Referral to be new customer?

I've been in plenty of cigar stores and have never been asked that question. I have volunteered that information, like - "so and so sent me here, told me you had a great selection" - but again, never been asked.
 
I've never been asked either. But it seems like a decent questions, especially to start up a conversation.
 
Never been asked, but always use it as a breaker, saying so and so referred me and it normally opens the door and helps you to become fast friends and a little more attention and time from the owner. Good Luck

TT:cb
 
Just as an FYI to you Smokin' Machinist.... this thread and post would seem to most senior members, and FOG's alike I'm sure, like a fishing expedition to obtain a referral.

Now while this may not be what you're trying to do, it does sure smell of fish. Most senior members I'm sure would frown upon this as it seems to be a way to try and obtain a source without flat out asking for one. Most would find this in poor taste and likely NOT have dealings with you in the future.

Now this might not be the case, but damned if that's not how it looks to me. Fishing is best kept out on the water :2
 
LasciviousXXX said:
Just as an FYI to you Smokin' Machinist.... this thread and post would seem to most senior members, and FOG's alike I'm sure, like a fishing expedition to obtain a referral.

Now while this may not be what you're trying to do, it does sure smell of fish. Most senior members I'm sure would frown upon this as it seems to be a way to try and obtain a source without flat out asking for one. Most would find this in poor taste and likely NOT have dealings with you in the future.

Now this might not be the case, but damned if that's not how it looks to me. Fishing is best kept out on the water :2
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That's why I asked if he was referring to online or B&M. Hopefully to get some clarification on the initial question.
 
If an owner ever asked me to refer customers to his store or products..that would turn me off.

How I refer people is..by the experience I have dealing with this person or company.

Example: I'm a Plumbing and Heating contractor (business owner/partner). I HATE when I go onto a job, and someone is trying to hand me their business card and they say.."Yea I can do this..and that...here are SOME cards(plural) for you to hand out."

NOWAY am I going to refer YOU until I see how you work, and what your work looks like. I want to know if you're going to stand behind your work... Are you one of those clowns who takes the money and run?

Once you put your butt on the line for someone..it's your reputation at stake..something I don't like to mess around with. My father has built this business to what it is today..and to have it thrown down the drain cause of bad referrals is not a smart move.

People have to earn a good reputation IMO.
 
smokin' machinist said:
Curious to know if any gorillas have been asked who referred them to a cigar store.
Any input is appreciated.
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No. I've been sent, I've sent others to both online and B&M stores, but don't recall the merchant ever asking me who referred me to their business.

When you stop and think about it, and as I believe someone else has already pointed out, a good bit of business relationships are originally begun by referral. Cheap advertising, but you have to run a good shop to qualify.:)

F. Prefect
 
If the question is in reference to online Cuban cigar vendors, stop now.
If it is in refernce to non-cuban brick & mortor businesses, state this it is, and continue.
 
poker said:
If the question is in reference to online Cuban cigar vendors, stop now.
If it is in refernce to non-cuban brick & mortor businesses, state this it is, and continue.
Click to expand...

In defense of the thread starter, he asked me what I thought about his asking this question. I did respond it seemed harmless, but also mentioned pretty much what Poker has said above.
 
Ted PM'ed me as well, and I am sure he has enough experienced friends here that he would have just PM'ed someone if it was to ask for a referral. I told him I thought the question as stated was OK too. Looking for Ted to chime in here as Kelly asked and make his intentions clear. :)
 
OK! All THAT stuff pretty much covered.

Now as for me, personally, I'll often tell a vendor/shopkeeper who may have referred me, as a way of introduction or starting up a converstaion. Like Da Klugs said, that's a normal way of doing business. :pp
 
I was asked who referred me, it was the first time that has happened. This was not fishing, just starting a topic. Sorry if this raised an issue.
Ok gorillas, I'm still a newb, I'll take my slaps.:D
:sl
 
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