Paying for samples?

[discdog]

I have to preface this with two things first.

1) Normally when I go to a cigar event, I do so to enjoy the company first,the smoke second and anything else is a distant 3rd.

2) When someone wants me to purchase a cigar that I have never tried, regardless of cost, I expect to get to try a stick at THEIR event at no charge.

Last night however, I went to a Comacho event. The rep was pleasant, introduced himself and commenced to herd me to the display of his product which is ok, told me about the line (already knew) and then explains the deal for the evening.
Now, this is where I kinda got ticked off. His prices seemed a little higher than other shops, which is fine as he has a new shop with higher overhead, I understand that, but you want me to pay for the sample, so I can decide whether or not to give you several hundred dollars for a box? Nah, not me. I walked into the humidor, picked out a Padron 3000, paid the lady and lit up. I ended up staying until the shop closed and talked to the owner, who explained that these guys, unlike most others will not bring product in with them, they will only promote what is on the shelves. Anyone else ever run into this?

Am I missing something?

[icehog3]

I haven't had that experience with a rep at a B&M yet Bob, but I must say that is pretty lame. A cigar event where the rep. from the company promoting their cigars doesn't bring any cigars? Goofy.

[RPB67]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I haven't had that experience with a rep at a B&M yet Bob, but I must say that is pretty lame. A cigar event where the rep. from the company promoting their cigars doesn't bring any cigars? Goofy.

I went to a Perdomo event and they had boxes upon boxes they gave away by singles. They also hat hats and raffles all free. Its a promotion they are suppose to give something out.

[StogieGuy]

That's a bummer... I had a very different experience at a Camacho event.

The last (only) Camacho event I went to they gave free samples.... (I tried an El Legend-ario)

And they also had a buy 2 get one free deal after that (which I used to get a few Camacho Liberties).

[hova45]

Nope never had that problem. But i understand what you mean they are the ones promoting the product and should have samples to give out.

[SmokinApe]

I have only been to a few events; I went to a Torano event where you had to buy three sticks to get a free hand roll.

[SmokeyJoe]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I haven't had that experience with a rep at a B&M yet Bob, but I must say that is pretty lame. A cigar event where the rep. from the company promoting their cigars doesn't bring any cigars? Goofy.

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."

[shaerza]

Camacho event here was the same way. No samples. All they had was a buy3 get one free deal.

Reps were real nice tho.. And I apparetnly got to meet one of the guys form the family and didnt know it =p

[Sawyer]

I was thinking about going to that event last night. Glad I changed my mind. Doesn't sound like I missed out on anything.

[icehog3]

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."

Exactly.

[kjjm4]

I would expect some kind of freebies or at least really good deals at a cigar event.

[newcigarz]

going to an Ashton event this weekend. The B&M says they will
have smokes to give out.

[dj1809]

I thought the whole idea of samples in general is that they are free in exchange for gaining potential new buyers. Imagine if Costco charged for the food samples they give out on the weekends... what a ridiculous thought.

[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.

[dj1809]

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.

That makes sense too... although if this is the case, the cigars available at the event shouldn't be called "samples."