Selling cigars can be a boon to small shop owners looking to increase revenue and business. With a wide selection to choose from and inventory that takes up minimal shelf space, getting into cigar retailing can be a smart move when it comes to growing your business.
When you’re first starting out, it’s important to choose a reliable cigar distributor. By choosing the right distributor right out of the gate, you’ll be able to minimize costs, ensure you’re selling high quality products to your loyal customers, and develop a strong relationship and partner in your business’ success.
While it may not always be easy to choose the best cigar distributor, efforts invested at the front-end will pay off for your business over time. To get you started, we’ve pulled together a list of five tips to help you choose the best cigar distributor for your shop or business.
Product selection – Before making a commitment, review the company’s selection of products. Check for a wide range of products, a variety of price points, and availability of complementary products, such as other tobacco products and accessories.
Quality – Research the brands each cigar distributor stocks, and figure out if they are aligned with what your clients want. It’s also important to make sure the distributor protects their products, such as with a climate-controlled warehouse.
Service – Be sure the distributor is going to be available when you need them; they should post their customer service numbers online so you can easily find contact details. You’re looking for a partner, meaning you want to be sure you’ll deal with human beings, not robot customer service agents or an outsourced call center.
Shipping — Ask whether the cigar distributor uses a reputable shipping company to deliver goods, and whether they are able to guarantee delivery within a certain timeframe.
Payment – Speak to the distributor about what payment methods they accept, and whether the accepted methods fit with your business model and needs.
While it may seem daunting to choose a new distributor or get into the cigar retailing business, it needn’t be. Cigars can boost your revenue. Like wine or beer, it can be a lot of fun to learn about the world of cigars. By following the five tips above, and committing to building a strong relationship with a single cigar distributor, you can be confident you’re moving your business in the right direction.
