C-Bid, Do You Really Save Vs. B&M?

[brigey]

From the sound of it, when you buy merchandise from C-Bid, it almost sounds like you are spending more than you would at a local B&M. Tell me I'm wrong!

[Ron1YY]

Yes and No. When people get caught up in bid fever, you can end up paying more. That's where knowing the product and price you are willing to pay comes in to play.


Ron

[duckmanco]

Depends on your def. of saving I suppose. However I will say this, I get WAY more for my dollars by the box, and even with 5 packs when I spend on CBID than I ever could at the b&m. All I can hope to do at the B&M is come close to retail prices. That usually never happens unless I go to Uncle Mikey's shop.

But, as to spending more money on CBID over all, without a doubt. For some reason I have taken to trying boxes that I have never had JUST because the potential for a great deal is there due to bidding............. trouble is I keep winning the auctions.....

But for the standby smokes I like, 5 vegas A, ITSF, LVH-EY, etc.... CBID saves me a ton of money, but NOT wife scorn.

[Infin1ty]

Very well stated. Before you bid you should just check around and see how much it goes for normally, then set up your autobid, and select it not to go any higher then like $5-10 less then the retail price of the items.

You also have to realize that, when you buy off of C-Bid, your not subject to all the state taxes, and if you live in a state with a really high tobacco tax, it can really make a difference.

[BigFrankMD]

You end up spending more because at the B&M you may get 1-2 of a stick at full price. On Cbid, you can get a 5-pack for the same price, and sometimes boxes can be had for extremely cheap.

For instance-(total guessed numbers)
1-stick 6 bucks at B&M
5-pack of same stick would be 11-15 bucks at cbid.
box of same smoke can be had for under 50 at cbid.

so people much like duck said above me, are more likely to buy more and test rather then buy one or two and test. hence the spending more money.cbid is all about quantity. I am victim to this also. Rather then get a stick or two I will bid on a 5 pack, hell if its a stick I have heard good about or have tried before, rather then pick up a few I would be more likely to just buy a box.

Also, Cbid is run by cigarsinternational, when I make a bid, I just look on their site and bid a certain number lower then what they retail for. Some people may overbid on things from time to time, this can be many different reasons; stupidity, want, demand, or just buying something at retail to lump into one order.

[tzaddi]

Looks like it's time to roll out the Comparison web site link...

http://www.cigarcyclopedia.com/uploa...er_prices.html

Be patient, it loads slow, cause there is lotsa data.

Happy shopping...remember you can't realize how much you are saving unless you buy something.

[Simplified]

Originally Posted by tzaddi

Looks like it's time to roll out the Comparison web site link...

http://www.cigarcyclopedia.com/uploa...er_prices.html

Be patient, it loads slow, cause there is lotsa data.

Happy shopping...remember you can't realize how much you are saving unless you buy something.

WOW Very nice link.

[SmokinApe]

You need to factor in that on CI you often get "freebies." I find that if you watch Joecigar and Cigarmonster you can get the best deals and not pay shipping.

[brigey]

Originally Posted by duckmanco

Depends on your def. of saving I suppose. However I will say this, I get WAY more for my dollars by the box, and even with 5 packs when I spend on CBID than I ever could at the b&m. All I can hope to do at the B&M is come close to retail prices. That usually never happens unless I go to Uncle Mikey's shop.

I guess I forget since I shop at JR Cigar and save a bundle on a bundle. I picked up a box of Don Tomas Cameroon Collect for I think I remember paying $35 - $40 for 20 sticks. Not bad but also not retail. I just look for the bargans and do my shopping.

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by tzaddi

Looks like it's time to roll out the Comparison web site link...

http://www.cigarcyclopedia.com/uploa...er_prices.html

Be patient, it loads slow, cause there is lotsa data.

Happy shopping...remember you can't realize how much you are saving unless you buy something.

If any site should be "bookmarked" or added to your favorites, this is the one!

[tzaddi]

Originally Posted by brigey

I guess I forget since I shop at JR Cigar and save a bundle on a bundle. I picked up a box of Don Tomas Cameroon Collect for I think I remember paying $35 - $40 for 20 sticks. Not bad but also not retail. I just look for the bargans and do my shopping.

Have you ever shopped JRCigars Dutch auction? I have had good results in the past but as with all bidding, one needs to bridle one's passions.

[brigey]

Originally Posted by tzaddi

Have you ever shopped JRCigars Dutch auction? I have had good results in the past but as with all bidding, one needs to bridle one's passions.

No I have never tried the Dutch auction. Have you and what did you get?

[tzaddi]

Originally Posted by brigey

No I have never tried the Dutch auction. Have you and what did you get?

It has been a while but looking through some old emails it looks like I purchased a
box of20 CAO CX2 Toros for $130 April 19th
box of 20 MONTECRISTO- DARK NO. 444 (Pressed) $45 March 23rd
10 NAT SHERMAN CAMEROON 5TH AVENUE NO. I $ 12.00 April 20th

That's about it as far as my records show. It was fun with a bit different pace than CBID.

There you go

[jjirons69]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

If any site should be "bookmarked" or added to your favorites, this is the one!

Amen! I look at this site often. It's window shopping and only having to go to one place. For example, if I'm looking at a box of 1959 Exodus (all right, you caught me, I'm seriously considering), I check out the lowest retail on line using the link. I then check CB. If it's approaching retail, I move on. If I could get that $88 box for $58 box, I'll pull the trigger. If not, so be it. I'm just waiting...the time will come. Patience, young grasshopper...

I've seen lots of smokes sell for way over on line prices and I just shake my head. I know every time the 5 stick Padron Anniv. 64 sampler comes up, it goes for way over what some online sites sell them. I've seen some $85-$100 bids and I know they can be had for $75. Just can't be an impluse buyer.

[Greenwit]

I find it pointless to bid on C-Bid if I can get the sticks for the same price or cheaper elsewhere. That said, there is sometimes a large gap between getting something on C-Bid vs. anywhere else. Like.....about a month ago winning a box of Torano Virtuoso Fortes for $67. Or a box of Black Pearl Rojo Toros for $46. On the other end of the spectrum I often see bids that don't make sense to me.