What's your take on something like this?

[josh lucky 13]

Driving thru Texas found a cigar store and stopped. See this... what's your take?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220807/ae7eaab3880e80df9096d15eb998979c.jpg

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[chain_gang]

If I were a huge Fuente guy ISO these, I'd think it's lame and would be annoyed. Reminds me of those annoying samplers that include the one stick you want.

[Old Smokey]

As a Fuente guy, I think it sucks. And almost $25 each after buying 5 others? NFW

ShamWow! No thanks!

[Cool Breeze]

I understand it I guess if it's a hard to find, limited edition run of something.
Some shops don't just put that stuff out immediately. Some stick them back and give the regulars a chance at them before they hit the shelf.

[josh lucky 13]

I agree with most of what has been said I almost walked out. I did buy 2 but I told him I was put off by the sign. He stated he has to buy so much fuente to get stuff like that which I get but that many wont put up with that. He understands but so much of his business is not from the area so he does that so everyone has the same chance to get them. He also had a box of eye of shark that he will do the same thing once the casa fuente are done. Then a box of opus sharks.

[WNYTONY]

I agree with most of what has been said I almost walked out. I did buy 2 but I told him I was put off by the sign. He stated he has to buy so much fuente to get stuff like that which I get but that many wont put up with that. He understands but so much of his business is not from the area so he does that so everyone has the same chance to get them. He also had a box of eye of shark that he will do the same thing once the casa fuente are done. Then a box of opus sharks.

Just grab the 5 Curly Heads and age them for 8-10 years and you'll be fine !

Seriously though - I can understand his point but I've never seen a regular production purchase requirement like that before, and then a minimum on top of it. Wonder if Fuente would have a problem with it. Bottom line is it's his shop so.........

[jrfoxx]

Big Fuente guy, but not a unicorn chaser (to the point I don't even know what I'm looking at), so wouldn't effect me, but i personally think its kinda bs, but as said above, it his shop and our economy is free enterprise, so his shop, his choice.

If he gets enough complaints or doesn't move as much product, he'll change it or have to eat the money.

I friggin love cigars

[Old Smokey]

I will add, Fuente does the same type of stuff with his retailers. My local told me they have to order at least 25 boxes of Fuente for the opportunity to buy a box of the HTF Fuentes. So I guess it just trickles down to the customers. But we don’t have to like it. It’s the $25 that really bothers me. The shop probably pays $10 a stick for them.

[jrfoxx]

I will add, Fuente does the same type of stuff with his retailers. My local told me they have to order at least 25 boxes of Fuente for the opportunity to buy a box of the HTF Fuentes. So I guess it just trickles down to the customers. But we don’t have to like it. It’s the $25 that really bothers me. The shop probably pays $10 a stick for them.I've heard that before about the Fuente box minimum thing.
Plus, they are typically excluded from any discount from coupon/promo codes at various vendors which does kinda irk me a bit.

But again, free enterprise. If they dont get the money they want/need for something, they will change or lose money.

And just out of curiosity, since I can't tell even zooming in to the OP's picture, what exactly are the cigars in question?

I friggin love cigars

[Ljutic]

I stopped chasing Fuente unicorns many years ago. I do agree that this practice would be annoying for the consumer, and isn't something I can remember seeing before.

I'm actually surprised to see Casa available outside of the Vegas shop. I thought they were created as an exclusive and only available at the Casa Fuente location. Then google found me this. https://halfwheel.com/casa-fuente-heading-to-stores-nationwide-for-limited-release/401431/

[josh lucky 13]

I stopped chasing Fuente unicorns many years ago. I do agree that this practice would be annoying for the consumer, and isn't something I can remember seeing before.

I'm actually surprised to see Casa available outside of the Vegas shop. I thought they were created as an exclusive and only available at the Casa Fuente location. Then google found me this. https://halfwheel.com/casa-fuente-heading-to-stores-nationwide-for-limited-release/401431/

I did not click the link but casa fuente where available in multiple sizes last year and I think going forward the robusto is gonna be available outside of Vegas. That cigar should be a roughly $20 stick.

I boughta zombie and a zombie super shot. I am trying to save up for m6 next big purchase.

[Ljutic]

I did not click the link but casa fuente where available in multiple sizes last year and I think going forward the robusto is gonna be available outside of Vegas. That cigar should be a roughly $20 stick.

I boughta zombie and a zombie super shot. I am trying to save up for m6 next big purchase.

The link was just an announcement that Casa Fuente cigars were going to be available at other stores on a limited release basis.

I think I have one or two Casa cigars that were gifted to me over the years. Still have not tried one, but will some day.

[Nature]

I like this better than hiding the rare cigars behind the counter, reserved for the “good” customers. At least this way, one has an opportunity to be a “good” customer, albeit at a price.

Being that most of the customer base is outside of the area, it prevents someone from coming in and cherry picking just the rare stuff. It doesn’t seem that he is concerned with repeat business, if it’s mostly out of the area, and perhaps he doesn’t need to be. It also prevents someone snagging them up for the secondary market for personal profit.

Like others have stated, he likely had to purchase a significant quantity to even be eligible to acquire these. He’s passing it on, perhaps because he doesn’t have enough Fuente volume otherwise.?

If he can sell them with this practice, that’s his prerogative. If he doesn’t, well that costs him and he may change his strategy. While the $25 price is high, it’s not out of line to the gouging point. I think I paid $22.50 for the ones at my local.

In the end, customers seem to be still buying them with this practice, so it’s not THAT off-putting. As hard as it is to swallow, they charge $10 for a beer at various events because they can, and people still buy it. The market bears what the customer is willing to pay.

I know it sucks, but hey, it’s cheaper than a trip to Vegas!
Yeah, I know, these were released in limited quantity around the country, but I am willing to bet nearly all those are gone, unless they were held back.

My local sold out the first day. He didn’t even put them on the shelf.

I know many won’t agree with this position.


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