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Tuesday’s Cigar Tips

As an avid cigar smoker, we all come up with different techniques and routines that work best for us prior to starting our smoking session and during it, and there are a few things we learn along the way. Everyone’s techniques and routines are different, based on your own preference or there can be some similarities. Therefore, to further connect with you and provide you with resources and details about cigars, I’ve created these weekly cigar tips for you to utilize.

BUYING CIGARS ONLINE VS. BRICK & MORTAR

The cigar industry is drastically changing as far the exposure, access, demand, and with that comes a lot more business development, enterprising, and leverage. There used to be a point of time when cigars were not as accessible through the purchase of online sales, so the local cigar shops and the traditional brick and mortar stores were the only primary option.

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And, if you are unsure exactly what “Brick & Mortar” means, it primarily refers to a business with a physical location oppose to being virtual or online.

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The beauty of going to a storefront, cigar shop, and/or cigar lounge is essential because of the rapport you get to develop firsthand with the business owner, staff, and associates, as well as the patrons of that facility. There’s nothing like speaking to an expert or getting personalized service when it comes to buying cigars. Especially, if you’re new to the lifestyle and culture.  Most brick & mortar cigar stores have a manager and/or cigar experts within their staff, who are knowledgeable about the products they carry. Therefore, you can rest assure that they are well equipped to help you find the right cigar at the right price. Also, many of these locations have the best display of cigars in their humidors, which is so impressive and exciting!

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And, as a business owner of a cigar store, it is very imperative for the success of your business, to be fully stocked, as well as to have a good selection of imported cigars, boutique cigars, an affray of major brands, and if you have your own “house brand,” or sale bundles, then you are practicing good business ownership.  However, I’ve visited many locations that were not well kept with inventory or options, and in these cases, I would inquire/inform, and if the needs are not met to my satisfaction, or in the manner of what I’m accustomed too, as a patron, then “Adios”!!!!!!! Because that’s utterly full negligence on the store owner and his/her representation of their business, brand, morals, values, and development, and when there are other options out there, you don’t have to subject yourself to anything less than, because it’s local or traditional.

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As it relates to online sales, it’s great, too, because you get great deals! They often have larger warehouses and locations, which means more stock and supply, and ultimately means more discounts can be offered. If we’re speaking in general terms, “point-blank-period” cigar smokers want to buy cigars at the cheapest price possible. And, for the most part, it’s true that most brick & mortar store prices tend to be higher than online cigar stores. Overall, they just don’t have the same buying power, period, so this makes online sales way more appealing to the consumer, including, me!  However, I believe if you truly patronize cigar shops, you can have the best of both worlds, by buying online and from a store. There’s enough room in this world for both to have opportunity and leverage.

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And, so many of these online businesses such as Cigars International and Cigars Daily both have large social media presences through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, you can still build those rapports through those outlets by following and subscribing to their channels.

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Well, my friends, with anything in life, the choice is yours, so you decide what works best for you or not, and what’s needed to have a common balance and medium.

Peace and Love!!!!!

Keep it Smokey, my friends!!!!!!!

Author: Naimah “Ni” Pears

Welcome, I’ am Naimah “Ni” Pears! I always wanted to have a platform to share some of my creativity, as well as my enjoyment for writing, loving cigars, bourbon, and whiskey, and way too many other cool things to name all here.  However, I hope you will continue to visit Red Lips and Cigar Sticks, the magazine, to learn more about me and the Cigar Lifestyle. I’ am not an expert, but I am extremely knowledgeable!

Also, please connect with me on the listed social media sites from the homepage for a more personable connection and subscribe to the magazine, to stay updated and current on the latest articles.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you’ve become inspired. Peace and Love! Ni