Cigar Shop Pet Peeve

Started by Kman, 10/03/2019 12:36 PM

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Kman

To me, there is nothing more annoying in buying from a cigar shop than the overly helpful sales clerk. I get it. Lots of people don't know a lot about cigars and you're trying to help. But when you ask what I'm looking for and I tell you that I'm checking out the selection, that should be the end of it. I don't need the followup, "well what is your taste profile?" and "we have some really fantastic Ghurka's over here". 

 

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StogieDad

:LMAO:

There are several shops I have visited that I will never walk in again because they walked behind me like I was going to stick some in my pocket.  Then they try and pick my cigar for me.  Like, dude, I have a bigger selection at home than you do here, back the hell up....If I want it I will buy it.

Then there are the shops that say OK, wait for me back at the counter, and may even let me know if there are a few special ones stashed behind the counter or they haven't put out yet.  That is the stuff right there.
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ninfiction

There's a shop in town here that I stopped going to because the guy would always follow me around. I'm alright with a guy asking if I need help, but I'm with Kerry, if I say no thanks that should be the end of it.

Usually when a guy asks if I need help I'll ask him if he's smoked whatever I might be looking for. That usually is enough of a hint that I don't need much help, since I'm not asking about whatever dog rocket they like to push on noobs.
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appollo

I wish I had something to complain about up here in Nova Scotia.When I go in Cuba they just let me walk in the Humidor and she always lets me know if she has something special stashed. :-)

Cfickter

Don't run into that too often, but that might be because I spend so much time there they know me!
Nah! how can you spend too much time in a B&M?
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Beegerply

My saying has become when they ask me what I like to smoke, I tell them what ever is my hand and it won't be a Gurka. :biggrin:
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benchjockey

I visited a B&M not long after it changed ownership and while renovations were still ongoing. The young salesman followed me around making suggestions. At one point he handed me a cigar in which I had no interest. I didn't return for a long time, but the new owner ran a good shop. I became a regular. Never saw the young salesman again.
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headfirst

I don't go in B&M's often, mostly because the CA tobacco tax is so absurd, around 75%.  Agreed on all this, there are shops that don't shadow you in the humidor and it's a pleasure to peruse and pick something out to help support them.

The one bad experience I've had was in a shop that was obviously set up to be a really nice shop, nicely appointed in every respect, nice lounging chairs, etc, right on State Street in Santa Barbara.  The guy didn't shadow me but checked on me every couple minutes and got more and more perturbed the longer I looked around to the point where he told me this isn't the cigar shop for me and as I took the hint and headed for the door he felt the need to escort me.  That was the day I registered on Yelp... :uzi:
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arrow34

#8
Quoteheadfirst - 10/3/2019  7:52 PM

I don't go in B&M's often, mostly because the CA tobacco tax is so absurd, around 75%.  Agreed on all this, there are shops that don't shadow you in the humidor and it's a pleasure to peruse and pick something out to help support them.

The one bad experience I've had was in a shop that was obviously set up to be a really nice shop, nicely appointed in every respect, nice lounging chairs, etc, right on State Street in Santa Barbara.  The guy didn't shadow me but checked on me every couple minutes and got more and more perturbed the longer I looked around to the point where he told me this isn't the cigar shop for me and as I took the hint and headed for the door he felt the need to escort me.  That was the day I registered on Yelp... :uzi:

Wow.  Sounds like they deserved that review.  I guess they were doing so well that they didnt need your patronage.  

I have only had that happen at a few places, being followed around.  It is annoying and a good salesman should know how to read a customer, especially in this industry.  If they ask you once for help and you say no thanks, just looking at what you have new.  They have the choice of saying, 1. ok, let me know if you need anything or any help. 2.(if they know their stock) We got in a,b,c. and I will let you browse.  I also hate it when they try to drop some knowledge on me that isnt needed or ask my flavor profile etc.  I have a tendency to drop some knowledge back and overload them... its fun.  

One recent exp I had was to go to a local lounge that is pretty good, they have a nice selection and some gorgeous wait staff (this is the only cigar bar that has pretty young ladies that I have been to.  Most tend to have gents running it?  Anyone else chime in...)  and they tend to not know much about the booze or cigars in general.  I dont mind.  easy on the eyes.  BUT, went back recently and was browsing their humidor and this stunning bartender comes in and asks if I need anything and I did... I took a chance and asked about a few Steve Staka sticks I was looking for and she actually knew what I was talking about and checked the secret stash!  If I wasnt already married...  That is a great lounge, too bad I mainly go to another lounge because that is where my herf hangs.

Chefjohn

I've only been the the B & M around here a couple of times and they've been very nice. Asked me what I was looking for and invited me to look around and feel free to let them know if they can help. Very courteous and welcoming.
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

Kid Montana

My number one peeve at cigar shop is when they have moldy cigars.  I'm pretty conscientious about pointing it out, because some corners can go unnoticed but I head for the door when they don't seem to care, or just say "yea those are pretty old, its plume."


I'd rather have a cigar...

Murphy223

I agree.  I don't mind them asking if I need help and/or recommendations but leave me to peruse what they have

arrow34

QuoteKid Montana - 10/4/2019  9:56 AM

My number one peeve at cigar shop is when they have moldy cigars.  I'm pretty conscientious about pointing it out, because some corners can go unnoticed but I head for the door when they don't seem to care, or just say "yea those are pretty old, its plume."

I have only heard that once in a store(plume vs mold).  They usually ignore me when i mention mold.  I generally dont go back to that store if they do have a mold problem.  Ew.

RMAN4443

I go to my local B&M almost weekly, so they know me well and leave me to my own devices....I generally will purchase a smoke, take it into the backroom, shoot some pool or play some chess for an hour or 3, and head out until next time. Sundays are great for lounging with a smoke and watching my Patriots kick some ass, and cheering them on with 8 or 10 like minded folks....

       I have gone to a couple of other locals(Concord N.H. has an abundance of cigar shops), and experienced the excessive input and scrutiny others have described...I very rarely return, unless I'm looking for something my regular shop doesn't carry regularly....if I do want something, and I can wait, I'll have my regular shop order them for me.
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Brlesq

I was in one last weekend with a big walk-in humidor.  The owner was OK and made a few suggestions, but mostly left me alone after I told him that I was just looking to see what I might not have smoked yet. He did still shadow me, and I get that . . . unfortunately these places get cigars stolen all the time.  But later in my visit when I went into the humidor for another cigar, his European wife shadowed me and wouldn't stop suggesting cigars no matter how many times I told her I didn't need help.  She kept pushing Rocky Patels, even after I told her that I really don't care for many of his cigars. I finally gave up and grabbed another of the same cigar that I smoked earlier.  Back in the lounge side of their establishment, I proceeded to just smoke cigars that I had brought with me rather than their cigars because I wasn't going to deal with her anymore. I usually only smoke what I buy at the lounge to support the store, but she lost some sales that evening.
 
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