Got 4 boxes of Cubans today from my order I placed with IH. The box of Ramon Allones SCC doesn't have a box code. Wth? Anyone heard of this happening? Everything else looks correct but these is no date. looks like someone penciled in the number 31 above the word mano.

I wouldn't think a counterfeiter would leave that off. Just a slip from the factory maybe?

Hmmm... Supposed to get mine by next Friday. Will check and see what's on there.

More than likely. They are a gray market site, so more inconsistencies are expected.

You can always check the number on the seal for peace of mind but I would guess it to be just a slip from the factory.

you are talking box code, not bar code, correct?

If you have any doubt after sampling the product, I have a feeling Bryan would swap.

I have never seen a complete missing box code but I have seen some stamped very lightly enough to miss a digit or be hard to read.

factory error or grey marketeer sanded it off?
FWIW, RASCC are probably not worth counterfeiting.
If you trust your vendor, I'd bet they are just fine!

I've heard of it happening. Probably just got missed at the factory. Cuba being Cuba.

The box code. The bar code, along with all of the other seals, labels,etc, is there.


So what is meant by grey market? They are not a legal distributor? Where do they get their cigars?

The reason I dont order from PE any more is because I've heard of issues with their cigars. Is this the same circumstance?

Definitely not sanded or lightly stamped. The wood is uniform.

I felt the same way that I doubted the RASCC would be worth it to counterfeiters. This is the first time ordering from this vendor so I dont necessarily trust them. Just going by word of mouth.

This is what Habanos.com says:

The product is original from Habanos S.A.

HSA: 10.7052.24.0190

Descripcion: RAMON ALLONES SMALL CLUB CORONAS CB-UW-C/L-12,13-n-25

Anyone know what all the numbers mean?

Site appears to be a technology make-over of a site I didn't trust before.
By no means am I an expert, but don't recognize those codes. Do they register with the reputable code sites?

BTW - Congrats on the sale of your biz. Best wishes on a new start bro.

They're fine, I've never had an issue with them like I did with PE.

I am not sure what all the numbers mean but I think that should ease the worries some. Also I have placed quite a few orders with where you got these and I would consider them a reputable source. Have exchanged emails in the past to and response has always been fast and helpful.

'Grey market' is pretty much any NON LCDH distributor. Most 'grey Market' vendors purchase their boxes from legit LCDH sources or other legit 'grey market' vendors. The bar code is often 'removed' to protect the ID of the LCDH source.

Several 'grey market' vendors draw from the same warehouse....same stock owned by a well respected 'grey market' vendor. Pricing difference (often lower) can be attributed to lower overhead cost for vendors who don't have cash tied up in inventory.

It's all about leveraging volume for the 'grey market' vendor carrying inventory costs. Here's a clue...
The vendor who provides box codes and permits customers to select specific codes is the one who controls the inventory. His prices are sometimes a bit higher than others selling from his warehouse because of OH costs. Many think it's worth a few extra bucks for a specific code or a box with a year or two of rest.

As for IH.....absolutely no worries whatsoever. Bryan is excellent to deal with in every way. Have had very minor issues which he addressed to my complete satisfaction.
Buy with confidence!

PS....PE is usually ok, but yes, there have been issues....primarily mold. Best way to avoid that is to have the box inspected by the vendor. I have heard tho that PE has told customers the mold was 'plume' which is def. BS in the few cases I have first hand knkwledge of. Buyer beware...

^ nailed it.

I don't think PE will openand inspect boxes before shipping.

It's been a while but.....If memory serves correctly you have the option to check the box for inspection when you reach the payment details page during checkout. The handful Of orders I've placed with PE have been inspected and I've had no issues to date but I know others who have......

Anyone using PE should go to their sister site CE, cheaper prices, pm if you can't google the name


IH is my go to, and yes, SRH1 is right on the grey market, I've gotten more than a few with partially wiped upc codes from the label