Cigar Shops and Prices

[Dylan]

I've popped in a couple of different cigar shops over the past few months and purchased the odd single. I notice that the price charged in the shop is higher than the online price. Is this the standard amongst most shops?

I don't mind paying more if I'm going to smoke in the shop and in my local store it's like ?2 more. I've not been too worried about this as I'm buying online generally but if buying in store do they match their online prices if asked?

[Budgie Smuggler]

Cigar Shops and Prices

Nope, as they have to pay for rent, staff, utilities, business rates (which for retail commands a higher rate per m2 than a warehouse).

Many online only businesses are able to undercut retail stores.

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[Alexw33]

Same as any business I suppose, if they have to pay for premises you should expect to pay more. The upside however is seeing what you are buying before hand and having your pick of particular sticks or boxes.

[anz3001]

Isn't it the same in every line of retail. Had a laugh to a piece on the radio the other day, a book shop owner has started charging people 50p to cross the threshold of his shop because he's sick of people browsing his stock then buying online.

[anz3001]

I'd be interested in knowing if the online suppliers that have shops charge the same price in store as online

[Dylan]

I'd be interested in knowing if the online suppliers that have shops charge the same price in store as online

This is my point, it's an online shop that has a city centre shop. I run a business and I fully understand overheads etc and I wasn't trying to say that shops should be matching online prices. My query was more that if the shop sells online at ?10 for example and the same cigar is ?12 in the shop, do they match the online price if asked. I guess the answer is to ask the shop rather than here

[Sligub]

This is my point, it's an online shop that has a city centre shop. I run a business and I fully understand overheads etc and I wasn't trying to say that shops should be matching online prices. My query was more that if the shop sells online at ?10 for example and the same cigar is ?12 in the shop, do they match the online price if asked. I guess the answer is to ask the shop rather than here

Some do, some dont. cgars ltd do

[Alexw33]

Like mentioned above some will some won't. It depends on the individual retailer but it's always worth asking.

What I meant was that I would assume to pay more in store and if I don't have to that would be a bonus. The real benefit imo is being able to pick the best looking cigars.

[SHAMZ84]

I know cgars/Robert Graham in West Hampstead price match there online price if you ask them.

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[Shaun]

If your buying in UK jjfox have 13% off online today and tomorrow. Still be way overpriced but it helps a bit.

[PeeJay]

If your buying in UK jjfox have 13% off online today and tomorrow. Still be way overpriced but it helps a bit.

I noticed that and asked C.Gars on their live chat facility if they would match it. Their response was to say that specific percentage discounts on tobacco products were illegal!

[sheppsea]

I haven't been there, but my understanding is that at the Norfolk CGars shop, one can only buy from website (even if at the shop) and pick it up in store so they are definitely online prices (I may have misunderstood the concept though)

https://www.cgarsltd.co.uk/our-shops/turmeaus_norfolk_site.html

It does look like a nice venue though, may need to arrange a surprise trip to Great Yarmouth for my wife

[Shaun]

I noticed that and asked C.Gars on their live chat facility if they would match it. Their response was to say that specific percentage discounts on tobacco products were illegal!

I do find it strange, I would have assumed no discounting would be allowed on tobacco products.

[smokeymo]

Okay so our retail shop prices are generally set at RRP. Unfortunately with the costs of running retail ( rent, rates, staff, electric etc. etc. ) there’re would be no other way to have a chance of keeping the lights on as such otherwise.

On request we are always happy to offer our internet prices in - store

The exception is Turmeaus – Norfolk which is an internet shop and sells everything at online prices ( it’s a cashless / credit card only cigar shop)

My understanding of the ridiculous EU/UK laws are that it’s illegal to offer discounts on any tobacco products as that would be ‘ an inducement to purchase’ . The law is indeed an ass.

Our internet prices re as competitive as we can make them and we will always gladly price match ( prices are being adjusted constantly by many online stores so it’s a moving target)

Though cigars are perceived to be luxury goods, the margins are in fact far tighter than you would believe in the UK so there is little room for dramatic price differences between merchants. Choice is good in the UK with ourselves, Simply Cigars, Simon at MSS and JJF all offering pretty big ranges at lower than retail prices online.

Hope that helps

Best

Mitchell