Rocky Patel partnership with EO brands
- Thread starter weskimad
- Start date
To paraphrase an old adage If you lay down with dogs, don't be surprised if you get up with fleas. In the cigar consumer community an association with RP is NOT considered a plus. From a public perception point of view I doubt that EO could have picked a worse company to associate with. I would expect alot of negative rumors about the decline of EO cigars based on nothing more than thier association with RP.
Do we have examples of RP ruining an existing cigar? I could be wrong but I don't think so. It seems we have Eddie O, whom I'm sure has spent a lot of time on the blends and brand, promising us that things won't change. Why is it so hard to trust the man, at least until he proves otherwise?
I get that many of the guys on THIS forum don't like RP cigars, my humidor may have about 5% RP, but that doesn't mean he is, as someone seemed to say, an animal or bug and it doesn't mean he will ruin something for sure. I think* RP is a top cigar guy because he knows how to run a company, he fights for cigar rights, and tons of other people like and buy his cigars.
At first we didn't know if it would change, but they showed up and clarified for us that it won't. Seems we have our concern addressed guys.
So for me, until is see otherwise I'll trust EO and the RP people when they say the blend and pepin aspect won't change. I'll continue to enjoy the couple of RP cigars that I currently enjoy. And I'll hope the brother on here don't slam, name call, demeem, a guy before the facts are actually in.
I get that many of the guys on THIS forum don't like RP cigars, my humidor may have about 5% RP, but that doesn't mean he is, as someone seemed to say, an animal or bug and it doesn't mean he will ruin something for sure. I think* RP is a top cigar guy because he knows how to run a company, he fights for cigar rights, and tons of other people like and buy his cigars.
At first we didn't know if it would change, but they showed up and clarified for us that it won't. Seems we have our concern addressed guys.
So for me, until is see otherwise I'll trust EO and the RP people when they say the blend and pepin aspect won't change. I'll continue to enjoy the couple of RP cigars that I currently enjoy. And I'll hope the brother on here don't slam, name call, demeem, a guy before the facts are actually in.
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I trust Eddie when he says they will keep thier brand the way it is because he is putting his reputation on the line with this. Thier brands are defininatly one of the top brands out there and I am sure with Pepin continuing to make them will still be top tier. I am not a big RP fan but he does have the ability to mass market cigars easily and cheaply and with that being in place can only help EO. Kudos to EQ if they can find a way to keep the same quality of thier cigars but be able to offer them to a cheaper price point to us consumers. If by some chance this changes thier product then they will suffer for it and I am sure that is not what they want to happen.
Exactly.
eddieortega
Eddie Ortega /EOBrands
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 36
Just a couple of things....
I've been in this industry a few years now, I met Rocky not too long after I got in. I've never met anyone in this industry who's worked harder than Rocky, noyone, myself included....and I'm a workaholic.
He's company has grown substantially from the small beginnings, and he deserves it, nothing was given...he earned it.
The only reason he is still in busines, is because along the way he strived for perfection which unfortunately, he had to achieve through trial and error sometimes, always striving to produce a better product. He never gave up, I know plenty of plenty that did back in the boom days.
Till this day, and probably right now as I write this post....he is on a plane either going or coming from an event. I've been to his events, people love him. In the last few years, Rocky has launched some of the best selling cigars in the industry, pretty sure you guys are familiar with the Edge, Vintage and many others, great cigars.
In summary, I guess I would have to reiterate what I said before "I couldn't have picked a better partner".
-regards
Eddie
I've been in this industry a few years now, I met Rocky not too long after I got in. I've never met anyone in this industry who's worked harder than Rocky, noyone, myself included....and I'm a workaholic.
He's company has grown substantially from the small beginnings, and he deserves it, nothing was given...he earned it.
The only reason he is still in busines, is because along the way he strived for perfection which unfortunately, he had to achieve through trial and error sometimes, always striving to produce a better product. He never gave up, I know plenty of plenty that did back in the boom days.
Till this day, and probably right now as I write this post....he is on a plane either going or coming from an event. I've been to his events, people love him. In the last few years, Rocky has launched some of the best selling cigars in the industry, pretty sure you guys are familiar with the Edge, Vintage and many others, great cigars.
In summary, I guess I would have to reiterate what I said before "I couldn't have picked a better partner".
-regards
Eddie
Not that it means that EO cigars are going to go downhill, but everyone I talk to that has been smoking for a while tells me that RP will come out with something and it will be a good smoke, then a couple years down the line, something changes and the flavor goes downhill. So the assertion that we have to wait for proof to be worried is unfounded.
I'm not in marketing or anything but like Benday said... $50-$75 a box seems like a huge drop if the only change is marketing and distribution.
Also, I'm not saying that I have a good eye on the cigar market as a whole, but everyone I know would say that Rocky is not the best guy to be involved with in the market.
I'm not going to stop smoking EO's stuff out of principle, but Rocky has a reputation. He does sell a ton of cigars though.
The price drop is easy enough to explain if you understand most cigar pricing. In most instances the price of a cigar is keystoned at every level. For example.
Cost to produce $1
Cost to distributor $2
Cost to B&M $4
Cost to Consumer $8.
If the owner is also the distributor then you get a reduction in price, the owner distributor probably has to build in some cost to distribution but maybe it ends up looking like this.
Production/Distribution $1.50
Cost to B&M $3
Cost to consumer $6
Right there is a $2 reduction per stick.
I obviously don't know the exact numbers but in most cases in the cigar industry that is more or less how it works.
Cost to produce $1
Cost to distributor $2
Cost to B&M $4
Cost to Consumer $8.
If the owner is also the distributor then you get a reduction in price, the owner distributor probably has to build in some cost to distribution but maybe it ends up looking like this.
Production/Distribution $1.50
Cost to B&M $3
Cost to consumer $6
Right there is a $2 reduction per stick.
I obviously don't know the exact numbers but in most cases in the cigar industry that is more or less how it works.
Rocky works hard and hustles... no doubt about that. But it seems he's driven by the bottom line, and less so by his passion for cigars. Sure some of his smokes are ok.. but I mean has anyone ever heard the term "Rocky Patel whores?" Exactly. He's making bank but will never build a loyal following with the practices he employs.
Releasing thousands of different blends, dyed wrappers, diminishing quality after 2 or 3 years, the list goes on and on.
I will take the Eddie's word at face value regarding the quality of the EO brands... but ultimately my palate and wallet are the final judges.
Releasing thousands of different blends, dyed wrappers, diminishing quality after 2 or 3 years, the list goes on and on.
I will take the Eddie's word at face value regarding the quality of the EO brands... but ultimately my palate and wallet are the final judges.
dimishing quality after 2 or 3 years? That's generous. I say after the first run, quality tanks. This has been a problem for Placencias factory for years. I can't remember the lasttime I had an RP, cause basically, I THINK they aren't very good at all. Rocky is about name recognition and ubiquitous advertising. That's why it sells.
I have trouble believing that nothing is going to change regarding Pepin rolling 601 in the long term. I understand the distribution component, but considering that Placencia is supposedly not going to be rolling these, how does that saving gets passed down. I'm sure the business model is well thought out, but I doubt (just my opinion) that Pepin will still produce these after the current contracts are complete. I'd be happy to be wrong.
I have trouble believing that nothing is going to change regarding Pepin rolling 601 in the long term. I understand the distribution component, but considering that Placencia is supposedly not going to be rolling these, how does that saving gets passed down. I'm sure the business model is well thought out, but I doubt (just my opinion) that Pepin will still produce these after the current contracts are complete. I'd be happy to be wrong.
njstone
BoM January 2010
This is a fun thread. But I do have to say one thing here:
You guys are all acting like Rocky Patel and Pepin are diametrically opposed when it comes to how they distribute/sell cigars. I feel I must kindly disabuse you of that notion.
1) Count up how many Pepin-made blends have come out in the last 2-3 years, then how many RPs. I'd wager the numbers are pretty darn close.
2) People talk about Rocky "selling out" to the internet dealers--but DPG has been selling cigars like mad over the last year or so on CI, Cigar.com, Famous, and Holts just to name a few--including tons of exclusive cigars and promos (pictures, etc).
I know there are some folks here who don't care much for RPs, and that's fine ... different strokes for different folks. But the idea that Pepin pisses excellence and Rocky's finest work is crap is just plain incorrect. And the idea that those two manufacturers are the opposite end of the cigar spectrum is just as incorrect. From someone who's smoked a TON of both maker's products, I can honestly say that in terms of construction quality and consistency, they are neck-and-neck as the best of nearly any brand I smoke.
You guys are all acting like Rocky Patel and Pepin are diametrically opposed when it comes to how they distribute/sell cigars. I feel I must kindly disabuse you of that notion.
1) Count up how many Pepin-made blends have come out in the last 2-3 years, then how many RPs. I'd wager the numbers are pretty darn close.
2) People talk about Rocky "selling out" to the internet dealers--but DPG has been selling cigars like mad over the last year or so on CI, Cigar.com, Famous, and Holts just to name a few--including tons of exclusive cigars and promos (pictures, etc).
I know there are some folks here who don't care much for RPs, and that's fine ... different strokes for different folks. But the idea that Pepin pisses excellence and Rocky's finest work is crap is just plain incorrect. And the idea that those two manufacturers are the opposite end of the cigar spectrum is just as incorrect. From someone who's smoked a TON of both maker's products, I can honestly say that in terms of construction quality and consistency, they are neck-and-neck as the best of nearly any brand I smoke.
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Cigars are a business. Business is about making money. As an owner you do what you can to make money and keep your business going. I'm sure that's what is at play here. United Tobacco thought this would be best for their business.
At the end of the day I don't really care who does or does not make the cigar. I taste with my palate and talk with my wallet. So long as EO brands please my palate I'll keep talking with my wallet and thanks to this deal maybe it won't have to open so wide.
At the end of the day I don't really care who does or does not make the cigar. I taste with my palate and talk with my wallet. So long as EO brands please my palate I'll keep talking with my wallet and thanks to this deal maybe it won't have to open so wide.
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eddieortega
Eddie Ortega /EOBrands
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 36
I hope that I have cleared some of the erroneous information about the EO & RP deal. I guess it'll take sometime for me to fully win your confidence, I hope I do in the near future. Only one way, next time at the store asked for a 601, Cubao or Murcielago.
I'm not a conglamerate yet, and I drive a Dodge Charger and don't have the need for a mansion, all I have is my word and it's not for sale. I've clearly stated the facts about the joint venture between EO & RP, if things weren't the way I have stated them, I'd be asking for your support with my new line of "Eddie Ortega" cigars..
and to all a good night...
-eddie
I'm not a conglamerate yet, and I drive a Dodge Charger and don't have the need for a mansion, all I have is my word and it's not for sale. I've clearly stated the facts about the joint venture between EO & RP, if things weren't the way I have stated them, I'd be asking for your support with my new line of "Eddie Ortega" cigars..
and to all a good night...
-eddie
So true.
Another professional and honest post from Eddie. Thanks, glad to see you on here.I hope that I have cleared some of the erroneous information about the EO & RP deal. I guess it'll take sometime for me to fully win your confidence, I hope I do in the near future. Only one way, next time at the store asked for a 601, Cubao or Murcielago.
I'm not a conglamerate yet, and I drive a Dodge Charger and don't have the need for a mansion, all I have is my word and it's not for sale. I've clearly stated the facts about the joint venture between EO & RP, if things weren't the way I have stated them, I'd be asking for your support with my new line of "Eddie Ortega" cigars..
and to all a good night...
-eddie
Again, for me: same cigar+less expensive= me buying more of them more often. :cbig:
njstone
BoM January 2010
Eddie, I've been with you since I smoked my first Cubao! Keep up the great work!!I hope that I have cleared some of the erroneous information about the EO & RP deal. I guess it'll take sometime for me to fully win your confidence, I hope I do in the near future. Only one way, next time at the store asked for a 601, Cubao or Murcielago.
I'm not a conglamerate yet, and I drive a Dodge Charger and don't have the need for a mansion, all I have is my word and it's not for sale. I've clearly stated the facts about the joint venture between EO & RP, if things weren't the way I have stated them, I'd be asking for your support with my new line of "Eddie Ortega" cigars..
and to all a good night...
-eddie
Craig Mac
BoM 4/10 7/11 12/14
I am kinda suprised all this has turned in to what it has with this and a couple other threads in the last 2 days, I originally came here with the understanding of "smoke what you like", I sure hope that hasn't changed!
I honestly don't blame him for jumping in where he did... you and I would do the same... we know who he is, and should feel fortunate that these people of the industry chime in on our forum to help with information.