I have also begun finding it very hard to support my local B&M with cigar purchases, buy lighter fuel, etc from them is about it lately except for an ocassional single. I am sorry fellows but I just can't pay $10 plus tax for a smoke I can buy 5 of from Joe or the Monster for $30 or so with free shipping/no tax and have them in 3 days. I think the B&M's are going to have to see the light or many are going to fold up, I would not hesitate to pay them an extra buck or so on that smoke but not 50-100% more.

Are others finding themselves in this mindset lately?
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As a B&M owner I can tell you that selling below msrp still does not make me competetive with onling retailers that don't have to worry about taxes. I do my best to have the best prices around but that is all I can do. We only have a 10% tobacco tax here in MO but in some states its 70+ percent. B&Ms in those states have no chance at all.
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I like JR's prices. I've been debating on what my first "real" box will be but it will be from them. Either the Gloria's or Partagas Black's. JR has the best prices on either of those. :-)
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I know here in NJ its 30%... such a shame.. at my local B&M opus is the ONLY thing i ever find they carry that i get a good deal on.. shame
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Lucky you! Cheapest I've seen an Opus for at a B%M is $34 for a XXX! Just couldn't do it. I've seen the Opus X A at a B&M for $100. Got the same stick online for half that.
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what the hell? a couple places around here have Opus for $20-25 and I thought that was ridiculous. $100, even for a huge cigar is insane!
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TG humor.

Sorry.
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Famous & CI...sometimes Holts.
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Yeah it is. I was so stoked when I picked up my 4 aged Opus's for just over a bill online through Famous. When I smoked the Scorpio... Oooooh, it was sooooo worth it.:-)
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:-)
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Most of the domestic stock I purchase has to be sent international priority and no one beats Rob at Taboo.

They have a good stock of what I smoke especially when you give them a call.

Just my .02...
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I have the most luck with CI and Famous but I also like dealing with Serious Cigars for some of the harder to find smokes. Corona is also a regular stop. Overall I have to rate Taboo as having the best packing and service, plus the Taboo cigars are excellent.

I still end up supporting my local B&Ms, especially Timothy's Fine Cigars in Bay City Mi.
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Here's a link to a list.
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My favorites are Holt's and New Havana. But I try to stick w/ the small B&M's to keep the little guys alive.
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I am not too far away and actually come to Columbus a couple times a week. I have been to New Havana, Dan is a great guy, very friendly and knowledgeable about cigars.
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Thanks posting the link, that is a great reference list.:-)
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PDR are great sticks. The Oscuro is quite tasty in the robusto, and got a Habano Sun Grown as a freebie from my local B&Ms 1st annual festival.

Well, Here's something intresting, my CBid order was processed @ around 2pm on 9/22, from CI obviously via USPS. It took less then 36hrs for USPS to get it from them in PA to my Mailbox. :-) It took me longer to realize it was in the box. >.<

That said, I Like what famous has to offer over CI. Going to check out the other Shops you all mentioned
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I only buy from CI and CigarBid, same companies, I know. Never had a problem and can't beat the prices.
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I buy from CI, cbid, famous, holts, and others and haven't had a problem. The one T.G. mentioned, will call you incessantly to try to get you to join their cigar of the month club. Their prices aren't that good anyways.

I have always tried to support the local B&Ms. Unfortunately, the owner of the one I used to frequent in Toledo is a complete tool.
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I was just up in Sylvania this weekend, I should have taken a look around for B&Ms!
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