Anejos -- What's with the gouging?

[Puffin Fresh]

Originally Posted by MikeyC

Based on the RIDICULOUS price gouging that goes on at Casa Fuente, I would say the Fuente's don't really care whether retailers are selling at MSRP or not.

This has been discussed several times here. Not singling you out at all, but just wanting to let everyone know that a simple search can bring up a lot of points and info on this.

The gist of it is that Fuente doesn't own Casa Fuente, and that the prices are allowed at that store due to the fact that it's very high rent and a lot of the proceeds go to their charity.

[Puffin Fresh]

Originally Posted by SR Mike

I saw a photo (of a menu) of Opus X being sold for $103, any size. Price gouging? Maybe a little.

If that was my pic, it was $105!

On a side note, the place wasn't even an authorized fuente retailer, just a very expensive hotel.

[gehrig97]

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

This has been discussed several times here. Not singling you out at all, but just wanting to let everyone know that a simple search can bring up a lot of points and info on this.

The gist of it is that Fuente doesn't own Casa Fuente, and that the prices are allowed at that store due to the fact that it's very high rent and a lot of the proceeds go to their charity.

Actually, do you think the search function is all that simple? I always get error messages and time limits...?

[Puffin Fresh]

Originally Posted by gehrig97

Actually, do you think the search function is all that simple? I always get error messages and time limits...?

Actually yes. 30 seconds is the time limit between searches. I'm sure PDS has reasons for that.

Here is one of many threads I found with a very simple search. Took just a minute.

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...a+fuente+price

[mikeyj23]

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

Actually yes. 30 seconds is the time limit between searches. I'm sure PDS has reasons for that.

Search takes up the majority of the site's bandwidth, and a time limit between searches keeps the bandwidth down.

[krisko]

I believe there is no such thing as price gouging when it comes to luxury items like cigars. I encourage every B&M to protect their interests by charging as much for cigars as they possibly can. I encourage manufacturers to charge as much as they can. As informed consumers, why would we care if an anejo is sold for double the price? We enjoy the product so we pay the price or we move on.

I think it's classified as gouging when you charge a disaster victim $5 for a gallon of water or something like that. The subject of this thread is merely capitalism in motion.

[gehrig97]

Originally Posted by krisko

I believe there is no such thing as price gouging when it comes to luxury items like cigars. I encourage every B&M to protect their interests by charging as much for cigars as they possibly can. I encourage manufacturers to charge as much as they can. As informed consumers, why would we care if an anejo is sold for double the price? We enjoy the product so we pay the price or we move on.

I think it's classified as gouging when you charge a disaster victim $5 for a gallon of water or something like that. The subject of this thread is merely capitalism in motion.

I completely agree, in principle. My only beef was the apparent hypocrisy with the Casa Fuente pricing. but for a discretionary item such as a cigar? Charge what the market will bear!

[krisko]

Originally Posted by gehrig97

I completely agree, in principle. My only beef was the apparent hypocrisy with the Casa Fuente pricing.

It's easy to say the right thing (Fuente only charges msrp) but it's entirely different to DO the right thing. Fuente does a lot of good things in the cigar biz so I'll give them a pass on this one.

At the end of the day, what is an Anejo worth to you?

[MikeyC]

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

This has been discussed several times here. Not singling you out at all, but just wanting to let everyone know that a simple search can bring up a lot of points and info on this.

The gist of it is that Fuente doesn't own Casa Fuente, and that the prices are allowed at that store due to the fact that it's very high rent and a lot of the proceeds go to their charity.

I wasn't aware of that and sincerely appreciate the information. I normally do use search but didn't know that I didn't know.

It is however the Fuente name on the shop whether they own it or license the name to someone else. So, they're in part responsible for (or at least endorsing) the actions of the shop. Yes, I'm sure rent in Caesar's forum shops is outrageous but if your business can't afford the rent then don't open (just my opinion). I don't feel it's fair to charge outrageous prices to make rent. McDonalds doesn't open up in there and charge $30 for a Big Mac. I know the products are totally different and I don't want to start a long discussion on the subject. I simply want to say their prices are ridiculous.

[shilala]

Originally Posted by krisko

It's easy to say the right thing (Fuente only charges msrp) but it's entirely different to DO the right thing. Fuente does a lot of good things in the cigar biz so I'll give them a pass on this one.

At the end of the day, what is an Anejo worth to you?

Originally Posted by gehrig97

Of course, there's the matter of Casa Fuente--a shop owned by Fuente and Levine--charging more than $30 for Anjeos and more than $50 for certain FFOX...

Their average drink price is $12.
The cost of the cigar is relative to the "experience" offered and overhead.
I don't think they're gonna pay the rent with 50 cent drafts and $7.00 Anejos. It's not a new business model.
I'd love to see the place. I bet it's gorgeous. I'd be happy to pay for the $30 Anejo and the $12 Diet Pepsi, and I'd be far richer for the experience, imho.

[sikk50]

Originally Posted by shilala

I'd love to see the place. I bet it's gorgeous.

It most certainly is

[Puffin Fresh]

Originally Posted by MikeyC

I wasn't aware of that and sincerely appreciate the information. I normally do use search but didn't know that I didn't know.

It is however the Fuente name on the shop whether they own it or license the name to someone else. So, they're in part responsible for (or at least endorsing) the actions of the shop. Yes, I'm sure rent in Caesar's forum shops is outrageous but if your business can't afford the rent then don't open (just my opinion). I don't feel it's fair to charge outrageous prices to make rent. McDonalds doesn't open up in there and charge $30 for a Big Mac. I know the products are totally different and I don't want to start a long discussion on the subject. I simply want to say their prices are ridiculous.

I don't disagree with you. However, even McD charges more for their food in high cost areas. An extra value meal in Manhattan costs more than one in Branson. Albeit, it's not 200% more.

[floydpink]

Think about it; if peanut butter was a rare commodity and cost 75 bucks a jar, you'd pay it, right?

I completely forgive Corona Cigar for the assraping they commit on the Anejos as well as the Fuentes for overlooking it when I ponder the above.

[MeNimbus]

Originally Posted by Sauer Grapes

I don't disagree with you. However, even McD charges more for their food in high cost areas. An extra value meal in Manhattan costs more than one in Branson. Albeit, it's not 200% more.

A normal meal in Manhattan from McDs cost about $7 and change. A slice of pizza and a soda uptown is about $5

As far as Anejos are concern, just wait until the holiday season. When you see Anejo threads start to pop up; the shipments are arriving from East Coast>Central>West Coast. (as I was told by many B&Ms)

[tonyrocks922]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

I'm admittedly ignorant when it comes to economics but is this not illegal?

Maybe if you live in a fascist country where retailers aren't allowed to run promotions???