Premium Cigars Business Success Stories [2026]
Want to tap into a market that caters to connoisseurs of fine living? Consider starting a premium cigar business. This venture isn't just about selling tobacco products; it’s about offering a lifestyle steeped in tradition and sophistication.
You'll need to source exceptional cigars from reputable growers and manufacturers, ensuring quality and consistency. Setting up a physical or online store that exudes an aura of luxury is crucial. An understanding of the cigar-smoking culture will also help in marketing and customer engagement.
With discerning customers willing to pay for top-tier products and experiences, a premium cigar business promises both profits and prestige. However, it requires a commitment to learning about the nuances of the industry and maintaining stringent standards. It’s an opportunity to indulge others in a refined hobby while establishing a respected brand.
In this list, you'll find real-world premium cigars business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a premium cigars business that makes money.
1. Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe ($78K/year)
Scotty, the founder of an online business selling cigars and tobacco products, got his start in the tobacco business with a small kiosk in a local mall. Seeing the success of big companies like Amazon and eBay, as well as the opportunity with pipes and pipe tobacco, he decided to jump into e-commerce in 1999. Over the years, he made strategic shifts in product selection and rebranding, navigating changes in regulations and market demand, to build a successful online business.
How much money it makes: $78K/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
How many people on the team: 6
Entrepreneur Scotty shares how he started an online business in 1999 selling premium cigars and pipe tobacco, eventually becoming the largest direct-to-consumer distributor of pipe tobacco in the USA and generating over $6.5k/month in revenue, and how he pivoted his business from RYO supplies to premium cigars and tobacco products.
