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CRA Cigar Sampler #2

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I am mad because after seeing the sampler(like 2 days ago) I signed up at CRA and payed the 40 bucks in order to be a member so i could buy the sampler to enjoy. I was excited to be a member also, but now i just wasted 40 bucks because i would have gotten the membership for free.

Stores have them in stock already to and are selling them to anyone. I called one of my local platinum shops and they have them in stock already.
 

okia42

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I don't think anyone is against the CRA. But the info on the sampler is misleading. After speaking with Brian he also could understand why people would feel misled by the sampler.
 

keinreis

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It is a double edge sword... Give the members a chance at something to make having a membership more inviting, or offer it as a way to get someone new to join, and risk making the existing members upset. Either way I support CRA, but I would think it would be nice if existing members had a first shot at getting the packs.
 

Soundwave13

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I am all for this for the shop owners to do...but I think they should have to wait till like fn July orsomething before they do it. CRA members first...just my .02!
I agree - let members have a crack at it first (say one month even) - then open it up to all to promote CRA!

You don't want to restrict it too much - remember the point of the org is to help fight for smoking rights, but you still need to treat your members fairly too.
 

keinreis

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Trying to gain members is the main goal of cra, but making existing members uneasy will lower renual. I support CRA for the good they do, but this seems like an issue that has potential of making current members upset.
 

Danilo

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So I gotta ask my shop to order these? cause they don't have em...
then I just buy at my shop and that's it? and I get a free year membership?
 
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If it is true that non-member get these also I feel very slighted by the actions of the CRA. I for one was not so sure about joining this organization. On the outside it may look good for cigar smokers. But it sure looks great for manufacturers and the sellers of cigars. We as smokers are footing some money to keep these people in business. I know it is a business and they have to make money, but just my opinion that they are making out like bandits here. Maybe I am talking out of my ass here but I just beleive that when you are at the dance " you dance with who brought you". I am sure that the CRA wants to get more members and have a greater voting base. But to be honest we as cigar smokers are a very small group. Our voice may be heard but it will not rattle any cages. WE are the organization now you would hope. The ones who did buy into WE the cigar smokers. The ones who spent their hard worked for money on something they have a passion for and a belief in. I just hope that my money does do some good. Take care of members first. Sorry for the rant.
 

okia42

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CRA made a big mistake with the Sampler.

But I had to and I hope the rest of the BOTL will look at the big picture. The idea was to raise money and recruit more members. I don't think what they did with sampler is right. But I know that CRA is new and they are going to make mistakes along the way.

They still have my support.
 
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I'll be pissed if I don't get a sampler. Other than that, I wish the best for the organization. I assume we still have to pay local tobacco tax on these, so in California, they will be $143? I think CRA is trying to get our attention as to how high the tobacco taxes really are. Is anybody selling these online?
 

njstone

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In general, if members of a group like this feel slighted, then the organization needs to take a hard look at what they're doing. At best there are a moderate number of cigar smokers who are going to care enough to join CRA, and if you piss those people off, then you'll have no one left who's actually passionate enough to fight the fight. Might be a big mistake.
 
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Even though I'm not a US resident, I joined, and I know that at least one other Cananadian brother joined as well.

I'm quite disappointed that these samplers were made available to non-CRA members, and especially on a pre-order basis.

If anything, maybe the CRA should have made these available to non-members for a slightly higher price.

I was looking forward to getting one of these samplers as well to help out with the cause, and I'll be a bit peeved if I don't even get the opportunity because non-CRA members were pre-sold the sampler before members even.

My $0.02 CAD. Just about worth the same in USD today.
 

kockroach

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So where is it that it says non-members can buy it? The CRA website says available for members only.
 
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Jere, There is at least one shop out there that took pre-orders from non-members. The CRA was informed, apparently, and don't really have a response other than what was emailed back to a couple of members and posted on page 3 of this thread.
 

kockroach

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Well, I confirmed that at least one of the Platinum level shops in Chicago is taking pre-orders....but from anyone. Hopefully, I can get one of these.
 

ericdriscoll

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After speaking with Brian regarding the sampler packs and expressing my questions as well as others I can understand how this can garner new members however I saw this as a member’s only promo like the first. The good thing about Brian and CRA is they are always willing to communicate, hear concerns, questions and comments. Any issue regarding receiving a sampler pack as a member can contact Brian and I am sure he will work towards seeing members receive one. Numbers are the strength of an organization and I can see how members may feel they are not getting this benefit however, I know that CRA is working with one of BOTL’s favorite manufactures for a first shot at particular cigars later in the year. If this works out members will be VERY pleased. This is to say that CRA is not only working to fight for cigar rights but to provide for its membership. There were some good points brought up and if for some reason any member feels that they can’t get a pack in the future let me know as well and I would see what could be done.
 
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Thanks for clearing that up Christian. It's important for people to know that the CRA is listening to it's membership.

I personally think that CRA's membership should be more concerned with helping fight tax and antismoking laws than recieving a htf stick. Some of the posts in this thread have been borderline whining and has left me wondering what the motivation was for alot of you joining CRA in the first place.

I'm sure this post will be sterilized by the Mod like my other posts in this thread but those of you that get to read it should really think about what's important here the cigars or your rights.
 
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