Nat Sherman Maduro Point Fives

[rodwha]

Recently ordered the package of 5 boxes of these knowing I really liked them. What I received was not the Point Fives but a Maduro the same size (34x4”) but called Metropolitan. Prior to calling I looked over my online record with them and saw that I did not mistakenly order them, but that I had indeed ordered the dark brown pack of Point Five Maduros. I decided I should try one while I waited my turn to see if maybe I’d be happy with them and just speak on the switcheroo I was given, but found that they were extremely mild and nearly tasteless for the first half. Not interested. So upon speaking with the second lady there, who was so much nicer and more helpful (the first should be removed from customer care as she was rude and argumentative), I was given a return shipping label with my order on its way.

However what I received today was a box of the Metropolitan cigarillos again. Funny thing is is that these aren’t listed as an option on Cigars International unless they’re squirreled away somewhere not under Metropolitan. So I spoke with another customer help lady who will be investigating what’s going on and seeing to what they have in inventory. According to their site they have 3 more 5 count boxes of 5 packs of the Maduro Point Fives (and none of their other Point Fives). I assume I’d just get the same thing again, and wondering if they’ve changed that option. According to the shipping slip they are calling them Point Fives.

I’m curious how this will play out. I was looking for a larger number of good smaller smokes for the colder days, and the only other small ring small cigar in Maduro I know I like that’s on a similar price point I’d the CAO Mx2 Dagger. But those aren’t sold in a pack of 5 boxes. It’s a pack of 10 boxes for a bit more than twice the price. The single box price times 5 makes it over $12 more, which I’d be happy paying I suppose as long as they aren’t going to charge me shipping again.

And I realize the situation (losing) they are in as they’ve paid return shipping for what I sent back, shipping for what they just sent, and will be paying return shipping for these too as they just aren’t worth smoking, but if they were swapping Metropolitans for Point Fives they should have adjusted their site to reflect this as there’s no way I would have bought of box of 5 packs not having tried them.

So now I’m waiting on a return call to see how we shall proceed from here.

As an aside does anyone know of a comparable (Point Fives or Mx2) box of 25 smokes in the 30-something ring size for ~$45 I could potentially see about swapping if they don’t find the Point Fives? I don’t feel right asking them to send me the Mx2’s as replacements as it’s not really a fair deal to them despite this being of their own making.

These are what I received:

https://i.postimg.cc/c1jN4zNX/67195499-88-FB-4-DEB-990-D-1-BD6-C77-ED8-DC.jpg (https://postimg.cc/8shYZtc6)

Order slip:

https://i.postimg.cc/15q1gKmP/69-BD0-DFC-6016-4-BAB-8-F60-589-BEA556-C33.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Tpf4Fg5H)

I measured them with my calipers and they are indeed 34 ring. Still find it odd they aren’t listed on their site. And odd they seem to list them as Point Fives.

[Regiampiero]

Yea customer service is not the best at ci, but at those prices I guess something has to go. The only cigarillos I've ever liked are the undercrown or the more expensive Liga tins. Not sure what those are listed at, but I've gotten two 10 packs for about $20 before.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[rodwha]

I’ve never needed their customer support in the past 5 or 6 years when I began smoking cigars on a more regular basis. I did, on this order, forget to include the promo code and called first thing in the morning. They added it for me, which was cool.

And these last two women have been more than reasonable. The first not so much.

I’ve yet to receive my return call. Figured the issue wasn’t that difficult it would take a day and a half so far. Maybe they are looking for direction as to how to proceed as I’m guessing they aren’t carrying the Point Fives Maduro now. Maybe I’ll look over all of the various options.

[rodwha]

Called back and will be getting the Point Fives Honduran in exchange and added Cohiba Black Pequenos and Macanudo Maduro Ascots. Happy.

They still claim the Metropolitans are the same as the Point Fives. Nope.

[rodwha]

I just received an email stating they won’t be getting those in either so they’ve canceled my order and gave me a $5 voucher for my troubles. Odd. Still waiting on my refund from the smokes that received back two Thursdays ago. Was told it could take 10 days. Figure they possibly meant business days and Mr Luther King Jr was a holiday so I’ll call tomorrow if I still don’t have my funds back.

[rodwha]

Today made the tenth business day since they received the return package. Talked to my bank to ensure they weren’t processing the refund (nope) so another call to CI. For whatever reason, though it’s not their policy, and not what I was told would happen, the representative stated it was processed as a check and cannot tell if it’s been issued and sent yet, but will see if she can’t get to the bottom of this today and get back to me. What?!?!

[rodwha]

Apparently this check still has not been sent, but is too far into the process to decline. Wow! I’m at a loss for how inept this has been handled all the way around really. Supposedly this check should be sent out next week. I guess it takes a bit over two weeks to fill out my name, the amount, and get a signature, and a bit more to get it into an envelope. Hope they don’t forget the stamp. But now it’s my issue to go down and deposit it. Not a happy camper.

[SoCal gunner]

Fire off another email stating your disappointment and frustration.

Can always resort to calling CC company and dispute charges.

[rodwha]

Thinking about another email as it only allowed so many characters which cut me a little short. Figured I’d hear back and could finish with what I wanted to say, but then the check that has taken forever added to my list of grievances.

[rodwha]

Sent that other email days ago and just recently got an, “I’m sorry for your experience” reply along with some more BS about 8-10 days to receive this check in the mail, which I feel is cräp as now I have to deal with their refund. Way back when my initial email was to be forwarded on and I’ve yet to hear anything from them. I guess my concern for their multiple issues means nothing. I’ll be looking for another reasonably priced vendor who sells 5ers (and singles are nice). I just don’t see how I can deal with a company that deals so poorly with their customers.

[allusred]

Sent that other email days ago and just recently got an, “I’m sorry for your experience” reply along with some more BS about 8-10 days to receive this check in the mail, which I feel is cräp as now I have to deal with their refund. Way back when my initial email was to be forwarded on and I’ve yet to hear anything from them. I guess my concern for their multiple issues means nothing. I’ll be looking for another reasonably priced vendor who sells 5ers (and singles are nice). I just don’t see how I can deal with a company that deals so poorly with their customers.


Piss poor customer service.
Someone hires/hired those people so are responsible.
If you can get thru to someone sane, not just the imbeciles reading the same set of four lines over and over.

There just be a chance that they would "put this right."
And that *does NOT mean offering a $5.00 off on your next order*

Offering you a choice of some cigars of equal or greater $ value at no change, shipped free along with a complete refund ...plus some 'extra' gift, cigar lighter, etc.
And a way to contact that person directly if not satisfied with the outcome.

Might put the situation in a better light.
Hope this works out well in the end.
Please do post when, if ever the problem is resolved.
Good luck.

[AlanS]

Sent that other email days ago and just recently got an, “I’m sorry for your experience” reply along with some more BS about 8-10 days to receive this check in the mail, which I feel is cräp as now I have to deal with their refund. Way back when my initial email was to be forwarded on and I’ve yet to hear anything from them. I guess my concern for their multiple issues means nothing. I’ll be looking for another reasonably priced vendor who sells 5ers (and singles are nice). I just don’t see how I can deal with a company that deals so poorly with their customers.
CigarPage.com

[rodwha]

Piss poor customer service.
Someone hires/hired those people so are responsible.
If you can get thru to someone sane, not just the imbeciles reading the same set of four lines over and over.

There just be a chance that they would "put this right."
And that *does NOT mean offering a $5.00 off on your next order*

Offering you a choice of some cigars of equal or greater $ value at no change, shipped free along with a complete refund ...plus some 'extra' gift, cigar lighter, etc.
And a way to contact that person directly if not satisfied with the outcome.

Might put the situation in a better light.
Hope this works out well in the end.
Please do post when, if ever the problem is resolved.
Good luck.

It wouldn’t even take that much to make me happy.

[Emperor Zurg]

I've had a couple screwups from Pipes and Cigars, which is the same company, and they've always straightened it out right away, usually with me ending up with some free, although incorrect, tobacco to boot. Seems strange they can't seem to get this one right. You must be dealing with a mouth breather or something. (No offense to mouth breathers in general :p :p )

[rodwha]

So I finally recieved my check today 25 days later. I also checked my account at CI, and having sent them another message explaining in a very easy to understand manner without getting too ugly how unsatisfied I was with their reaction, or lack of, that the status has now been closed. This has to be the worst customer service I have personally had or heard of, and that sits right close by the response I got from a Chinese backpack company that had a torn seam nearly a foot long from just one use and was told at best all they would do was give me a store credit to buy more crappy Chinese gear that you cannot rely on. I threw that pack in the trash and bought an Osprey pack, which has the best customer service ever (lifetime) where in one instance a woman on a thru hike had a strap bust. They asked what color she’d like and met her at a trailhead and helped her swap her gear. You can bet your hind quarters our packs are Osprey except for our daughter’s which is REI pack since she’ll outgrow it in a few years.

Looking over a few of the company suggestions I find that some of my favorites aren’t offered. A real bummer.

Elsewhere I was told by an ex employee that customer service nosedived around 2007 when the company was bought out. I feel like being a very squeaky wheel now, but I doubt it would have enough of an impact. Regardless it will certainly come up anytime I come across a smoker!

As an aside I asked another cigar vendor about the Point Fives changing names. They say otherwise.

[Emperor Zurg]

So I finally recieved my check today 25 days later. I also checked my account at CI, and having sent them another message explaining in a very easy to understand manner without getting too ugly how unsatisfied I was with their reaction, or lack of, that the status has now been closed. This has to be the worst customer service I have personally had or heard of...

Almost enough to make a guy quit smoking eh? :p

[rodwha]

Almost enough to make a guy quit smoking eh? :p

Their smoke, yea.

[Emperor Zurg]

Their smoke, yea.

Lol!

[Nature]

So sorry you at having these issues, Bob. I see on the CI site that the Point Fives are no longer available.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/b7c6bfb3199e8dadd2555752d58895c5.jpg

I see that these are unavailable on many other sites as well.

You may like the Nat Sherman Metropolitan Host ( Honduran). This seems most similar to what perhaps the point fives were.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/242555f48cd4b4972142455e1c581aa2.jpg
Made by Camacho, so they should be decent.

I see this is also currently on backorder though. They were incorrect to send you the Metropolitan Maduros as a replacement; not the same thing. The follow-up seems to be a bit lack-luster.

Hope you find what you’re looking for without having to jump through a bunch of hoops.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[rodwha]

So sorry you at having these issues, Bob. I see on the CI site that the Point Fives are no longer available.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/b7c6bfb3199e8dadd2555752d58895c5.jpg

I see that these are unavailable on many other sites as well.

You may like the Nat Sherman Metropolitan Host ( Honduran). This seems most similar to what perhaps the point fives were.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190212/242555f48cd4b4972142455e1c581aa2.jpg
Made by Camacho, so they should be decent.

I see this is also currently on backorder though. They were incorrect to send you the Metropolitan Maduros as a replacement; not the same thing. The follow-up seems to be a bit lack-luster.

Hope you find what you’re looking for without having to jump through a bunch of hoops.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I actually contacted Nat Sherman just now and they said they did indeed just change the name, that the cigars are otherwise the same. I couldn’t argue that, but none of the Point Fives I previously bought were characterless until halfway through. I wouldn’t have continued to purchase them. Maybe the one I smoked was just not constructed well.

At least I can say CI didn’t just give me the switcharoo as I thought. And the Honduran version is as you showed and supposedly the same as it was.

Their customer service was still quite lacking though, and I see no reason to do further business with them because of that, which is a shame for me as I can’t seem to find a reasonable cost vendor that has the bulk of the cigars I frequently buy and in 5ers as well. Guess I’ll just keep looking.

[Emperor Zurg]

I actually contacted Nat Sherman just now and they said they did indeed just change the name, that the cigars are otherwise the same. I couldn’t argue that, but none of the Point Fives I previously bought were characterless until halfway through. I wouldn’t have continued to purchase them. Maybe the one I smoked was just not constructed well.

Looking it over, it seems there are 3 variations of the Metropolitan. I don't think you got the 'Host'. I think it was one of the others.

[CentralTimeSmoke]

Hey, rodwha - have you ever tried Toscano cigars? They're Italian cowboy cigars that use Kentucky fire-cured tobacco. They're actually pretty damn good for what they are. They're a little more per cigar than what you were paying for the Point Fives, but they're 6x38. You can easily cut them in half and it's a 20-30 minute smoke.

I also highly recommend Punch London Club Maduros. Those are about $62 for 25 at Holts. I haven't had one in some time, but they used to be my go-to short smoke. They're really tasty for the price.

Lastly, the Liga Privada T52 Coronets are damn cheap and taste great--$103 for 50, also at Holts.

Even though they're owned by the same company as CI, I buy 98 percent of my cigars from CigarBid and have always had great customer service. I like the format of bidding on cigars, and consistently buy stuff for half off the CI listings. Their new site let's you narrow your search by ring gauge and length, so you could search for smaller stuff.

Anyway, good luck in your search. I might go ahead and buy a box of those Punch London Clubs myself--you reminded me how much I miss them!

[rodwha]

Hey, rodwha - have you ever tried Toscano cigars? They're Italian cowboy cigars that use Kentucky fire-cured tobacco. They're actually pretty damn good for what they are. They're a little more per cigar than what you were paying for the Point Fives, but they're 6x38. You can easily cut them in half and it's a 20-30 minute smoke.

I also highly recommend Punch London Club Maduros. Those are about $62 for 25 at Holts. I haven't had one in some time, but they used to be my go-to short smoke. They're really tasty for the price.

Lastly, the Liga Privada T52 Coronets are damn cheap and taste great--$103 for 50, also at Holts.

Even though they're owned by the same company as CI, I buy 98 percent of my cigars from CigarBid and have always had great customer service. I like the format of bidding on cigars, and consistently buy stuff for half off the CI listings. Their new site let's you narrow your search by ring gauge and length, so you could search for smaller stuff.

Anyway, good luck in your search. I might go ahead and buy a box of those Punch London Clubs myself--you reminded me how much I miss them!

I am not familiar with any of the smokes you mentioned. Guess I should give em a try if I run across them. I still have that hole unfulfilled by CI, though I’ll likely wait a bit as I just ordered beer brewing supplies.

- - - Updated - - -


Looking it over, it seems there are 3 variations of the Metropolitan. I don't think you got the 'Host'. I think it was one of the others.

The initial smokes I was sent were indeed the Maduro version. It just took half of the cigar to tell.