Introduction
You’ve probably heard the name before. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just starting your journey into the world of premium tobacco, Cigars International has likely crossed your radar. And for good reason.
This isn’t just another online retailer. Cigars International has built a reputation as one of the largest and most trusted cigar retailers in the United States. With millions of satisfied customers and an inventory that would make any enthusiast’s jaw drop, they’ve become the go-to destination for cigar lovers everywhere.
But what makes them stand out in such a crowded market? Why do experienced smokers and newcomers alike keep coming back? In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Cigars International. We’ll explore their history, product selection, pricing strategies, customer experience, and what sets them apart from competitors. Whether you’re considering your first purchase or looking to expand your humidor, this article will give you the inside scoop on why this retailer has become an industry powerhouse.
The History Behind Cigars International
Understanding where Cigars International came from helps explain why they’ve become so dominant in the cigar retail space.
Founded in 1996, the company started with a simple mission. They wanted to make premium cigars accessible to everyone. At the time, cigar shops were often intimidating places. Pricing was inconsistent. Selection was limited. The whole experience could feel exclusive and unwelcoming to newcomers.
Cigars International changed that dynamic completely. They recognized that the internet could revolutionize how people buy cigars. By moving online, they could offer lower overhead costs and pass those savings directly to customers. They could stock thousands of products instead of hundreds. And they could create an approachable, educational environment where everyone felt welcome.
The strategy worked brilliantly. Within a few years, they had established themselves as a major player. Today, they’re part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies. This backing gives them incredible buying power and access to exclusive products you won’t find elsewhere.
What Makes Cigars International Different
You might wonder what separates this retailer from the dozens of other online cigar shops. The differences are significant and worth understanding.
Massive Selection
When I say massive, I mean it. Cigars International stocks over 2,000 different cigar brands. From budget-friendly everyday smokes to rare, limited-edition releases, they carry it all. You’ll find household names like Arturo Fuente, Padron, and Rocky Patel alongside boutique brands and exclusive house blends.
Their selection includes different sizes, wrappers, and strength profiles. Whether you prefer a mild Connecticut shade or a full-bodied maduro, you’ll find options that match your taste. They also carry samplers, which are perfect for exploring new brands without committing to full boxes.
Competitive Pricing
Price matters when you’re building a cigar collection. Cigars International has built their reputation partly on offering some of the lowest prices in the industry. They run frequent sales and promotions that can save you significant money.
Their bulk buying power allows them to negotiate better deals with manufacturers. Those savings get passed directly to you. Many customers report saving 20 to 40 percent compared to local brick-and-mortar shops. For regular smokers, those savings add up quickly.
Customer Education
The website doesn’t just sell cigars. It educates you about them. You’ll find detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and expert ratings for nearly every product. Their blog features articles on everything from proper storage techniques to pairing recommendations.
This educational approach makes the experience less intimidating for newcomers. You’re not just thrown into a catalog of confusing options. Instead, you get the guidance needed to make informed decisions about your purchases.
Exploring the Product Categories
Let’s break down what you’ll actually find when shopping at Cigars International.
Premium Handmade Cigars
This category represents the heart of their inventory. Premium handmade cigars are crafted entirely by hand using high-quality tobacco leaves. These cigars offer complex flavor profiles and superior construction.
You’ll find cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and other renowned tobacco-growing regions. Prices range from affordable daily smokes around five dollars to ultra-premium options exceeding twenty dollars per stick. The variety ensures there’s something for every budget and preference.
Machine-Made Cigars
Not everyone wants a premium handmade for every occasion. Machine-made cigars offer a more budget-friendly option for casual smoking. These work great for activities like golfing, fishing, or yard work where you don’t want to worry about a pricey cigar.
Cigars International carries popular machine-made brands that deliver consistent quality at lower price points. While they won’t match the complexity of premium handmades, they serve their purpose well.
Cigar Samplers
Samplers deserve special mention because they’re incredibly valuable for exploration. These curated collections typically include four to ten cigars from different brands or product lines. They let you try new things without buying entire boxes.
The company offers hundreds of different samplers. Some focus on specific brands, letting you compare different blends from one manufacturer. Others group cigars by strength, wrapper type, or price range. There are even seasonal samplers and limited-time collections.
Accessories and Humidors
You can’t just buy cigars and call it done. Proper storage and accessories matter. Cigars International stocks everything you need to maintain your collection properly.
Their humidor selection ranges from small desktop models holding 25 cigars to large cabinet humidors storing thousands. You’ll also find travel cases, cutters, lighters, ashtrays, and humidity control devices. Having everything in one place simplifies the shopping experience considerably.
The Online Shopping Experience
The website itself plays a huge role in why customers keep returning. Let me walk you through what to expect.
User-Friendly Interface
The site is clean and intuitive. Products are organized logically by category, brand, size, and price. Search functionality works well, helping you find specific products quickly. Filters let you narrow results based on strength, wrapper color, origin, and ratings.
Product pages include detailed information. You’ll see high-quality photos, comprehensive descriptions, and specifications like ring gauge and length. Customer reviews provide real-world feedback from other smokers. Expert ratings from publications like Cigar Aficionado add another layer of guidance.
Account Features
Creating an account unlocks helpful features. You can save favorite products for quick reordering. Order history lets you track past purchases and reorder cigars you loved. Wish lists help you bookmark items for future consideration.
The rewards program deserves mention. CI Points accumulate with every purchase and can be redeemed for discounts on future orders. Regular customers can save substantial amounts through this program.
Mobile Experience
The mobile site and app work smoothly. You can browse, purchase, and track orders from your phone just as easily as from a computer. This convenience matters when you want to grab a deal quickly or order while on the go.
Pricing and Deals You Should Know About
Smart shoppers know that timing and strategy matter when buying cigars. Here’s how to maximize value.
Daily Deals and Flash Sales
Cigars International runs aggressive promotions constantly. Their Daily Deal offers significant discounts on selected products every single day. Flash sales pop up regularly, sometimes offering 50 percent or more off premium brands.
Email subscribers get early notification of these deals. If you’re serious about saving money, signing up for their newsletter is essential. The emails can feel frequent, but the savings opportunities are real.
Bulk Discounts
Buying boxes instead of individual cigars saves money. Most products offer tiered pricing where per-cigar costs decrease as quantity increases. If you find a cigar you love, buying a full box or even multiple boxes during a sale makes financial sense.
Free Shipping Thresholds
Shipping costs can eat into your savings. The company offers free shipping on orders above certain thresholds, typically around 50 to 100 dollars depending on current promotions. Planning purchases to hit these thresholds maximizes value.
Customer Service and Support
Even with great products and prices, customer service makes or breaks the experience. Cigars International generally performs well in this area.
Contact Options
You can reach their team through multiple channels. Phone support connects you with knowledgeable representatives who can answer questions about products, orders, or recommendations. Email support typically responds within 24 hours. Live chat offers real-time assistance during business hours.
The team demonstrates solid product knowledge. They can help you find cigars matching your preferences or troubleshoot issues with orders. This expertise matters more than you might think, especially when exploring unfamiliar brands.
Return and Satisfaction Policies
Their satisfaction guarantee provides peace of mind. If you’re unhappy with a purchase, they’ll work with you to make it right. Defective cigars can be returned or exchanged. While policies have specific terms and conditions, the company generally stands behind their products.
Damaged shipments receive prompt attention. Given that cigars are fragile and sensitive to temperature, occasional shipping damage happens. The company handles these situations professionally in most cases.
Comparing Cigars International to Competitors
No retailer exists in a vacuum. Understanding how this company compares to alternatives helps you make informed decisions.
Versus Local Cigar Shops
Local shops offer personalized service and the ability to see products before buying. You can talk face-to-face with knowledgeable staff and enjoy the social atmosphere. However, selection is typically limited and prices run higher due to overhead costs.
Cigars International trades that personal touch for better prices, larger selection, and shopping convenience. For many customers, especially those in areas without quality local shops, this trade-off makes perfect sense.
Versus Other Online Retailers
Several other major online cigar retailers compete for your business. Famous Smoke Shop, JR Cigars, and Cigar.com all offer similar models. Each has strengths and weaknesses.
Cigars International typically matches or beats competitors on pricing. Their selection ranks among the largest available. The website experience is comparable to other major players. Some competitors may excel in specific niches, but overall, this retailer holds its own exceptionally well.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
If you’re new to Cigars International or cigars in general, these tips will help you get started right.
Start with Samplers
Don’t guess what you’ll like. Order a beginner sampler or a variety pack covering different strengths and wrapper types. This approach lets you discover your preferences without wasting money on full boxes of cigars you might not enjoy.
Read Reviews Carefully
Customer reviews provide valuable insights. Look for reviews from people with similar taste profiles. Pay attention to comments about construction quality, burn characteristics, and flavor progression. These details matter more than simple ratings.
Consider Strength Levels
Cigar strength ranges from mild to full-bodied. Beginners often do better starting with mild to medium options. Full-bodied cigars can overwhelm inexperienced palates and cause nicotine sickness. Work your way up gradually as your tolerance builds.
Don’t Overbuy Initially
Excitement can lead to overbuying. Start with smaller quantities until you understand your preferences. Nothing feels worse than a humidor full of cigars you don’t actually enjoy smoking.
Invest in Proper Storage
Even budget cigars deserve proper storage. Buy at least a basic humidor and humidity control device. Cigars stored at improper humidity levels dry out or become too moist, ruining the smoking experience regardless of initial quality.
Understanding the Rewards Program
The CI Points rewards program adds value for regular customers. Here’s how it works.
Every dollar spent earns points. The accumulation rate varies based on promotional periods and your account status. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The redemption value typically equals real dollar savings.
Higher-tier customers earn points faster. As you spend more over time, you move into better reward levels. This loyalty structure benefits regular customers significantly. If you’re going to buy cigars regularly anyway, you might as well accumulate rewards doing so.
Points expire after periods of inactivity, so don’t hoard them indefinitely. Use them periodically to maximize value. Combining points redemption with sale prices creates the absolute best deals.
The Mobile App Experience
The Cigars International mobile app deserves its own discussion because it enhances the shopping experience significantly.
Features and Functionality
The app provides full access to the product catalog. You can search, filter, and browse just like on the desktop site. Product pages display all the same information, including photos, descriptions, and reviews.
Push notifications alert you to flash sales and special promotions. This feature helps you catch limited-time deals before they expire. You can customize notification preferences to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Barcode Scanning
One clever feature lets you scan cigar barcodes using your phone’s camera. This works in retail stores, allowing you to compare local shop prices against Cigars International pricing instantly. You might feel a bit sneaky doing this, but it’s a powerful tool for price-conscious shoppers.
Order Tracking
The app provides real-time order tracking. You can see exactly where your package is and when it’s expected to arrive. This transparency reduces anxiety about whether your cigars are actually coming.
Shipping and Delivery Considerations
Getting your cigars from warehouse to doorstep involves important considerations.
Shipping Methods
Standard shipping typically takes three to seven business days. Expedited options are available for faster delivery at additional cost. The company uses major carriers like UPS and FedEx, providing reliable tracking throughout the process.
Temperature Concerns
Cigars are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Summer heat and winter cold can damage them during transit. The company takes precautions, but you should consider timing when ordering during temperature extremes.
Some customers prefer avoiding summer shipments entirely. Others request expedited shipping during hot months to minimize transit time. These are personal decisions based on your climate and risk tolerance.
Signature Requirements
Most cigar shipments require adult signature upon delivery. This protects both you and the company. However, it means someone must be home to accept the package. You can usually request holds at shipping facilities for pickup if home delivery proves inconvenient.
Common Concerns and Criticisms
No company is perfect. Being aware of potential issues helps you make informed decisions.
Aggressive Marketing
The most common complaint involves marketing frequency. Email promotions arrive almost daily. Some customers find this helpful, while others consider it excessive. Unsubscribing or adjusting email preferences solves this easily enough.
Inventory Fluctuations
Popular items sometimes sell out quickly during major sales. This frustrates customers who planned to buy specific products. Checking early during promotional periods and having backup options helps mitigate this issue.
Occasional Quality Control Issues
With such massive volume, occasional quality control problems occur. Customers report receiving damaged products or incorrect items from time to time. The company generally resolves these issues, but they cause temporary frustration.
Website Performance During Sales
Major sales events can slow down the website. High traffic sometimes causes slowdowns or temporary glitches. Patience usually resolves these problems, though the experience can feel annoying in the moment.
Building Your Cigar Collection Strategically
Let me share some wisdom about using Cigars International to build a great collection over time.
Diversify Your Inventory
Don’t fill your humidor with one cigar type. Buy variety packs and samplers regularly. Explore different countries of origin, wrapper types, and brands. This diversity ensures you always have appropriate options for different occasions and moods.
Stock Different Price Points
Keep some budget-friendly options for casual smoking alongside your premium favorites. This strategy prevents you from feeling bad about lighting up a nice cigar for a relaxing evening. Save the expensive sticks for truly special occasions.
Buy Sale Items Strategically
When premium brands you love go on sale, buy multiple boxes. Properly stored cigars age beautifully. Those boxes purchased during sales become even better with time. This approach builds an aging inventory while maximizing savings.
Track Your Preferences
Keep notes about cigars you try. Record what you liked or disliked about each one. This information guides future purchases and prevents you from accidentally rebuying cigars you didn’t enjoy.
Conclusion
Cigars International has earned its position as a leading cigar retailer through competitive pricing, massive selection, and customer-focused service. Whether you’re just starting your cigar journey or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, this retailer offers compelling advantages worth considering.
The combination of low prices, extensive inventory, educational resources, and convenient shopping makes them hard to beat. While they may not replace the personal touch of a great local shop, they certainly complement it well. For many smokers, especially those without access to quality local options, Cigars International becomes an essential resource.
Your experience will depend partly on what you’re looking for. If you value selection and savings above all else, you’ll likely love what they offer. If you prefer hands-on shopping with face-to-face guidance, you might use them as a supplement rather than your primary source.
Either way, understanding what Cigars International brings to the table helps you make smarter buying decisions. The cigar world is rich with options, and having a reliable retailer you trust makes the journey more enjoyable. Why not explore their selection and see what discoveries await? Your next favorite cigar might be waiting in their catalog right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cigars International a legitimate company?
Yes, Cigars International is completely legitimate. They’ve operated since 1996 and are now part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. They’re one of the largest and most established cigar retailers in the United States with millions of satisfied customers.
Do cigars from Cigars International need to rest after shipping?
Generally yes. Cigars can experience humidity fluctuations during shipping. Letting them rest in your humidor for at least a week or two allows them to stabilize to proper humidity levels. This resting period ensures the best smoking experience.
How often does Cigars International have sales?
They run promotions constantly. Daily deals appear every day, and flash sales occur multiple times per week. Major holiday sales around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Black Friday offer especially significant discounts.
Can I return cigars if I don’t like them?
Returns depend on the specific situation. Defective or damaged products can typically be returned or exchanged. However, you generally cannot return cigars simply because you don’t like the taste. Review their current return policy on the website for specific terms.
Does Cigars International ship internationally?
They primarily serve customers in the United States. International shipping is extremely limited due to complex regulations governing tobacco exports. Check with customer service if you’re outside the US, but options are likely very restricted.
How should I store cigars ordered from Cigars International?
Store them in a proper humidor maintained at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity. This environment preserves cigar quality and allows them to age gracefully. Never store cigars in plastic bags or outside controlled humidity environments.
Are house brands from Cigars International good quality?
Their house brands generally offer excellent value. These cigars are typically made by established manufacturers to CI specifications. They won’t match ultra-premium boutique brands, but they deliver solid quality at very competitive prices.
How long does shipping usually take?
Standard shipping typically takes three to seven business days. Expedited options are available for faster delivery. Actual timing depends on your location and current shipping volume. The website provides estimates during checkout.
Do I need to be home to receive my cigar order?
Most shipments require adult signature upon delivery. If you won’t be home, you can usually arrange to pick up the package at a local carrier facility. Contact the shipping carrier directly to arrange alternative delivery options.
Can I use multiple coupon codes on one order?
Typically no. Most promotional codes cannot be combined with other offers. However, CI Points rewards can usually be applied alongside coupon codes. Check the specific terms of each promotion for details on stacking discounts.
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