Tobacco Distributors and Wholesalers Education and Training

Perfect your skills as a tobacco distributor and wholesaler

By Auden Johnson
Tobacco distributors and wholesalers generally have a college degree and most are on their way to establishing themselves as top notch tobacco distributors. As an tobacco distributor, continued training enhances your skills and allows you to stay ahead in the industry.

There are several cigarette, tobacco and retail associations that provide specified training in selling tobacco as well as courses covering tobacco basics. Enhance your knowledge in the tobacco industry with tobacco distributors and wholesalers education and training that includes:

1. Educating tobacco distributors on the industry through educational materials including videos and online training.

2. Keeping up-to-date on tobacco legislation.

3. Attending conferences and expos for the latest tobacco industry training and product information.

 

Locate educational materials and training resources for tobacco distributors

The tobacco industry is constantly evolving so re-educating yourself on wholesale tobacco products is often necessary. Certification programs, videos, online training and more will assist you with this.
Try: Tobacconist University is an educational organization offering training on tobacco with several certification programs, providing opportunity to hear from industry experts. The Coalition for Responsible Tobacco Retailing offers online training tutorials to educate retailers and distributors of tobacco products. The International Tobacco Growers' Association (ITGA) offers a variety of literature on the tobacco industry and other valuable resources.

Educate yourself on tobacco distribution legislation

Not only knowing your product but the legislation involved on the product is important to a tobacco wholesaler and distributor. Specific states will offer training seminars and sessions to make sure distributors are familiar with and abide by the laws of selling tobacco.
Try: Stay current on all legislation regarding the tobacco industry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC offers educational tools and videos as well to help cigarette distributors make the most of selling their products. For laws and regulations specific to each state, visit the Coalition for Responsible Tobacco Retailing.

Attend expos for the latest tobacco wholesalers and distributors products and information

Many tobacco manufacturers and trade associations host tobacco expos and conventions where tobacco distributors not only learn about the newest tobacco products available, but gain knowledge on the latest in the tobacco industry.
Try: The Tri-State Tobacco & Candy Distributors Convention is a host of member-only associations that focuses on different aspects of the tobacco industry from marketing to tobacco legislation. The tri-state convention offers discussions and presentations as well as a means a learning what's new in the industry. Attend annual conferences like the Tobacco Plus Expo and the American Wholesale Marketers Association's Real Deal Expo to familiarize yourself with the latest tobacco products.

 

  • Consult the tobacco manufacturer you're working with as they offer wholesale tobacco training programs to their employees. Through various manufacturers you can also learn the various regulations regarding the sale of tobacco.