Quote Originally Posted by MMAB
This is a great example of why one shouldn't waste their time buying Cuban's at this point in time.

In all sincerity I don't mean to sound like I'm saying "I told you so".

I could never understand all the supposed trouble that the Cuban manufacturers go through to make their cigar packaging difficult to duplicate. Seals, codes, holograms, etc. Because it is ALL readily available printing technology that is accessible to anyone, anywhere on the market. Even the mylar hologram seals are nothing special and I'm sure are easily duplicated. I mean we're talking about a cigar box and bands here. Not counterfeit money!

My advice, and I've said it many times. Spend your money on a great box of Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars instead. When the embargo is over, then we can all buy Cuban's with a lot less worrying.

Oblik, I admire you for your honesty.

On the other side of that coin is the fact that we have BOTL's on these boards to "watch our backs", so to speak. There are "trusted" vendors - ones that have been used by other BOTL's that do ship quality product, at a decent price. The FOG's on the boards know who these sources are, and will help in making sure YOU don't get ripped off. Hence, the start of this whole mess with Carlos. These guys can be especially helpful if you're not sure of your source. And I would strongly suggest you check with them, even though you think you've found a great new source. Most of these guys have traded with, or know of, the vendor and can quickly tell you if it is legit.

You do what you want as far as cigar purchases. The beauty of our society is we have a whole lot of choices. This includes the Cuban cigars (even though trading, buying or selling is illegal). Some swear by them, others can take 'em or leave 'em. Personally, I think they are a nice cigar - some of the BEST, most consistent construction I've ever seen in a cigar (something they are known for), but there are some non-Cubans that blow the socks off of most Cubans - for about the same price

But in those choices you have, there are the glass-top Cohiba's a number of people swear are legit - even though it is widely publicized they are not. And the reason we join the cigar boards, admittedly, is to learn more about our "hobby" (more like "passion" for me). Every cigar person should be able to pick out a fake from a real one (Cuban and Non-Cuban - and, yes, there ARE fake Non-Cubans). And you should be able to tell how to pick out the fakes. This is an acquired (learned) skill - certainly the easiest way is to have a legit and counterfeit side by side...

As far as seals, bands, etc. - check out eBay. From time to time there are those that post "legit" Cuban cigar bands, seals (including the hologram) and boxes. It's not hard for any of us to set up a fake Cuban operation. And there is serious money to be made in this trade - which can go virtually unpunished!!! (Even though they are ripping you off!). These boards are what protect us from being ripped off - as ugly as it gets from time to time.

Carlos - thank you for your apology - it took a LOT of guts to post that. And I saw you did it elsewhere as well... I hope ALL of us have learned a valuable lesson from this episode. Any one of us can make mistakes - it's really not that hard to do - especially if you're new at this game. But, if you want to be recongnized as a stand up person - accept reponsibility, make it right - and MOVE ONE!!!

And also suggest any one on this board take from Oblik's situation

- Develop a thick skin There are bound to be those out there that will piss you off!!

- Don't be arrogant or rude when things are pointed out to you, in other words, openly accept and evaluate criticism without getting your shorts in a bundle.

- Remember, this is just a cigar discussion board - nothing more!!!