So it seems like all the distributors I order cigars from are in New York or in Pennsylvania and all the big names are some where along the East Coast; (ie CI, Cigar.com, Holts, Thompson's, Famous, Cuban Crafters, etc.)
Are there any major distributors along the West Coast or the Mid-west? :confused:
Seems to me the east coast is closer to the source of supply and such. I don't think I would want to try to open such a bidness anyplace on the west coast given the situation out there and all. Midwest sounds good though since the tax burden would surely be more favorable than places like NY.
Cigar King in Phoenix is a big one that I order from frequently.
Simple fact of the matter - tobacco businesses on the west coast can't compete due to taxation. The reason all the major players are in PA and FL is because they have zero tobacco tax.
With that being said, CigarKing out of Arizona is a decent place to buy. So are some of the vendors in TX.
Quotenwb - 11/18/2011 3:34 PM
Simple fact of the matter - tobacco businesses on the west coast can't compete due to taxation. The reason all the major players are in PA and FL is because they have zero tobacco tax.
With that being said, CigarKing out of Arizona is a decent place to buy. So are some of the vendors in TX.
I am still trying to understand how NY online stores can survive. Do they only get taxed if they sell within the state?
What major online retailer is based out of NY? Just curious.
Quotenwb - 11/18/2011 6:34 PM
Simple fact of the matter - tobacco businesses on the west coast can't compete due to taxation. The reason all the major players are in PA and FL is because they have zero tobacco tax.
With that being said, CigarKing out of Arizona is a decent place to buy. So are some of the vendors in TX.
X2 tax laws are the killer and NWB is dead on.
Quotenwb - 11/18/2011 3:53 PM
What major online retailer is based out of NY? Just curious.
BestCigarPrices.com was, but they just opened their new facility in Drums, PA.
Quotenwb - 11/18/2011 5:53 PM
What major online retailer is based out of NY? Just curious.
Cigars at Your Price
E-Gars
Nice Ash
3 different priced websites for the SAME company.
Keep in mind most cigars coming into the US come through manufacturers based in Fl and the reason FL fights any tax on the cigar industry. Now cigarette smokers got shyt on this last year at $1 a pack and were whining. Sucks to be them
QuoteJackal - 11/18/2011 6:43 PM
I am still trying to understand how NY online stores can survive. Do they only get taxed if they sell within the state?
Yes. Most of them won't even sell to us in-state guys. If they do, they must tack on he 80% of retail tobacco tax + local 8.5% sales tax, effectively almost doubling the price of a cigar. :-(
My local B&M has a great website that most of you have not visited. He also ships International. You might want to check him out. Great selection. Customer service at the store is excellent, but I don't know how internet orders work with them.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/premiumcigars.html
Quotemetalhead y cigarguy - 11/18/2011 3:22 PM
So it seems like all the distributors I order cigars from are in New York or in Pennsylvania and all the big names are some where along the East Coast; (ie CI, Cigar.com, Holts, Thompson's, Famous, Cuban Crafters, etc.)
Are there any major distributors along the West Coast or the Mid-west? :confused:
Yeah, Jason, aka Jackal :-)
QuoteBrlesq - 11/18/2011 10:30 PM
QuoteJackal - 11/18/2011 6:43 PM
I am still trying to understand how NY online stores can survive. Do they only get taxed if they sell within the state?
Yes. Most of them won't even sell to us in-state guys. If they do, they must tack on he 80% of retail tobacco tax + local 8.5% sales tax, effectively almost doubling the price of a cigar. :-(
My local B&M has a great website that most of you have not visited. He also ships International. You might want to check him out. Great selection. Customer service at the store is excellent, but I don't know how internet orders work with them.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/premiumcigars.html
Great selection and prices!
Quotenwb - 11/18/2011 3:53 PM
What major online retailer is based out of NY? Just curious.
Arnold's is
So Arnold's and Niceash/E-Gars/CAYP. I'm on Arnold's email list, but their prices are not that great. CAYP has fantastic prices - I wonder how they can sell so cheaply considering the tax burden? I wonder if they have some sort of tax incentive working for them?
Either way, if I was determined to open an online cigar business, I would rather be located in a tobacco friendly state. There aren't many on the west coast.