Found an old cigar box

[Jfire]

I would like to say this. First off good luck in your endeavors. There are alot of small business owners on this board all routing for you! Also many B&M employees as well. Know your stock, But don't overwhelm yourself with stock at the begining. Carry a selection but keep it small and expansive if thats possible.Theres no need to carry most lines right off the bat. If I came into your B&M and found out you didnt have LFD and La raquiza and a few others but had Any Tatuaje (Brown label, Reds) I wouldn't blink a eye and would buy plenty of Tats. Your new and everyone will expect that. I imagine certain vendors want you to carry a certain balance to start. The Tatuaje and Illusione lines are one of the hottest cigars on the market. If you carry a decent lineup of these two you are off to a running start. And by now I'm shure you have heard of Don Pepin by now. Anything he touches and blends is absoulutely worth carrying. Check up with everyone on here a couple times a week even if its just to say hi. We know your bizy, but lurkers have a way of being thought about in a certain "light". These guys and gals will treat you like royalty. It sounds like a dream B&M your building. Hopefullly one day I'll be able to visit.
Justin from IL

 

[xochristy]

Thank you so much! I really need this input. Going to the cigar shops in Maine and seeing what they sell and how much of what they sell has been my research. There are only 2 others in Maine that are even close to my idea. They have nice lounge areas and humidors, but lack the VIP and entertainment area.....AND they are far enough away so not to cause any conflicts. One is an hour away the other one 1.5 hrs away. I am looking to attract the locals, not to take away from anyone else's business. That took a lot of research as well, making sure we were not stepping on anyone's toes.

Sorry it took me a while to get back to the board, was working on the business plan (NIGHTMARE) and securing the building..... over 8,000 sq. ft! We are even going to be offering a business meeting room.

I invite and welcome anyone who would like to visit once we are open. Will give you VIP treatment

Can't wait to see what goodies they will give us at the Cigar Fest! 45 + premium cigars, humidor, duffle bag, ashtray and since I bought the special shirts, sampler of 6 premium handmade cigars, plus a gift from Xikar. The parties sound like a lot of fun too. I will learn quite a bit there, maybe make some good deal connections.

 

[smokinghole]

Only problem with some of the lines listed between you and the other guys here is that you might have a hard time getting an account. Or if you have a specific kind you line want to carry I've heard of being forced to carry their other general stuff from the manufacturer you might not want just to get the stuff you do want.

 

[jgaeta]

the VIP treatment might be worth a visit....

 

[Angry Bill]

Check out other shops to see what they carry. Also check out online retailers to see what is selling well for them. With 1360 brands of cigars, there are definitely some great cigars and some dog rockets. The brand list you showed was a start, but definitely get some of the Tatuaje, Pepin, La Flor Dominicana and Illusione. They will all sell well for you.

 

[gja319]

The BFA stood for Benjamin Franklin Adams. The cigar factory was in Bangor Maine in the early 1900's. He was my great-grandfather. My grandfather sold the business in the 40's and joined the war because he didnt think he do both. I had a house fire a few years ago and the lost the last the cigar box. I would like to purchase this box from you if i could.

 

[caseabb]

You can't carry Opus. You must be allocated Opus. This only happens after you have had a Fuente account for some time. The longer you are with them the better stuff you get. I have seen young shops get nothing at first and then satrt getting Hemi Mads then maybe a box of anejos then Opus. To my knowledge you still can't call up Fuente and say ship me Opus.

 

[tatjunkie]

Here is a few that I think you might want to look into:

Tatuaje
Kristoff
Illusione

 

[Danilo]

You can't carry Opus. You must be allocated Opus. This only happens after you have had a Fuente account for some time. The longer you are with them the better stuff you get. I have seen young shops get nothing at first and then satrt getting Hemi Mads then maybe a box of anejos then Opus. To my knowledge you still can't call up Fuente and say ship me Opus.

That sucks, A new shop can't offer it's customers Opus, because they are new, so the customers that want Opus will go somewhere else... and while they are else where, why would they bother coming back? That kinda kills the new business a bit.

 

[tatjunkie]

If every store could get Opus the whole mystique would be gone! I also think that it has something to do with location to other stores that may carry Opus X. I think you have a better chance if there are no stores in the area that carry them.

 

[xochristy]

Thanks for the info, everything helps! The bank is not being very cooperative at the moment, so it may be put off for a while longer. Too bad I already put a deposit down on purchasing the building!