Pre Aged CC's

[UBB]

who would that be?

[quote author=Pole Lock link=topic=32040.msg136543#msg136543 date=1423080674]
I do know of one vendor who keeps all of the average to above average stock he receives, and passes on the rejects to various markets which specialize in gray market and discounted sales.
[/quote]

[tksamtec]

[quote author=Pole Lock link=topic=32040.msg136543#msg136543 date=1423080674]
I do know of one vendor who keeps all of the average to above average stock he receives, and passes on the rejects to various markets which specialize in gray market and discounted sales.
[/quote]
That could just be what they are saying too... I know of a vendor who charges a premium for hand picked "HQ" boxes, but I rarely see much difference between the HQ and regular stock.

[Pole Lock]

[quote author=tksamtec link=topic=32040.msg136556#msg136556 date=1423088224]
That could just be what they are saying too... I know of a vendor who charges a premium for hand picked "HQ" boxes, but I rarely see much difference between the HQ and regular stock.
[/quote]

That's the guy!  While I don't think his "premium select" and "hq" selections are worth the upcharge he places on them sometimes, when they're part of a daily or weekly sale, they're a steal.  The whole bonus of his approach is he or one of his minions are fingerbanging every box to ensure you're getting quality.

In all honesty, he's the only vendor where I've only received excellent stock - no bad boxes with weak wrappers, consistently bad construction, etc.

I've treated smokes like I treat my and others' work in the professional world - never go with the lowest bidder!

[tksamtec]

[quote author=Pole Lock link=topic=32040.msg136563#msg136563 date=1423093565]
That's the guy!  While I don't think his "premium select" and "hq" selections are worth the upcharge he places on them sometimes, when they're part of a daily or weekly sale, they're a steal.  The whole bonus of his approach is he or one of his minions are fingerbanging every box to ensure you're getting quality.

In all honesty, he's the only vendor where I've only received excellent stock - no bad boxes with weak wrappers, consistently bad construction, etc.

I've treated smokes like I treat my and others' work in the professional world - never go with the lowest bidder!
[/quote]
yeah, and he is the same guy who only had about a 25% success rate shipping from AUS. Thousands and thousands of their packages were held up in customs for up to 2 years...

[Pole Lock]

[quote author=tksamtec link=topic=32040.msg136567#msg136567 date=1423097757]
yeah, and he is the same guy who only had about a 25% success rate shipping from AUS. Thousands and thousands of their packages were held up in customs for up to 2 years...
[/quote]

Yeah, but I understand that was an issue predominantly with LAX?  Lately it's been all roses.

Still, he's not my number 1, but does provide a nice environment and unique service.  If you order something that isn't up to par, you'll get an email warning you as such (as with recent Trinidads)

[tksamtec]

I have dealt with them, and they do offer good deals on occasion, and their customer service is excellent... my only complaint is their slow shipping, sometimes it takes 10 days before things even go out.  I tend to be impatient... and I don't want to wait that long when I can receive my cigars in less time from most swiss vendors.

[Pole Lock]

[quote author=tksamtec link=topic=32040.msg136579#msg136579 date=1423105088]
I have dealt with them, and they do offer good deals on occasion, and their customer service is excellent... my only complaint is their slow shipping, sometimes it takes 10 days before things even go out.  I tend to be impatient... and I don't want to wait that long when I can receive my cigars in less time from most swiss vendors.
[/quote]

Touche.

I've often wondered whether they're just slow and leisurely or they have some masterplan for their shipping (to avoid the embarrassing problems from several years ago).  The Swiss are definitely quick on the draw!

[Hutch]

[quote author=Pole Lock link=topic=32040.msg136543#msg136543 date=1423080674]
I do know of one vendor who keeps all of the average to above average stock he receives, and passes on the rejects to various markets which specialize in gray market and discounted sales.
[/quote]

Except the Gray Market vendors receive their boxes sealed...some selling to us sealed. Sounds like a story made up by a vendor unable to compete pricewise. I buy from both and over 200 boxes later, there's been zero difference in quality. One Gray market vendor, who buys master cases, completely debunk that myth.

[Pole Lock]

[quote author=Hutch link=topic=32040.msg136582#msg136582 date=1423111382]
Except the Gray Market vendors receive their boxes sealed...some selling to us sealed. Sounds like a story made up by a vendor unable to compete pricewise. I buy from both and over 200 boxes later, there's been zero difference in quality. One Gray market vendor, who buys master cases, completely debunk that myth.
[/quote]

That's an interesting, but very good point.  Now when I used to buy from one of the cheapest vendors - the one who has had mold and over-humidification problems - I always received opened boxes.  Come to think of it, excepting 3 packs of Tubos, I don't think I've ever received a sealed box from overseas.

[UBB]

is it taboo here to discuss questionable or reputable sources or is there another reason you guys are talking in code?  ???