Padron Not available on Auction Sites??

[Upstatemax]

I see it from both sides...

In one hand, the free market will decide who thrives and who fails.

On the other, it is not a level playing field. Auction sites are not subject to the same taxes (sometimes oppressive) as local B&M stores are, on top of a less efficient overhead model.

Short term, auction sites that can sell super cheap cigars are awesome for stocking up the humidor.

Long term, pricing B&M out of the market is going to have a very negative impact on the cigar industry (IMO). B&M is where most people are introduced to cigars. That introduction helps foster a long term relationship that grows our hobby.

Online is great for the established and growing cigar smoker, but it leaves a HUGE disconnect for new smokers to come to the table. On top of the fact that it's far more complicated for cigar manufacturers to get new cigars to market when dealing with mega stores.

There has to be a balance and most of the responsibility falls on us.

To be self disciplined enough to pay more to help out or B&M partners. In NY this is huge. With NYS taxes, a B&M has zero chance to compete with online sales. But without B&M, I have NO WHERE to smoke in the winter. I often pay more for a smoke to help support local B&M shops, because I have a serious interest in them sticking around.

I would NEVER walk into a B&M to smoke without purchasing. If I REALLY want a cigar that has been rested in my Humi, I make sure I bring one I purchased from them, and I still buy a few more to bring home.

[JollyRogers]

I see it from both sides...

In one hand, the free market will decide who thrives and who fails.

On the other, it is not a level playing field. Auction sites are not subject to the same taxes (sometimes oppressive) as local B&M stores are, on top of a less efficient overhead model.

Short term, auction sites that can sell super cheap cigars are awesome for stocking up the humidor.

Long term, pricing B&M out of the market is going to have a very negative impact on the cigar industry (IMO). B&M is where most people are introduced to cigars. That introduction helps foster a long term relationship that grows our hobby.

Online is great for the established and growing cigar smoker, but it leaves a HUGE disconnect for new smokers to come to the table. On top of the fact that it's far more complicated for cigar manufacturers to get new cigars to market when dealing with mega stores.

There has to be a balance and most of the responsibility falls on us.

To be self disciplined enough to pay more to help out or B&M partners. In NY this is huge. With NYS taxes, a B&M has zero chance to compete with online sales. But without B&M, I have NO WHERE to smoke in the winter. I often pay more for a smoke to help support local B&M shops, because I have a serious interest in them sticking around.

I would NEVER walk into a B&M to smoke without a purchasing. If I REALLY want a cigar that has been rested in my Humi, I make sure I bring one I purchased from them, and I still buy a few more to bring home.

Well said, and the point that ultimately I was trying to get across but I was much less eloquent about it.