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Post by Quintsrevenge on Aug 24, 2018 7:47:22 GMT -5
So I went in to buy another tobacco to try, walked in to employees with bad attitudes and no desire to answer questions. I ended up with carter hall and some pipe cleaners. If your job in retail is help people , put on a smile and fake it while talking to someone. I was not allowed to walk next to pipes or tobacco because they were behind a table not a counter a table. I wanted to read and browse , my guess was they were busy and did not want me there. Guess the internet will be my new try or a 30 minute drive to a real shop.
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 24, 2018 8:03:18 GMT -5
That really sucks. It's a bit like my experience with my own local B&M - their attitude leaves a lot to be desired. While i like supporting local businesses, if they don't act like they want my business I'll shop online. The customer service of my online retailer is second to none - and they are a B&M too, just not local to me.
I hope you have a better experience half an hour away or online, but there have been bad experiences with some online retailers too.
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Post by puffy on Aug 24, 2018 9:27:42 GMT -5
Once in a smoke shop the fella who waited on me told me that he had never smoked a cigar or a pipe in his entire life..How does he help me?..Then in another shop the owners daughter waited on me.She was easy to look at but knew nothing at all about her job..You can't run a business without employees who know and care about their jobs.
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Post by oldcajun123 on Aug 24, 2018 9:36:51 GMT -5
 Sounds like the postal employee who wanted me to get a teal hunting license after the season. I looked at him in disbelief, noting it’s a Federal offense to slap a Federal employee, never did a man deserve a good slap.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2018 9:52:06 GMT -5
That happens today, they either didn’t care to help you or had no knowledge about pipes or tobacco’s. I’d call and ask to speak to the owner, hopefully that was not the owner that treated you disrespectfully!! Look up the B&M on Yelp and check their reviews, you will get a better perspective on the business. I wish you better luck in the future.
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Post by zver on Aug 24, 2018 10:47:33 GMT -5
I have to go 1 hour and 15 min to get to a good shop. It is well worth it. The wife and I are going this afternoon.
Take the time to get to know the regulars at the smoke shop. I have made a lot of friends at Slippery Rock Cigars in Slippery Rock.
Z
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Post by toshtego on Aug 24, 2018 10:53:28 GMT -5
Taos is famous for service at the local stores.
There is nothing like going into a place of business and the clerk or proprietor is enganged in non-trade conversation with someone behind or before the counter. After ignoring the customer's arrival, the two of them go on exchanging vital views. The customer wanders about the store with occassional glances at the owner or clerk. No recognition. If the customer is fortunate enough to locate the item sought, he proceeds to the counter. Proprietor/clerk, without missing a beat in that oh-so-important private conversation extends hand to receive payment while gaze remains fixed on their pal. Payment is processed and customer then may scoop up purchase and leave. No thought of "Thank you" or other expression of appreciation. Sometimes, I stagger to the door with a 50 lb feed sack and struggle with the door. No effort is spared or break in conversation.
I have no problem interupting that conversation if there is a question. Sometimes I do not bother. You see, I have expectations.
In my world, the store proprietor rushes out from behind the counter, wipping hands on the well worn cloth he carries,"Good Morning, Sir. What can I show you today?" A slight bow is appreciated. I grunt and point with furled umbrella at the item needed. "Oh, yes Sir. A wise selection", as he rushes over to retreave the item. "Step this way", as he heads to the counter and carefully wraps the item in tissue paper and ribbon before placing it in box or bag. Money is exchanged. The proprietor, again, rushes out from behind the counter and opens the door for me. Another slight bow as I pass and heartfelt gratitude is expressed for my visiting his store.
Perhaps it is just easier to order on-line.
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Post by Legend Lover on Aug 24, 2018 11:10:17 GMT -5
Taos is famous for service at the local stores.
There is nothing like going into a place of business and the clerk or proprietor is enganged in non-trade conversation with someone behind or before the counter. After ignoring the customer's arrival, the two of them go on exchanging vital views. The customer wanders about the store with occassional glances at the owner or clerk. No recognition. If the customer is fortunate enough to locate the item sought, he proceeds to the counter. Proprietor/clerk, without missing a beat in that oh-so-important private conversation extends hand to receive payment while gaze remains fixed on their pal. Payment is processed and customer then may scoop up purchase and leave. No thought of "Thank you" or other expression of appreciation. Sometimes, I stagger to the door with a 50 lb feed sack and struggle with the door. No effort is spared or break in conversation.
I have no problem interupting that conversation if there is a question. Sometimes I do not bother. You see, I have expectations.
In my world, the store proprietor rushes out from behind the counter, wipping hands on the well worn cloth he carries,"Good Morning, Sir. What can I show you today?" A slight bow is appreciated. I grunt and point with furled umbrella at the item needed. "Oh, yes Sir. A wise selection", as he rushes over to retreave the item. "Step this way", as he heads to the counter and carefully wraps the item in tissue paper and ribbon before placing it in box or bag. Money is exchanged. The proprietor, again, rushes out from behind the counter and opens the door for me. Another slight bow as I pass and heartfelt gratitude is expressed for my visiting his store.
Perhaps it is just easier to order on-line.
I'm with you all the way in that one. |
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Post by unknownpipesmoker on Aug 24, 2018 12:41:24 GMT -5
That really sucks. It's a bit like my experience with my own local B&M - their attitude leaves a lot to be desired. While i like supporting local businesses, if they don't act like they want my business I'll shop online. The customer service of my online retailer is second to none - and they are a B&M too, just not local to me. I hope you have a better experience half an hour away or online, but there have been bad experiences with some online retailers too. Unfortunately some tobacco stores don't really care much about us pipe smokers because all the money to be made now is in cigars and cigarettes. There's some good stores nearby me. The important thing, in my mind, for finding good service, is to look for TOBACANNISTS, not just smoke shops. |
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Post by peteguy on Aug 24, 2018 12:55:45 GMT -5
Sad but it seems to be the direction the US is heading. Good service is so rare these days.
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Post by haebar on Aug 24, 2018 13:04:45 GMT -5
We're fortunate to have a real tobacconist in Knoxville, TN - Smoky's Tobacco and Cigars. Most of the time I am greeted when I come in the door (sometimes they are busy serving other customers). When I am wandering about the store looking at tins and pipes, they ask me if I need help with anything. When I get ready to buy some bulk tobacco or look at a pipe in the cases, they will be there in a short while, usually less than a minute. Rachel, a charming employee, takes the time to learn customer's names and what they like. She occasionally smokes a cigar. She knows all about the store's products, even if she doesn't smoke a pipe. It's hard to find employees like Rachel, who will take the time to learn the products and serve each customer promptly and with courtesy.
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Post by toshtego on Aug 24, 2018 13:41:49 GMT -5
We're fortunate to have a real tobacconist in Knoxville, TN - Smoky's Tobacco and Cigars. Most of the time I am greeted when I come in the door (sometimes they are busy serving other customers). When I am wandering about the store looking at tins and pipes, they ask me if I need help with anything. When I get ready to buy some bulk tobacco or look at a pipe in the cases, they will be there in a short while, usually less than a minute. Rachel, a charming employee, takes the time to learn customer's names and what they like. She occasionally smokes a cigar. She knows all about the store's products, even if she doesn't smoke a pipe. It's hard to find employees like Rachel, who will take the time to learn the products and serve each customer promptly and with courtesy. You are fortunate to have such a store. I recall places like that from years ago. |
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Post by McWiggins on Aug 24, 2018 13:46:20 GMT -5
Only have one shop around me but don’t know much about them. Cramptholomew knows them better but I think they focus mostly on cigars. I guess his experience was good as he had no complaints and got a great deal on some aged Sutliff. I've seen Muttnchop Piper on YouTube show some pretty nice places with friendly and knowledgeable people that would be nice to visit some day. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Aug 24, 2018 14:05:04 GMT -5
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Post by Ronv69 on Aug 24, 2018 15:45:53 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2018 16:30:31 GMT -5
J&R in Selma is about a 30 minute ride from where I live, but don’t have use of a car to stop there as often as I like. Superb selection of cigars and a very decent selection of tobacco’s....including tinned. Two years ago they did away with the purchase by the ounce tobacco’s. Most of the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If smoking at their lounge you have a choice of free bottle water or coffee....that’s about 6 months ago when I stopped by and enjoyed an Arturo Fuentes Sundried 👌👍👍
PS
It’s a cigar smokers paradise
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Post by Quintsrevenge on Aug 24, 2018 18:13:40 GMT -5
I will try the other shop next week, they are closed sundays and I work Saturday. I have in the past gone to the really nice shop in my area, they host dominos tournaments all the time. They are very nice people just hoped that my local shop would be more helpful. Found out the person helping me was the owner and they lost a customer and got a bad review on yelp today from yours truly..
my store was a tabacco depot, who I heard just got bought out by smoker friendly. Not sure on all info yet.
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Post by Baboo on Aug 24, 2018 18:20:45 GMT -5
First impressions are usually spot on and leave no room for 2nd chances. Move on... online is probably the best bet now in the 21st century... sad but true. Smokingpipes.com, Cupojoes, etc...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2018 18:26:49 GMT -5
I'm fortunate to have a great tobacconist nearby; Edward's in Englewood, Colorado. They have an excellent selection of pipe tobacco, a huge walk-in cigar room/humidor and several smoking areas. The staff is very knowledgeable as well.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2018 18:27:24 GMT -5
Smoker Friendly shops are all over the State of NC, They are known for selling cigarettes, a dozen or so decent cigars and a few choices of OTC tobacco’s. Usually the staff is friendly but not that knowledgeable if you have questions, other than cigarettes!
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Post by Baboo on Aug 24, 2018 18:37:50 GMT -5
Here in Miami, Florida I relished frequenting 3 or 4 superlative pipe & tobacco shops... they were the real McCoy through n through. The proprietors were afficionados and gentlemen's gentlemen. They're all gone now 25+ years. They hailed from an era long gone by and will someday be all forgotten when the last of we old fogies are laid to rest... pity.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Aug 24, 2018 19:14:56 GMT -5
Only have one shop around me but don’t know much about them. Cramptholomew knows them better but I think they focus mostly on cigars. I guess his experience was good as he had no complaints and got a great deal on some aged Sutliff. I've seen Muttnchop Piper on YouTube show some pretty nice places with friendly and knowledgeable people that would be nice to visit some day. our shop is pretty good. They have a lot of refurbs from a local guy, and they're reasonably priced. I've almost always had proper attention paid to me when I walk in. The tobacco selection is somewhat dismal (almost all renamed bulk blends, with a couple decent tins), but they have everything else. Another shop I frequent (once every 6-8 weeks) is in Annapolis. It's a small shop, but the owner knows his stuff. Not the friendliest guy, but he talks shop. None of his bulks are renamed. Straight up called what they are, right down to the 1Q. For that, I give him my respect. He has a very good selection, but he won't sell me his tins of Frog Morton. He just leaves them sitting there all proud of themselves and shite. He did say something wise the other day, when I we talked about the Frog Mortons, "if you havent tried it, don't. It's not worth the trouble of liking it, only to have no more." I can agree with that. Edit: CS sucks today, yes. A lot of people seem annoyed they have to work "that job", instead of what they think they SHOULD be doing. My young cousin quit a job at a metal fabrication company, because they had him grinding first, instead of throwing him right at the complicated welding jobs. He'd just graduated technical school and thought the world owed him his choice of employment. Doesn't work that way buddy. Gotta start at the bottom. |
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5star
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First Name: Mac
Favorite Pipe: Costello Sea Rock, MM CG with Forever stem, London 1792 clay
Favorite Tobacco: HH ODF, FVF, SWRA, 5 Brothers,10 Russians,Ennerdale flake, La Brumeuse
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Post by 5star on Aug 27, 2018 7:03:42 GMT -5
The nearest shop that has pipe tobacco is 150 miles from me. And he really doesn’t have all that much of a selection. Pipe tobacco has been almost taxed out of existence. - - On the other hand, shops that cater to the vaping & pot smoking crowd can be found in any town & city: We tobacco pipe smokers are a rare bunch.
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Robert Perkins
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Post by Robert Perkins on Aug 27, 2018 10:06:12 GMT -5
You know, there's a temptation to blame it all on crappy employees, but that just tells me there's a crappy owner/manager at the top.
Yeah, keep looking. If you can find a local brick-and-mortar you like, great.
But if not, go to the e-tailers to buy your stuff, and get your advice from guys here on the forum.
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Post by Cramptholomew on Aug 27, 2018 17:51:54 GMT -5
You know, there's a temptation to blame it all on crappy employees, but that just tells me there's a crappy owner/manager at the top. That's definitely true too. |
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Post by toshtego on Aug 27, 2018 20:05:02 GMT -5
I remember The Peterson Pipe Shop on Market Street in The City back in the 1960s/1970s. Great place. |
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Post by Dramatwist on Aug 27, 2018 20:11:54 GMT -5
I remember The Peterson Pipe Shop on Market Street in The City back in the 1960s/1970s. Great place. ...so do I... |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2018 22:13:24 GMT -5
I used to travel to Florida frequently on business and was pleased to find that the Merritt Island Mall still had (and still has) a tobacco shop, Smoke Rings. While their primary product was no doubt cigars, they also had several quality pipe tobaccos (e.g., Dunhill 965, Mac Baren Plum Cake, Orlik Golden Sliced) and pipes (I bought my Savinelli Hercules billiard there). Mall smoke shops are largely a thing of the past, but occasionally you can trip over a holdout here and there.  |
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Post by monbla256 on Aug 27, 2018 23:54:36 GMT -5
You know, there's a temptation to blame it all on crappy employees, but that just tells me there's a crappy owner/manager at the top. Yeah, keep looking. If you can find a local brick-and-mortar you like, great. But if not, go to the e-tailers to buy your stuff, and get your advice from guys here on the forum. Sadly the days of an Edward's that had more pipes than tobacco and cigars is over down here. But there is a bigger margin and demand for cigars and a store has to make profit. That's what buidness is all about! As far as employees go, you get what you pay for in today's world. |
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Screaming Jazz
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Post by Screaming Jazz on Sept 3, 2018 23:09:06 GMT -5
I've lucked out with my B&Ms. Service is good and one of the owners likes me. He holds what I want when he gets new shipment. He also lets me come behind the counter to get a good look. I'm surprised he does that though. Only after my second time being in the store he invited me back. I guess I look trustable enough.
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Sounds like the postal employee who wanted me to get a teal hunting license after the season. I looked at him in disbelief, noting it’s a Federal offense to slap a Federal employee, never did a man deserve a good slap. 
