Paying for samples?

[Darrell]

Originally Posted by SmokeyJoe

What is that all about? Makes no sense to not provide incentive for customers to try something in hopes of buying more. The free one says "we believe enough in our product that it will sell itself."

Bingo.

I cannot fathom why they would think their event would be successful without something for people to tickle their palate with, it's stupid.

[dunng]

Yeah, I ran into that at a Pedermo event at a very nice B&M... but the Punch event at a Liquor Store B&M (very nice selection and price) was giving out samples (one from the three lines) and the owner was also giving away other cigars!

[discdog]

Originally Posted by rack04

Maybe the intent of the event is to promote the shop who is selling their cigars? Then it would make sense for the rep to offer specials like buy 3 get 1 free and raffle tickets when you buy their brand of cigar. That way your are supporting those who sell your products. The events that I've been too I haven't minded paying for their cigar because I'm there more for the knowledge of the brand and comradere.

But typically, at least in my experience, when this is the case you'll have multiple vendors and it is not referred to as an event for a specific mfg.. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the way others have ran their events. It just seemed odd to me.

And, like I said earlier, to me I would rather go to the events to see "the guys", this is just a good excuse. More times than not, I'll buy a box just to support the mfg who took the time to come out. But not last night.

[Mystophales]

If I run into something that says promotion I automatically think of FREE samples or at least some damn good deals. I mean I do promotion for record companies so they send me free CD's all the time. That is the point after all...PROMOTING! What happened there is just plain and simple lame not to mention cheap.

[Addiction]

Well hopefully the no free smaples trend continues. I'm going to an Avo event Friday and if I can find some samples I like I then I'll be prepared to pick up a few boxes, else no dice.

[discdog]

Originally Posted by Mystophales

If I run into something that says promotion I automatically think of FREE samples or at least some damn good deals. I mean I do promotion for record companies so they send me free CD's all the time. That is the point after all...PROMOTING! What happened there is just plain and simple lame not to mention cheap.

I guess that is exactly what I was thinking, along with most others in attendance. I don't think I've ever been to an event and seen less of the hosting manufacturers product being smoked than his competitors. Like I said, the whole evening just seemed odd.

[JCK]

I don't think you'll have much luck with any product marketed by Davidoff. The events I've seen locally is usually buy 3 get 1 free for Davidoff. I don't think you'll see free samples.

[Jason_of_Texas]

To me its like having a car salesman charge you to test drive the car you are interested in purchasing. How can you get anyone interested in a product that you don't at least "tease" them with free of charge.

[DennisP]

Only event I've been to was the Oliva V release at Corona Cigars. They advertised freebies, but the freebies were only for purhcases. All the Vs were for sale to try.

I thought it was strange, but wasn't sure if it was normal or not.

[jbo]

My only experience was a Bolivar event a couple years ago in Illinois. The first thing the B&M owner did when you walked in was give you a Bolivar. Then asked you if you would like him to cut it for you. Then asked if you would like to enter a raffle for a free humidor, hats, etc. Nice day and no pressure to buy anything.

[BlueHavanaII]

I've had this discussion with a number of my reps, who have said that the industry is moving away from the free cigar due to the number of people who come in and get the freebee, eat, drink and leave. In my limited experience here, this is a minor issue and I insist that my events include a free cigar on entry. If the deadbeats become an issue, I plan to institute a $20 "Cover Charge", and give a $20 gift certificate (to be used only that night) to each attendee. There are too many good cigar companies willing to do events. If they won't play by my rules, I won't hold their event. Most realize that this is a mutually beneficial endevour and are willing to work with me.

BTW... I am hosting an Oliva Serie V event this Fri. and Olive IS playing by my rules!

Jim

[Avyer]

I've actually experienced this a lot in GA. A Torano event had the buy three get a free fresh rolled. Ashton "Taste of Excellence" buy three get one free. Helll even a LFD event. Same regional rep Brad that was at the PuffnStuff event, but at this B&M they just had the normal 3 for 1 deal. Hoping the Oliva V event at Jim's this friday doesn't follow this trend.

Edit: Looking forward to Jim's event =)

[sspolv]

The first event I went to was a Perdomo event. They were great! Very knowledgable reps, free cigars, buy 3 get one free. The next event I went to was the same, with Perdomo. Exactly the same promotions, boxes upon boxes of free stogies passed out. They didn't even care how many you took. Nick Perdomo was there handing out cigars like they grew on trees. I talked to the owner after the event, and they made an huuuuuuuge amount of money on the event. Then La Aurora came a few months later. No freebies, no raffles, just a buy three get one free deal, and they were only on the realllly expensive stuff (the cheapest was an $8 Don Lino Africa). Needless to say, I bought something else and just left and the owner didn't make much (they said they still had box after box of La Auroras they purchased from them to stock the sale). The same thing happened with the C.A.O. people, although they gave me and my friend free Vision hats. I don't really know. I suppose it varies vendor by vendor, but one would think that you'd draw more people to the store if you explicitly said you were giving away free things. Free stuff draws people like bears to honey and it's great publicity to boot, as it makes you look generous. Dunno, might just be me here, but if I had a company, I'd definitely set aside budget money for giving away cigars.

[Teninx]

I never expect to get anything free from a retail establishment. If it happens, I'm very happy to accept. If it doesn't, I'm not upset. The retailer has to make a minimum order to get the factory rep in the door with product and he wants to sell cigars. Many feel that discount pricing achieves this end better than free product.

[Jason_of_Texas]

I have never been to a cigar promo yet,but have attended plenty of different kinds,from golf-paintball. The last callaway promo day they had at a local course they gave away X18 6 irons to anyone who wanted. Also tons of balls,tees,hats,towels,and even bags. I know I go to a promo with the intention of getting some kind of goodies,if I know they wont be offered,I wont go,ill wait and try the stick on my own time. That is opinion on it,maybe others see else wise.