Where to buy cigars?

Subject: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:23 pm

I'm just setting up my desk top humidor and I have a question for the cigar aficionados among us. Is there any advantage/disadvantage in buying cigars from internet stores ie JR cigars or should I stick with the local B&M?

Thanks,

Dan
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Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:25 pm

If you know what you like there are some great deals to be found here. Referred to on certain cigar forums as 'The devil site":

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/
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Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 1:41 pm

You can also check out osme of the auction sites online. CI Bid is a quality one.

Davey
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Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 1:59 pm

Thanks guys,

Let me restate my question,

Is there any advantage/disadvantage in buying cigars from internet stores ie JR cigars or should I stick with the local B&M?
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United We Stand, Brothers Of Briar

Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:13 pm

Internet stores are generally cheaper due to tax issues..

But Supporting the B&M makes sense simply because someday internet tobacco sales will be illegal, and if we don't support them now,they may not be here to support later.

As for any other advantage/disadvantage??? hmmmm Well you can hold/smell/see a stick at the local B&M.. and you may learn a bit by engaging the guy behind the counter in conversation.. Also I've never met other local smokers buy placing an online order, I have at the B&M..
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Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 3:17 pm

Well, the obvious advantage to showing allegiance to a B&M is helping to keep them in business. If you find a B&M that has knowledgeable, friendly people working there then you should consider that a last bastion of fine pipe, tobacco and cigar heritage. Helping to keep them in business is helping to keep the hobby going, and more, the knowledge base in existence.

You may save a lot by buying from an on-line retailer but how far do you think they'll go to take care of you? Will they even know who you are? If you call a customer service rep will they even know what the hell you're talking about?

Certainly there are exceptions to either end. I think if you have a B&M in your area that you like you should spend some time and $$ there, then tell us what you think Wink

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These are horrible times and all sorts of horrible people are prospering, but we must never let this disturb our equanimity or deflect us from our sacred duty to annoy and hinder them at every turn.
I BLATANTLY ENDORSE

Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:03 pm

I will usually buy my cigars from one of two local B&M's here in Phoenix that I frequent. I very seldom buy boxes any more because I like a variety in my humidor. Most on-line retailers would rather deal in boxes of cigars instead of singles. Plus you get to see/smell the cigars before purchasing at a local shop. Price wise I would say the etailers can be cheaper due to the tax issues and some like JR's, Famous Smokes, Cigar International, and others usually have some pretty good deals on boxes, although both of the local shops give a ten to fifteen percent discount when buying boxes of cigars. Both of the local shops I frequent usually will have a free cigar tasting once a month which makes it really nice. Not to mention they are also excellent pipe shops. If you know what you want and want to purchase that cigar by the box then you will probably find it a little cheaper on-line IMHO. Sometimes the shipping ends up being the same on what you would of paid in the local taxes (which in Arizona are not that bad on pipe blends and cigars). Hope that gives you a little of what you were looking for.
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Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:22 pm

I thank you gentleman. I do feel its best to support the local B&M and I agree that without our support the would not last. I think price wise what it all boils down to is the addition of NY state tax and that makes the internet more atractive.

I appreciate everyone's input.
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United We Stand, Brothers Of Briar

Subject: Re: Where to buy cigars? Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:27 pm

One more thing that should be taken into concideration is the fact that a lot of online stores ship their cigars "wet." This keeps the cigars at a slighly higher Relative Humidity so that the cigars do not dry out on their trip. So, they may need some time to adjust to the Rh you desire. I usually wait 4-7 days before I smoke anything shipped to me. Trying to keep a "wet" cigars lit is ot my idea of relaxing. Evil or Very Mad

Trying to keep my pipe lit.... that's a different story all together! affraid

Lucky
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Joined : 19 Aug 2008 Posts : 46

I like to help out my local, but when it comes to selection and price, you cant beat the net. i say use em both!

Joined : 28 Feb 2008 Posts : 125 Location : Wake Forest, NC

Most of the good advice has been said, but let me add this - you live in upstate NY. When winter rolls around, you might be happy that you have a local B&M where you can sit and smoke a cigar. JR prices are way cheaper than NY retail plus tax, though... So do what I used to do when I lived in NY - stock your humidor from JR, but buy sticks, accessories, pipes, etc. from your local B&M.

-Andrew