Troubling sights at my local B&M - Page 3

bobarian · 10-21-2011, 12:17 PM

I must be missing something because I see nothing wrong with the worker's statements in the OP.

If you add up all the members of all the online cigar communities, we are still but a miniscule percentage of the buying public. The vast majority dont smoke Tatuaje products at all much less seek out their limited releases. Most cigar smokers buy a few sticks on Friday for the weekend or for a round of golf and that's it. No humidor, no beads, nothing.

As far as repairs, it sounds like he is performing a service for his customer. Beetle holes are no big deal, once you see the hole the beetle is gone. He is 100% right, most cigars you smoke have some remnants of beetles, larvae or eggs.

Here's a few tidbits from the FDA website.

Beer drinker?

"HOPS Insects
(AOAC 967.23) Average of more than 2,500 aphids per 10 grams

DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic"

10 grams of hops? I guess they disappear when its "cold-filtered"

PB&J

"PEANUT BUTTER Insect filth
(AOAC 968.35) Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams
Rodent filth
(AOAC 968.35) Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams
Grit
(AOAC 968.35) Gritty taste and water insoluble inorganic residue is more than 25 mg per 100 grams

DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta, Grit - harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEANUT BUTTER Insect filth
(AOAC 968.35) Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams
Rodent filth
(AOAC 968.35) Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams
Grit
(AOAC 968.35) Gritty taste and water insoluble inorganic residue is more than 25 mg per 100 grams

DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta, Grit - harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic"

Mmm crunchy.

Doctorossi · 10-21-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

If you add up all the members of all the online cigar communities, we are still but a miniscule percentage of the buying public. The vast majority don't smoke Tatuaje products at all much less seek out their limited releases. Most cigar smokers buy a few sticks on Friday for the weekend or for a round of golf and that's it. No humidor, no beads, nothing.

Of course Tatuaje buyers are a small percentage of the cigar market-at-large, but the question here is about the interest in one of the highest profile releases within the Tatuaje market, not the larger market. This guy is a Tatuaje dealer- his Tatuaje customers are necessarily interested in Tatuaje product. For this guy to imagine he has a viable market for Tatuaje items, but not one for the current hottest Tatuaje item is just kind of odd.

Ratters · 10-22-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

Of course Tatuaje buyers are a small percentage of the cigar market-at-large, but the question here is about the interest in one of the highest profile releases within the Tatuaje market, not the larger market. This guy is a Tatuaje dealer- his Tatuaje customers are necessarily interested in Tatuaje product. For this guy to imagine he has a viable market for Tatuaje items, but not one for the current hottest Tatuaje item is just kind of odd.

Not at all. I know a shop that carries Tats and couldn't care less about limited releases. It's just another brand to him. In fact he was blowing them out because they don't sell very well. Again, most smokers don't want things strong and spicy, they just want a nice mild smoke while enjoying some other activity.

Doctorossi · 10-25-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ratters

Not at all. I know a shop that carries Tats and couldn't care less about limited releases. It's just another brand to him. In fact he was blowing them out because they don't sell very well. Again, most smokers don't want things strong and spicy, they just want a nice mild smoke while enjoying some other activity.

That just says to me that that particular shop owner hasn't really connected with the Tatuaje market. If you ask Tatuaje fans- the people who go to a shop because it has Tatuaje- if they're interested in the Wolfman, I'd bet most will say 'yes'.

loki · 10-22-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

For this guy to imagine he has a viable market for Tatuaje items, but not one for the current hottest Tatuaje item is just kind of odd.

won't there be another one of those next week?

Doctorossi · 10-25-2011, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki

won't there be another one of those next week?

I'm not here to defend Tatuaje's business model- it is what it is. I'm just saying that it's kind of weird for someone to think his customers want Tats but don't want the hot new Tats.

Ismith75 · 10-21-2011, 09:43 AM

I think I know what shop you're talking about, I've seen similar things. It's hard because they have stuff that you can only really get there but stuff like that makes you cringe. I was given the same response regarding the Wolfman even with the preorder.

CigarNut · 10-21-2011, 10:16 AM

It all depends upon how well you know the store, the employees and the owner. If they have been reputable in the past then I would give them the benefit of the doubt and believe that he was repairing cigars for someone. Otherwise, I would take my business elsewhere -- but I would tell them why I was doing so.

If you remember the bands of any of the repaired cigars you could go looking for them the next day...

As for the mold, many B&Ms and online retailers have issues with mold. While I don't like buying sticks with mold on them, and will avoid it when I can, mold is pretty easy (if time consuming) to clean up.

Part whether or not you go back also depends upon if you have anywhere else to go... I am lucky in that we have a lot of B&M's in the area.

Just my

N2 GOLD · 10-21-2011, 10:16 AM

Shops like that are in it for the buck & not the life style & everything that comes wth it like life long friends/customers...

BlindedByScience · 10-21-2011, 11:03 AM

Well.....I guess I'm the exception. In many years, and thousands of cigars and lots of travel, I've never beat up a cigar so badly that it needed repair. Sure, I've dropped a few over the years, but they never were damaged so badly that they needed repair. A little foot damage that goes away as soon as you set fire to them, etc....guess that's about it.

I'd heard about guys using pectin to repair cigars before; never occurred to me to ask a B&M to do it for me.

CigarNut · 10-21-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindedByScience

Well.....I guess I'm the exception. In many years, and thousands of cigars and lots of travel, I've never beat up a cigar so badly that it needed repair. Sure, I've dropped a few over the years, but they never were damaged so badly that they needed repair. A little foot damage that goes away as soon as you set fire to them, etc....guess that's about it.

I'd heard about guys using pectin to repair cigars before; never occurred to me to ask a B&M to do it for me.

I see it more frequently than I like -- and I do carry pectin and have lent it to BOTLs many times...

TheStatsGuy · 10-21-2011, 11:35 AM

The guy/owner was right that he would need to carry more than what he probablly had of Tat products in order to even get considered for the "limited stuff". I just looked at the Tat catalog and it's quite an extensive list. Your talking some serious money and space to get all the Tat products in house. Granted you probably don't have to carry everything in order to get some "limited" boxes like the Wolfman. Don't know how Pete picks them out or if his reps do it for him.

The guy should have gave a smile and noted your interest for future Tat products. The customer service seems to have been lacking and apparently it spills over to the humidor.

When I find damaged cigars during inventory at my local I simply put them aside to be fixed and then tuck them away to get smoked by the owner and staff when they feel like a smoke. More cigars can be ordered to replace the damaged ones and customers should always leave with the best you have to offer, imho.

icehog3 · 10-21-2011, 02:10 PM

I eat peanut butter every day. Thanks a lot, Bob.

bobarian · 10-22-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3

I eat peanut butter every day. Thanks a lot, Bob.

That's why I prefer crunchy!

RCS44 · 10-22-2011, 08:18 PM

Patching up beetle holes??? I have never heard of anyone doing that, nor would i consider doing such a thing.

OLS · 10-25-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCS44

Patching up beetle holes??? I have never heard of anyone doing that, nor would i consider doing such a thing.

Be more specific...maybe not a retailer, but I just did it the other day. I smoked a cigar with
beetle holes, and it would not draw unless I covered up the holes. People do that all the time.

brigey57 · 10-22-2011, 10:14 PM

I'm surprised since it sounds like they have a large and expensive inventory of grate stogies, which if infected, would be ruined. Was it one of the workers or clerks who just doesn't care or was it the owner; who I would hope would know if he has a beetle problem and would be trying to do something to get rid of the problem.

It seems to me IMHO that there should be someone there who really cares about what they have on the shelve and what's in stock.

to hear of such a horrible story!

theonlybear4CORT · 10-23-2011, 05:57 AM

I have nipples Greg can u milk me?
Posted via Mobile Device

slimboli · 10-24-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic_mike

I have nipples Greg can u milk me?
Posted via Mobile Device

Got Milk ???

10-25-2011, 05:58 AM

I was in a B+M in Seattle where the owner had decided that he was going to leave a couple boxes with some particularily bad beetle damage in his walk-in. When I pointed them out to him, he said "don't worry, I'll just send them back to the manufacturer and get the money back". He didn't seem at all concerned over leaving a box with obvious beetle damage (and the associated eggs) inside his walk-in with the rest of his stock.

Needless to say, I didn't purchase anything from him.

10-21-2011, 12:17 PM	#1
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M I must be missing something because I see nothing wrong with the worker's statements in the OP. If you add up all the members of all the online cigar communities, we are still but a miniscule percentage of the buying public. The vast majority dont smoke Tatuaje products at all much less seek out their limited releases. Most cigar smokers buy a few sticks on Friday for the weekend or for a round of golf and that's it. No humidor, no beads, nothing. As far as repairs, it sounds like he is performing a service for his customer. Beetle holes are no big deal, once you see the hole the beetle is gone. He is 100% right, most cigars you smoke have some remnants of beetles, larvae or eggs. Here's a few tidbits from the FDA website. Beer drinker? "HOPS Insects (AOAC 967.23) Average of more than 2,500 aphids per 10 grams DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infestation SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic" 10 grams of hops? I guess they disappear when its "cold-filtered" PB&J "PEANUT BUTTER Insect filth (AOAC 968.35) Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams Rodent filth (AOAC 968.35) Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams Grit (AOAC 968.35) Gritty taste and water insoluble inorganic residue is more than 25 mg per 100 grams DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta, Grit - harvest contamination SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic PEANUT BUTTER Insect filth (AOAC 968.35) Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams Rodent filth (AOAC 968.35) Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams Grit (AOAC 968.35) Gritty taste and water insoluble inorganic residue is more than 25 mg per 100 grams DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta, Grit - harvest contamination SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic" Mmm crunchy.

10-21-2011, 09:43 AM	#7
Ismith75 Tin Cup Chalice Join Date: Nov 2010 First Name: Ian Location: Chicago Posts: 373 Trading: (8)	Re: Troubling sites at my local B&M I think I know what shop you're talking about, I've seen similar things. It's hard because they have stuff that you can only really get there but stuff like that makes you cringe. I was given the same response regarding the Wolfman even with the preorder.

10-21-2011, 10:16 AM	#8
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Troubling sites at my local B&M It all depends upon how well you know the store, the employees and the owner. If they have been reputable in the past then I would give them the benefit of the doubt and believe that he was repairing cigars for someone. Otherwise, I would take my business elsewhere -- but I would tell them why I was doing so. If you remember the bands of any of the repaired cigars you could go looking for them the next day... As for the mold, many B&Ms and online retailers have issues with mold. While I don't like buying sticks with mold on them, and will avoid it when I can, mold is pretty easy (if time consuming) to clean up. Part whether or not you go back also depends upon if you have anywhere else to go... I am lucky in that we have a lot of B&M's in the area. Just my __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

10-21-2011, 10:16 AM	#9
N2 GOLD MIND OVER MATTER... Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: RICO Location: So. CAL 33° 44' 44" N / 117° 52' 0" W Posts: 2,330 Trading: (1)	Re: Troubling sites at my local B&M Shops like that are in it for the buck & not the life style & everything that comes wth it like life long friends/customers... __________________ When I want your opinion, I'll give it to ya.

10-21-2011, 11:03 AM	#10
BlindedByScience Proud USMC Dad Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: Tom Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 237 Trading: (0)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M Well.....I guess I'm the exception. In many years, and thousands of cigars and lots of travel, I've never beat up a cigar so badly that it needed repair. Sure, I've dropped a few over the years, but they never were damaged so badly that they needed repair. A little foot damage that goes away as soon as you set fire to them, etc....guess that's about it. I'd heard about guys using pectin to repair cigars before; never occurred to me to ask a B&M to do it for me. __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

10-21-2011, 11:35 AM	#12
TheStatsGuy I'm a proud Masshole Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Tim #4 Location: Somewhere, WMASS Posts: 288 Trading: (17)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M The guy/owner was right that he would need to carry more than what he probablly had of Tat products in order to even get considered for the "limited stuff". I just looked at the Tat catalog and it's quite an extensive list. Your talking some serious money and space to get all the Tat products in house. Granted you probably don't have to carry everything in order to get some "limited" boxes like the Wolfman. Don't know how Pete picks them out or if his reps do it for him. The guy should have gave a smile and noted your interest for future Tat products. The customer service seems to have been lacking and apparently it spills over to the humidor. When I find damaged cigars during inventory at my local I simply put them aside to be fixed and then tuck them away to get smoked by the owner and staff when they feel like a smoke. More cigars can be ordered to replace the damaged ones and customers should always leave with the best you have to offer, imho. __________________ Why is it a dog rocket and not a cat crater?

10-21-2011, 02:10 PM	#13
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 71,920 Trading: (60)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M I eat peanut butter every day. Thanks a lot, Bob. __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

10-22-2011, 08:18 PM	#15
RCS44 Still Watching My Back Join Date: Mar 2011 First Name: Ryne Location: Chicago Posts: 233 Trading: (1)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M Patching up beetle holes??? I have never heard of anyone doing that, nor would i consider doing such a thing.

10-22-2011, 10:14 PM	#17
brigey57 Smoke me if you can... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bri Location: Enjoying the weather here! Posts: 256 Trading: (0)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M I'm surprised since it sounds like they have a large and expensive inventory of grate stogies, which if infected, would be ruined. Was it one of the workers or clerks who just doesn't care or was it the owner; who I would hope would know if he has a beetle problem and would be trying to do something to get rid of the problem. It seems to me IMHO that there should be someone there who really cares about what they have on the shelve and what's in stock. to hear of such a horrible story! __________________ There are five things that make life worth living: a good relationship with God, a good woman, good health, good friends, and a fine cigar." Just say NO to SCHIP and Cigar taxes!

10-23-2011, 05:57 AM	#18
theonlybear4CORT RIP Nick Montano Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Santa Rosa Posts: 2,040 Trading: (14)	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M I have nipples Greg can u milk me? Posted via Mobile Device

10-25-2011, 05:58 AM	#20
w squared Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Troubling sights at my local B&M I was in a B+M in Seattle where the owner had decided that he was going to leave a couple boxes with some particularily bad beetle damage in his walk-in. When I pointed them out to him, he said "don't worry, I'll just send them back to the manufacturer and get the money back". He didn't seem at all concerned over leaving a box with obvious beetle damage (and the associated eggs) inside his walk-in with the rest of his stock. Needless to say, I didn't purchase anything from him.