Is your B&M worth the extra cost ?

[portascat]

Now once again, that is why I like my local B&M. It wouldn't happen if you bought on-line.

Actually, it does from time to time.
I have placed quite a few orders online and gotten various samples, blends, and accessories tossed in the box at no cost. And these were not huge orders. Just a couple ounces of this and a couple ounces of that type stuff.
If I had a local shop, however, I would likely give it some business for most for the reasons discussed above.

 

[frtimmyd]

The biggest attraction of a local B&M for me, is the other people. It's fun to get together with other pipe smokers and just talk. I had a fairly good one in Detroit but now that I'm in Kentucky the closest one is 2 hour away. Miss it greatly.

 

[philip]

It's definitely worthwhile in Washington state. It's illegal for the on-line stores to ship to this state. Without the local B&M's we wouldn't have tobacco at all.

 

[pawpaw]

Phillip ever heard of the saying voting with your feet ? i would think i would find a more favorable marina in a difrent state may I recomend Manteo NC

 

[philip]

Thanks for the suggestion, Pawpaw. I'll keep it in mind if ever I get the desire to start roaming again. But right now, Washington is home.
Anyway, wherever I am, I'll probably support the local shops. I like all the internet has to offer, but local is good, too.

 

[uberam3rica]

A tin is like $20 at Pauls Pipe Shop. The same tin is $10 online. I dont buy tins, I buy their house blends, because i cant get those at online stores. I go there for pipes because they make their own pipe and have specials all the time. I also go there for cigars and snuff. Also the people there are really nice and fun to talk to

 

[tokerpipes]

No. My B&M almost dubles the price tobacco tins. And then I found that the home blends are just tukesbury that they renamed . Plus the employees know a lot more about cigars than pipe tobacco. But the patrons are cool, if you don't mind cigar smoke.

 

[pipetrucker]

Yes, being able to sample a tobacco before buying, being able to look at and hold a pipe before buying, getting good recommendations and advice, and just the all around experience is worth it to me. With very few exceptions, I buy pipes and tobacco from B&Ms, not over the web.

 

[johninkc]

One word: CERTAINLY.
The day may come when FDA or the States (witness Washington) close down online sales. Short of criminalization, they can't close down brick and mortar sales.

 

[mattmars]

My local B&M is useless for pipe smoking. Yeah they have some tobaccos, but it's all aros except for the Dunhill 965 blend. They only have CWB, SWR and CH in pouches and no supplies. I asked for softy bits back in December and they still don't have any in. There is a better tobacco selction at the CVS.

 

[sirsmokesalot]

In my opinion, The local B&M shops should charge the same prices as the online shops do and

Remember....The online shops are LOCAL B&M SHOPS IN THERE OWN TOWN same as yours is in your own town!

I had this discussion once with a shop owner who told me this...."I have a building to pay for, employee's,

taxes, insurance, so I have to charge a higher price".

My response was..."So does the place that sells online".

 

[echopipe]

I'm all for supporting mum and pop. For sure. However my closest shop is not so welcoming or comfortable. Its a boys club and a foreign boys club at that. So they cant be bothered with this women pipe smoker. I'm not easily made uncomfortable. But, well its not worth the drive and the almost double prices. Would love to find a cool one. I'm in Echo Park. Los Angeles. If anyone knows of one???

 

[sherlock]

Sirsmokesalot, the difference is that if you buy tobacco online you don't have to pay state taxes unless you live in that state. That adds a few dollars for sure and lets not be mistaken, it wont be long before the government puts a stop to this. The other thing to consider is that online retailers do more volume, thus can charge less, the Walmart business model. Some business don't want to follow this model and/or they dont have the man power to run this kind of operation. Finally the intangible, by buying from the local you are supporting a shop in your community and employing your neighbors. All business is local somewhere whether it is China or your town, the point it supporting your local business. I think you can support both online and local retailers.

 

[mikemacrdlnds]

The closest pipe B&M is fifty miles away, add in the price of gas + Ca tobacco tax. the internet is my only option. No way am I going to drive into LA or Orange county to buy tobacco. There is a Cigar store/lounge in town, but it has zero pipes or tobacco. Went to smoke a pipe there once, was given the cold shoulder, never went back.

 

[terry]

yes..I think one should support their local bm.

 

[dhintonca]

With respect to smoking in local B&M, the problem here in BC Canada is that we aren't allowed to smoke anything in a store, even in a tobacconist!! Additionally, we aren't allowed to buy in bulk!! That's right, the (^*(&(& government won't allow sales of more than 100 grams, and that has to be in a pre-made packet. NO samples allowed, either. Buy 50 grams, buy 100 grams, or fergaddaboudit. :-(