B & M v. Dot & Com

Here at Cigar Tipsters we really enjoy our cigars, but this is not a cheap endeavor. Which means leaving us to find the best value for money. Where do you find this value? Well like everything else in our busy Iives we tend to shop online first before making a purchase. In an article published by cloudwards.net they had this to say;

The 2018 Marist Poll study found that 56 percent of Americans prefer shopping in a physical store than online, if everything is equal. However, being able to shop at any time (64 percent), to find the item easily (62 percent) and to save time (61 percent) were all major reasons that could lead to people choosing to shop online.

Does shopping online mean you're not supporting your local brick and mortar stores? The quick answer is both yes and no depending on how you view it. Here are a few comparing and contrasting reasons to represent both sides of the coin.

Pros and Cons: First let's address stand alone stores.

B&M

Pros:-Personalized customer service

-Readily available inventory with humidor selection

-Cigars are typically stored at optimum temp and humidity.

-Cigar lounge (if available) to sit and relax away from home while enjoying a beverage

-Relationship with the management, staff, and other patrons

-Supporting local business

Cons:-usually more expensive because of staffing, overhead costs, and taxation

-Drive to destination and find parking

-Possibly too crowded and difficulty relaxing

-Subject to public and private events of store as well as store hours.

Pros and Cons: Next, let's address online cigar shopping

Online

Pros:-shipped right to your door

-Less expensive if purchased in bulk

-Shopping from multiple online sources for wider variety and selection

-Subscription services using customized selection of cigars for you

-Less risk of catching covid

-Comfort and convenience of your own home

-Less distractions

-No tipping

-24/7 access

Cons: -Does not support local busIness (unless purchased from local shop's website)

-Unknown storage parameters, such as sitting in a warehouse

-No face to face customer service or personalized experience with staff

-Subjected to making your own smoking lounge or risk smoking outdoors

-Cannot guarantee quality of products since they are purchased sight unseen.

In the end, despite these differences it’s up to you to decide which situation is your best bet. If you want to shop online and not at a local store, my recommendation is at least make a monthly donation to a cigar charity or perhaps buy cigars online from that local store if it’s available. Regardless of where you get your cigars from, they are still made by hand from third world countries who still rely on your purchases and money to survive. The true spirit of a Brother or Sister of the Leaf is the comradery and support for one another both verbally and fiscally. Just the way it is. Have a difference of opinion? Let us know!

Thanks for reading