Expert: James Yee - 8/9/2011

Question
Hey James,

I have been smoking cigars for over 20 years and have made multiple trips to Cuba.  I have recently started buying tobacco products online through China, Australia, and Spain.  I have been a little nervous about spending too much cash incase the product is fake.  I have bought Cuban Roman Allones, and Upmanns, but I am thinking of stepping up to Cohiba VIs or Robustos...the prices are similar to what you would pay in Cuba...for example www.finestcubancigars.com  What are your thoughts on the possiblity of fakes or do you have a site you would recommend.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Glen,

I have not ordered from that website before so I can't comment on their authenticity.  If you are concerned about receiving counterfeit cigars through mailorder, my suggestion is that you thoroughly research the websites before you place any orders.  Use Google to search for the website name and you will most likely find forum/message board discussions on whether or not the company or website is reputable.  The best feedback is from other people that have ordered from the website before and know first-hand if the cigars are fake or not.  (If a company has sold fake cigars to someone, I'm sure there are forum discussions about it on the Internet.)

What you should also do is find out what country a cigar website is based out of and contact either Habanos or the appointed Habanos supplier for that respective country and they should be able to confirm whether or not the company is genuine.

You can contact Habanos directly at Habanos.com.  There is also a list of appointed Habanos distributors with their contact info at Habanos' website.

Lastly, if a deal is too good to be true, it most likely is.  If prices are really low or even better than prices that you would find in Cuba, be suspicious.  If the retailer claims to have low prices because they get their cigars from a distributor from another country in order to cut costs and "pass the savings on to you", be suspicious.  Also, don't be afraid to ask the retailer many questions before you order.  If the company does not respond, takes too long to reply or gives you a run-around answer to your questions, don't buy from them.  If something seems "off" about an online retailer, don't buy from them.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
James