I was just curious what everyone's favorite way to purchase their sticks. Do you prefer a local shop or ordering online? I personally prefer the idea of in person so I can explore the humidor and find the right stick that catches my attention. We have an incredible shop here located right outside the Biltmore Estate. But as you can imagine with location comes premium pricing it seems. Online seems like it could be a better option if you wanted to save a few bucks though as long as you know what you like. And if online, who do you recommend or more important, who do you recommend staying away from? I am looking to try some samplers and wondering the best route.
Favorite method of purchase
- Thread starter Tedster
- Start date
I frequent local shops to try new cigars, and then buy them online during holidays when 15-20% off sales codes come around. I also frequent auction sites where you can expect at least 50% off MSRP except on the premium brands like Padron and Davidoff. Even solid brands like Illusione, Tatuaje, etc can be had with steep discounts on auction sites. I would like to support the B&Ms more but don't have the income to be buying a ton from them.
I use discount codes and sales on-line. The truth is at least 70% of my purchases come from Neptune Cigars. I spend a lot of time cross shopping looking for deals because the hunt is a type of hobby for me. I don't have a lot of decent shop choices within reasonable distances though.
If I am on vacation, I like to try shops in the area. If I need to find something special I will also stop in to a shop. You would be surprised what you find in a store that you might not find otherwise. Yesterday I found some limited edition cigars that only had one run of 10,000 cigars. That kind of discover is a real joy.
If I am on vacation, I like to try shops in the area. If I need to find something special I will also stop in to a shop. You would be surprised what you find in a store that you might not find otherwise. Yesterday I found some limited edition cigars that only had one run of 10,000 cigars. That kind of discover is a real joy.
highsierrasmokin'
The battle's fought, the deed is done
The Cuesta Rey's are great smokes and the price is perfect!
I buy online and at B&M's. What I can't get at the B&M's I get online, but support the B&M's as much as possible.
Forgot to mention earlier...if you can find some budget mainstay cigars on auction sites, I highly recommend using those to keep the humidor filled out. I have a few favorites that I always keep on hand at around $5/stick (CAO Brazilia, NC Cohiba Blues, Oliva CT Reserve, Perdomo Champagne, Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor, etc). My experience buying premium/boutique sticks on auction is much less favorable, either because they are simply not available or priced unfavorably. Now and again I'll stumble upon a 5er of Illusione/Tats for $30, but that is like a once a year find.
I second this recommendation. The auction sites can really help fill out the humidor.
Some of my absolute favorites are cheap Cigar Bid smokes. I'll buy 20-30 Man O War Puro Authenticos at a time. Even with a container full of Herrera Esteli Norteño, JdN Silver, CLE, Crowned Heads, and other regarded names, I still think about those on the way home from work more than almost any other. I know I have many objectively better choices but I just connect so well with the experience they provide (with a few months on them.) They are a little $2.50 stick, and not for everybody, but twice a year I make a big order of them to fill out my stash.
Just don't make the mistake a lot of guys do and buy a ten pack of every cheap thing on the site.
Capn_Jackson
A Razorback lost in Texas land
I haven’t gone the auction route yet. If I’m buying online, I usually use Holt’s or Famous Smoke Shop. Use the code BOTLORG at Famous for a discount, I can’t remember how much off. 15%?
B&M stores are great for seeking out new sticks, and getting a couple of that one stick that you’ve just GOT to try, but don’t want to buy a ten box of quite yet.
B&M stores are great for seeking out new sticks, and getting a couple of that one stick that you’ve just GOT to try, but don’t want to buy a ten box of quite yet.
I only cigar shop locally. The selection is not great, but they occasionally get cigars that interest me and they give me great prices.
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I used to always buy locally first to support my local B&Ms as California is asstastic towards those poor bastards. But a few years ago CA incorporated a Tobacco tax (~70%) on cigars. So online AND out of state for me for box purchases (I miss Small Batch Cigars).
I'll still buy a single and smoke it in the lounge, but I can't bankroll the State.
I'll still buy a single and smoke it in the lounge, but I can't bankroll the State.
TJ, what happened to SmallBatchCigar? I used to get stuff from them several years ago. Did they go POOF?
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No, not at all- great place, but as soon as you put in a CA address the prices go UP!
Ok thanks! I always liked SBC and felt they had a great business model and the customer service was always top notch.
highsierrasmokin'
The battle's fought, the deed is done
That code stopped working on March 31st. The only one I could find that works is BEN25
Online for me 90% of the time, 10% of the time At B&M shops but most shops around me suck way overpriced so overpriced one shop has some God of fire boxes from 2004. when you look at the sticks there Faded like they were siting in the sun. The band has lost its color the color of the Leaf is drastically different if you roll them over they look the way they should.
I have one shop that lucky for me is close and has a good selection. wish I could spend more time at that place well life with kids in sports has turned me into a backyard/dog-walker smoker.
I have one shop that lucky for me is close and has a good selection. wish I could spend more time at that place well life with kids in sports has turned me into a backyard/dog-walker smoker.
Old post but...I buy 90% on line from several suppliers. Check them out, buy from the one with lowest price, the American way, right? I find it surprising how much cigars get marked up and if one does not check they are really getting hosed sometimes. Just today, I saved 45$ by checking several sites. I do buy sometimes from two or three when needing to order. Living in a state with lots of indian casinos I visit my local one having a huge cigar bar and walk-in hummy, great guys there too. Generally, I pick out a smoke that is new to me and that way I hit one on occasion to buy online. Casinos are a great place to have a new smoke and some Hennessey while watching golf.