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| Suggestions Please. | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Fri May 30th, 2008 11:49 pm |
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1st Post |
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murphy j 3T WIS 
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I've been playing with the idea of my own business. The basic idea is a cigar shop with fine luxury items for men. My question to you guys is what kind of items you would like to see in such a place? I know watches are a given, but I was also thinking zippos, money clips, wallets, mens jewelry and fine pens. What else? I'm just trying to work up a basic outline of what the place would carry, but haven't gotten into the nuts n bolts of a business plan. I'm waiting till I get back permanently before working on this as a serious idea. Any and all suggestions are welcome and will be given due consideration. Thanks in advance.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 12:22 am |
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2nd Post |
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IanM 3T WIS 
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Well, Murph - establish if you want a bricks and mortar, or internet-only presence, or a combination of the two. Research other businesses in the area who sell similar items. Don't look at things to sell to your friends - look at items for which there is new and ongoing demand. Add watch boxes and cigar cases, and don't make the items too gimmicky. Offer exceptional service. Back up your promises. Be fair and consistent. Other than that - surround yourself with items that mean something to you, and I am sure that they will mean something to your customers. Mate - it isn't advice, just a series of ramblings. But whatever your decision - good luck with it! Cheers - IanM
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 12:37 am |
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3rd Post |
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murphy j 3T WIS
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Most of my friend don't have the same enthusiasm as me about watches or even cigars, so I'm not really looking to sell to my friends. There are a couple of cigar shops around here, but nothing like what I've described above. My idea is to attract people of modest means who are becoming interested in finer things to people who are more discriminating buyers. I want to provide a quality product at a reasonable price and give friendly knowledgable service. I would even like to attract women who are seeking gifts for their husbands and boyfriends. I know I'll have to start small, but the aforementioned would be the goal.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 12:49 am |
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4th Post |
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scottran 3T WIS 
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I would also add fine pocket knives and whiskey flasks. Some fellas may want to enjoy some of their favorite brandy or cognac with a fine cigar.;) I dont know about the jewelry though. I am not into that. Heck, I dont even wear my wedding ring. Like I tell my wife, my last name didnt change. In truth though, working on cars and wearing rings isnt the safest thing to do. I had a fried lose his finger working on a car wearing his wedding ring.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 12:53 am |
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5th Post |
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murphy j 3T WIS
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Pocket knives are a good idea. A friend of mine mentioned them also. The nice gentlemanly going to Sunday church type of pocket knife. The flasks are good idea too. Thought about an engraving service for the zippos, I bet that'll work for the flasks too.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 01:02 am |
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6th Post |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS 
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We have a little place like that here in town. I don't smoke at all anymore but like to go look. The fellas selection of watches are nothing to even mention but I like to look at his newest cigars just see what he has, base ball hats, pocket knives, Hurricane torch lighters and some of the other mens jewelry he has. Nothing high end. The owner keeps it simple for this is for the most part a simple small town.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 01:06 am |
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7th Post |
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murphy j 3T WIS
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Here there's both ends of the spectrum plus the up and comers in between. I really think there's a market here for the kind of place that this could be.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 01:14 am |
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8th Post |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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murphy j wrote: Here there's both ends of the spectrum plus the up and comers in between. I really think there's a market here for the kind of place that this could be. Location location location is key. You want that visibility. I've seen 3 good businesses go under in the past 5 years here and the biggest thing I would say was lack of visibility.
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| Posted: Sat May 31st, 2008 01:23 am |
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9th Post |
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murphy j 3T WIS
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Yep. Working that one too. Good buddy of mine has connections with the owners of a brand new shopping center next to BassProShop:D.
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| Posted: Mon Jun 2nd, 2008 09:20 am |
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10th Post |
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steve6387 3T WIS 
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Hey Murph, Good Luck with the venture. I'm envious. You'd be living my dream so I'll be cheering for you. Others have given great suggestions. My only $0.02. Location and marketing. Don't underestimate the value of having a store-front in the right location and spending a few dollars to market your business the right way to your target audience. --Steve
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| Posted: Mon Jun 2nd, 2008 10:55 am |
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11th Post |
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KenC Admin 
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steve6387 wrote: Hey Murph, Murph...couldn't agree more with Steve. In addition to location, marketing to your target audience is key...and, don't try to be all things to all people. Target your audience carefully, carry quality and give exceptional customer service. I would suggest limiting jewelry items to basics such as rings, cuff links and "chains". The knife idea is terrific.
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| Posted: Mon Jun 2nd, 2008 04:14 pm |
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12th Post |
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sleddog218 3T WIS
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I would also take as many opportunities to find and call shops that are similar to what you want to open, but in a non-competitive area. That way they can talk about their passion without fear of competition. You might get some ideas for inventory, not to mention an "in" with some possible vendors.
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