Good Cigars and 3 Universal Marketing Truths

As I pulled up to Finck’s Cigar Factory Outlet I was amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot and even more amazed at the giant, gleaming bus in front of me. A mural with the words “Macanudo Cigars” was painted on the side. I got out of my car and saw a crowd with happy faces, huddled around tables with Texas BBQ and a keg with cold suds, listening to loud country music. “Aah”, I said, Billy’s done it again.

You see, I had arrived on the scene at a store promotion hosted by my long time friend and client Billy Finck. Early last year he launched a retail extension of the Finck family’s historic ”Finck Cigar Company”, founded in 1893.

Throughout the course of the year, Billy chose a number of marketing methods to promote the store, and this one was among the most successful. The famous Macanudo Cigar Company had chosen to wheel its luxurious “cigar lounge on wheels” to this new hot spot of cigar aficionados in San Antonio, and Finck’s Cigar Factory Outlet made the most out of it. Attendance at the event was beyond our wildest expectations.

I believe there a few universal “marketing truths” going on that have contributed to the success of Finck’s Cigar Factory Outlet.
Truth #1: A relaxed business environment, fun and easy to do business with, is mighty attractive to customers.
Walk into this store and you’ll find friendly, knowledgeable staff there when you need them. There’s a smoking room with leather sofas and today’s Wall Street Journal. The store doesn’t require memberships like some of the competition, and prices are an unbeatable value. Want to buy one cigar from each of 10 different boxes? No problem. Selection is vast.

Truth #2: Multiple forms of advertising and diligent response-tracking works.
The Outlet has been promoted via television, newspaper and magazine ads, direct mail, events, signage, word of mouth—you name it. And guess what customers are asked in the store: “How did you hear about us?”

Truth #3: It makes common sense to leverage your current expertise.
Finck’s Cigar Factory Outlet started with a little dream and a lot of faith. Are you a dreamer? Do you have an itch? How about an idea that you have dreamed about turning into reality but just “haven’t have the time or resources for.” If your answer is yes, then I want to help you develop high-value, top-notch marketing material to make your dreams reality.