Cigar Weekly

Herfin Bigdog · 05-20-2007, 05:55 PM

Hi all.

As you may or may not know, I began working at Titan Cigar in Gambrills, MD several weeks ago. I have a dilemma that I am attempting to resolve. I am reluctant to post my specific concerns. But suffice it to say that I am attempting to gather sound justification that I can present to the owner in an effort to convince him to reevaluate the manner in which he chooses to operate a few facets of the business.

I would like to pose some questions and pick your brains about these facets in order to help him and the business be more successful. Titan Cigar is doing better than Dave and Michelle's initial expectations as spelled out in their business plan. With the sound reasoning and logic that can be gained from those of you already entrenched in the business of selling cigars, I hope that I can convince him of a few adjustments that he should make that will enhance the opportunities of Titan Cigar.

I recognize your wisdom based upon past experiences and the knowledge that you have gathered since working at your respective places of business.

If you consider answering my request, please PM me and include an email where I can communicate these issues with you directly. I would sincerely appreciate any responses.

I will not discuss the details or results of any correspondence with any other party or business that may come from any discussions that we might have. I merely wish to ask questions and solicit for advice after explaining the situation to you by email.

Your participation will be greatly appreciated. I hope that you will consider at least responding to find out what questions I wish to discuss as this is only to further the success of another florishing tobacconist that wishes to be successful in catering to our fellow BOTLs and SOTLs.

My Sincerest Thanks,

Bryan

Smokestack Jack · 05-20-2007, 06:57 PM

I worked in 2 different cigar shops over the years. If you want my input, you can send me a PM. I had alot of ideas for the shops I worked at, some good, some not so good. The owners seemed reluctant to use my advice, but that's their choice.

eagle eyes eric · 05-21-2007, 04:50 AM

Bryan - what are the questions? You never know what kind of great business ideas some of the individuals on here might come up with

Kilobyte · 05-21-2007, 05:02 AM

Whatever suggestions you decide upon ensure you take a step back and see the entire scope of the business and the industry and how this relates to your perception of what needs changing. Understand the second and third order of effect each decision will manifest. Good luck!

mealstrom · 05-21-2007, 06:35 AM

Also, understand that you will be telling them how to run their business. Your ideas might be the best in the world and perfectly logical - but to him it will probably still feel like you telling him how to raise his child. I've learned to make the suggestion, then step back and deal with their decisions for their business.

Herfin Bigdog · 05-21-2007, 08:42 AM

Gentlemen,

All great thoughts and in truth, all have been considered.

What I am trying to do is provide the information and data that will back up my points of contention. And these points of contention are not based on my beliefs. They are based, to the best of my knowledge on what are industry practices. I have done my research and I am certain that I know the answer to my questions because it is practiced industry-wide.

The information that I am looking to present must be backed by other tobacconists that I am certain (based on discussions that I have had with those in the business) also take part in these practices. I must be able to state, "You should seriously consider this because tobacconists A, B, C, and D also follow the same business practice." Therefore, it stands to reason that only those who are in, or have been in the retail cigar business will be able to provide that supporting information that I require.

I truly appreciate the suggestions and thoughts from all.

Bryan

mealstrom · 05-21-2007, 10:43 AM

It's all so secretive!

He must be doing some seriously crazy stuff not to even be mentionable!

05-21-2007, 10:51 AM

If he's planning on sneaking a bunch of folks into RTDA with free passes, give him my name.

Torpedo2 · 05-21-2007, 07:21 PM

One thing that the Party Source does here in the Northern Ky location is a weekly cigar tasting. May not sound like much till when you come for the first time you are also herfin with about 100-150 of some great herfin buddies. It didnt start that way, at first it had 10-20 people show up. But word of mouth spread and 4 years later it's the biggest weekly event in the nation. Great way to keep your best customers coming back again and again......... and having fun, spending money doing it too!

maybe Titan can start something similiar?

Herfin Bigdog · 05-28-2007, 05:31 PM

Thanks to those who replied and have volunteered to help me out.

I have emailed some initial questions to those who provided an email address.

I look forward to your replies.

Bryan

05-20-2007, 05:55 PM	#1
Herfin Bigdog Herf Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bowie, MD; US of A Posts: 7,577	??? For Employees or Owners of Brick & Mortar Tobacconis Hi all. As you may or may not know, I began working at Titan Cigar in Gambrills, MD several weeks ago. I have a dilemma that I am attempting to resolve. I am reluctant to post my specific concerns. But suffice it to say that I am attempting to gather sound justification that I can present to the owner in an effort to convince him to reevaluate the manner in which he chooses to operate a few facets of the business. I would like to pose some questions and pick your brains about these facets in order to help him and the business be more successful. Titan Cigar is doing better than Dave and Michelle's initial expectations as spelled out in their business plan. With the sound reasoning and logic that can be gained from those of you already entrenched in the business of selling cigars, I hope that I can convince him of a few adjustments that he should make that will enhance the opportunities of Titan Cigar. I recognize your wisdom based upon past experiences and the knowledge that you have gathered since working at your respective places of business. If you consider answering my request, please PM me and include an email where I can communicate these issues with you directly. I would sincerely appreciate any responses. I will not discuss the details or results of any correspondence with any other party or business that may come from any discussions that we might have. I merely wish to ask questions and solicit for advice after explaining the situation to you by email. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. I hope that you will consider at least responding to find out what questions I wish to discuss as this is only to further the success of another florishing tobacconist that wishes to be successful in catering to our fellow BOTLs and SOTLs. My Sincerest Thanks, Bryan __________________ Bryan To me, a cigar is more than a good smoke; it is a way of life. I love them! And it killed George Burns at 100, so don't give me any crap about health! -- Bert Sugar, Sports Writer

05-21-2007, 04:50 AM	#3
eagle eyes eric Herf Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,090	Bryan - what are the questions? You never know what kind of great business ideas some of the individuals on here might come up with __________________ Member of the 2006 Noob Coalition (06NC)

05-21-2007, 05:02 AM	#4
Kilobyte Herf Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 5,248	Whatever suggestions you decide upon ensure you take a step back and see the entire scope of the business and the industry and how this relates to your perception of what needs changing. Understand the second and third order of effect each decision will manifest. Good luck! __________________

05-21-2007, 06:35 AM	#5
mealstrom Herf Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 8,451	Also, understand that you will be telling them how to run their business. Your ideas might be the best in the world and perfectly logical - but to him it will probably still feel like you telling him how to raise his child. I've learned to make the suggestion, then step back and deal with their decisions for their business. __________________ Member of the 2006 Noob Coalition (06NC)

05-21-2007, 10:43 AM	#7
mealstrom Herf Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 8,451	It's all so secretive! He must be doing some seriously crazy stuff not to even be mentionable! __________________ Member of the 2006 Noob Coalition (06NC)

05-20-2007, 06:57 PM	#2
Smokestack Jack Herf God Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Warsaw, Mo. 65355 Posts: 13,366	I worked in 2 different cigar shops over the years. If you want my input, you can send me a PM. I had alot of ideas for the shops I worked at, some good, some not so good. The owners seemed reluctant to use my advice, but that's their choice.

05-21-2007, 08:42 AM	#6
Herfin Bigdog Herf Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bowie, MD; US of A Posts: 7,577	Gentlemen, All great thoughts and in truth, all have been considered. What I am trying to do is provide the information and data that will back up my points of contention. And these points of contention are not based on my beliefs. They are based, to the best of my knowledge on what are industry practices. I have done my research and I am certain that I know the answer to my questions because it is practiced industry-wide. The information that I am looking to present must be backed by other tobacconists that I am certain (based on discussions that I have had with those in the business) also take part in these practices. I must be able to state, "You should seriously consider this because tobacconists A, B, C, and D also follow the same business practice." Therefore, it stands to reason that only those who are in, or have been in the retail cigar business will be able to provide that supporting information that I require. I truly appreciate the suggestions and thoughts from all. Bryan

05-21-2007, 10:51 AM	#8
ElkTwin Guest Posts: n/a	If he's planning on sneaking a bunch of folks into RTDA with free passes, give him my name.

05-21-2007, 07:21 PM	#9
Torpedo2 Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cincinnati , Ohio Posts: 680	One thing that the Party Source does here in the Northern Ky location is a weekly cigar tasting. May not sound like much till when you come for the first time you are also herfin with about 100-150 of some great herfin buddies. It didnt start that way, at first it had 10-20 people show up. But word of mouth spread and 4 years later it's the biggest weekly event in the nation. Great way to keep your best customers coming back again and again......... and having fun, spending money doing it too! maybe Titan can start something similiar?

05-28-2007, 05:31 PM	#10
Herfin Bigdog Herf Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bowie, MD; US of A Posts: 7,577	Thanks to those who replied and have volunteered to help me out. I have emailed some initial questions to those who provided an email address. I look forward to your replies. Bryan