Just got my counterfeit cubans!

[tippexx]

I'm pretty new to cigars. Yet to be honest I don't like the 'look' of what I'm seeing in those pictures. Have you first considered contacting the vendor and voicing your concerns. Whilst your cigars should have been inspected before despatch, a reputable vendor will want those back for re-inspection, firstly for the sake of their own professional interest and reputation, and secondly to maintain a valuable on-going client/customer relationship.

[Morris]

I originally ordered 25 Cuaba Exclusivos from the vendor in question and these arrived with Mold. I asked for the D4s as a replacement and told them to check them before sending. The box arrived with the seals broken (so it had been opened for checking) however, they did not re-seal the box in plastic for shipping so it spent a long time losing moisture during its transit. To cut a long story short, I had waited ages for them to arrive so decided to keep them. I did however email them to voice my displeasure and to assure them I would not buy from them again.

Since then I have learnt more about cigars and now know that the standard expected of them is not to be found in the box I was sent. I think that perhaps too much time has passed since I got them for me to send them back now. They will inevitably ask why I didn't send them back earlier. If they are fake I don't believe the company knew it. They are indeed one of these that ship from a warehouse. In the same delivery I received a cohiba robusto single and Bolivar gold medal single that were both definitely not fakes.

[tippexx]

The amount of lapsed time isn't really the issue. And isn't it better to try doing something than do nothing. Even if you get a bad response, you'll feel better for having had a go!

[Morris]

I will wait for this thread to develop a bit more and then take some of the opinions from it to help formulate my response.

Thanks for everyone's input thus far. And thanks to the original thread starter.

[El Catador]

The box arrived with the seals broken (so it had been opened for checking) however, they did not re-seal the box in plastic for shipping so it spent a long time losing moisture during its transit.

Hi Morris

Sorry to read of the aggravation you've been put through, not to mention your suspicions regarding the authenticity of your cigars.
I just wanted to chip in and add:
a) Like many members here, I've experienced a similar situation and can sympathise (hate feeling I may have been 'ripped off'), and:
b) regardless of how genuine the cigars may or may not turn out to be, you should have no qualms about 'naming and shaming' the company concerned, as packing and posting an expensive and perishable commodity in this manner (see above) is entirely unacceptable in itself.

I suspect I'm not the only one who would prefer to be forewarned of a organisation who trade in this manner respond and so 'poorly' to basic customer expectations.
Perhaps a mention of this thread, and the unfavourable coverage they are receiving might help them to focus their efforts on resolving your issues?

Anyhow, good luck, Merry Christmas (or 'Happy' whatever your festival may be), and let us know how you get on.

[MaledettoToscano]

Well, since my last order from Puro was seized I may in fact have to go back to them as they currently have such good prices on their stock.

Ehm, not to spoil your plans, but Puro have stopped shipping to the UK unfortunately, see here.

[Luis]

double posting

[Luis]

uh ?!? right ! What happened with Op's pictures ! reminds me of an advice from a more experienced BOTL to buy cigars like D4s from the more careful vendors (like Czar or CoH ) because they are produced in very large quantities and a part of this production is achieved too hastily.

[Morris]

Ehm, not to spoil your plans, but Puro have stopped shipping to the UK unfortunately, see here.

Sorry, didn't type that too clearly. I meant that I may have to return to the "D4 dealer" as my order from Puro was seized and therefore I can't use Puro anymore.

Well, I have emailed the company in question to discuss the purchase of some Cohiba Robustos. Once I have received a response I will talk to them about the D4's and link them to the pictures I posted here. This particular company has a good reputation amongst posters here and the customer service is very good so I'm inclined to hope that this was a one off.


Although, with the Exclusivos being moldy and the D4's being shabby, perhaps I shouldn't be giving them the benefit of the doubt...

[Luis]

Morris

I've been ordering from across the board lately but if you care about the service you will get definetely more from www.cigar-czar.com (check their associated forum http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/foru...p?showforum=24 as well) and apparently cigarsofhabanos.com ( although these have been a little confused with my first orders) than from the swiss based discounters.

[Luis]

sorry, working link : http://www.cigar-czar.com/store/

[Morris]

Thanks Luis, that is a great help. Its always good to have personal recommendations.

I'll try them for my next order (if I actually have any money left after Christmas!)

[jdawg]

I would send them back! Those cigars do not look right. Regardless of whether they are real or not, they are subpar and you should not have to accept that.

I would contact the vendor displaying your dissatisfaction with the cigars and that you wish to return them. (which it seems you have done). If they are a legitimate vendor, they should take them back. If they do not, then don't buy from them again. Also, with the purchasing power of the UKCF, I don't think they would want to screw over one of our members. Especially, since it sounds like many members have bought and continue to buy from this vendor.

I agree with the others that naming the vendor should be acceptable. No reputable vendor should be satisfied sending subpar cigars. At the price we pay for our smokes, we should expect nothing but quality and top service.

[Deano]

Morris personally I'd stick with our sponsor or 1001 cubans.

[jkim05]

It's a learning process. Hopefully at the very least you gained some experience in spotting fakes and dealing with vendors, and maybe picked up a few useful sources as well.