SmallBizGenius Analysis

Cigars International faces criticism regarding its subscription practices and customer service, despite some customers appreciating its pricing. Reviews highlight issues with unexpected charges, slow shipping, and difficulties resolving problems with customer support.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Puro Perks Subscription Issues

2.0/10

Numerous reviewers report being unknowingly enrolled in a 'Puro Perks' subscription, resulting in unauthorized monthly charges. Customers express frustration with the difficulty of canceling the subscription and receiving refunds, often describing it as a scam. For example, one reviewer states, "Cigars international are CROOKS. They use your credit card to enroll you into a program that you are unaware of...THEY WILL STEAL FROM YOU."

30 reviews mention this

Shipping and Delivery Problems

3.0/10

Many customers complain about slow shipping times and delays, even when paying extra for expedited delivery. Some also report receiving damaged products, with customer service being unresponsive to their complaints. One reviewer noted, "Poor shipping time. Multiple times ordering and pay extra $10.99 ups ground they can’t even get order out same day."

20 reviews mention this

Customer Service Ineffectiveness

3.5/10

Reviewers frequently criticize the quality of customer service, citing unhelpful representatives, language barriers, and an inability to resolve issues effectively. Many mention being transferred multiple times or receiving generic responses that do not address their concerns. As one reviewer stated, "Customer service is completely non existent recently. Based in the Philippines and they refuse to let you speak to anyone in USA."

25 reviews mention this

Product Quality Concerns

4.0/10

Some customers express concerns about the quality of the cigars they receive, describing them as stale, dry, or poorly constructed. A few reviewers also allege receiving counterfeit or substandard products. One reviewer wrote, "Bought CI's White Yeti Mega-Sampler III: Complete waste of money. Every single cigar—from the Gurkhas to the Montecristos—was either stale or a knock-off."

8 reviews mention this

Pricing and Value

7.0/10

Several reviewers praise Cigars International for its competitive pricing and frequent deals, particularly when purchasing in bulk. Some customers also appreciate the availability of discounts for military veterans and law enforcement personnel. One reviewer mentions, "Great pricing, I buy boxes from them already every month after trying cigars at local store."

10 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Competitive pricing, especially for bulk purchases Mentioned 10x
"Great pricing, I buy boxes from them already every month after trying cigars at local store."
Wide selection of cigars and accessories Mentioned 3x
"It is my go to online cigar store if I need to buy in volume."
Occasional discounts and promotions Mentioned 3x
"And sometimes you get really good deals from the site as well."

Common Complaints

Unexpected enrollment in 'Puro Perks' subscription with recurring charges Mentioned 30x
"Cigars international are CROOKS. They use your credit card to enroll you into a program that you are unaware of..."
Slow and unreliable shipping times Mentioned 20x
"Poor shipping time. Multiple times ordering and pay extra $10.99 ups ground they can’t even get order out same day"
Unhelpful and difficult-to-reach customer service Mentioned 25x
"Customer service is completely non existent recently. Based in the Philippines and they refuse to let you speak to anyone in USA."
Inconsistent product quality, with some cigars arriving stale or damaged Mentioned 8x
"Bought CI's White Yeti Mega-Sampler III and it was a total disaster. Every single cigar—from the Gurkhas to the Montecristos—was either stale or a knock-off."
Difficulty obtaining refunds for unauthorized charges or returned items Mentioned 5x
"I have been waiting on 2 simple refunds over the course of over 2 months. Each and every day I call in and am told a different line."

Common Questions About Cigars International

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Cigars International legit and trustworthy?

Cigars International has been in business for many years, but based on the reviews, there are some serious concerns about its trustworthiness. While some customers report positive experiences with pricing and product selection, a significant number complain about unauthorized subscription charges, poor customer service, and shipping issues. The prevalence of these negative reports suggests that customers should exercise caution and carefully review their orders and billing statements. The recurring issues with the 'Puro Perks' subscription, in particular, raise red flags about the company's business practices.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Cigars International have good customer service?

According to many reviewers, Cigars International's customer service is a major pain point. Numerous customers describe difficulties reaching helpful representatives, often citing language barriers, long wait times, and an inability to resolve issues effectively. Some reviewers also mention being transferred multiple times or receiving generic responses that do not address their specific concerns. The negative feedback suggests that customers may encounter challenges when seeking assistance with orders, refunds, or other inquiries.

Based on 25 reviews

Is Cigars International worth it for small business?

For small businesses, Cigars International presents a mixed bag. While the company's competitive pricing and wide selection may be appealing, the numerous complaints about unauthorized charges, poor customer service, and shipping issues raise concerns about reliability and consistency. The potential for unexpected subscription fees and difficulties resolving problems could outweigh the benefits of lower prices, making it a risky choice for businesses that require a dependable supplier. Small business owners may want to consider alternative vendors with more consistently positive reviews.

Based on 15 reviews

What is Cigars International's shipping policy like?

Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with Cigars International's shipping practices. Common complaints include slow shipping times, delays, and a failure to deliver orders within the promised timeframe, even when customers pay extra for expedited shipping. Some customers also report receiving damaged products, suggesting potential issues with packaging or handling. These issues indicate that customers may not be able to rely on Cigars International for timely and reliable delivery.

Based on 20 reviews

How do I cancel my Puro Perks membership with Cigars International?

Canceling a Puro Perks membership seems to be a common challenge, based on the reviews. Customers report difficulties reaching customer service representatives who can effectively process the cancellation. Some reviewers mention having to contact their bank or credit card company to dispute unauthorized charges after failing to cancel the subscription through Cigars International directly. It's recommended to carefully document all communication with customer service and to monitor billing statements closely for any recurring charges.

Based on 10 reviews

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