Need your thoughts

[dememihel]

Hey guys. Here is the back story; I wrote this on a different website, stating that the store I bought my cigars from are fake.

"I have been ordering Cuban cigars online for about 4 years now. I’m ready for another order however after doing some research on grey market cigars and how some online stores scratch off the codes off the boxes and warranty seal, I got a little skeptical. Thankfully I keep all the boxes I've ever ordered and started to investigate them. May 2013 I ordered 10 boxes online from the same place. Thankfully they did not scratch off the tiny codes off the warranty seal so I was able to search them online.
1st box Partagas Serie D No. 4, the codes checked out
2nd box, Diplomaticos No. 2, the codes do not match. In fact the codes come up with a different cigar
I am in the process of looking up the other 8 boxes to see if they match. Since May 2013 I have ordered 16 more boxes (however all the serials on those boxes were scratched off) so I cannot verify them to see if they are real.
I am to believe if 1 box is not authentic then they are all not authentic. "

 

[Stillinger]

The only answer is do you trust your source? If no, then no. If yes, then yes.

As for scratched codes, that's typical and there are some issues with regional deals. As for them not checking, who knows, I don't usually worry about the code as I trust my vendor.

 

[AlohaStyle]

Sent ya a PM. I personally would not worry one bit for torn bar codes or for one or two boxes not checking out on their website.

And to expand on what I said in the PM, look here at the warranty seals (scroll down to Circa late 2010-on) and you can see where they micro-print the serial number other places on the warranty seal. This started late 2011 so if you are paranoid about numbers checking out, you can get them elsewhere on the seal. But, I have seen some vendors that have also smudged out the micro-print numbers too.
http://cubancigarwebsite.com/info-packaging.aspx#Seals

As said above, it comes down to your vendor. All his answers are reasonable and truth about why codes are taken off.

 

[Dave]

Agree with Aloha and Matt. In fact, I'm pretty sure who wrote you. I'd say you're in good hands.

 

[boltman]

Since May of 2013 you have purchased 26 boxes from this vendor. It appears you like this vendor and the cigars. Seems to me you should trust your instincts. In addition the vendor has taken time to address your concerns. At some point in time you show a little faith.

 

[dememihel]

Yes that is correct. However I trusted the vendor because I thought they were legit. They may still be legit. I will post some pictures of boxes to get your opinions

 

[dememihel]

Ok, well I posted some photos of 3 boxes, Diplomaticos #2, Ramon Allones Specially Selected and Bolivr Corona Gigantes. See attached link.

http://s58.photobucket.com/user/blue_goat/library/

Let me know if you have any additional comments about these boxes.

Thanks

 

[irratebass]

I am not well versed in cc's yet, but based on the email it seems like they would like to continue business and like Boltman said, have a little faith.

 

[dememihel]

I have faith, just don't want to be fooled. I uploaded the pics, take a look and let me know your thoughts

http://s58.photobucket.com/user/blue_goat/library/Cigars

 

[D Quintero]

the fresher diplo, RA & bolis of late are rich marcas ... plus cc tobac generally emits distinct cc smoke . toke it and telltale your senses will ultimately say if theyre the real mc coys or not.

 

[fnpaulie]

I've never received a box with the batch number/bar code or identifying information intact. No matter to me but at first I was nervous. But that all stopped as soon as I lit one up.

I'm curious to know how this vendor will handle your future orders though. You kind of laid it all out on the table with some important information about them left intact.

 

[dememihel]

Has anyone ever encountered an issue with the serial #'s on the boxes not matching up with the Habanos stamp verify website?

 

[Agentskull]

Has anyone ever encountered an issue with the serial #'s on the boxes not matching up with the Habanos stamp verify website?

Sent ya a PM. I personally would not worry one bit for torn bar codes or for one or two boxes not checking out on their website.

Think aloha answered you on that already

 

[CWS]

You started your path with BOTL with this thread which was answered. So why do you not go to the intro thread and introduce yourself?

 

[dememihel]

I will, thanks

 

[herfdog]

Dememihel, I cannot say I am a CC expert, but i do buy cigars in canadian b&m where the stock is predominantly cuban on a 50+% cc ratio.


I Also have seen many fake CCs from friends "coming back from trips"
The pictures I have seen all seems legit to me: nothing attracted my attention.

Heres' something you notice on a box of fakes... bands aren't all matching; the back of the bands are misaligned on many; torpedoes are often not simetrical; ring gage very; taste isn't up to par; they have major burn and draw issue. Sometimes the cigar lenght isn't even matching!! Good fakes are rare. While packaging is more and more précise, the torsaderos are just not always great, or their tobacco. You generally know the différence.

... just saying.

 

[dememihel]

Thanks everyone for the comments, I appreciate it!