rtrimbath Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 The HQ/PSP program gives me something to get excited about with my cigar hobby. I'm not just buying any old cigar. I'm buying the highest grade Cuban possible. Well worth the extra cost to not worry about whether they are real or not, or what condition they will be in when they arrive. Keep fighting the good fight! P.S. The HQ/PSP Program is what lured me in from another forum in the first place!
joeypots Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Out of curiosity... why do purchases ship out a week later? That's a good question. I've had boxes that were shipped 10 days after I purchased them. I bet it's because there is a daily limit on the # of boxes shipped.
rtrimbath Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 The HQ/PSP program gives me something to get excited about with my cigar hobby. I'm not just buying any old cigar. I'm buying the highest grade Cuban possible. Well worth the extra cost to not worry about whether they are real or not, or what condition they will be in when they arrive. Keep fighting the good fight! P.S. The HQ/PSP Program is what lured me in from another forum in the first place!
... Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 I always assumed they were concentrating on running a special sale during one week, then prepare parcels and ship them out the following week. That way there is less confusion...
oliverdst Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Never had a bad cigar from you, ever. When you have your 12:12's (not sure what that means), you give your comments on the cigars. The LFTH this week was the first in months and we all survived. If you want to do a scaled down model, get Alistair to do it. Go fishing or surfing with your son, man. 12 boxes for 12 minutes at 12 o'clock Later, I think, it changed to 12:12 - 12 boxes at 12 o'clock.
TheKosherStogie Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Let me say I order because of the system and the trust I see people have in you and from what I have received from you guys previously that was PSP and HQ
Tino Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 That's a good question. I've had boxes that were shipped 10 days after I purchased them. I bet it's because there is a daily limit on the # of boxes shipped. If it's LFTW then it's my understanding that they get sent from the main warehouse in Sydney to Czars in Brisbane for shipment, hence the delay. That and there's a physical limit on how many packages the guys can prepare in a day and they get a backlog during busy times. 1
ogus Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 You are the boss of your business. Surely you will do what is profitable as long as it does not cost the family. I would be happy either way and buy as much as I like at the right price.
HarveyBoulevard Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 I wouldn't give a rat's ass (U.S. colloquialism) about what some wanker on some other forum says about the PSP/HQ/PE program. Either they don't know what they are missing...or they are envious. I don't understand how anyone can complain about someone providing a high quality service while providing a high quality product. The only reason to stop doing the program would be if it is too time consuming and you don't want to do it anymore. There is clearly a demand for it. I love it. I could just buy blind...but I don't want to. I could just buy PE (and sometimes I do), but I don't want to. I thoroughly enjoy knowing that I am getting a great service and have no problem paying a premium for that service. If someone does not want the service...they don't have to use it. Simple. I could drive a beautiful Mercedes...but I don't. I choose not to. That does not mean it is not worth every penny I would spend. It just means that I CHOOSE to spend my money elsewhere. There is no reason to be critical of someone who does drive a Mercedes because I know its a great car and worth it to them to spend their coin there. There is certainly no reason to bad mouth the dealership who sells the car. I run a business. I provide a service. I enjoy and get a kick out of providing a very high level of service and if client's want to pay for it, that is their choice. If I ever decide that I can't, or simply don't WANT to provide that level of service in the future, that is my choice. I would never change my business model because some tosser doesn't get why clients pay me a premium to utilize my services. I do it because I like it and it provides me satisfaction. When that changes, I will change. To Pirate Captain Rob. Its your ship. Steer it as you choose. I wouldn't let another boat captain, much less another boat's deck hand, dictate how I run my ship. I say sail on, or if your so inclined, send a cannonball into the S.O.B. 4
SCgarman Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Personally the hand picked program is not for me and I have never purchased from it. Yes, I enjoy looking at the boxes, but as a stay at home dad in a one income family, I buy blind from where I can get the best deal and take my chances on the box. Have I received a crappy box? Yes, but 90% of the time they are very good to excellent and some of the best cigars I have smoked were not pretty and oily, they were just "average" looking cigars with matte wrappers. Feel free to "Flame" me if you wish. 1
actzz541 Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Im a newb but I love it brother. before joining I was buying my stock from just a small handful of guys Ive built a trust with. I just picked up 4 hq boxes from you and I cannot wait to get them. Its all about your reputation my friend, you have done well. Dont stop the grading system, I just got here! lol 1
El Guero Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 I haven't bought psp or hq. Your pe offerings are better than anything i've ever bought from other vendors. You and your team put out a quality product. However, as someone who's got a lot of experience being out of town for work, family has to come first. Your foh family will understand.
Zedman05 Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 For me, as a "new in post count" member, I ONLY come here because of you going over the stock. I have been informed for many years, but never jumped in, until the 12:12's in the last while. The only reason to shop anywhere online is quality vs price. If I wanted low cost, I would roll the dice with ****-house quality cigars and bad service elsewhere. Personally I am still hesitant to go into the LFTH's as the additional cost TO ME isn't in my budget yet on some stuff, but I know that I can order anything else with confidence BECAUSE it was graded by someone that actually has an online availability and cares about their customers. Continue the grading, it only helps your customers, which in turn keeps us coming back to only one place imho. Oh and to the others helping you out, thanks to you too !
potpest Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 That's a good question. I've had boxes that were shipped 10 days after I purchased them. I bet it's because there is a daily limit on the # of boxes shipped. I'll be honest, I love the system, but because of the cheap ass in me I often find myself going to a competitor for a lower price and quicker ship times. But like I said, I'm a cheap ass (I shouldn't be smoking CCs, those two don't mix). I do go after the 12:12s though, and I didn't realize if they aren't listed as HQ or PSP that they were PE... that could change things. Out of curiosity... why do purchases ship out a week later? Presumably because there is a large customer base and FOH take time and care to excellently package everything safe for transit. This all takes time; patience is a virtue. 1
ptrthgr8 Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 I've personally enjoyed the opportunity to get these PSP/HQ/PE sticks from you over the last few years, Rob. I like seeing all the boxes in my humidor... even the ones with those freaky Aussie "Smoking will eat your babies!" stickers. But if you're now asking the question, primarily from a perspective of work/life balance (as opposed to driving revenue), it sorta makes me feel like a tool. I mean, yeah, I love getting those hand picked boxes like that... but if it's at the expense of your personal life, well... I dunno, man. Cigars are great, but a good work/life balance that helps you enjoy your business and your family is even better. You've done an awesome job and you're a genuinely good dude. But if this program is crimping your personal life I would say you need to end it. We'll still be able to get good sticks (not like you're ever going to sell crap) and you'd be able to spend more time with the family. Whatever works best for you will be more than good enough for me. I am certain of that. Cheers, ~ Greg ~ 2
Guest rob Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 If I posted pics of the PSP boxes Rob has sourced for me over the years, the neyseyers on these other forums would be eating their words, and happily paying the premium. We're talking holy grail / unicorn / rare beauty. I argue that the small premium paid for PSP is actually a bargain. If Rob auctioned the PSP boxes off, they would sell for far more than the list prices he sells them at. Your kids and Di will have to make do with the time they've got, Amigo.
Laynard Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 I'm relatively new to this world (of cigars and Cubans especially), so take my comments with respect to that. I participated in the LFTH and purchased a PSP box of RyJ PCs. This box has a date code of the same month I proposed to my lady. Not that I compare our story to that of the Bard's, but I felt a sentimental attachment to the name/date combination. Immediately, I created a plan in my head to have one of these cigars each year on that date to commemorate the experience. Being such an important memory, I wanted to be sure that the cigar would complement the memory, and not distract from it. To me, it is worth having knowledgeable eyes lay upon the cigars to ensure I would not be disappointed, and I gladly paid the premium for the service. Would I have bought the box without a PSP designation? Maybe. But knowing that these are as good as they come, as stated by a man who knows far more about CCs than I (and many others) was a deciding factor for sure. I like the service. But, I don't like that it takes time away from the family for you Rob. I would survive without it, but I am extremely grateful for it. I am a member on that other forum and I was also contacted by a BOTL there inquiring about my thoughts on the program. I understand that some may prefer to pay less and gamble - heck, I do it more often than not - but for cigars that are temperamental, super-premium, or (as in my case) sentimental, the added cost is minute in my opinion. You get what you pay for. All that being said, I'm refraining from voting. Ultimately, it is a decision that should be weighed by you Rob. I would like the option to remain available, but I certainly don't take advantage of it enough for my opinion to be a factor. To echo others, family is more important than cigars. Personally, I'll stick around whether or not the PSP/HQ program does. You are a great businessman with great employees and your dedication to service is second to none. These are the factors of why I am here. Oh, and Di, your shoes are amazing today! 1
Reevzy Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 I buy my cigars from here and only from here because of the quality grading system alone. I trust your judgement in that grading because of your experience and honestly, the thrill of buying cigars here has become a little bit of an addiction. Knowing that you've snagged a box of PSP after frantically refreshing and waiting for the next pictures to come up..... It's a fun on a different level for me
subiemech Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 I do appreciate the time and effort you put into grading your inventory. I also look forward to the LFTW events. Would I stop buying from you if you stopped? Not unless I saw the quality of your product decline. Time with family is important. Before you know it everyone has gone in their own direction and you could be left wondering where the time went. Only you know what you are missing out on by investing time into your grading system. I dont imagine you are going to start shipping garbage so do what you think you need to do. You more than likely have loyal customers for life. Thank you to you and your team for all the effort you put into delivering the quality product that you do!
guideright Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 First thanks Rob for putting this out for comment! Your service is one I'm more than happy to pay a premium for - your whole operation is first class, fun and an enjoyable experience for your clientele. My vote is keep the service - unduplicatable - no one else is you! I do get the family first point - you need to decide what's best for your business and family - I want to believe the service/you is a major differentiator for the business, and one you enjoy - look for other ways to gain efficiency and time with family - if grading is one of the joys of the business for you that contributes to your work life balances well - if that's true find another area to gain time - Your point about Padron and Fuente is spot on - and CC's just aren't that! Could't be happier to have found you!
sharks Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 I do appreciate the time and effort you put into grading your inventory. I also look forward to the LFTW events. Would I stop buying from you if you stopped? Not unless I saw the quality of your product decline. Time with family is important. Before you know it everyone has gone in their own direction and you could be left wondering where the time went. Only you know what you are missing out on by investing time into your grading system. I dont imagine you are going to start shipping garbage so do what you think you need to do. You more than likely have loyal customers for life. Thank you to you and your team for all the effort you put into delivering the quality product that you do! x 2 well said. Have you considered the warehouse run maybe bi monthly PSP/HQ/PE option that may be a good compromise. At the end of the day you must do whats right for you and your family. Sharks
dtrott Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 Although I am fairly new to FOH and LFTW (not CC,s in general) I truly love and appreciate this program.I can,t imagine buying blind again.Rob is the best and he gives great advice on "where to spend your coin" .In fact on his recommend, in this forum, I made a purchase of a cigar I probably never would have tried,the Punch Punch(with an HQ rating).Found it to be a simply outstanding smoke and well worth the few extra bucks. Thanks Rob and DI and everyone at Czar for all your hard work and professionalism.
stigmata Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 ive never bought from the system but i do have faith in the people i have choosing for me if i cant do it myself though over the years ive had a heap of great sticks with some crappy ones too. If Rob and the boys and girls there eliminate that heartache and people are willing to have that service i hope Rob keeps it going. i probably will jump on it one day ... just aussie prices are over the top and from the beginning of next month they go to an even more insane level
Hugomarink Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 Personally, I like the grading system as it one of the things that sets FOH/Czar apart from other online vendors. But if you want to do away with it so you don't have to deal with people who critique the practice and the extra work it takes you I would totally understand. Maybe it's something you do less frequently for really only special sales or something?
ArtemusGordon Posted August 16, 2014 Posted August 16, 2014 Rob after your initial post this is a tough one for me First and foremost I believe no matter what that family comes first and if its taking too much of a toll on yourself and Di in regards to family life, then I think it needs to change. At the end they are still cigars... Just my 2 cents BUT, the handpicked stuff and graded boxes is what attracted me here in the first place and I love hearing your comments on them and seeing pictures while knowing that I am buying the cream of the crop etc.. Thats what I really like about this place Have been jumping on the 12:12 stuff recently which I really think is great and gives me something to look forward to at the end of work
Recommended Posts