The samplers they sell are decently priced but full of "Thompson only exclusives" for the most part. For example, you may see a lot of familiar brands, but then upon closer inspection you find out that that brand makes that particular cigar only for Thompson's.

The cigars they sell that are available elsewhere, are usually cheaper elsewhere. Once you place an order with them, they will phone, email, and pester you on a continual basis. I know this not from personal experience, but from the experience of my brother-in-law.

Lastly, if you buy a sampler from them be aware that they have a disclaimer that if some of the sticks aren't available they have the right to substitute. This they do and the substitute is usually crap. This is disappointing especially if you find a sampler with some decent cigars and they get substituted for the usual crap. Try camino viejo cigars, cigars international, holts cigars, silo cigars, atlantic cigars and many others before Thompsons.

Your co-worker is definitely not a friend if he has sent you there.

Mark