## Introduction
Tobacconists usually have a hard time finding reasonable merchant services. As a result, cigar and tobacco merchants in this space typically pay higher rates and processing fees so they can operate within this uniquely regulated vertical. In most cases, tobacco shop business owners are passionate about their product line. It's this pursuit of the high-end smoking atmosphere that motivates aficionados to adapt to the payment processing needs tobacco merchants face. Especially now, during this unprecedented time of at-home ecommerce purchasing due to the response to COVID 19.
## The Current State of Online Tobacconists
Potential consumers are now stuck at home searching for an online cigar or tobacco shop to purchase products from. [The Cigar Aficiando](https://www.cigaraficionado.com/), a well known magazine publication had its team interview tobacco retailers all over the United States.
"We have had an increase in average sales per receipt. We are seeing new faces, mostly teleworkers or those stuck at home." -Gary Pesh, owner of [Old Virginia Tobacco Co.](http://www.ovtc.com/)
"The walk-in customers are at least off by two-thirds, the mail order has been alright." -Stephen Willet of Boston, owner of L.J. Peretti.
"This is scary because so much is unknown." -Vanessa Nastri, owner of [Barclay-Rex](https://www.facebook.com/barclayrexny/)
"We can ship directly to our customers." -Finnie Helmuth , owner of The Humidour Cigar Shop
As you can see there's a trend to the types of things that are being said right now. The fear is very evident but the best business owners are playing to win. They have adapted to the situation as best as possible and will continue to push forward for their customers.
They're giving their consumers the opportunity to shop at their favorite tobacco shop from the luxury of their home in the midst of this crisis. The tobacconists that deliver during this time will surely be remembered after the current state of emergency has subsided.
## Tips to Help Tobacconists
PayKings realizes that cost effective and sustainable payment processing solutions can add another layer of peace for that customer and the tobacconist. Here is some information that can help you make the right decisions in choosing the best payment processor.
Banks classify tobacco shops as high risk. This means that banks must take extra considerations before approving merchant accounts in this industry due to the nature of the product. Online tobacco and cigar shops are susceptible to higher chargeback ratios and banks don't like this.
Some tobacco and cigar merchants try to avoid these complications by running a cash-only business. The problem with this is that you end up missing out on consumer relationships. Your competitors may be more prepared for online payment processing and will inevitably take advantage of this opportunity.
Also, times like these make you realize that offering clients sustainable and secure payment processing functionality is the way to go if you don't want to miss out on profits and more importantly, miss out on giving customers the option to purchase your products online.
## Why PayKings?
PayKings has the experience you need to get fast approval for your merchant account. We work specifically with businesses that banks would consider high risk. We have sustainable solutions for tobacco companies who want to start accepting payments online. It's a great time to add a new feature to your existing brand at a reasonable price.
We often compare rates with potential tobacco merchants because most of the time we can beat out our competitors. Feel free to reach out to us with any payment processing questions or concerns.