cigar wholesalers

[tom nook]

Hello,

I am kicking around the idea of opening a cigar shop in my area (as there don't really seem to be many good ones). I have read lots of articles on starting up such a business, and have experience writing business plans. What I can't seem to find, however, is where to get cigars at wholesale cost using my tax id / reseller licence. Any smoke shop owners out there that may be able to point me towards a few of these distributors?

Thank you

 

[WhiteLightning]

You should be able to contact the companies directly and they should set up an account for you and give you their stipulations.

 

[dpricenator]

Yep, gotta go to them your self. Aside from General and Altadis, who distribute a multitude of cigars. Not that I am suggesting you carry thier lines most of them are junk as you may know. As far as the good stuff like Fuente, Pardon, Tatuaje, you just have to set up retailer accts with them.

 

[Mitch]

Start by contacting the manufacturers directly and try to talk to the head of sales, don't settle for anyone in sales if you can do better a VP of sales can offer better deals than the underlings.

You should be trying to negotiate for more than just a wholesale price. You may be able to get free samples or special promotions because you are opening a new shop, free displays, ashtrays, pens, cutters, signs, posters, art, etc. What you have to negotiate with is how large of a selection and well placed their product will be, signs that advertise their products etc. See if they are flexible on terms, you may be able to get your first shipments with invoices not due for 30, 60 or even 90 days to help you out (depends on your credit of course). Don't be against checking out cigar shops in your state for someone looking for an exit plan in a bad economy, you can often buy out existings inventories for 10 to 20 cents on the dollar. I'd also watch Cigarbid and start taking notes of what things sell for, I've gotten several boxes from them for less than wholesale cost. Bid often and lose most often, but when you win it's worth it. Also, check with places like Cigars International and see about a wholesale account with them, I beleive they offer them and although they may not have the best price all the time, they may offer other advantages like getting in on their purchasing power for limited deals or ordering small quantities from brands that may not ship direct without large minimum orders. Good luck, I was a buyer for many years, so if you ever want to chat about the tricks of the trade, PM me and we'll get on the phone.

 

[tom nook]

Thanks for the info gents. For some reason I assumed there would be a lot of cigar distributors. Ill just go straight to the companies, as you suggested.

Also, sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. Things have been crazy.

 

[xochristy]

I too am starting a new shop, getting the distributors has been the hardest part so far. Where are you planning to open your shop?

 

[carocaniac]

I wish you all the best...

 

[hank_612]

I am also starting up a shop right now. I am opening a tinderbox franchise. I have a lot of resources at my disposal thanks to them and would be glad to help you find contacts if you are having trouble. Good luck to both of you. We will all need a little. We should chat once in a while to help each other with issues we are all encountering. What state are you going to be in Tom? Feel free to PM if you want to be more private. Same goes for you Christy.

Also if there are any Veteran Shop owners out there who would be to give a few newbies some advice that would be great.

 

[Poriggity]

I know in CA, there are quite a few manufacturers (padron, fuente, etc) that won't sell to you unless you have a california tobacco distributors license, which costs $1000/year in this state....
Scott

 

[Halon]

Surely you know someone who owns a B&M, so my advice would be to get a pass to this year's IPCPR. Go there and talk directly to the manufacturers and open some accounts would be my advice.


TYLER

 

[jwintosh]

:thumbsup:

 

[Holy_Diver]

great info, Thx Mitch!

 

[xochristy]

Thank you! My plans are on hold for a few more weeks. The bank got back to us and said the underwriter doesn't want to deal with my hubby because he takes nude photos of women! Can you believe that crap? He is also a wildlife and scenery photographer, but he went to our website and saw a nude pic and has his mind set on it. So now I have to talk the bank into doing it without an underwriter and putting my house up for collateral. It WILL happen! catnat.com is this offensive to you?