Quote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 11:46:09 AMFrom StogieGuys, What makes an excellent tobacconistMaintains a good selection at fair prices. This one is obvious. I assume I’ll be paying more than I otherwise would online—and I’m completely OK with that, especially since the shop is offering me a place to smoke. But I don’t think it’s necessary to charge crazy mark-ups, either. And the selection should be big enough to require more than a few minutes to peruse, with the usual suspects and hopefully some hard-to-find smokes as well. House blends, when done right, can add an exclusive touch. The best shops bring in the brands their regulars are clamoring for.Serves coffee and/or liquor, or implements BYOB. I realize local ordinances and laws may make this impossible, but nothing goes better with a fine cigar than coffee, bourbon, rum, wine, scotch, etc. I’m happy to pay the shop/lounge for drinks, if possible; BYOB is a great alternative. If nothing else, providing coffee or water for free, or for purchase, is a great idea.Has a friendly, attentive staff. Nothing is worse than being rushed, watched like a hawk, completely ignored, or assumed to be a petty thief. I love it when the staff says something like, “Welcome. Would you like some assistance picking out your cigars, or would you prefer to browse the selection yourself?” It’s a simple question that’s rarely asked.Stays open later. Time and again I find many shops and lounges close early in the evening—like an hour or two after a normal work day. I understand it isn’t always possible, but I love it when they stay open late enough to have a post-dinner smoke. Bonus points for shops that recognize there are important sporting events that need to be watched, and that often merits staying open later if there’s a crowd.Provides comfortable seating with access to power outlets. I don’t need decadence, but I don’t want to sit in a lawn chair, either. Plentiful, spread-out seating with solid ventilation is preferred. This is what makes me want to hang out, spend money, and come back.Makes cleanliness a priority. I’m not asking for much. Empty the ash trays, dust the surfaces, and vacuum after those three guys got pizza crumbs everywhere. Also, the bathroom shouldn’t look like the opening scene of Saw.Takes good care of the product. The cigars you sell should be in perfect smoking condition at the time of purchase. Period. Too often I’ve purchased a cigar that, once lit, proves to be under- or over-humidified. This should never, ever happen.Values entertainment. Good TVs, WiFi, and maybe even a poker table. These touches go a long way.Hosts great events. These days, many cigar consumers follow their favorite cigar makers on social media. They surely notice pictures and posts from cigar celebrities who visit shops across the country, often bringing with them exclusive cigars, branded merchandise, and a chance to make a more personal connection. Good cigar shops attract the best events and offer event-only deals.Provides valuable consultation. There are tons of cigars on the market, and smoking them all is just not possible. The best shops can make educated suggestions about cigars to try based on a particular customer’s current tastes and interests.Speaking of that, @ThreeBean, Have you been back to the lounge we went to with CarolinaDave?
From StogieGuys, What makes an excellent tobacconistMaintains a good selection at fair prices. This one is obvious. I assume I’ll be paying more than I otherwise would online—and I’m completely OK with that, especially since the shop is offering me a place to smoke. But I don’t think it’s necessary to charge crazy mark-ups, either. And the selection should be big enough to require more than a few minutes to peruse, with the usual suspects and hopefully some hard-to-find smokes as well. House blends, when done right, can add an exclusive touch. The best shops bring in the brands their regulars are clamoring for.Serves coffee and/or liquor, or implements BYOB. I realize local ordinances and laws may make this impossible, but nothing goes better with a fine cigar than coffee, bourbon, rum, wine, scotch, etc. I’m happy to pay the shop/lounge for drinks, if possible; BYOB is a great alternative. If nothing else, providing coffee or water for free, or for purchase, is a great idea.Has a friendly, attentive staff. Nothing is worse than being rushed, watched like a hawk, completely ignored, or assumed to be a petty thief. I love it when the staff says something like, “Welcome. Would you like some assistance picking out your cigars, or would you prefer to browse the selection yourself?” It’s a simple question that’s rarely asked.Stays open later. Time and again I find many shops and lounges close early in the evening—like an hour or two after a normal work day. I understand it isn’t always possible, but I love it when they stay open late enough to have a post-dinner smoke. Bonus points for shops that recognize there are important sporting events that need to be watched, and that often merits staying open later if there’s a crowd.Provides comfortable seating with access to power outlets. I don’t need decadence, but I don’t want to sit in a lawn chair, either. Plentiful, spread-out seating with solid ventilation is preferred. This is what makes me want to hang out, spend money, and come back.Makes cleanliness a priority. I’m not asking for much. Empty the ash trays, dust the surfaces, and vacuum after those three guys got pizza crumbs everywhere. Also, the bathroom shouldn’t look like the opening scene of Saw.Takes good care of the product. The cigars you sell should be in perfect smoking condition at the time of purchase. Period. Too often I’ve purchased a cigar that, once lit, proves to be under- or over-humidified. This should never, ever happen.Values entertainment. Good TVs, WiFi, and maybe even a poker table. These touches go a long way.Hosts great events. These days, many cigar consumers follow their favorite cigar makers on social media. They surely notice pictures and posts from cigar celebrities who visit shops across the country, often bringing with them exclusive cigars, branded merchandise, and a chance to make a more personal connection. Good cigar shops attract the best events and offer event-only deals.Provides valuable consultation. There are tons of cigars on the market, and smoking them all is just not possible. The best shops can make educated suggestions about cigars to try based on a particular customer’s current tastes and interests.
Hola RevRaz.
Quote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 11:42:21 AMHola RevRaz.<Raz genuflects in Dave's general direction> Morning.
Quote from: razgueado on December 20, 2017, 11:53:13 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 11:42:21 AMHola RevRaz.<Raz genuflects in Dave's general direction> Morning.What, because he's the last Dave standing we have to be all respectful now?
Quote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 12:04:31 PMQuote from: razgueado on December 20, 2017, 11:53:13 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 11:42:21 AMHola RevRaz.<Raz genuflects in Dave's general direction> Morning.What, because he's the last Dave standing we have to be all respectful now? Sounds about right.
Quote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 10:43:11 AMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 09:21:15 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?My WAZE is telling me 6:15. I'll do my best to get there earlier... With dinner.I know you'll be late, I was asking Dave...no offense
Quote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 09:21:15 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?My WAZE is telling me 6:15. I'll do my best to get there earlier... With dinner.
Quote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?
Quote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John II
Quote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.
Morning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?
Quote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 11:25:57 AMQuote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 10:43:11 AMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 09:21:15 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?My WAZE is telling me 6:15. I'll do my best to get there earlier... With dinner.I know you'll be late, I was asking Dave...no offense Bastage!
From Halfwheel:Gilberto Oliva Sr., the founder of the Oliva Cigar Co., has passed away at 86. (From Dec 16, don't know if it was posted previously)
Quote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 12:56:44 PMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 11:25:57 AMQuote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 10:43:11 AMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 09:21:15 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?My WAZE is telling me 6:15. I'll do my best to get there earlier... With dinner.I know you'll be late, I was asking Dave...no offense Bastage!I like a place that serves drinks, so you have something to do,while waiting for Tony to show up....
Quote from: flip from jersey on December 20, 2017, 12:59:08 PMQuote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 12:56:44 PMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 11:25:57 AMQuote from: A Friend of Charlie on December 20, 2017, 10:43:11 AMQuote from: sfish on December 20, 2017, 09:21:15 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:57:11 AMQuote from: Travellin Dave on December 20, 2017, 08:55:57 AMQuote from: Threebean on December 20, 2017, 07:53:25 AMMorning Dave and Mr. Mayor. Whose on the roster for this evening?Looking like Tony, UnderTheWeatherFish, John and your's truly.Maybe John IIWhat time are you shooting for?My WAZE is telling me 6:15. I'll do my best to get there earlier... With dinner.I know you'll be late, I was asking Dave...no offense Bastage!I like a place that serves drinks, so you have something to do,while waiting for Tony to show up....You know it's Wednesday, right?
@RazMan:http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/12/13/meet-us-armys-new-pistol.html