Hey guys, so I recently found out that Jack Schwartz is right down the street from one of my classes and I would love to stop in there and have a smoke, only problem is, I just got a bunch of cigars, so I don't need to buy any more. I feel like it is frowned upon to go to a shop and smoke but now buy anything. I do need to pick up some butane, but is that enough of a purchase to not be looked down upon for using their place to smoke?

Thanks!!
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If I were to bring my own smoke, I would buy at least one from them.
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:-)
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I would definitely buy something from the humidor instead of lighting up your own. Personally, I always purchase singles from the shop if I am going to smoke there. After some time I perhaps you can bring your own and smoke it second, but you need to support the business before you start using their facility. :-)
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Alright, thanks for telling me what I thought guys!!! I thought it was completely off limits but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Also, that was a darn fast bunch of replies.
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+5 or whatever number we are on. you get the idea.
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Not sure if its been mentioned already, but it is bad form to walk into ANY establishment with your own items and not purchase anything.

I always buy at least one cigar, and always smoke my own. I also make a point of telling them that I plan on doing that.

A simple "If I buy out of the humidor, do you mind if I smoke my own?" avoids stink eye later on.
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All the local B&M's I frequent either by myself or when herfing, let me bring my own in but I feel it is only right you do purchase something while there as a thank you, in a small way, for letting you smoke there.

Luckily none of the B&M's I go to charge a cutting fee.
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pretty much the same answers as most here I tend to like my smokes a little drier than most bm humidors are kept so I always bring a few sticks and purchase a couple as well, also purchase first and if I am smoking something they dont carry I take the band off before I even light it
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Sometimes the B&M doesn't have any sticks you really want to purchase at that time. Doesn't mean that you can't ask the owner/staff person what they like and buy it for them. I've made good friends by doing that.
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Where do you go to school brother?
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I'm at DePaul, live in the lincoln park campus, but have a couple classes downtown.
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Nice, I go to UIC. Cant go wrong with Schwartz.
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I actually have only visited once, was not greeted, walked through the store, and was not spoken to once. I will give them another chance though.

I have had great luck at Iwan Ries, and even if you don't wanna buy anything it is work the stop to see an amazing classic store.
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Excellent advice Moe!
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Great advice, at least 1 stick purchase is usually acceptable.
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Totally agree on Iwan Ries, great store. There's a shop by UIC called Ralph's Cigars that you might wana check out. Its selection is minimal but its got a really nice community feel to it.
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When you go back to Jack Schwartz, ask for Eric. He is a member here...and a pretty good hockey player to boot....so he is +2 in my book. :-)
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Typically, I will not smoke a cigar that I just bought at a B&M as most B&M humidors are too moist for my tastes, so, my personal rule is that I try to buy a quantity equal to or exceeding the number of my own cigars I plan on smoking. I also try and match the quality within reason.
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Have you ever thought of bringing your own cutter and lighter? If you bring your own cigar, bring your own supplies. Even if you buy something there, I wouldn't impose on the shop to cut a cigar you didn't buy there.

I usually don't want to smoke a cigar I just bought at a B&M unless its ready to be smoked. Often times the RH in a B&M is not what I prefer, so I'd rather take it home and let it rest in my humidor. If that's the case, I would ask the owner if could smoke one of mine (after buying cigars or accessories there) and if he says its ok, I would use my own cutter and lighter. I always take cigar bands off anyway, but if the cigar I'm smoking isn't sold at the B&M I would be sure to roll it up and toss it in the waste basket.


Cheers,


Mike T.
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