Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

What's wrong with box price per cigar plus free shipping and no tax? I agree that it is not always a deal, but the prices are reasonable and you only get 10 cigars you might not want to smoke instead 20 or 25. I have picked up a number of Don Pepins (and Gurkhas in my early days) at some pretty good prices and they have smoked great.

Your post contains some good insights as to why you need to do some research on cigar pricing and check some reviews before clicking "Add to cart and checkout now", but this applies to any internet site or store where you purchase cigars. In fact, calling some if the Internet stores for pricing can save you money as they are not allowed to post lower prices on the Internet. :D

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Drazzil, don't get upset that others are disagreeing with ya, bro. I appreciate your posts and efforts to share things that might help all the great BOTLs on this site and your opinion is definitely respected by me. I just think some others (including myself at first) thought you were unjustifiably slamming Joe, and since many of us have had a great experience with that site, we wanted to come to it's defense and present another point of view. I truly do appreciate your research and passion for trying to find the best deal around and sharing it with the rest of us, however.

Jason

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

CI often has terrific deals. It's up to the purchaser to know what he's buying and to know how good (or not) the deal is. I just got 3 of the DPG 12 cigar samplers at $29.99 each. Even with the 2 CI Legends included, it's a great deal.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Thanks for the thought-provoking post. Here's my $0.02.

1. JoeCigar describes its offerings in glowing terms, even when they don't deserve it. But every vendor does this (take a look at Famous, Holts, JR), and that's why we spend so much time reviewing cigars -- to provide an independent perspective.

2. The prices on JoeCigar's deals often are not much better than the box price divided by two. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as others have noted. There are times you want to try 10 before committing to a box, and less-than-box quantities typically cost more, on a unit basis, than a box does. To get 5 or 10 sticks at the same per-cigar price you'd pay if you bought a box can be a good deal.

3. Even so, JoeCigar prices aren't always a great deal. There are other vendors that offer better prices on a regular basis, which is why it's critical to do your research homework, using tools like CigarCyclopedia's comparison shopper. It's not uncommon to be able to buy two 5pks of a cigar from Atlantic Cigar, for instance, for about the same price as you can buy the JoeCigar deal.

4. JoeCigar and CI do ship quite wet, as virtually everyone else has observed, but we expect that. I always put my purchases in a humi for at least 30 days to stabilize. But I do that with everything I order over the internet.

5. I don't have enough evidence to conclude that the cigars offered on JoeCigar are of lower quality. There's enough variation in handmade premiums that it's hard to draw any conclusions without a much more controlled comparison. Maybe I'm too big a science geek, but before I'd make any conclusion, I'd want to compare a cigar from JoeCigar with the same cigar from another vendor and from a B&M, all stored in my humidor for a decent amount of time (3mos?). And then I'd want to do that repeatedly, to try to control for the inevitable inconsistency between cigars even in the same box. It would be an interesting experiment, but I don't have the patience to do it.

My approach: be an educated and critical consumer. Expect that the descriptions on JoeCigar are hype. Expect that JoeCigar is offering sticks that are moving slowly. Expect that they'll be shipped wet. Read reviews, shop around, and compare prices before clicking the buy button.

Being a critical consumer means that I take everything a vendor says with skepticism, because that's the way the marketplace works. But it doesn't mean that I'm quick to conclude that a vendor is acting in bad faith or engaging in unethical conduct. I've bought subpar cigars from CI and sent them back, without hassle, simply because I didn't like how they tasted or were constructed. My experience with their customer service has generally been good, and that experience leads me to believe that they engage in hype and puffery but don't cross the line into deception or unethical practices.

Nevertheless, I think your post is thoughtful and a valuable contribution to our discussion here.

Have a new year full of delicious smokes.

BlackIrish

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

You know what? You guys are right. Some times I present information in such a manner as to sound abrasive or as if I am attacking Joe. As I stated, I love CI, and I think the world of them and Joe Cigar, however they do things I wish that they wouldn't, as I noted above.

I suppose the breaking straw for me was missing out (or almost missing out depending on how you look at it) on a deal because it was posted at six in the morning, which seems to be a regular practice for Joe, posting all the good deals at odd hours in Jambalayah so that more people cant take advantage of it. After a half a dozen or so missed deals because they were posted in the middle of the night, you tend to get a bit cranky.

BlackIrish summed up my post far better then I could, and all without sounding like the south end of a north end mule while doing it, he is to be commended.

That is all :al

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Unfortunately, CI lost my business for a while after a botched shipment of a 5opk of GoF's. The box came in terrible shape, and CI wouldn't make good on shipping damage on "top end" sticks, even when UPS wouldn't do anything.

I expect, at the very least, that they could take it up with UPS about shipping and simply make good to me, or tell me they would "work on it", but instead I was told flat out, no.


Ahh well, I have enough cigars right now, I don't need more.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I cant believe CI would do that, that sounds like an issue to take up with the Supervisor or the manager, and barring that, with your credit card company to reverse the charges.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Like I said. Are all deals good? No
As I said if Joe gave away he farm everyday there would be no farm after a short while. His style and tactics are business 101. He is in business to make money after all. You are basically chastising him for being a good business man and providing great deals on some items and average to no deal on others. You do realize this is a capatilist economy right? This tactic is employed by every business that sells. They have loss leaders, bait items and profit making items. This is the basic model of almost every large volume seller. It is YOUR job as the consumer to determine what to buy and what not to buy.

Some of the deals are just box splits with free shipping. That said for many people in most states it is still a good deal based on retail and allows a person a way to try a cigar they may have been on the fence about. I have used this to trya few sticks at a good price without being taxed or paying shipping. Also if you see something else you want it allows you to avoid shipping and tax. Tax is a killer here in Cali and no one likes to pay shipping. Also the three deals offered at checkout are often pretty good as well.

Guess you cant see it, but the deal I listed is not seven months old, its from yesterday. I bought it yesterday as well and its still valid right now. 12 pepins for 30.00 including 2x CC, JJ, and JJ M, blue label, 5 vegas, and the CI blend. Retail on this is well beyond this.

I didnt cherry pick. I posted deals that I have purchased. I dont even check joe on a daily basis for the daily deal. I can post 15+ deals over the past year that are exactly the same or even better as the ones I posted. I still remeber getting 16 or more 601s for 49.99 earlier this year.

So as I said is every deal a barn burner? no.
As the consumer it is your responsibility to usedue diligence and determine what is and isnt. If you are expecting a businessman to not engaging in huffing when he is trying to sell product I dont know what to tell you.

I have done splits with people who have smoked box loads of pepins. While we all agree they are wet on arrive and usually need months to come around, they are not complaining about taste or quality.

To each his own brother. You think joes shady and want to blast him. I think Joe is a great businessman and has some pretty good deals on a monthly basis. I do my research and buy smart and have always been satisfied with the product and price.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

All I gotta say is...Hurry up.... CAO Gold Maduro Robusto
10 Cigars (52% savings!) $29.99...Get em while they last :r :r :r

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Eh, I've gotten some pretty good deals off joe. Sure, they come around every couple weeks, but I'm not looking to buy cigars every day anyhow.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

it is my understanding that joe's jambalaya is run like a woot off, they sell a set quantity of each deal, so whether they sell 500 of XYZ sampler at 2am or at noon, 500 people still get the sampler.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Since we are quick to point out the bad deals on Joe how about we point out a good one (price wise, like or dislike of the cigar is all personal taste so let's have that argument in a different thread).

Today’s deal

Man O' War Double Corona - JOE CIGAR PRICE: $29.99
Box price - BOX OF 22: $144 (+8 cigar freebie so that’s 30)

Reg price = $4.80ea. (Includes 8 free cigars)
Joe price = $2.99ea.

That's a savings of $18.10 on the 10 or $54.30 on 30.

That's almost a 38% discount over the sale box price.

Man O' War lovers looks like a good deal for you today :tu

Chas

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Yes, today's deal is truly Joe worthy. Add to all of this of your choice of DPG Blue Generouso or Cusano 10th 10 for 34 today is a good day for Joe.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Maybe Joes been reading these reviews!!!

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

or like I said already maybe Joe is just a smart business man who doesnt give away the farm everyday. Some deals he makes little some deals he does well. Its called smart business.

OO look another great deal by the evil Joe.
The Padilla weekly deal released today is also pretty damn good. Based on my local prices the miamis alone are almost that price. Nevermind the 16 other sticks you get with it Habanos and 68's.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I let all my smokes sit for months (at least) and dry box everything. Joe's DPGs, 601s, and JDNs have been identical to other vendors in my experience.

But--I haven't bit on a Joe deal in several months.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

:tu Had to bite on today's CI weekly special! Padilla Torpedo Mega-Sampler:20 of Padilla's finest for $49.99! Padilla Obsidian is my fav. smoke, so I "Had" to buy 2 at this price! Go for it!:dance:

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I have not ordered from Joe for about a year now and unless it is a really good smoke, I will probably not order from them again.

Thanks for the informative post. :tu

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Been a while since I bit on one of Joe's Daily Deals but I'm a fan.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I bit twice this week, 10 Man O War for $30 and 10 DPG Cuban Classics for $32. Not bad in my book. But now no more cigar shopping. :D

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I wait for Joe to offer my RP 1990s at $29.99 for 10 + free shipping. $2.99/ea; never seen them at that price, anywhere! But some very valid points made on your original post. Its a business, and they are very sucessful for a reason. :2

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Just an FYI, Joe Cigar is dancing today.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I don't visit that site often(at all) like maybe half a dozen times total.

But EVERY time I have been on there they have been selling ghurkas. I see that creepy little ghurka troll playing with his knife and immediately bounce. Its like some kind of cosmic joke. I'm going to start calling it joeghurka.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Yeah I noticed that CI only takes a few cents off the actually cost of the Manufacture. Like God Of Fire. Nearly the same price.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

My observation:

I won some 601 Blacks @ CBid, had some from a B&M. The Cbid ones looked like the oscuro, while the B&M's looked like a Connie. Had to go back and read my receipt to make sure they were Blacks. They are that much different! They both smoke great, so no biggie, but there is a big difference in those.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

The Oscuro is the Green label and the Connecticut is the Black label. Be careful at c-bid and NEVER trust the picture only the description.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I have to admit that none of my Joe buys were ready to smoke without sitting in the humidor for an extended period of time. I've stopped buying them.

The last straw was the 601 Red deal that has been mentioned in here... they are just not as good as the ones I bought at the B&M. Several friends here bit no that deal too and without me prompting them have asked me if I felt the cigars were up to snuff. I think they will be after sitting for a while, but who knows for sure?

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Does this thread validate Legend's argument?:confused::D

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

You see wrapper color variation in every box, with some more and some less. Padron 64 boxes at B&M near me have no two cigars with same shade wrapper. What does this prove one way or another?

As for "green" cigars sold by CBid, why a surprise. Why store (age) them when it increases your cost all around and the sale price as well? You buy them cheaper, you age them, sounds fine by me. And I age everything I buy for at least a year, anyway.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I don't mean to necropost 10 days down the line here, but I wanted to put my 2 cents in. I've ordered Joe's a couple of times before and had no problems.

I also have both Joe's and Monster on a RSS feed on my Yahoo homepage. Every time I open Firefox, I see the current deals. Then again, I work nights and am finishing my day off around 3am, so I get to see the good deals.

Use a RSS feed, that way you get to see updated info without clicking over only when you remember to go to their sites.

-C

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Please make it go away....:fu

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Obviously not when I said it reaction was you're crazy. Liabelous. Conspiracy theory tin foil hat wearing fool.
For this guy. RG. RG. RG. Genious.

But point 1 was exactly what I said.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Great post! Thanks for the heads up.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I have never had a bad experience with them through any of the online outlets. I've bougnt deals and regular purchases - some to supplement my normal stock. I've seen no difference after a settling period, which is true of any I get in.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

great info thanx...:tu

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Super post thanks. It's becoming a us and them mentality with them trying too screw us if you don’t watch them carefully.



:fl

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

RSS feeds are an excellent way to monitor the deals, another way is to use the Speed Dial firefox plugin. Here's a screenshot of my homepage in firefox:


http://i42.tinypic.com/2l7qt2.png


You can add as many columns and rows as you want.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I've bought from them multiple times all with great smokes and great prices. When I see something I want to try or like and it is a reasonable price, I'll be buying again - just like EVERY OTHER RETAILER I frequent.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

As to the wrapper argument. I went to the B&M the other day and noticed variations in their boxes also. Further I had a maduro from joe that was darker and looked better than the ones in the box.

As to prices
2 days ago picked up 10 la aurora 1495 for 37.00 They run over 10.00 a stick at the BM
In the past 2-3 months I have gotten the following
10 JJ Beli for 39.99
5 JJ mad for 25.00
5 Pad hab for 15.00
10 Pad miami for 39.99 a 11.00 stick at my B&M
10 Pep CC black for 31.99

Many were awsome ROTT.
I really think this is a tin foil hat issue

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I will concede that the last three months have been looking better for Joe.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

Cigar Monster is making me forget about Joe cigar even existing...

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I suspect it all varies from time to time.

It looks almost as if CI got an overshipment of Padilla cigars recently since Padilla seems to be showing up with FAR more frequency on both CBid and Joe's. Not that, that's a bad thing since I do enjoy the Miami (I actually like the new blend more than the original--I guess I'm getting just a bit Pepin-ed out these days) and the occasional 32's.

It would also explain why certain cigars are almost never offered on Joe's (Padrons seem to be almost verboten on Joes, don't know why).

Combine that with the occasional decent offerings and it's not such a bad thing. Although, those "special" deals you're offered right before you complete your sales, I wish those were more readily available. I sometimes just go through the motion of buying something from Joes just to see what "specials" they have.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

It's not just Joe, it's the Monster, too.

Now the Monster has a 'jambalaya' type round robin
of different deals throughout the day.

Sooo many deals, sooo little $$$$.

Lately I've been helping out BOTLs who have come into
hard times and need to liquidate some of their smokes.
The deals are usually as good/better than Joe/Monster,
and it helps an individual BOTL directly. Some BOTL deals
are outrageous! I recently got a very high end sampler
for an average cost of $9 per stick , including an ESG
and a large Anejo. Unheard of....

Chemyst :cool2:

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I have always had a good experience dealing with CI in the past, but I have not had any major purchases post SCHIP. I think this has changed alot of marketing and selling tactics, personally.

Re: What Joe Cigar won't tell you, and how to figh
 

I haven't purchased from CI since last November... I made a purchase and they had a deal they posted at checkout... Gurkha Titans at a decent price. The pic showed the titans leaning against the brushed aluminum presentation box. I didn't particularly want the Gurkhas, but I wanted the box, so I ordered them.

When I opened the box, I had a bag of cigars... no box of any kind. When I called, they said that only comes if you order them the regular way. I figure that I should have got what was in the picture, and they said sorry.

So, no more buying from CI for me... and I was buying from them 3 or 4 times a month. Oh well, their loss... I've been buying from Famous now, for the most part, especially with the hourly deals on Cigar Monster the last few weeks.

:dance: