I recently won a 4 cigar Tabac sampler. The cedar wrapped had extensive beetle damage. The sampler was wrapped, as were all cigars, and there was no evidence of "living" beetles. Just look out. FYI I did not contact cust. serv., a $10 sampler is not worth the hassle. If you won this auction be careful. I simply put that cigar on the coals of my grill.
Dave in NJ

If you are not going to take it up with customer service, then why complain about it here? Just my 2¢, but I don't see any point in warning anyone here about a less than satisfactory shipment that you may have been the only unfortunate person to get ... especially if it's not worth your trouble.

... besides, price is not the issue here, and $10 is $10. Cigarbid will make any problem right ... no mater how small it may seem. They have the best record in the industry, and go out of their way to correct any issues anyone may have with their products.

Did publically disparaging them at their forum make up for the $10 you don't seem to think is worth your trouble?

I would have contacted Cust Serv and gotten a new one.

But I also think you jumped him a little too hard slim. BH is giving a heads up that there was a problem with beetles on an item recieved. While I've not run across any beetles on any shipment, there may be some that take their sticks and put them right into gen pop. No harm in giving a heads up.

Thanks for the heads up.

Everyone and everything is not perfect and I am sure they (customer service) will more than take charge on this matter! However, I think it is fair to warn folks of a possible pest problem, not at all a slam to Cigar Bid-just a warning!

Charlie

I didn't jump on him that hard, I just don't agree with how he handled this situation.

I've been buying cigars from CI/CB for over three years ... and not once have I had a beetle in a single shipment from them. I'm not saying that it can't or doesn't happen, I just see no reason to warn anyone about what I feel is an extremely isolated situation.

Alarmist statements like these only cause needless concerns in folks new to this company, and I believe it should have been handled privately through email to customer service ... that's all.

Any problem that arrises during a transaction should be brought first to the attention of those within the transaction. Statements such as this, albeit, are to warn others of a potential problem, but as Slim says, cause unwarranted aprehension in those new to this site.
CBid as fantastic customer service. The best in the industry I think.
I don't believe people are aware of how rampant beetle infestation is and caution should be taken with all shipment from anywhere cigars are purchased. Wether it's close inspection, or using the freezing method.
My last shipment from CBid(last week) showed up in excellant condition, but it was quite warm from sitting on the UPS truck. No fault of CBid's. I took the necessary precautions and the smokes are great.

The main reason I said anything was this was the cedar wrapped cigar, the damage was under the cedar. The other appear ok, but they are quarintined to the golf bag for quick smokes. Hey Slim, would you rather me not say anything and just contact CS? Why? I was just giving a heads up.

Anyone has the right to recount something that happened to them. There was no disparagement. What happened was recounted and a warning issued. One is free to heed it or ignore it. Personally, I think beetle infestation could only improve IT cigars.

I also want to make it clear that this was a sampler, packaged by IT, and there was no evidence of living beatles. I personally don't check all cedar wrapped cigars, that is the only reason I posted anything. Also, I have bought a couple of IT tubes at my local shop and they were moldy. I returned them. This is the 2nd incident with IT cigars.

I like Tabacs (with or without Beetles) and only problem with Beetles would be patching the little holes with tape or something to make the cigar easy to draw!~ :):):)

Charlie

Hmmmm, cigar tape. Might be a market for that.

bassithound --- you said, " Hey Slim, would you rather me not say anything and just contact CS? Why?"

It's simple. If I had a probem with you ... I would first contront you privately to let you know what was bothering me. Personally, I just think that is the respectful and ethical way to go about it.

If I didn't get satisfaction from that encounter ... I would then take it public, if I felt it would benefit others.

What you did is not wrong, just not the way I, or many others, would have handled it. In your first post you gave very little information, other than 'watch out'. It gave me the impression that I should not buy that particular cigar from Cigarbid. But, down the thread, you state that the problem was with Indian Tabac (because of the moldy cigars from you tobacconist) ... and that sheds a whole new light on the problem.

bassithound,Thanks for the heads up,appretiate it.I see nothing disparaging in your first post,simply a warning for anybody who may have purchased these samplers recently.

Course: Righteousnes 101

Instructor: Slimboli

Time/Place: Ongoing/Cbid

The warning is fine. But, there is no use complaining to us. As Steve knows, we won't be sending you any cigars. The post originator was not complaining.
Slim is also giving all of you a heads up. If you have a problem you should call customer service. The poster passed up a chance for a 10 buck return.
I have a front row seat in the class. If E-Chick would quit yacking in the back I could learn more.j/k

The reason I didn't contact CS is I don't care about a cigar I won for @$1.50. Slim, I never blamed cbid or their CS, I still have active bids and will continue bidding. I personally would want to know if any users had isolated problems with specific brands of cigars.

I never heard of beetles damaging cedar just tobacco. Beetles add a dinstinct taste to a cigar. Not bad, and slightly entertaining when they go pop.

I'm only saying that because I was in Costo Rica several years ago and they had a bad beetle problem. I never heard of beetles in rolled cigars before. You pretty much bought a cigar you were going to smoke that day. I didn't know about freezing them then. Anyway, that is the only time I have seen, heard of or had been concerned with beetle infestation.

I have only recently heard of beetle discussions here and on other web forums. One thing I know, is that an accusation of beetle infestation, especially with a company name attached can be devastating to their sales and their production. Does anyone here regularly freeze their stuff when they get them?

... can't say that I ever have. Never had a need for it, knock on wood!

me neither, but I appreciate the warning bassit!! I think Slim jumped the gun on a friendly warning that was well received by almost everyone here!!

No one knows if something might have happened with that shipment from IT to Cbid and I think it was well warranted to put out a simple cautionary note. I will still buy ITs and I will still buy from Cbid, it's just a good thing to know!!

Slim - chill pill in order!!