Does this seem right to you?

irratebass · 08-26-2012, 04:05 PM

My friend went to a local B&M because I received an email and told him that some new sticks were in.

He went and picked up a few for me and I asked him how much they were his response was "Very expensive, but very yummy."

So, again I asked him how much and his response was "Between $15-$30!!!" I couldn't believe this, so I went online and found 2 of these cigars pictured below, the Octoberfest and La Duena for $7.50-$8.75

This really upsets me that this B&M would hike the price up an extra $7-$14.....I heard about taxes, but c'mon......I want to support this business, but if I can get them for WAY less online why bother? Any feedback??

Ogre · 08-26-2012, 04:09 PM

Depending on where your friend is, that may be right. Some states like New York have a 70% tobacco tax. There is also the possibility of additional mark-up. We have a shop here that charges on average $1-$2 above retail. Why you ask, "Because We Can", is the response I got when asked.

markem · 08-26-2012, 04:12 PM

The nice thing about a free country is that you can take your business elsewhere. It's a hard lesson, but I never ask someone to buy sticks for me unless I know what it will cost.

Ismith75 · 08-26-2012, 04:15 PM

That seems to be in the ballpark for the PG's.

irratebass · 08-26-2012, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogre

Depending on where your friend is, that may be right. Some states like New York have a 70% tobacco tax. There is also the possibility of additional mark-up. We have a shop here that charges on average $1-$2 above retail. Why you ask, "Because We Can", is the response I got when asked.

It was Alan Larry, we are both in Indiana and I just couldn't make it so he went instead.

maninblack · 08-26-2012, 05:17 PM

Ouch. Lesson learned.

poriggity · 08-26-2012, 05:21 PM

Being from the land of taxes, aka California... I have succombed to pretty much ordering all my cigars online.... Not to mention, the only decent cigar shop with a lounge in the area is no longer in business. There is a decent cigar shop near my work, but there is no lounge, and no smoking in the shop. I will occasionally pick up some smokes from there, but they are $$$. Online is where it's at.
Scott

Zane · 08-26-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irratebass

It was Alan Larry, we are both in Indiana and I just couldn't make it so he went instead.

I am on the north side of Indy and we have 2 local B&M's here. I find usually a 2 to 3 dollar markup at one and a 4 to 5 at the other compared to online. And that is before taxes......

oooo35980 · 08-26-2012, 10:02 PM

There is a B&M here that marks up LPs and other semi-htf sticks 100% or more. In Alabama where taxes aren't bad at all, it's just gouging. That same place also sells wine at damn near restaurant prices. Some proprieters will charge whatever they can get people to pay.

They might even need to charge such high prices to pay rent, if people who know cigars don't come to your store because the prices are stupid high then your business will rely on the odd curious newby than comes in and doesn't know what cigars are worth. So if your prices are too high to start with and run all the customers away, then prices just have to keep going up, next thing you know you're selling LP9s for $25.00

That's my theory, anyway.

MedicCook · 08-27-2012, 12:02 AM

You also have to take into account that the online big boxes are buying the cigars in larger quantities than the local B&M so the online places buy cheaper and sell cheaper. It's just like Wal*Mart coming into your neighborhood and putting the local family owned shop out of business.

area51 · 08-27-2012, 01:31 AM

This is my take on all this. Take it for what it's worth. I love my B&M, great place run by a great guy. The thing is he is a little overpriced compared to online vendors. That is because of state taxes and such. I understand that. What I do however is if he has a stick I have yet to try, I will pick up 1 or 2 just to support him. I will then buy a box online if I truly like it. To each their own however.

jdakine · 08-27-2012, 01:50 AM

There is one B&M on Maui and no smoking in the shop. There about a handfull or less on Oahu and the tobacco tax is 50% in Hawaii. I always travel with my own cigars, but when visiting a B&M, I will always purchase a couple of cigars to support their business.

I don't have to buy the most expensive cigar in the shop, but it must be nice to have them around, to sit and light up a smoke and enjoy the moment. Just saying.......

irratebass · 08-27-2012, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZaneG

I am on the north side of Indy and we have 2 local B&M's here. I find usually a 2 to 3 dollar markup at one and a 4 to 5 at the other compared to online. And that is before taxes......

This was at Indy Cigar Bar

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedicCook

You also have to take into account that the online big boxes are buying the cigars in larger quantities than the local B&M so the online places buy cheaper and sell cheaper. It's just like Wal*Mart coming into your neighborhood and putting the local family owned shop out of business.

This is exactly why I want to support my local B&M's

Quote:

Originally Posted by area51

This is my take on all this. Take it for what it's worth. I love my B&M, great place run by a great guy. The thing is he is a little overpriced compared to online vendors. That is because of state taxes and such. I understand that. What I do however is if he has a stick I have yet to try, I will pick up 1 or 2 just to support him. I will then buy a box online if I truly like it. To each their own however.

Now this I didn't think about, nice strategy.

drevim · 08-27-2012, 05:42 AM

Down here in Evansville, IN, we have a couple of pretty decent B&Ms. But one is quite a bit better. I've personally witnessed an employee from the second shop come into the better one, purchase a box, then go back to their shop and mark them up $4-5 a stick.

Pretty much have stopped visiting shop #2.

kelmac07 · 08-27-2012, 05:51 AM

I'm with the majority here. I really do want to support my local B&M, so I stop in periodically to pick up a few sticks (new releases I want to try) and if I enjoy them, I'll buy a box online. Best time to buy boxes from a B&M are during cigar events. While I don't like the mark up...fully understand it. Now for the folks in the high tax states...I feel for ya brothers.

Subvet642 · 08-27-2012, 06:33 AM

I think I'm also in the majority here. The B&M in my neighborhood has good prices and sells at MSRP, even Opus, but if a B&M decides to mark-up their prices to ridiculous levels, then why should I (or anyone else) support them? Customer loyalty isn't automatic, nor should it be, but it must be reciprocal; a business gets my loyalty when they earn it.

Zane · 08-27-2012, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irratebass

This was at Indy Cigar Bar.

Well. That's the issue heh. I have only been there a few times but since its not a typical B&M its beyond marke

CigarSquid · 08-27-2012, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poriggity

Being from the land of taxes, aka California... I have succombed to pretty much ordering all my cigars online.... Not to mention, the only decent cigar shop with a lounge in the area is no longer in business. There is a decent cigar shop near my work, but there is no lounge, and no smoking in the shop. I will occasionally pick up some smokes from there, but they are $$$. Online is where it's at.
Scott

Pretty much my deal here in Southern Oregon. Very rarely do I buy local.. If I can get a free shipping(which happens 99.99% of the time) it is always cheaper.

Sucks not to buy local, but in an effort to help them, I need to help myself save money as well.

mosesbotbol · 08-27-2012, 08:40 AM

How are there prices on cigars you are familiar with? Maybe he had to pay a premium to get them, hence the high price? Maybe the high price is push customers to another cigar instead?

irratebass · 08-27-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drevim

Down here in Evansville, IN, we have a couple of pretty decent B&Ms. But one is quite a bit better. I've personally witnessed an employee from the second shop come into the better one, purchase a box, then go back to their shop and mark them up $4-5 a stick.

Pretty much have stopped visiting shop #2.

Wow! That's a D1ick move for sure.

08-26-2012, 04:05 PM	#1
irratebass EMPEROR TOMPKINS Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Mickey Location: Mooresville, Indiana Posts: 8,313 Trading: (48)	Does this seem right to you? My friend went to a local B&M because I received an email and told him that some new sticks were in. He went and picked up a few for me and I asked him how much they were his response was "Very expensive, but very yummy." So, again I asked him how much and his response was "Between $15-$30!!!" I couldn't believe this, so I went online and found 2 of these cigars pictured below, the Octoberfest and La Duena for $7.50-$8.75 This really upsets me that this B&M would hike the price up an extra $7-$14.....I heard about taxes, but c'mon......I want to support this business, but if I can get them for WAY less online why bother? Any feedback?? __________________

08-26-2012, 04:12 PM	#3
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,530 Trading: (47)	Re: Does this seem right to you? The nice thing about a free country is that you can take your business elsewhere. It's a hard lesson, but I never ask someone to buy sticks for me unless I know what it will cost. __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

08-26-2012, 04:15 PM	#4
Ismith75 Tin Cup Chalice Join Date: Nov 2010 First Name: Ian Location: Chicago Posts: 373 Trading: (8)	Re: Does this seem right to you? That seems to be in the ballpark for the PG's. __________________ It's THIS Easy To Help Our Troops.

08-26-2012, 05:17 PM	#6
maninblack Will smoke for food Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Kevin Location: Where the hoot owls f$ck the chickens Posts: 10,637 Trading: (80)	Re: Does this seem right to you? Ouch. Lesson learned. __________________ Proud member of the GMCGTPWHAFA

08-26-2012, 05:21 PM	#7
poriggity Cigar Zombie Fo Life! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Lake Arrowhead, Ca Posts: 806 Trading: (13)	Re: Does this seem right to you? Being from the land of taxes, aka California... I have succombed to pretty much ordering all my cigars online.... Not to mention, the only decent cigar shop with a lounge in the area is no longer in business. There is a decent cigar shop near my work, but there is no lounge, and no smoking in the shop. I will occasionally pick up some smokes from there, but they are $$$. Online is where it's at. Scott __________________ Bearded Dad Blog

08-26-2012, 04:09 PM	#2
Ogre **CENSORED** Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Larry Location: Central Florida Posts: 12,068 Trading: (46)	Re: Does this seem right to you? Depending on where your friend is, that may be right. Some states like New York have a 70% tobacco tax. There is also the possibility of additional mark-up. We have a shop here that charges on average $1-$2 above retail. Why you ask, "Because We Can", is the response I got when asked. __________________

08-26-2012, 10:02 PM	#9
oooo35980 Feeling at Home Join Date: Mar 2011 First Name: Isaiah Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 569 Trading: (3)	Re: Does this seem right to you? There is a B&M here that marks up LPs and other semi-htf sticks 100% or more. In Alabama where taxes aren't bad at all, it's just gouging. That same place also sells wine at damn near restaurant prices. Some proprieters will charge whatever they can get people to pay. They might even need to charge such high prices to pay rent, if people who know cigars don't come to your store because the prices are stupid high then your business will rely on the odd curious newby than comes in and doesn't know what cigars are worth. So if your prices are too high to start with and run all the customers away, then prices just have to keep going up, next thing you know you're selling LP9s for $25.00 That's my theory, anyway.

08-27-2012, 12:02 AM	#10
MedicCook Mila smoked my cigar Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Ryan Location: Schaghticoke, NY Posts: 10,946 Trading: (7)	Re: Does this seem right to you? You also have to take into account that the online big boxes are buying the cigars in larger quantities than the local B&M so the online places buy cheaper and sell cheaper. It's just like Wal*Mart coming into your neighborhood and putting the local family owned shop out of business. __________________ 27 World Series Championship's "If your wife doesn't like the aroma of your cigar, change your wife.", Zino Davidoff

08-27-2012, 01:31 AM	#11
area51 Blowing Smoke Rings Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Ken Location: Tejas Posts: 1,259 Trading: (3)	Re: Does this seem right to you? This is my take on all this. Take it for what it's worth. I love my B&M, great place run by a great guy. The thing is he is a little overpriced compared to online vendors. That is because of state taxes and such. I understand that. What I do however is if he has a stick I have yet to try, I will pick up 1 or 2 just to support him. I will then buy a box online if I truly like it. To each their own however. __________________

08-27-2012, 01:50 AM	#12
jdakine Sawadee Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Jay Location: Republic of Maui Posts: 2,481 Trading: (34)	Re: Does this seem right to you? There is one B&M on Maui and no smoking in the shop. There about a handfull or less on Oahu and the tobacco tax is 50% in Hawaii. I always travel with my own cigars, but when visiting a B&M, I will always purchase a couple of cigars to support their business. I don't have to buy the most expensive cigar in the shop, but it must be nice to have them around, to sit and light up a smoke and enjoy the moment. Just saying....... __________________ Live your life to the fullist and smoke your favorate cigars

08-27-2012, 05:42 AM	#14
drevim On the inside looking out Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ian Location: In the Asylum Posts: 290 Trading: (6)	Re: Does this seem right to you? Down here in Evansville, IN, we have a couple of pretty decent B&Ms. But one is quite a bit better. I've personally witnessed an employee from the second shop come into the better one, purchase a box, then go back to their shop and mark them up $4-5 a stick. Pretty much have stopped visiting shop #2. __________________ "We're the fragile elite, they dragged off the street. I guess they just couldn't take us no more...We're all crazy"

08-27-2012, 05:51 AM	#15
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Does this seem right to you? I'm with the majority here. I really do want to support my local B&M, so I stop in periodically to pick up a few sticks (new releases I want to try) and if I enjoy them, I'll buy a box online. Best time to buy boxes from a B&M are during cigar events. While I don't like the mark up...fully understand it. Now for the folks in the high tax states...I feel for ya brothers. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

08-27-2012, 06:33 AM	#16
Subvet642 Bilge Rat Join Date: Nov 2009 First Name: Darren Location: Torpedo Room Bilge Posts: 2,997 Trading: (13)	Re: Does this seem right to you? I think I'm also in the majority here. The B&M in my neighborhood has good prices and sells at MSRP, even Opus, but if a B&M decides to mark-up their prices to ridiculous levels, then why should I (or anyone else) support them? Customer loyalty isn't automatic, nor should it be, but it must be reciprocal; a business gets my loyalty when they earn it. __________________ *"Man's mind is his basic tool of survival. Life is given to him, survival is not." -John Galt*

08-27-2012, 08:40 AM	#19
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Does this seem right to you? How are there prices on cigars you are familiar with? Maybe he had to pay a premium to get them, hence the high price? Maybe the high price is push customers to another cigar instead? __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's