This May Not Be The Best Question
- Thread starter louiezmich
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Lou:
I'll just add that I can't recall ever being in a pipe shop where the guys behind the counter weren't open to chatting (assuming they weren't busy). If it's a small shop, it's not unusual for them to have little to do during working hours other than stand around, maybe polish some pipes, smoke, and be prepared to help customers. Trust me, they will enjoy having someone to talk to who truly wants to learn more about pipes and tobaccos.
I'll just add that I can't recall ever being in a pipe shop where the guys behind the counter weren't open to chatting (assuming they weren't busy). If it's a small shop, it's not unusual for them to have little to do during working hours other than stand around, maybe polish some pipes, smoke, and be prepared to help customers. Trust me, they will enjoy having someone to talk to who truly wants to learn more about pipes and tobaccos.
My local B&M does not require a purchase in order to enjoy their smoking lounge. I understand Louie's dilemma, however - rent on a retail space is not cheap, and the lounge is not provided simply out of the goodness of the proprietor's heart. This leads to an expectation (at least on my part, and I'm guessing on Louie's, based on his post) that we, the customers, should in fact be customers if we're going to take advantage of the comfy chairs, table lighters, and ventilation systems... even if the proprietor makes no such demands.
But I'm also on a strict budget at the moment - so my current way of 'paying the rent' is to make sure that I'm smoking the house blend tobacco that I previously purchased there, in the pipe that I previously purchased there, stashed in the pouch that I previously purchased there. At least until I've got enough cash on hand to pick up some butane and a bundle of pipe cleaners. :D
But I'm also on a strict budget at the moment - so my current way of 'paying the rent' is to make sure that I'm smoking the house blend tobacco that I previously purchased there, in the pipe that I previously purchased there, stashed in the pouch that I previously purchased there. At least until I've got enough cash on hand to pick up some butane and a bundle of pipe cleaners. :D
The B&M's have some of the rules they have may because of the casual cigarette smokers who come in just to smoke. My B&M is right next to a bar and they don't want people popping over on Friday and Saturday nights just to smoke a cigarette and then go back to the bar since that (bar smoking) has been banned here. They don't sell cigarettes, only cigars, pipe tobacco and accessories to discourage the cigarettes. I buy "something" whenever I go in and they have gotten to know me so I can light up, browse a little bit, talk to the staff and sit back and relax. Only one staff guy smokes pipes so when I go in, he comes over and we talk tobacco and pipes. This is not a silly question and establishing a relationship with their customers is what they're in business to do. My B&M didn't install a quality vent system, 3 flat screens and leather couches to keep people out, they want to be your go-to shop and to come back often. And, if your young, they've probably been in your shoes and know you probably have a limited budget.
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