Retailer Membership
Open to Premium Tobacconists, Cigar Lounges and other Premium Tobacco Retailers
Retailer Membership
Open to Premium Tobacconists, Cigar Lounges and other Premium Tobacco Retailers
As a Retailer member, you have access to a suite of resources! From tools to help you develop relationships with partners in the industry to information on the latest trends, the PCA is your one-stop-shop for your premium tobacco business.
As the organization dedication to brick and mortar retail tobacconists, the PCA is your go-to resource for: helping improve your bottom line; keeping you on the cutting-edge of the industry; and fighting to protect our industry from unfair, misguided, and over-reaching regulations. PCA Retailer Membership is open to Premium Tobacconists, Cigar Lounges and other Premium Tobacco Retailers. Scroll down to see all the benefits of membership.
Retail Workers
Retailer Stores
Eligibility
PCA Retailer Membership Eligibility
A PCA Retailer Member is defined as a business entity engaged in whole or in part in the retail sale of premium cigars, specialty tobacco products, and related tobacco accessories through conventional retail stores and other retail outlets.
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Operate in a location with retail zoning or have proper permitting for the location to sell specialty tobacco products.
- Provide all state-required permits and licenses including sales tax license for the retail sale of specialty tobacco products.
- Have regular business hours during to purchase specialty tobacco products.
- Supply photographs of the outside of their establishment showing signage, and the inside showing tobacco display(s).
- For retailers with multiple locations, must provide primary contact information for each location.
Retail Members shall be entitled to one vote per membership.
Applicants must provide the following when applying:
- Copy of State-issued Retail Sales/Business License.
- Copy of State-issued Tobacco Sales License (where applicable).
- Exterior photo of business. (Must clearly display storefront and exterior signage visible to the public.)
- Interior photo of business. Must clearly show premium tobacco product displays.
- For retailers with multiple locations, must provide primary contact information for each location.
Each application for membership is reviewed and approved individually. For questions regarding the application process or for additional assistance, please contact Lisa Sigler at sigler@premiumcigars.org.
Benefits
A PCA membership gives you and your business a direct connection to every facet of the industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and growth, offering business support, advocacy, education and year-round buying opportunities.
Annual Convention & International Trade Show
The PCA Trade Show is the best buying event of the year! Held annually, this show includes new products, exclusive releases, special show discounts, and more. And, it is the only trade show that puts all proceeds back into fighting for the premium tobacco industry!
PCA Retailer Members are eligible for up to three (3) FREE badges to the show! The number of Free badges each Retailer receives is based on membership tier. Find more information below.
PCA Group 401k Plan
Being a PCA member now includes new benefits, such as access to an association-backed 401(k) plan! The PCA Group 401(k) is now live and open to all current PCA members. This plan is a great way to attract and retain your business’ employees. The PCA Group 401(k) plan will allow tobacco business owners and their employees to save money for retirement in a tax-efficient way.
To get started, please get in touch with our advisor, Patrick Martin, and he’ll assist in setting it up! He can be reached at 202-270-8564 or by email at patrick.m.martin@ubs.com.
PCA The Magazine
PCA The Magazine is our industry’s leading publication dedicated to helping you enhance your business. PCA Retailers get this magazine delivered FREE of charge! Through four (4) issues per year, PCA The Magazine includes:
- Case studies and best practices for retailers
- New products
- Insights, tasting and selling tips from manufacturers
- Lessons learned from businesses outside the premium tobacco industry
- Advice from fellow retailers
- Important updates about our fight against over-reaching regulations
- and more!
Affinity Partner Savings
Retail Members also get access to exclusive savings and discounts through several service providers, all geared specifically toward the needs of your premium tobacco business. Learn more about affinity partner benefits.
Retail Tobacconist Almanac
PCA’s annual publication that covers anything and everything a retail tobacconist needs to have at their fingertips. Each year, the PCA produces this 300+ page volume of work, detailing thousands of products of premium cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, and accessories.
This comprehensive guide offers you a critical resource for locating manufacturers, products, state tax information, events, a glossary of common tobacco terms, and more.
Education Discounts
TOBACCONIST UNIVERSITY
PCA is committed to elevating the professionalism of the premium cigar industry through education and certification. As part of this mission, we’re proud to offer exclusive certification benefits through our partnership with Tobacconist University.
Retailer members receive one free CCST for every one purchased. Once certified, retailers can also take the Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) exam for just $50.
How to Take Advantage of This Offer:
1. Visit https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certification_ccst.php
2. Register your company and include your PCA Member Number in the comments section.
3. Once Tobacconist University verifies your PCA membership, you will be provided the PCA membership rates.
THE CIGAR ACADEMY
The Cigar Academy is committed to delivering accessible and rigorous cigar education. The Cigar Academy’s mission is to offer everyone direct access to knowledge and expertise through courses crafted together with those who run factories and farms of renown cigar companies. The Cigar Academy is endorsed by legendary cigar makers. Its goal is to lead individuals toward formal certification through their knowledge and guidance.
Key Certification Programs:
- Level 1 Award Course: An 8-hour comprehensive program consisting of texts, videos, podcasts, and quizzes, followed by a final exam. Upon completion, participants receive an industry-recognized certification.
- Cigars 101: A 1-hour introductory course providing an overview of cigar making and retail essentials. Perfect for newcomers or those looking for a refresher.
- Future Levels: The Cigar Academy will soon launch advanced certifications, including Level 2 Award and Level 3 Diploma courses: delving deeper into tobacco history and processes. These courses will feature in-person workshops, global events, and hands-on training at cigar factories and farms for a truly immersive learning experience.
PCA Retail members can access the Level 1 Award Course at an exclusive 50% discount for only $125.
Legislative & Compliance
The PCA has extensive advocacy programs to fight local, state and federal burdens affecting your business.
Through guidance and resources, PCA Retailers can ensure they are operating according to all rules and regulations. In addition, members have several opportunities to help shape the future of the industry through grassroots campaigns and more!
Benefits
A PCA membership gives you and your business a direct connection to every facet of the industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and growth, offering business support, advocacy, education and year-round buying opportunities.
Annual Convention & International Trade Show
The PCA Trade Show is the best buying event of the year! Held annually, this show includes new products, exclusive releases, special show discounts, and more. And, it is the only trade show that puts all proceeds back into fighting for the premium tobacco industry!
PCA Retailer Members are eligible for up to three (3) FREE badges to the show! The number of Free badges each Retailer receives is based on membership tier. Find more information below.
PCA Group 401k Plan
Being a PCA member now includes new benefits, such as access to an association-backed 401(k) plan! The PCA Group 401(k) is now live and open to all current PCA members. This plan is a great way to attract and retain your business’ employees. The PCA Group 401(k) plan will allow tobacco business owners and their employees to save money for retirement in a tax-efficient way.
To get started, please get in touch with our advisor, Patrick Martin, and he’ll assist in setting it up! He can be reached at 202-270-8564 or by email at patrick.m.martin@ubs.com.
PCA The Magazine
PCA The Magazine is our industry’s leading publication dedicated to helping you enhance your business. PCA Retailers get this magazine delivered FREE of charge! Through four (4) issues per year, PCA The Magazine includes:
- Case studies and best practices for retailers
- New products
- Insights, tasting and selling tips from manufacturers
- Lessons learned from businesses outside the premium tobacco industry
- Advice from fellow retailers
- Important updates about our fight against over-reaching regulations
- and more!
Retail Tobacconist Almanac
PCA’s annual publication that covers anything and everything a retail tobacconist needs to have at their fingertips. Each year, the PCA produces this 300+ page volume of work, detailing thousands of products of premium cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, and accessories.
This comprehensive guide offers you a critical resource for locating manufacturers, products, state tax information, events, a glossary of common tobacco terms, and more.
Affinity Partner Savings
Retail Members also get access to exclusive savings and discounts through several service providers, all geared specifically toward the needs of your premium tobacco business.
Education Discounts
TOBACCONIST UNIVERSITY
PCA is committed to elevating the professionalism of the premium cigar industry through education and certification. As part of this mission, we’re proud to offer exclusive certification benefits through our partnership with Tobacconist University.
Retailer members receive one free CCST for every one purchased. Once certified, retailers can also take the Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) exam for just $50.
How to Take Advantage of This Offer:
1. Visit https://tobacconistuniversity.org/certification_ccst.php
2. Register your company and include your PCA Member Number in the comments section.
3. Once Tobacconist University verifies your PCA membership, you will be provided the PCA membership rates.
THE CIGAR ACADEMY
The Cigar Academy is committed to delivering accessible and rigorous cigar education. The Cigar Academy’s mission is to offer everyone direct access to knowledge and expertise through courses crafted together with those who run factories and farms of renown cigar companies. The Cigar Academy is endorsed by legendary cigar makers. Its goal is to lead individuals toward formal certification through their knowledge and guidance.
Key Certification Programs:
- Level 1 Award Course: An 8-hour comprehensive program consisting of texts, videos, podcasts, and quizzes, followed by a final exam. Upon completion, participants receive an industry-recognized certification.
- Cigars 101: A 1-hour introductory course providing an overview of cigar making and retail essentials. Perfect for newcomers or those looking for a refresher.
- Future Levels: The Cigar Academy will soon launch advanced certifications, including Level 2 Award and Level 3 Diploma courses: delving deeper into tobacco history and processes. These courses will feature in-person workshops, global events, and hands-on training at cigar factories and farms for a truly immersive learning experience.
PCA Retail members can access the Level 1 Award Course at an exclusive 50% discount for only $125.
Legislative & Compliance
The PCA has extensive advocacy programs to fight local, state and federal burdens affecting your business.
Through guidance and resources, PCA Retailers can ensure they are operating according to all rules and regulations. In addition, members have several opportunities to help shape the future of the industry through grassroots campaigns and more!
Benefits
Annual Convention &
International Trade Show
With all the premium cigar, pipe and accessory manufacturers under one roof for 3+ days, the PCA Trade Show is the best buying event of the year! Held annually, this show includes new products, exclusive releases, special show discounts, and more. And, it is the only trade show that puts all proceeds back into fighting for the premium tobacco industry!
PCA Retailer Members are eligible for up to three (3) FREE badges to the show! The number of Free badges each Retailer receives is based on membership tier:
Tier 1 (1 Store) |
3 Free Badges |
Tier 2 (2 Stores) |
4 Free Badges |
Tier 3 (3-5 Stores) |
5 Free Badges |
Tier 4 (6-20 Stores) |
6 Free Badges |
Enterprise (20+ Stores) |
8 Free Badges |
Benefits
PCA Group 401(k) Plan
PCA members now have access to a new benefit: the PCA Group 401(k) plan! Open to all current members, it’s a great way for tobacco business owners and employees to save for retirement in a tax-efficient way. For help getting started, contact our advisor, Patrick Martin, at 202-270-8564 or patrick.m.martin@ubs.com.
Benefits of the PCA Group 401(k) plan
Tax Credits: Up to $5,000 a year for the first three years
Access to low-cost Vanguard index funds
Allows you to maintain ownership of your plan
Transamerica 401(k) Brochure
Small Business Retirement Plan Tax Credits
Form: Notice of Intent
Reason to switch to the PCA Group 401(k) plan
Reduce Administrative Duties
Tiered group pricing can save you money on fees
Reduce time & Cost of Annual Audit
Reduce Fiduciary Risk by outsourcing to UBS 338 Investment Fiduciary
Enhance your employee satisfaction and retention
Benefits
PCA Group 401(k) Plan
PCA members now have access to a new benefit: the PCA Group 401(k) plan! Open to all current members, it’s a great way for tobacco business owners and employees to save for retirement in a tax-efficient way.
For help getting started, contact our advisor, Patrick Martin, at 202-270-8564 or patrick.m.martin@ubs.com.
Benefits of the PCA Group 401(k) plan
Tax Credits: Up to $5,000 a year for the first three years
Access to low-cost Vanguard index funds
Allows you to maintain ownership of your plan
Additional Resources:
Transamerica 401(k) Brochure
Small Business Retirement Plan Tax Credits
Form: Notice of Intent
Reason to switch to the PCA Group 401(k) plan
Reduce Administrative Duties
Tiered group pricing can save you money on fees
Reduce time & Cost of Annual Audit
Reduce Fiduciary Risk by outsourcing to UBS 338 Investment Fiduciary
Enhance your employee satisfaction and retention
Benefits
Affinity Partner Programs
Members also get access to exclusive savings and discounts through several service providers, all geared specifically toward the needs of your premium tobacco business.
Financial & Business Services
Payment Processing with Premium Tobacco (PTP)
Merchant services tailored for high-risk tobacco sellers.
The PCA has partnered with the Premium Tobacco Payment Processing (PTP) through NUVO Company to create a credit card processing program specifically tailored to fit the needs of tobacconists!
Key Features:
- E-Commerce or Card Not Present Accounts Approved!
- No Processor Rate Increases
- Month to Month Contracts Only
Clover
Point-of-sale (POS) hardware and integrated payment processing
Clover by Fiserv is a powerful point-of-sale (POS) solution designed to help cigar retailers and lounges like yours thrive.
- 💨 Speed up transactions with fast, secure payment processing
- 📊 Track inventory and sales with real-time analytics
- 📱 Serve customers anywhere with mobile POS options
- 🛠️ Simplify operations with intuitive tools and 24/7 support
PCA members receive exclusive pricing and support packages—so you can get started with confidence and ease.
JeisonGermanGroup
Business banking and lending solutions.
JeisonGermanGroup provides PCA members with access to a comprehensive suite of financial services tailored to support premium cigar retailers and businesses.
Services Available to PCA Members:
- Business Banking
- Checking and savings accounts
- High-yield CDs
- Treasury services
- Lending Solutions
- Working capital, equipment, and commercial real estate loans
- Loan amounts from $5,000 to $15 million
- POS & Payment Processing
- Integrated in-store, mobile, and online payment systems
- Business Services
- Insurance coverage tailored to business needs
- Payroll and HR tools
- IT support and infrastructure solutions
Contact
📞 (786) 522-0401
📧 J.german@jeisongermangroup.com
🌐 jeisongerman.com
Communications & Customer Engagement
1‑800 Members
Discounted business services via the Premium Cigar Association (powered by 1‑800 Members):
- UPS: up to 65% off domestic next-day and deferred shipping
- UPS Ground: 42% off commercial/residential rates
- Office Depot/ODP: up to 75% off standard supply items
- Lenovo: up to 50% off retail prices
- Avis & Budget: up to 35% off car rentals
Entertainment & In-Store Experience
DirecTV
If you own a cigar lounge or bar where guests sit and enjoy your premium tobacco products, you can get 20%+ off DirecTV programming for your business establishment! The PCA has partnered with Pacific Concepts Group on a member discount program that can save, on average, up to $800 per year for current commercial DirecTV customers with eligible accounts, or more for new DirecTV account customers switching from cable providers.
Contact the National Accounts Team
nationalaccounts@pacificconcepts.net
562-988-8181
Technology & Operations
Gnymble
Digital platform for marketing and operations.
Gnymble SMS Texting helps you communicate back and forth with your customers in real time. With Gnymble, you can boost your communications strategy and at a special reduced rate exclusive to PCA members.
CareerPlug
Applicant tracking and recruitment platform for hiring staff.
CareerPlug is an applicant tracking system that assists users with finding new hires. From start to finish, CareerPlug navigates the hiring process, from developing a job description and posting on a number of job boards to pre-screening and onboarding. Communication with potential hires is customized for the user’s specific needs. CareerPlug offers exclusive pricing for PCA members, including a free two-week trial.
Benefits
PCA The Magazine
PCA The Magazine is our industry’s leading publication dedicated to helping you enhance your business. PCA Retailers get this magazine delivered FREE of charge! Through four (4) issues per year, PCA The Magazine includes:
- Case studies and best practices for retailers
- New products
- Insights, tasting and selling tips from manufacturers
- Lessons learned from businesses outside the premium tobacco industry
- Advice from fellow retailers
- Important updates about our fight against over-reaching regulations, and more!
Benefits
PCA Almanac
PCA’s annual publication that covers anything and everything a retail tobacconist needs to have at their fingertips. Each year, the PCA produces this 300+ page volume of work, detailing thousands of products of premium cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, and accessories.
This comprehensive guide offers you a critical resource for locating manufacturers, products, state tax information, events, a glossary of common tobacco terms, and more.
As a PCA member, you receive the PCA Almanac delivered to you FREE of charge!
Benefits
Retail Tobacconist Almanac
PCA’s annual publication that covers anything and everything a retail tobacconist needs to have at their fingertips. Each year, the PCA produces this 300+ page volume of work, detailing thousands of products of premium cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters, and accessories.
This comprehensive guide offers you a critical resource for locating manufacturers, products, state tax information, events, a glossary of common tobacco terms, and more.
As a PCA member, you receive the Tobacco Retailer’s Almanac delivered to you FREE of charge!
Benefits
Legislative & Compliance
The PCA has extensive advocacy programs to fight local, state and federal burdens affecting your business.
Through guidance and resources, PCA members can ensure they are operating according to all rules and regulations. In addition, members have several opportunities to help shape the future of the industry through grassroots campaigns and more!
Annual Dues for Retailers
Annual dues are based on the total number of premium tobacco retail stores you operate.
1 Retail Store
- 3 PCA Trade Show Badges
- PCA Group 401k Plan
- Affinity Partner Savings
- PCA The Magazine
- Retail Tobacconist Almanac
- Interactive Buyers Guide
- Guidance & Advocacy Programs
- PCA Product Hub
2 Retail Stores
- 4 PCA Trade Show Badges
- PCA Group 401k Plan
- Affinity Partner Savings
- PCA The Magazine
- Retail Tobacconist Almanac
- Interactive Buyers Guide
- Guidance & Advocacy Programs
- PCA Product Hub
3-5 Retail Stores
- 5 PCA Trade Show Badges
- PCA Group 401k Plan
- Affinity Partner Savings
- PCA The Magazine
- Retail Tobacconist Almanac
- Interactive Buyers Guide
- Guidance & Advocacy Programs
- PCA Product Hub
6-20 Retail Stores
- 6 PCA Trade Show Badges
- PCA Group 401k Plan
- Affinity Partner Savings
- PCA The Magazine
- Retail Tobacconist Almanac
- Interactive Buyers Guide
- Guidance & Advocacy Programs
- PCA Product Hub
Enterprise: 20+ Stores
- 8 PCA Trade Show Badges
- PCA Group 401k Plan
- Affinity Partner Savings
- PCA The Magazine
- Retail Tobacconist Almanac
- Interactive Buyers Guide
- Guidance & Advocacy Programs
- PCA Product Hub
Dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution, but may be deductible under other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. For the current year, 100% of the dues are not deductible under IRC Section. 6033. Please consult your tax advisor.