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
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
Interactive Buyers Guide
The PCA now offers an online, interactive Buyer’s Guide, complete with up-to-date company news, products, sales rep info and more. The Buyer’s Guide gives you all the information you need right at your fingertips! And because it’s updated around the clock, you’ll rest assured knowing the information is always correct.
PCA Product Hub
The PCA Product HUB offers monthly specials exclusively available to PCA retail members offered by PCA manufacturers. Manufacturers offer special discounts, unique sizes, and exclusive products. For each cigar ordered through this service, a donation is given to the Industry Defense Fund, helping PCA light up the fight for our industry!
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 [email protected].
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.
Interactive Buyers Guide
The PCA now offers an online, interactive Buyer’s Guide, complete with up-to-date company news, products, sales rep info and more. The Buyer’s Guide gives you all the information you need right at your fingertips! And because it’s updated around the clock, you’ll rest assured knowing the information is always correct.
PCA Product Hub
The PCA Product HUB offers monthly specials exclusively available to PCA retail members offered by PCA manufacturers. Manufacturers offer special discounts, unique sizes, and exclusive products. For each cigar ordered through this service, a donation is given to the Industry Defense Fund, helping PCA light up the fight for our industry!
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
Credit Card Processing
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! Learn more here
Discounts through 1-800-Members
Learn more about 1-800-Members Discounts here.
•Avis/Budget™ car rentals:
Save up to 35% off base rates with Pay Now, plus enroll in Avis Preferred®. Learn more here.
Save up to 35% off base rates with Pay Now, plus enroll in Budget Fast Break. Learn more here.
• Deluxe™ checks, business forms and printed products
• Lenovo™ computers, servers and equipment: Save up to 30% off the everyday public web price, with access to special flash sales.
• UPS™ shipping and UPS Store™ services: Members enjoy flat rate pricing with savings of 50% on Domestic Next Day/Deferred and 30% on Ground Commercial/Residential. Learn more here.
• Member Freight shipping
• ODP Business Solutions™: Save up to 75% off regular prices on our Best Value List of preferred products. Learn more here.
Intercall by West Communications™ for conference calling services
DirecTV
If you own a cigar store or lounge where guests sit and enjoy your premium tobacco products, you can get 15% — 20% off DirecTV programming for your business establishment! The PCA has partnered with National Satellite Center on a new member discount program that can save the average current commercial DIRECTV customer up to $800 per year, or as much as $1,200 per year for new DirectTV commercial accounts when upgrading from cable. Learn more
Gnymble (SMS):
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. Learn more
Career Plug
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. Learn more
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
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
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
Interactive Buyers Guide
The PCA now offers an online, interactive Buyer’s Guide, complete with up-to-date company news, products, sales rep info and more. The Buyer’s Guide gives you all the information you need right at your fingertips! And because it’s updated around the clock, you’ll rest assured knowing the information is always correct.
Benefits
PCA Product Hub
This all-new service provides PCA retail members access to exciting discounts and exclusive product offerings, and is a great way to help support our industry defense fund!
The PCA Product HUB offers monthly specials exclusively available to PCA retail members offered by PCA manufacturers. Manufacturers offer special discounts, unique sizes, and exclusive products. For each cigar ordered through this service, a donation is given to the Industry Defense Fund, helping PCA light up the fight for our industry!
Benefits
PCA Product Hub
This all-new service provides PCA retail members access to exciting discounts and exclusive product offerings, and is a great way to help support our industry defense fund!
The PCA Product HUB offers monthly specials exclusively available to PCA retail members offered by PCA manufacturers. Manufacturers offer special discounts, unique sizes, and exclusive products. For each cigar ordered through this service, a donation is given to the Industry Defense Fund, helping PCA light up the fight for our industry!
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!
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:
1. Operate in a location with retail zoning or have proper permitting for the location to sell specialty tobacco products.
2. Provide all state-required permits and licenses including sales tax license for the retail sale of specialty tobacco products.
3. Have regular business hours during to purchase specialty tobacco products.
4. Supply photographs of the outside of their establishment showing signage, and the inside showing tobacco display(s).
5. For retailers with multiple locations, must provide primary contact information for each location.
6. Retail Members shall be entitled to one vote per membership.
Each application for membership is reviewed and approved individually. For questions regarding the application process or for additional assistance, please contact Lisa Sigler at [email protected].
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.