The easy way, if not the best way, is to open a Tinder Box franchise. Of course, it's a big cash outlay, you'll have to provide proof that you have the liquid assets to sustain the business until it gets going and then there's franchise fees.
You could probably also contact Altadis or General and tell them you want to open a store. If there's no one else in your area, they'll probably be happy to put you in touch with the right people in exchange for your account.
I believe I would do a very, very detailed business plan.
Just because you and a few friends who smoke a lot of cigars, doesn't necessarily mean there is a large enough customer base. You have to look at the number of cigars your friends are smoking to see if that would generate a sufficent cash flow to support a B&M shop.
Remember, for you to be your own customer, you have to make enough money to buy your personal cigars. That means you have to have enough cash flow to pay yourself a living wage plus all the other expenses associated with running the business. Do not let passion overrule cold business reality.
When all things are said and done, more things will be said than done!
Originally posted by badburn: I believe I would do a very, very detailed business plan.
Just because you and a few friends who smoke a lot of cigars, doesn't necessarily mean there is a large enough customer base. You have to look at the number of cigars your friends are smoking to see if that would generate a sufficent cash flow to support a B&M shop.
Remember, for you to be your own customer, you have to make enough money to buy your personal cigars. That means you have to have enough cash flow to pay yourself a living wage plus all the other expenses associated with running the business. Do not let passion overrule cold business reality.
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Great points, all.
This isn't spur of the moment idea. I've done research on the demographics and competition (internet only). But a lot more work is needed to be done on a Business Plan.
"Lord, please let me be the person my dog thinks I am"
Posts: 419 | Location: Lost in Space | Registered: June 17, 2006
Excellent job! Website, store, brands...everything...is top notch!
I would absolutely consult with Mike if I was going to take the plunge. Actually, we've been looking into a Haagan Daaz franchise. What do you think...cigars and ice cream...lol.
This is somthing I have ben thinking of my self. WE have only one smoke shop In the City and a couple of Liquer stores with small selections. the smoke shop is way over priced. being the largest city in the state, I thought this might be a good idea my self. I already own a small bissnes my self And opening a smoke shop has got to be easyer then A tattoo shop. You wouldent balive all the drama that goes on around here. So sea breeze let me know what you find out and i'll do the same.
Don't like it YOU GO OUT SIDE!
Posts: 259 | Location: in the house enjoying a smoke | Registered: July 26, 2006
If anyone lives in Califorina, why open a new one? Almost all the old ones are for sale. Maybe a cigar store is not a good place to park ones money at this time (at least in Caiforina).
Anyone ever hear the name; Packard, De Soto, & Acme Buggy Whips?
Posts: 116 | Location: I-10E, I-90W, and in between | Registered: March 12, 2006
Me and a friend have been toying with the idea. With all the restrictions in place around here, the better idea is to open up a cigar club with the store included.
You can provide anything from coffee, tea, etc. and also humidor lockers.
Most people we have talked to just need a place to go and relax with a stogie. That's a rare thing nowadays, especially if your spouse gives you a hard time about it.
There's an article on this website about something very similar.
"Quickly, Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my brain and say something clever!"
--Aristophanes
Posts: 951 | Location: El Paso, TX | Registered: April 08, 2006
While the retail storefront space is important, a large lounge has the potential to make a nice profit. Offer a membership, locker rental, run events, etc. If you don't have an anti-smoking law in your city you will eventually. You need a venue for people to use.
The Metropolitan Society recently rented space for a private club. We were forced out of our restaurant venue due to the new laws. While we do not sell any tobacco or booze we have over 100 members who pay yearly dues, locker rental, and monthly access charges. We currently run a monthly dinner and other special events such as a movie night, Octoberfest, poker night, etc.
For example, tonight is our monthly dinner. We have Gary Korb from Famous Smoke Shop coming to give us a talk and he is bringing George's Reserve cigars for us. We currently have a response from over 70 members and their guests at 40.00 per member and 50.00 for guests.
We also rent out our back room for private parties that are looking for a smoking venue.
Some states and cities prohibit smoking in private clubs, as well, if the clubs have employees. (Roscoe, my understanding is that your venerable club does not have employees and is therefore free to do whatever it wants.)
In most cities and states with a few unfortunate exceptions, tobacco shops are permitted to allow smoking. The definition of a tobacco shop, at least in CO, is a shop in which tobacco constitutes the majority of its sales and the sale of other merchandise in totally incidental. This is fairly ambiguous. A retail tobacco store in NYC known as Velvet Cigar Lounge serves wine, beer, and coffee and is mostly indistinguishable from a bar. Yet they can allow smoking because they are technically a retail tobacco shop.
Personally, if I were to open a tobacco shop, I'd make sure it had a substantial lounge area. Roscoe et al are absolutely right that the world doesn't necessarily need another good cigar shop - it needs a place to smoke those cigars.
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"Live every week like it's Shark Week."
Posts: 1485 | Location: New York/Denver | Registered: August 05, 2005
As an aside, last night was our monthly meeting and we had Gary Korb from Famous Smoke Shop who gave us some new cigars to taste. We had 70 members and guests in attendance.
I do agree with the space needed. The closest thing we have here that can pass for a lounge is only about 700sq feet. and is so loud you cant hear the person next to you, no joke.I went there once with the wife. We have'nt gone back. And don't plan on it eather
Don't like it YOU GO OUT SIDE!
Posts: 259 | Location: in the house enjoying a smoke | Registered: July 26, 2006
