in or something else before you even opened up your mouth to let them know what it is you like,,,certain tastes and such. Before you are shown anything just let em know you are there to 'look around' and then start looking around for:
1. Gauges or anything that will let you know what the RH is in their humidor
2. Look at their stock esp. at the foot of the cigar to see if there are tears or if there is swelling.
3. Ask how long a particular brand has been in the humidor if you are interested in purchasing it. You want it to have some rest on it before smoking esp. if they had the RH at 70% as most B&M's tend to turn it up because people go in and out all day.
For me the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff (NOT the over sell job) is key. I want to feel welcome, be able to ask questions, several of questions, be able to look over the whole stock and take my time doing it. I want to see how well stocked the store is, what the smoking area is like, if they have beverages for sale or if they have a bring your own policy.
More than anything I want to feel comfortable and invited. Pricing can't be done in one visit (IMHO). You can definitely go in with an idea of the price of a few sticks but to me you have to weigh the whole experience.
The clientele has an effect on me (I don't want to be sitting with a bunch of Aholes)
My local B&M knows my name, never pushes anything, has GREAT pricing and GREAT selection - they are family owned and I never mind paying more than a CI or Famous or JR price there (even though they are often competitive with even them!!)
So that's what I look for (and have found) in a B&M
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