Consumer Certification

[bobajob]

I am certified as a retail tobacconist by TU. What do you want to know?

What's the point? Has it helped you in any way?
IMHO, some of the info on their FAQ was incorrect/misleading. For example blaming a poorly drawing stick entirely on the torcador; neglecting to note the effects of incorrect humidification.

[Schatzman]

What's the point? Has it helped you in any way?
IMHO, some of the info on their FAQ was incorrect/misleading. For example blaming a poorly drawing stick entirely on the torcador; neglecting to note the effects of incorrect humidification.

I will try to answer this as truthfully as possible for the interest of the forum.

The point:

I initially did it because my job required/ strongly encouraged it. The general concept from my works perspective, in my opinion, was that it would be beneficial to have all of the staff trained in a uniform way on cigars/ pipes. The book and certification covers everything from the entire process of making a cigar, the plants and their parts, the history of tobacco and the industry, and proper etiquette in tobacco shops.

I think what TU is trying to do is create a standard for the industry the same way wine does. If anyone meets Jorge from TU, they will tell you that his knowledge is beyond comprehension. What I found most impressive about him is his ability to tell you historical and information in general without coming across like an arrogant ass. That is a quality that in my opinion is rare. He also seems open to debate in a non confrontational way.

Has it helped me:

It has. I find if you work in the industry it helps build a confidence and foundation for you that you might have lacked before without even knowing it. It also allowed me to appreciate how much work has gone into the building of the cigar industry.

The test process might seem like it would be easy, but I was shocked at how difficult the test was/ is. I am actually trying to set up getting my Master Tobacconist certification in the near future.

I do understand your point about online, but I would say the handbook is the real bread and butter of the program. That is where they get into a lot more then you would expect based on what's available online.

The overall goal of TU is something I think the industry should support. They are essentially saying that this industry and the people in it need a standard put in place and we need to give a credential to the people in it. We as consumers frequently go into places where people have no idea what they are talking about while trying to sell you something. You hate it and I hate it. It sucks and it screws over shops that really try to be a legitimate tobacco shop with tobacconists.

While my job is inventory based, I find that the most joy in my job is dealing with the customers and showing them cigars that fit their palate that they never would have considered. I love it when I make a recommendation to someone and they go up to the bar/ lounge and smoke it and then come back down half way through and tell me how much they love the cigar. I want people to try new things. I hate it when customers come in and ignore all of my advice because they know best or tell me another shop recommended something else and they hated it. Sure I could sell someone macanudos all day because it is the first thing they go for and it is all they know, but I want them to smoke the Tats, illusione, Las calaveras, Ligas, my father, LFD, and so on.

The industry to me is very opinion based. Everyone has an opinion or theory about damn near everything in the industry. While everyone might not agree with every word in the book, I think it's fair to say they have done the best job trying to streamline it.

Anything that promotes and legitimizes this industry is something I want to be part of.

[Brimy]

In addition to study of Tobacco U, CigarHistory.info should be a standard for all truly interested. Void of certification.

Sounds interesting! I'll definitely take a look.

I'll pass. Don't need a certificate to tell me what I know and don't know about my hobsession. Guess if I was aspiring to open a shop or something along those lines it would be ok to have.

I hear you, but it's not about the certificate as opposed to the knowledge from an "Industry insider" point of view.

I am certified as a retail tobacconist by TU. What do you want to know?

If you took yourself out of being in the industry, what benefit do you see as a smoker/hobbyist?

[HIM]

I am certified as a retail tobacconist by TU. What do you want to know?

Would you say this is the equivalent of becoming a Cicerone or Sommelier? Is this something thats worth getting into if your not involved in the industry?

[Schatzman]

Sounds interesting! I'll definitely take a look.



I hear you, but it's not about the certificate as opposed to the knowledge from an "Industry insider" point of view.



If you took yourself out of being in the industry, what benefit do you see as a smoker/hobbyist?

I think the benefit is you get a history lesson and you will learn somethings you didn't know before. I think the bigger benefit is you are supporting the idea of a certified standard in the industry. Also the entry level is worth it as a consumer if you are the type of consumer who likes to hang out at the shops and talk cigars. I have found customers take me more seriously knowing I am "certified". I think you would be surprised at how many fellow consumers in the shop would take your opinions and statements more seriously as well.

Would you say this is the equivalent of becoming a Cicerone or Sommelier? Is this something thats worth getting into if your not involved in the industry?

I think the entry level certification is not the same as a Cicerone or Sommelier. I think the Master level is. The Master level requires significant time in the fields or factories. I don't mean you do a simple tour or cigar safari. You actually have to be in the dirt working with crops from what I understand. You also have to write a scholarly article that is approved by Jorge. So to answer your question, in order to get to B you have to do A first.

[bobajob]

I will try to answer this as truthfully as possible for the interest of the forum.

The point:

I initially did it because my job required/ strongly encouraged it. The general concept from my works perspective, in my opinion, was that it would be beneficial to have all of the staff trained in a uniform way on cigars/ pipes. The book and certification covers everything from the entire process of making a cigar, the plants and their parts, the history of tobacco and the industry, and proper etiquette in tobacco shops.

I think what TU is trying to do is create a standard for the industry the same way wine does. If anyone meets Jorge from TU, they will tell you that his knowledge is beyond comprehension. What I found most impressive about him is his ability to tell you historical and information in general without coming across like an arrogant ass. That is a quality that in my opinion is rare. He also seems open to debate in a non confrontational way.

Has it helped me:

It has. I find if you work in the industry it helps build a confidence and foundation for you that you might have lacked before without even knowing it. It also allowed me to appreciate how much work has gone into the building of the cigar industry.

The test process might seem like it would be easy, but I was shocked at how difficult the test was/ is. I am actually trying to set up getting my Master Tobacconist certification in the near future.

I do understand your point about online, but I would say the handbook is the real bread and butter of the program. That is where they get into a lot more then you would expect based on what's available online.

The overall goal of TU is something I think the industry should support. They are essentially saying that this industry and the people in it need a standard put in place and we need to give a credential to the people in it. We as consumers frequently go into places where people have no idea what they are talking about while trying to sell you something. You hate it and I hate it. It sucks and it screws over shops that really try to be a legitimate tobacco shop with tobacconists.

While my job is inventory based, I find that the most joy in my job is dealing with the customers and showing them cigars that fit their palate that they never would have considered. I love it when I make a recommendation to someone and they go up to the bar/ lounge and smoke it and then come back down half way through and tell me how much they love the cigar. I want people to try new things. I hate it when customers come in and ignore all of my advice because they know best or tell me another shop recommended something else and they hated it. Sure I could sell someone macanudos all day because it is the first thing they go for and it is all they know, but I want them to smoke the Tats, illusione, Las calaveras, Ligas, my father, LFD, and so on.

The industry to me is very opinion based. Everyone has an opinion or theory about damn near everything in the industry. While everyone might not agree with every word in the book, I think it's fair to say they have done the best job trying to streamline it.

Anything that promotes and legitimizes this industry is something I want to be part of.

A great answer, and upon rereading my original post I wish to apologize for the tone: it wasn't my intention to bash anyone.

As a follow up, do you think this can replace x years of experience like a degree in other industries does?
E.g. you often see in job postings 'Associates degree or equivalent experience'. In your opinion, what would be the equivalent years experience for this degree?

Also, it would be great if the degree included some practical aspects: pressing pipe baccy to make cake, rolling cigars by hand yourself for e.g. What would you think of that?

[Marc L]

The Tobacconist Newsletter

2015 Media Challenge!

Inviting the Media to become Certified!

Starting April 1, 2015, all Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT) will be able to certify consumers. During the month of April, TU will be providing free CCT (consumer certification) to any and all industry media BOTL and SOTL that are interested in proving their knowledge and earning credentials. We are excited to see who will have the moxie to stand up and prove their knowledge! Stay tuned for updates...

If you are interested in becoming a CCT, please visit the TU web page or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

What is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) ?

Let the education begin!