BR Auctions

[bhead]

Any feedback on whether or not this is a worthwhile endeavor...

Looks interesting, Have seen numerous items I'd be interested in.

Hidden charges/fees are what would worry me.

Appreciate your time.

[shakinghorizons]

15% hammer price and if shipping is not included, then you have to pay that as well.

No shipments are guaranteed.

[RamonBocAllone]

You're better off posting an iso here. Premiums there are high, they rape on fees, and shipments are guaranteed. It's good for selling. Not buying.

[Charles]

Does anyone vet the sellers/items on BR?  I've never purchased but I see a lot of stuff I've never heard of.  Seems like anyone could sell fakes there and the buyer has no recourse if they get ripped off.

[UBB]

[quote author=Charles link=topic=56800.msg215788#msg215788 date=1677172181]
Does anyone vet the sellers/items on BR?  I've never purchased but I see a lot of stuff I've never heard of.  Seems like anyone could sell fakes there and the buyer has no recourse if they get ripped off.
[/quote]

Well VRAT is now selling there so......... :rotf:

[Hotboy]

[quote author=Charles link=topic=56800.msg215788#msg215788 date=1677172181]
Does anyone vet the sellers/items on BR? [/quote]

I'm a registered user on BR. The oversight committee asks prospective users to provide bona fides and describe their history with cigars, memberships on cigar boards, their sources for cigars, storage conditions, or any other noteworthy accomplishments in the world of cigars before becoming an approved user (buying and selling).

There are detailed requirements for listing cigars for sale, and sellers are initially asked to perform a single transaction, which is ostensibly reviewed by the committee before moving on to more listings.

[quote author=Charles link=topic=56800.msg215788#msg215788 date=1677172181]
I've never purchased but I see a lot of stuff I've never heard of.[/quote]

Everything that gets listed for sale comes from a pull-down list of every possible Habanos production item going back 50 years. If it's not on the list, you can't list it for sale. There are dozens of production types, special or limited production that I've never heard of either.

[quote author=Charles link=topic=56800.msg215788#msg215788 date=1677172181]
Seems like anyone could sell fakes there and the buyer has no recourse if they get ripped off.[/quote]

I don't know for sure, but BR values its status very highly and I'm guessing that any questionable sales would be cancelled, the funds seized, and the user banned. It seems to me that BR is very serious about policing against scams.

[Charles]

[quote author=Hotboy link=topic=56800.msg215791#msg215791 date=1677176198]
I'm a registered user on BR. The oversight committee asks prospective users to provide bona fides and describe their history with cigars, memberships on cigar boards, their sources for cigars, storage conditions, or any other noteworthy accomplishments in the world of cigars before becoming an approved user (buying and selling).
[/quote]

Thanks brother.  I haven't registered as a seller, but I may soon.  Not sure if I want to ship overseas though.

[Hotboy]

[quote author=Charles link=topic=56800.msg215796#msg215796 date=1677184565]
Not sure if I want to ship overseas though.[/quote]

I don't. Just USA.

[Lambeaux]

I've had about 8 transactions through BR and I've had good experiences on the whole. Everyone communicated well, shipped quickly, and everything was as represented.  I suppose something could be "fake" but I have no reason to question the authenticity of any purchase.  The only "bad" aspect of any of my experiences concerned shipping costs from an overseas seller.  I was not in agreement with the representations made concerning the costs involved.  I thought the costs were particularly outrageous in that instance. 

I do not think the shipments are guaranteed by BR (please check specific terms and conditions) and I hate to think about scenarios where the cigars never arrive.  Based on these concerns, as well as the prior bad experience with what I believe were unjustified/unreasonable shipping costs, I agree with prior comments regarding only dealing with "in-country" sellers.   

[canadianbeaver]

I wanted to share some crazy shipping world costs but still have perfect feedback on BR. This is just to show that you can still do ok with this issue. From Canada to Europe or China (I have no problem shipping anywhere) shipping is $110.

This price sends by air so the package, marked souvenirs in a small box, goes 2 weeks. If any cheaper, could take months. Screw that. I will look like I do not ship and the package is stolen. Never once did the buyer comment about the cost.

I have seen comments about the 15% charge too. BR does not provide this venue for nothing and buyers either bid or they don’t. Then, especially the Chinese guys, email you and say:

“Hey dude, have you got any cigars you want to sell on the side of this place? That 15% is so expensive! I cannot afford it and will pay you cash!” Cannot afford? Cigars are a luxury and the shipping is going to be $100.

Oh please. BR is the venue that does the work and this is their house. When you buy art or booze at auction in Toronto we pay 30% premium plus tax.

CB