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:



Order slip:



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.