Tat Drac: Shipping Date

[Dukeuni]

Does anyone know, or have you read anywhere, when the Tat Dracs will be shipped to retailers? Are certain retailers receiving boxes first? I know they will be available before 10/31, just was not sure how soon before. Thanks!

[Starz26]

I have been told that some are getting them Friday 23rd, others are getting them on Monday the 26th.

[Silound]

We get our limited Tat stuff this Friday I believe. I wish I knew what it contained though.

[wavescrashing]

The place I got mine from told me they get theirs on Monday.

[newlifetaxidermy]

Got an email from the local B&M that theirs are in. You have to buy a box of Tat brown label to be able to buy a box of Dracs or Boris. Singles are only available in a sampler...the cheapest one is $95 with tax

[RightAJ]

Got an email from the local B&M that theirs are in. You have to buy a box of Tat brown label to be able to buy a box of Dracs or Boris. Singles are only available in a sampler...the cheapest one is $95 with tax

Which shop?

[md4958]

Got an email from the local B&M that theirs are in. You have to buy a box of Tat brown label to be able to buy a box of Dracs or Boris. Singles are only available in a sampler...the cheapest one is $95 with tax

thats some bullchit right there! Im sure Pete would love to hear about the price gouging going on.:td

[itsme_timd]

I've seen a lot of different comments on when these are coming in. Tuesday, Wednesday, this week, Friday, next Monday... I checked a few local shops yesterday and they didn't have them in yet.

It does suck to see the way some shops are gouging people on these.

[Col. Kurtz]

Got an email from the local B&M that theirs are in. You have to buy a box of Tat brown label to be able to buy a box of Dracs or Boris. Singles are only available in a sampler...the cheapest one is $95 with tax

Hey James, Got the same e-mail. Makes it a much easier decision to wash my hands of Tat and that shop. Need anything from Wilson? :r

I can't remember of having to buy anything to qualify to purchase an Opus. :confused:

[e-man67]

I would really like to know the name of the shop fi you don't mind sharing. :)

[itsme_timd]

I would really like to know the name of the shop fi you don't mind sharing. :)

+1

[e-man67]

Please?

[marge796]

Whatever happened to people doing the right thing because, it's the right thing to do?

I think some of the responsibility has to fall back onto Mr. Johnson to make sure his customers aren't being taken by greedy B&Ms and vendors. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the hobby.


:2


Chris.....



P.S. I'll be staying away from the madness that the Drac has created.

[stearns]

P.S. I'll be staying away from the madness that the Drac has created.

all of this madness is eventually gonna send someone to an asylum...

stearns

[e-man67]

Whatever happened to people doing the right thing because, it's the right thing to do?

I think some of the responsibility has to fall back onto Mr. Johnson to make sure his customers aren't being taken by greedy B&Ms and vendors. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the hobby.


:2


Chris.....



P.S. I'll be staying away from the madness that the Drac has created.


I agree...but I still want them. I wish he would just make 50,000 boxes so everyone could get them...if they are as good as people say then they would sell no prob.

[tobii3]

Newlife,

Please explain where the price gouging is going on??

13 sticks in a box at $13 each - hmm....$169 in my book

And, if you wanna sling mud, newlife, read your email completely.

The sampler is $80 - the TAXES are over $15.

That's not gouging. That's SCHIP and your NC legislation.

I'm gonna guess that you totally MISSED the comment about the PREORDER status or the COTMC members??

[tobii3]

Whatever happened to people doing the right thing because, it's the right thing to do?

I think some of the responsibility has to fall back onto Mr. Johnson to make sure his customers aren't being taken by greedy B&Ms and vendors. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the hobby.

When Pete Johnson pockets the profits directly, HE is the reason for the ridiculous pricing, NOT the B&M stores.

Wow, 13 locations get the split of 1,000 boxes. And the B&M Owners are at fault for this??

Give me a break.

[acarr]

This kind of stuff may boost temporary profits but it sure seems there are a lot of unhappy customers. That is never good for business. The other limited production stuff like Oliva V Maduro's or Opus X is/was available to pretty much all who wanted/wants it.

[Hudaddy]

Just talked to a shop owner. His Tat rep said the East coast is shipping this week and West Coast is shipping early next week.

[tsolomon]

I was at the local B&M today and theirs just came in, but they only got 10 boxes which were all pre-sold. :(

[newlifetaxidermy]

Newlife,

Please explain where the price gouging is going on??

13 sticks in a box at $13 each - hmm....$169 in my book

And, if you wanna sling mud, newlife, read your email completely.

The sampler is $80 - the TAXES are over $15.

That's not gouging. That's SCHIP and your NC legislation.

I'm gonna guess that you totally MISSED the comment about the PREORDER status or the COTMC members??


I never stated there was price gouging.... I just stated the terms of the email.

But since that can of worms was opened, I'll fish.

Yes, I think price gouging does occur at that shop on the taxes end. I recently bought an $84 box of cigars (24 in box) at the shop in Wilson Col Kurtz mentioned and with tax it was $91....that's $7 in taxes. In the email 6 cigars ($80) is $95 after taxes. That is $15 in taxes, which is BS. Retail on those 6 cigars they are selling for $80 is $68. Keep in mind these 2 shops are in the same state and are about 1 hour apart. BTW, Hal quoted me a price of $150 + tax for the same box that Col Kurtz picked up for me from Wilson. That is basically 2x the price...so yes they do gouge. I haven't gone crazy like Col Kurtz and written them off, but I certainly don't buy much there....which is a shame because they have a helluva selection.

[NCRadioMan]

Tax on $80 in NC is $6.40, fwiw.

[Toasted Coastie]

One shop by me is getting 5 boxes of each, to be split among their 3 stores and will NOT be selling them until the 31st. The other shop has no idea what or when. I figured I would stroll in the second shop Fri morning and talk to the owner....

[tobii3]

Ah yes....I see, bash the retailer, not the problem.

The State of North Carolina legislature, in their infinite wisdom, has
passed yet another increase in the Other Tobacco Products tax of 2.8%
(from 10% to 12.8% wholesale). To make things worse, they have imposed
a floor tax on our existing inventory.

yeah....did you FORGET that part??

Great that y'all can do the math for the NC State SALES tax....Now add on the ADDITIONAL OTP tax of 12.8%.....

Gee....what does that add up to????

[NCRadioMan]

Ah yes....I see, bash the retailer, not the problem.

The State of North Carolina legislature, in their infinite wisdom, has
passed yet another increase in the Other Tobacco Products tax of 2.8%
(from 10% to 12.8% wholesale). To make things worse, they have imposed
a floor tax on our existing inventory.

yeah....did you FORGET that part??

Great that y'all can do the math for the NC State SALES tax....Now add on the ADDITIONAL OTP tax of 12.8% along with the SCHIP.

Gee....what does that add up to???
I do work at a shop. I know how it works. ;) All the extra taxes are usally already added onto the retail price.

[tobii3]

I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night...does that count??

[acarr]

These things are out at my store.

[RightAJ]

These things are out at my store.

Grab me a box!!

[AngryBill]

Retailers don't pay SCHip tax. The manufacturers do. And the total tax for tobacco in NC is 12.8% on the wholesale cost. Some have increased their price, but Pete and a few others have not.

[acarr]

Grab me a box!!

I will try to get another box tomorrow. They distributed them to their other stores and I will be going by them next. The only draw back was I had to give in and buy $200 worth of other Tatuaje products. This was one of the 13 stores and they only got 2 boxes of the Boris. I think the smaller allotted stores will probably see more of the Boris.

[Col. Kurtz]

.... I haven't gone crazy like Col Kurtz and written them off, ......


That's why I'm in the asylum :r

Makes the B&M vs. online retailer vs. Wilson question easier......

[tobii3]

That's why we're ALL in the Asylum!!!

:su

Now, here's the numbers from our shopping trip....

Local Taxes - $3.50

NC Tobacco Tax - $3.61

SCHIP - $3.28

Total Taxes - $10.39

And that was on less than $80 purchase.

For those of you on the ""Bash the retailer"" Bandwagon, enough is enough.

Funny that acarr had to do the SAME thing in AZ that a certain retailer here had to do....But NO MENTION of Pete Johnson making this a requirement???

[kqueen]

I Just picked up my box of the Boris and The Drac - my retailer is great and much appreciated.
Here are my early pics http://s825.photobucket.com/albums/zz177/kcqueen/
Can't wait to break in and try one of each in a few weeks. Its like Christmas in my house tonight. Absolutely beautiful. Hope everyone else gets a box to enjoy!

[poriggity]

thats some bullchit right there! Im sure Pete would love to hear about the price gouging going on.:td

Why would he care? He has his money, why would he care what the retailer re-sold his product for?

[AngryBill]

That's why we're ALL in the Asylum!!!

:su

Now, here's the numbers from our shopping trip....

Local Taxes - $3.50

NC Tobacco Tax - $3.61

SCHIP - $3.28

Total Taxes - $10.39

And that was on less than $80 purchase.

For those of you on the ""Bash the retailer"" Bandwagon, enough is enough.

Funny that acarr had to do the SAME thing in AZ that a certain retailer here had to do....But NO MENTION of Pete Johnson making this a requirement???

Not bashing here... But the only problem with the numbers are the manufacturer pays the SCHIP tax, not the retailer. If a buyer from out of state buys, then they don't have to pay that states sales tax either.

All comes down to Buy them if you want them or don't if you aren't willing to pay the price.

[kqueen]

I paid 318 out the door for a box of each in AZ

[AngryBill]

I paid $298 for a box of each out of state from one source.

[tobii3]

I just saved a lot of money by switching to GEICO

[acarr]

I just saved a lot of money by switching to GEICO

I wish I was as smart as a cave man but alas, the cave man got on the list first.

[SkinsFanLarry]

Not bashing here... But the only problem with the numbers are the manufacturer pays the SCHIP tax, not the retailer. If a buyer from out of state buys, then they don't have to pay that states sales tax either.

All comes down to Buy them if you want them or don't if you aren't willing to pay the price.

Who gets "stuck" with paying the floor tax?

The out of state issue does not hold try in every state either.

[AngryBill]

The floor tax I am assuming is the tobacco taxes, is passed on to the customers, but only at the cap of 12.8%. Nothing anyone can do about those taxes, short of electing officials that change that law and rewriting law. Again, retailers do not pay the SCHIP tax, manufacturers do.

And all the retailers that I deal with do not make out of state folks pay sales tax, not even the one's in the Peoples Republic of California do. Yeah I know there are some retailers that make folks pay and pocket the sales tax profit.

Like i said before, All comes down to Buy them if you want them or don't if you aren't willing to pay the price. Retailers have a right to charge what they want and consumers have the right to buy or not.

Can we be done with this yet and smoke some great cigars?

[RightAJ]

Alright I didn't wanna start a whole different thread so...

How many boxes of each are the 200-something shops getting? Not the main or the secondary but the others

aj

[itsme_timd]

Alright I didn't wanna start a whole different thread so...

How many boxes of each are the 200-something shops getting? Not the main or the secondary but the others

aj

I've talked to a few shops that know how many they are getting.

One is getting 1 box.
One is getting 2 boxes.
One is getting 4 boxes.
One is getting 7 boxes.

Looks like it varies but I've heard 1-10 for the 'additional' shops.

[chubby]

Some of the local shops here are each getting 1-2 boxes. Some have decided to sell as individuals and limit them to 1 per customer.

[NCRadioMan]

Again, retailers do not pay the SCHIP tax, manufacturers do.



Not exactly. Retailers do pay for the SCHIP tax as the manufacturers pass it along when they upped their cost to the retailer. Then, in turn, retailers pass it along to the customer. It's ultimately the customer that pays in the end.


FWIW, NC is in the process of making internet retailers charge sales tax. So for those that order from JR, you will probably be paying NC sales tax in the, not so distant, future.

Like i said before, All comes down to Buy them if you want them or don't if you aren't willing to pay the price. Retailers have a right to charge what they want and consumers have the right to buy or not.

Yep, yep!

[tmoney2007]

Not exactly. Retailers do pay for the SCHIP tax as the manufacturers pass it along when they upped their cost to the retailer. Then, in turn, retailers pass it along to the customer. It's ultimately the customer that pays in the end.


This means that SCHIP is built into the MSRP, so charging MSRP + a percentage and calling it SCHIP is dishonest.

Price the cigars higher than MSRP if you want to make more money, but taking advantage of customers that don't know that SCHIP is part of MSRP is dishonest.

Honestly, charging state cigar taxes as a percentage of the retail price is shady too. NC is 12.8% of WHOLESALE price. If you want to make at least keystone on your actual price, then make your pretax prices higher. Charging 12.8% of the retail purchase is not what the law states.

Honest, transparent pricing doesn't have to be non-profitable. Just price the sticks where you want to price them and charge the taxes as they are meant to be charged.

Saying something costs $10 and then charging 40 or 80 cents for "SCHIP", and then charging another 1.28 for state tobacco taxes when half of the state taxes and all of the SCHIP taxes go into your pocket is not right IMO.

[Col. Kurtz]

Since the thread-jack is firmly in place, here is an example of what we're talking about.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc267/jdubx2/DSCN2082.jpg

[NCRadioMan]

This means that SCHIP is built into the MSRP, so charging MSRP + a percentage and calling it SCHIP is dishonest.

I agree. Who said they did this?

Price the cigars higher than MSRP if you want to make more money, but taking advantage of customers that don't know that SCHIP is part of MSRP is dishonest.

It is dishonest but I believe it's up the buyer to be informed of their purchases so they don't get taken.

Honestly, charging state cigar taxes as a percentage of the retail price is shady too. NC is 12.8% of WHOLESALE price. If you want to make at least keystone on your actual price, then make your pretax prices higher. Charging 12.8% of the retail purchase is not what the law states.

Again, who said they did this?

Honest, transparent pricing doesn't have to be non-profitable. Just price the sticks where you want to price them and charge the taxes as they are meant to be charged.

Agreed. That's what we do.

Saying something costs $10 and then charging 40 or 80 cents for "SCHIP", and then charging another 1.28 for state tobacco taxes when half of the state taxes and all of the SCHIP taxes go into your pocket is not right IMO.

Agreed and again who said they were doing this?




In blue above. :D

[Footbag]

Since the thread-jack is firmly in place, here is an example of what we're talking about.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc267/jdubx2/DSCN2082.jpg

That receipt makes me wonder whether the retailer is just using an arbitrary figure not actually calculated in the final price to represent what the manufacturer paid in taxes... or just pocketing the extra money. It's one thing to be against SCHIP, it's a whole other thing to rip off your customers under the guise of SCHIP.

[E.J.]

Back to the point at hand.... No Tat Dracs at my B&M....just confirmed with the owner....

Not a huge deal, though it would have been nice to pick up a few just because.....

[newlifetaxidermy]

I hate to continue the hijack, but I must say this about the B&M in question. First, the owner and guys that work there are very friendly and knowledgeable. Second, their selection is the best of any B&M in the USA....and I'm not kidding. Third, when they put on an event, it is first class all the way. My only gripe is the making extra money off taxes thing. I hope they will stop that....I would certainly spend a great deal more of my cigar budget there.



We now return to our regularly scheduled program.

[tobii3]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/tobii3/LFDEvent004.jpg

Y'all mean THESE??

and....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/tobii3/LFDEvent005.jpg

THESE??

Yup.....Seen 'em!!!

[RightAJ]

You suck Tobii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhhh I'm going crazy I think! Damn you Pete Johnson

[Footbag]

Those are some scary looking smokes!

[Reverend Mike]

Whatever happened to people doing the right thing because, it's the right thing to do?

I think some of the responsibility has to fall back onto Mr. Johnson to make sure his customers aren't being taken by greedy B&Ms and vendors. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the hobby.


:2


Chris.....



P.S. I'll be staying away from the madness that the Drac has created.

Explain to us what is "the right thing" here? Should I sell my four boxes -- 2 of each -- to one guy? I don't think that's right at all. Should I sell individual sticks to people that call-in from three states away to buy that one single cigar and will never buy anything else from me? What's "the right thing" when you get 46 total cigars and you've got people from all over the country calling and wanting "all you have?"

I'm selling one each of the Drac and Boris to people that buy ANY box of Tatuaje -- P Series included. I'm keystoning them and selling them at the proper price. If that's not fair or "right", no one will buy them and I'll be stuck with them I guess.

[poriggity]

Explain to us what is "the right thing" here? Should I sell my four boxes -- 2 of each -- to one guy? I don't think that's right at all. Should I sell individual sticks to people that call-in from three states away to buy that one single cigar and will never buy anything else from me? What's "the right thing" when you get 46 total cigars and you've got people from all over the country calling and wanting "all you have?"

I'm selling one each of the Drac and Boris to people that buy ANY box of Tatuaje -- P Series included. I'm keystoning them and selling them at the proper price. If that's not fair or "right", no one will buy them and I'll be stuck with them I guess.


I think it's wrong of you to be selling them like that. Just my opinion, but no one should be forced to buy ANOTHER tatuaje product just to have a chance at ONE cigar... To be ultimately fair, I would think they should go on the shelf when you are "supposed" to start selling them. Sell them at MSRP, and when you run out, you run out. Just my thought, but I am sure I'll be told that I'm wrong on this one. In my eyes, forcing a customer to buy something else in order to buy ONE of each limited edition cigar, is thievery.
Scott

[chenvt]

I think it's wrong of you to be selling them like that. Just my opinion, but no one should be forced to buy ANOTHER tatuaje product just to have a chance at ONE cigar... To be ultimately fair, I would think they should go on the shelf when you are "supposed" to start selling them. Sell them at MSRP, and when you run out, you run out. Just my thought, but I am sure I'll be told that I'm wrong on this one. In my eyes, forcing a customer to buy something else in order to buy ONE of each limited edition cigar, is thievery.
Scott

I think he's saying you can buy a box of boris and drac for every box of another tatuaje.. but yeah, then it becomes a money thing where those with more limited buying ability have zero chance at this shop.. Accessibility is what's lacking when there's policies like that in place.. what if someone just wants to buy 1 of each to try out or save for a special occasion?

[poriggity]

I read it as he is selling 1 STICK of each to anyone that buys a box of another tatuaje product. Yet another reason I am leaving all tatuaje products for everyone else from now on. Lots of other great smokes out there that I don't have to fight for.

[chenvt]

I read it as he is selling 1 STICK of each to anyone that buys a box of another tatuaje product. Yet another reason I am leaving all tatuaje products for everyone else from now on. Lots of other great smokes out there that I don't have to fight for.

If that's true, that's about the most obscene way of trying them out that I've heard.. Buy a whole box to be ABLE to buy a stick? egads

[poriggity]

I don't know if its true, but it wouldn't surprise me. There are other retailers doing the same thing. This is one of the main reasons I am swearing off tatuaje's. I don't care how good they are. Any retailers that force you to buy other boxes of tatuaje products for the chance to buy dracs... They lost my business. New Havana lost my business for the way they held the scavenger hunt and pulled boxes OUT of people's carts WHILE they were in the midst of checking out... I've got a list going of retailers I now refuse to shop at.
.. I am probably over reacting, but so be it.
Scott

[KDKLOSS]

I don't know if its true, but it wouldn't surprise me. There are other retailers doing the same thing. This is one of the main reasons I am swearing off tatuaje's. I don't care how good they are. Any retailers that force you to buy other boxes of tatuaje products for the chance to buy dracs... They lost my business. New Havana lost my business for the way they held the scavenger hunt and pulled boxes OUT of people's carts WHILE they were in the midst of checking out... I've got a list going of retailers I now refuse to shop at.
.. I am probably over reacting, but so be it.
Scott

I don't blame Pete Johnson or Tatuaje I blame the retailers. I'm sure Pete never told any retailer to rip off their customers by making the customer buy a whole box of Tats just to be able to buy one single Drac or Boris stick. Pete made cigars and shipped them to retailers. From there he has no control over how they are sold. My local retailer did the honorable thing by selling 3 of each the Drac and Boris per customer on a first come first serve basis and I have not heard one complaint about them yet. Unfortunatly some of these retailers must have been used car salesmen in other lives because they handled this whole situation poorly. Personally I'd write off these retailers before I'd write off the cigars. I can buy the same cigars I like from different places without having to set foot in the door of this creaps shop. And to top it off he used his first post on the board to wine and try to gain sympathy or to justify his actions. Hey I don't have many posts on here but I can sleep at night knowing I'm not ripping people off. If he thinks for a minute we would ever believe that he would be stuck with the Dracs or Boris he's lying to himself and quite franky it's insulting. My suggestion to him would be to close up shop if he feels it's ok to treat his customers that way.

[Darrell]

This whole situation is whack. No matter who is to blame.

[poriggity]

While I agree with part of what you are saying... and I have met Pete, and think he's a good guy, I think his business practices leave a lot to be desired. I thought the way that New Havana handled their "scavenger hunt", by pulling boxes of dracs out of people's shopping carts, as they were checking out, was royally JACKED. The thing that made me boycott Tatuaje was the fact that Pete was on the phone with Dan at New Havana monitoring this scavenger hunt the whole time, so he knew what was going on, and supportive of it.

There have also been quite a few retailers that are REQUIRING that each person buy a box of some other Tatuaje product, before you are even allowed to buy 1 drac or boris cigar. To me, this is highway robbery. Every place I have seen has jacked up the price on each box of tatuaje, as well as the cost of the drac and boris themselves, simply to make money. Obviously Pete is ok with this as well, or he'd pull the tatuaje account or at least the limited edition stuff from these retailers.

There are also retailers that are putting together 3-4 cigar sampers that include 1 drac and 1 boris, and charging $100-$115 for each sampler. IMHO, this is complete thievery. Pete knows this is going on, and allows it. These are all reasons I have decided to boycott certain retailers, as well at Tatuaje Cigars as a whole.
Scott

[montecristo#2]

This has been an interesting process, that is for sure. I have had an easier time getting more limited Tatuajes than these. Mark at Tower was selling the Cohetes (only 150 or so boxes) and they lasted longer than these, the T110's where there was also less than 200 boxes as well.

Is there a right way or wrong way to sell these, probably. Has this situation opened my eyes to a couple of retailers most definitely.

Have I learned something from this experience, yes. Treat the retailers you use with respect and loyalty and they will treat you the same way.

I do not blame a shop I have never bought from for not selling these to me out of the blue. If they save them for locals who support and keep the shop running, more power to them. All I ask is an email to let me know that is the case. Also, if a shop starts a list and tells people they will be getting a box, they should stick to that (luckily that did not happen to me).

I usually buy from several shops, from now on I will probably stick to a handful (3-4) even if they are 10 dollars more expensive.

[cort]

I thought cigars were supposed to be a relaxing hobby:confused:

All this Tat drama is crazy. Sorry to everyone who got jerked around by these clowns. How good can the damn cigars be?:tf

[poriggity]

I thought cigars were supposed to be a relaxing hobby:confused:

All this Tat drama is crazy. Sorry to everyone who got jerked around by these clowns. How good can the damn cigars be?:tf


I had a friend tell me he smoked a drac today, and thought the Conoju was better. That right there tells me that the hype is way over played.

[Mike-823]

.....I thought the way that New Havana handled their "scavenger hunt", by pulling boxes of dracs out of people's shopping carts, as they were checking out, was royally JACKED....

Every place I have seen has jacked up the price on each box of tatuaje, as well as the cost of the drac and boris themselves, simply to make money....

"Every place" you saw "jacked" up the price? You sure about that?

I mean, since you mentioned NHC, you're obviously aware of them and the dracs... They didn't raise the price on the drac or boris 1 cent above MSRP. You still sure about "every place" you saw?

[duckmanco]

I thought cigars were supposed to be a relaxing hobby:confused:

All this Tat drama is crazy. Sorry to everyone who got jerked around by these clowns. How good can the damn cigars be?:tf

This sounds wrong I know.... but at some point, its rolled up fermented leaves.... and this is coming from someone who f*cking loves cigars, but, as with ANYTHING, there comes a time where diminishing returns takes effect. While I haven't had these cigars, I'm thinking this is one of those times.

[chenvt]

What's with all these 1-posters hopping in here?

[poriggity]

"Every place" you saw "jacked" up the price? You sure about that?

I mean, since you mentioned NHC, you're obviously aware of them and the dracs... They didn't raise the price on the drac or boris 1 cent above MSRP. You still sure about "every place" you saw?

Ok, well, since I never found a box of dracs or boris on New Havana's site, how would I know what they are priced at? Perhaps I over exaggerated. I am sure there are some retailers selling at MSRP. But there are also a lot of retailers that are gouging.
Scott

[chenvt]

Ok, well, since I never found a box of dracs or boris on New Havana's site, how would I know what they are priced at? Perhaps I over exaggerated. I am sure there are some retailers selling at MSRP. But there are also a lot of retailers that are gouging.
Scott

Point, Poriggity!

[pfm721]

Ok, well, since I never found a box of dracs or boris on New Havana's site, how would I know what they are priced at? Perhaps I over exaggerated. I am sure there are some retailers selling at MSRP. But there are also a lot of retailers that are gouging.
Scott

Emerson sold them online yesterday at MSRP. But yes some are taking advantage.

[chenvt]

Like with all places, it varies.. I got on the wait list from one of the 13 retailers.. gave up with the search with all the stupid games, facebook signups, etc.. Then the wait list one called and said it was $188 plus shipping.. above retail.. Then just yesterday a BOTL told me about a tinderbox that was selling them at MSRP..

It's similar to Opus experiences.. the B&M down the street gets opus every year.. but rather than sell them at MSRP, they sell them 40% markup.. I saw that, never been back since

[poriggity]

Emerson sold them online yesterday at MSRP. But yes some are taking advantage.

II heard a rumor that they were selling them at MSRP, but I also heard they sold out in like 20 minutes LOL...
Scott

[poriggity]

Like with all places, it varies.. I got on the wait list from one of the 13 retailers.. gave up with the search with all the stupid games, facebook signups, etc.. Then the wait list one called and said it was $188 plus shipping.. above retail.. Then just yesterday a BOTL told me about a tinderbox that was selling them at MSRP..

It's similar to Opus experiences.. the B&M down the street gets opus every year.. but rather than sell them at MSRP, they sell them 40% markup.. I saw that, never been back since

Exactly. I refuse to shop at any retailer the plays games with these limited release smokes, or price gouges. There's a reason I shop at places like www.leafandale.com . Mike is a good guy and won't price gouge.

[chenvt]

II heard a rumor that they were selling them at MSRP, but I also heard they sold out in like 20 minutes LOL...
Scott

Hey all these retailers that are making you pay more in one way or another for dracs and boris' know that anyone selling htem at MSRP are going to sell them first.. and then when there's few places left, that's when they know the huddled masses will come

[poriggity]

Yeah and thats sad. Its also my main reason for not buying any Tatuaje products. Pete is keeping tabs on his retailers and knows what they are selling these cigars for. The people who are gouging are still being allowed to do so, with no repercussions.
Scott

[RightAJ]

Like with all places, it varies.. I got on the wait list from one of the 13 retailers.. gave up with the search with all the stupid games, facebook signups, etc.. Then the wait list one called and said it was $188 plus shipping.. above retail.. Then just yesterday a BOTL told me about a tinderbox that was selling them at MSRP..

:D

[tmoney2007]

Whatever dude, get all butt hurt because of a cigar that was supposed to create a rare *exciting* situation in the industry.

Choose to have fun with the situation and you will...

Choose to get pissed off and that will happen too.

[tobii3]

Then just yesterday a BOTL told me about a tinderbox that was selling them at MSRP.

No kidding??

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Drac's at a TinderBox last night.... I guess it's pretty serious.

(my apologies for ruining the Ferris Bueller quote)

[Brooks W]

I had a friend tell me he smoked a drac today, and thought the Conoju was better. That right there tells me that the hype is way over played.

Oh, cmon, really? Based on one person?

Based on what **I** know, the Cojonu series is NOT better then the Drac, not by a long shot...

(but I do love a good Cojonu 2003 :)

~ brooks

[chenvt]

No kidding??

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Drac's at a TinderBox last night.... I guess it's pretty serious.

(my apologies for ruining the Ferris Bueller quote)


I don't know if you know this tobes, but I'm kind of a big deal



(no apologies for ruining the Anchorman quote)

[chenvt]

:D

btw, does anyone have Adam's address? If so, PM it to me

[poriggity]

Oh, cmon, really? Based on one person?

Based on what **I** know, the Cojonu series is NOT better then the Drac, not by a long shot...

(but I do love a good Cojonu 2003 :)

~ brooks

Yes, really. Its a guy I trust, and know his tastes. If he says the Cojonu is better than the drac, than I am pretty positive that's how I'll feel, as we have the same tastes in cigars. As far as "having fun" with the hunt for drac's and boris, thats great. If you guys can have fun with it, go for it. I just can't really agree with the price gouging going on from SOME retailers, and the games going on from SOME retailers. IMHO, the most FAIR way to deal with the Drac/Boris situation is to put them on the shelves or website, and put them up for sale, AT MSRP plus taxes, and sell them till they are gone. First come first serve. Thats just my opinion, and I am pretty sure it's not the popular one.
Scott

[pfm721]

II heard a rumor that they were selling them at MSRP, but I also heard they sold out in like 20 minutes LOL...
Scott

Yeah they were gone in a hurry

[Brooks W]

Yes, really. Its a guy I trust, and know his tastes. If he says the Cojonu is better than the drac, than I am pretty positive that's how I'll feel, as we have the same tastes in cigars. As far as "having fun" with the hunt for drac's and boris, thats great. If you guys can have fun with it, go for it. I just can't really agree with the price gouging going on from SOME retailers, and the games going on from SOME retailers. IMHO, the most FAIR way to deal with the Drac/Boris situation is to put them on the shelves or website, and put them up for sale, AT MSRP plus taxes, and sell them till they are gone. First come first serve. Thats just my opinion, and I am pretty sure it's not the popular one.
Scott

Have you smoked a Drac yet, and do you plan on trying to get one to try, to see if you feel the same way after you taste it?

Just wondering :)

~brooks

[njstone]

Yes, really. Its a guy I trust, and know his tastes. If he says the Cojonu is better than the drac, than I am pretty positive that's how I'll feel, as we have the same tastes in cigars. As far as "having fun" with the hunt for drac's and boris, thats great. If you guys can have fun with it, go for it. I just can't really agree with the price gouging going on from SOME retailers, and the games going on from SOME retailers. IMHO, the most FAIR way to deal with the Drac/Boris situation is to put them on the shelves or website, and put them up for sale, AT MSRP plus taxes, and sell them till they are gone. First come first serve. Thats just my opinion, and I am pretty sure it's not the popular one.
Scott


As many people will attest, you can't judge a cigar based on 1 stick. Especially 1 stick smoked OTT--the only option when smoking a Drac this week. I am certian that your friend did not like the Drac he smoked as well as the Cojonu's he's smoked. But again, judging that one 1 OTT stick that your friend smoked is, in my opinion, not enough to call the Drac release "all hype" or whatever. No offense, just my opinion.

I've had 1 Cojonu '03 and one '06, and though they were good, I felt they weren't worth the coin to me. But again, that's 1 stick. I have 2 more of each I believe, so I'll reserve judgment. I've learned that my palate can't always be trusted, especially during cold season like now.

Oh, and as far as your opinion on the Drac sales ... that's FAR from an unpopular one, actually. Many have said exactly what you have. I have actually "discussed" it with Pete in another forum, and have heard that he's taking a version of one of my ideas to heart for next year's release. Essentially--exactly like this year's with one major addition: a huge extra allotment (666 or 1300 boxes) to be sent to one store, earmarked for phone/internet orders. This will keep the shops happy while also making the collectors/hardcore fans/brand supporters happy as well.

[acarr]

As many people will attest, you can't judge a cigar based on 1 stick. Especially 1 stick smoked OTT--the only option when smoking a Drac this week. I am certian that your friend did not like the Drac he smoked as well as the Cojonu's he's smoked. But again, judging that one 1 OTT stick that your friend smoked is, in my opinion, not enough to call the Drac release "all hype" or whatever. No offense, just my opinion.

I've had 1 Cojonu '03 and one '06, and though they were good, I felt they weren't worth the coin to me. But again, that's 1 stick. I have 2 more of each I believe, so I'll reserve judgment. I've learned that my palate can't always be trusted, especially during cold season like now.

Oh, and as far as your opinion on the Drac sales ... that's FAR from an unpopular one, actually. Many have said exactly what you have. I have actually "discussed" it with Pete in another forum, and have heard that he's taking a version of one of my ideas to heart for next year's release. Essentially--exactly like this year's with one major addition: a huge extra allotment (666 or 1300 boxes) to be sent to one store, earmarked for phone/internet orders. This will keep the shops happy while also making the collectors/hardcore fans/brand supporters happy as well.

Now going full circle, will the collectors and hardcore fans want them if there are 2500 boxes of them:confused:

[njstone]

Now going full circle, will the collectors and hardcore fans want them if there are 2500 boxes of them:confused:

heck yea! I want a Drac box just as much as a Frank box, and there are twice as many.

In point of fact, though, what Pete might do is have only a certian number of the collector's coffins (maybe 1300 again) and have most of the boxes shipped to B&Ms be simple 10-count cedar boxes. This makes a LOT of sense to me, since most B&Ms are just braking the boxes up for singles anyway. Send each shop 1 nice collector's box, and the rest plain 10-count boxes.

End result: more sticks than this year, but roughly the same amount of boxes.

[chenvt]

heck yea! I want a Drac box just as much as a Frank box, and there are twice as many.

In point of fact, though, what Pete might do is have only a certian number of the collector's coffins (maybe 1300 again) and have most of the boxes shipped to B&Ms be simple 10-count cedar boxes. This makes a LOT of sense to me, since most B&Ms are just braking the boxes up for singles anyway. Send each shop 1 nice collector's box, and the rest plain 10-count boxes.

End result: more sticks than this year, but roughly the same amount of boxes.


that's a hell of an idea, making both sides happy

[RightAJ]

I like those ideas guys good thinking!

On a side note I just had one place call me back and said they wanted $100 for a 2 pack... I told the guy I got a whole box for $170 and he just mumbled about rarity. That is crazy, it is a $13 cigar and it should stay that way. I can understand maybe taxes or something jumping it up a buck or two but $37 more than MSRP??? That is stupid

aj

[poriggity]

Have you smoked a Drac yet, and do you plan on trying to get one to try, to see if you feel the same way after you taste it?

Just wondering :)

~brooks


If I stumble upon a shop that has a drac or boris sitting there, untouched and at MSRP, I MIGHT grab it just to smoke one and see what my thoughts are, but I won't be making any special phone calls to try and procure any. You are correct though Brooks, I SHOULD smoke one, and form my own opinion on it.
Scott

[poriggity]

I like those ideas guys good thinking!

On a side note I just had one place call me back and said they wanted $100 for a 2 pack... I told the guy I got a whole box for $170 and he just mumbled about rarity. That is crazy, it is a $13 cigar and it should stay that way. I can understand maybe taxes or something jumping it up a buck or two but $37 more than MSRP??? That is stupid

aj


I don't understand even marking it up a buck or two. MSRP is MSRP. The whole point behind Pete's Monster series is the #13. To add to that.. $100 for two sticks is just plain STUPID. I would NEVER pay $50 for something that's going to become ash... No matter HOW good it was.
Scott

[RightAJ]

I don't understand even marking it up a buck or two. MSRP is MSRP. The whole point behind Pete's Monster series is the #13. To add to that.. $100 for two sticks is just plain STUPID. I would NEVER pay $50 for something that's going to become ash... No matter HOW good it was.
Scott


Totally agree. The only exception may be a Dunhill or Davidoff vintage CC but even then not sure I'd wanna shell out $50

[Brooks W]

To add to that.. $100 for two sticks is just plain STUPID. I would NEVER pay $50 for something that's going to become ash... No matter HOW good it was.
Scott

LOL you are talking to the wrong guy!

:D:D

~brooks

[poriggity]

LOL you are talking to the wrong guy!

:D:D

~brooks

Yeah, I know how you roll Brooks! I read your blog all the time! l I think you are definetly filling a niche that needed to be filled! Very cool that you focus on rare or expensive sticks. Wish I could afford to do that LOL!
Scott

[Brooks W]

Yeah, I know how you roll Brooks! I read your blog all the time! l I think you are definetly filling a niche that needed to be filled! Very cool that you focus on rare or expensive sticks. Wish I could afford to do that LOL!
Scott

Wish I could too :)

~brooks

[poriggity]

Wish I could too :)

~brooks

Well, you make it look easy!
:banger:banger

[Starz26]

New Havana lost my business for the way they held the scavenger hunt and pulled boxes OUT of people's carts WHILE they were in the midst of checking out...


For the record NHC did not PULL THEM OUT of the carts. The goal of the hunt was to randomly place them within other Tat products. Inventory of 1 box at a time. It would appear for a minute or so and then dissapear and reappear somewhere else.

The site has real time inventory. What happened is people posted the link to the product thus bypassing the need to Hunt for it. The allowed many people to get them at the same time. the real time inventory took over and ensured that you did not place and order for something that was not available.

The idea for this hunt gave everyone a fair shot and was supposed to make it fun. Of all the ideas that are out there with the current release, I think this was the most creative. I give Dan props for that. Also, one he realized what was going on he took steps to fix it by changing the product code so that you could not just refresh your screen.

So before you go spreading bad blood toward a retailer that has a great reputation, please think a little about what may be going on. Dan and Pete both had the best interests in mind. The fast moving resources of the internet forums took over and botched the execution.

[chenvt]

botched execution seems to be a theme..

And was the "scavenger hunt" based on random luck whether or not one would appear? Why not do a lottery and save people the time? Oh yeah, so there can be some additional sales from folks looking around.. Smart from a business standpoint

[poriggity]

So I worded it wrong. Still seems like a seriously botched up execution of the scavenger hunt. Answer me this, If you were waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store, with the last case of beer they had in your hands, and someone walked up to you while you were in line, took the beer you were holding, and bought it, then left... How would you feel? IMHO, If the box was IN your cart, and you were proceeding to check out, there should have been NO way for that customer to lose a box. Just my personal opinion. IMHO, Dan also should have known that he would need to change the product code, in order to keep the links from working for EVERYONE. Its only common sense that the internet cigar smokers will share those links.
Scott

EDIT:
I am sure Dan and Pete are both good people. I have met Pete, and can say he is a good guy. That being said, the way the scavenger hunt was executed was poor form. Again, this is just my opinion, and my opinion only. That being said, it is also my perogotive to shop where I choose, and based upon my own decisions, I have chosen to not buy from NHC, and probably won't buy tatuaje products either. Again these are all my own personal decisions, and while I know they won't make a difference to Pete or Dan, its just my convictions.


For the record NHC did not PULL THEM OUT of the carts. The goal of the hunt was to randomly place them within other Tat products. Inventory of 1 box at a time. It would appear for a minute or so and then dissapear and reappear somewhere else.

The site has real time inventory. What happened is people posted the link to the product thus bypassing the need to Hunt for it. The allowed many people to get them at the same time. the real time inventory took over and ensured that you did not place and order for something that was not available.

The idea for this hunt gave everyone a fair shot and was supposed to make it fun. Of all the ideas that are out there with the current release, I think this was the most creative. I give Dan props for that. Also, one he realized what was going on he took steps to fix it by changing the product code so that you could not just refresh your screen.

So before you go spreading bad blood toward a retailer that has a great reputation, please think a little about what may be going on. Dan and Pete both had the best interests in mind. The fast moving resources of the internet forums took over and botched the execution.

[chenvt]

So I worded it wrong. Still seems like a seriously botched up execution of the scavenger hunt. Answer me this, If you were waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store, with the last case of beer they had in your hands, and someone walked up to you while you were in line, took the beer you were holding, and bought it, then left... How would you feel? IMHO, If the box was IN your cart, and you were proceeding to check out, there should have been NO way for that customer to lose a box. Just my personal opinion. IMHO, Dan also should have known that he would need to change the product code, in order to keep the links from working for EVERYONE. Its only common sense that the internet cigar smokers will share those links.
Scott

Botched execution.. I don't think you should expect someone to think of EVERY scenario of folks being dishonest if I read the post that you're responding to correctly

[poriggity]

Botched execution.. I don't think you should expect someone to think of EVERY scenario of folks being dishonest if I read the post that you're responding to correctly


I don't think its dishonest for someone who has a link to a box of cigars to share said link with his internet friends. Its not like the link was emailed just to one person, and that one person is sharing it with 1000 people. There are ways to make it so that the link to a product code changes every few minutes. Simply put, my biggest gripe is not with the link being shared issue, its that I don't think its right that someone who is IN THE CHECKOUT PROCESS can have the stuff they are buying taken out of thier cart. I'm probably wrong, but this seems like a big oversight on NHC's part, and something should have been done to prevent things like that from happening. Just my opinion.

[Starz26]

botched execution seems to be a theme..

Caused by the customers, not the original plan of the retailer like so many others...



And was the "scavenger hunt" based on random luck whether or not one would appear?

Yes, it was supposed to be

Why not do a lottery and save people the time?

I think because he wanted to make it a little more fun than putting a name in the hat and waiting. Also, the honesty of it all was a little more transparent. I am not even sure that the lotteries / list are no just ploy's to gather contact info....

Oh yeah, so there can be some additional sales from folks looking around.. Smart from a business standpoint

Yes. But the big difference here was that no one had to buy anything else. You never had to be nor will need to continue to be a customer. Everyone was supposed to have the same shot. The added exposure was no harm no foul to the visitor / customer.

[chenvt]

I don't think its dishonest for someone who has a link to a box of cigars to share said link with his internet friends. Its not like the link was emailed just to one person, and that one person is sharing it with 1000 people. There are ways to make it so that the link to a product code changes every few minutes. Simply put, my biggest gripe is not with the link being shared issue, its that I don't think its right that someone who is IN THE CHECKOUT PROCESS can have the stuff they are buying taken out of thier cart. I'm probably wrong, but this seems like a big oversight on NHC's part, and something should have been done to prevent things like that from happening. Just my opinion.

I think Starz was saying that people were getting the link to the tat dracs themselves when they found the item and sending it to friends.. that's where things fell apart

[njstone]

So I worded it wrong. Still seems like a seriously botched up execution of the scavenger hunt. Answer me this, If you were waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store, with the last case of beer they had in your hands, and someone walked up to you while you were in line, took the beer you were holding, and bought it, then left... How would you feel? IMHO, If the box was IN your cart, and you were proceeding to check out, there should have been NO way for that customer to lose a box. Just my personal opinion. IMHO, Dan also should have known that he would need to change the product code, in order to keep the links from working for EVERYONE. Its only common sense that the internet cigar smokers will share those links.
Scott

EDIT:
I am sure Dan and Pete are both good people. I have met Pete, and can say he is a good guy. That being said, the way the scavenger hunt was executed was poor form. Again, this is just my opinion, and my opinion only. That being said, it is also my perogotive to shop where I choose, and based upon my own decisions, I have chosen to not buy from NHC, and probably won't buy tatuaje products either. Again these are all my own personal decisions, and while I know they won't make a difference to Pete or Dan, its just my convictions.


I do understand your frustrations. I had a box of Dracs in my cart ... TWICE ... and didn't get one! That was very frustrating. I do understand the problem, though ... someone else got it faster than I could. That's they way contests work.

Personally, even though I was frustrated at the cart problem, I thought the Scavenger Hunt was very fun. It was the only thing of it's kind in the Drac/Boris release and it did give everyone a chance, from a certian point of view. Other people were doing lotteries already, so this was something different. I thought it was a cool idea. Dan is good people.

That being said, I was also very frustrated that NHC was literally the ONLY "13" shop that did not sell to locals ... because I'm a local, lol.

EDIT: Oh, and by the way Dan was selling them at MSRP, not even adding in state taxes or anything like that, just sales tax for in-state people and shipping. It seems like many shops are gouging these, so this is a big :tu in my book!

[doctorcue]

Damn, this is still going eh?

[Nuckz23]

I had the Drac in my cart 9 times only to have it removed. It's all good though since I got my box of Drac and Boris in the end.

[tmoney2007]

With the way that online inventory and checkout systems usually work, something isn't yours until you pay for it...

Basically it doesn't pull something from inventory until it is actually sold. It works great 99% of the time unless it is a high demand low supply item.

The stores would have to get a different checkout system to make it work like Dell's outlet, where you can put something in your cart and hold it for 15 minutes before it gets dumped again.