Thompson?

[Ringo]

Has anyone else noticed that Thompson has of late become competitive as far as prices and selection go? They still sell some really lousy house brands, but I've seen them offer some really good deals on Fuentes and some others and you know that they must have awesome buying power with the potential to be -very- competitive. And they are starting to carry brands that "real" smokers actually like, such as Pete Johnson's line.

Now I'm not suggesting that we all start buying from Thompson's - just pointing out an observation. I know that Thompson does not have the best reputation for the condition of the cigars, the shipping time, and for playing fast and loose with what you actually end up with if you order a discounted price sampler. But perhaps they have worked on those issues as well. If not, then they need to - the average real cigar smoker won't put up with those sort of things just to save a buck or three.

I just got their most recent catalog, and, while it still gets silly at times, it seems that they have toned down the descriptions a bit too.

[Smoker06]

I haven't noticed, Ringo. Haven't seen a Thompson's catalog in years. But that's good, I suppose. Competition is always good.

How are the shipping costs? Have they brought those in line also?

[hermit]

Originally Posted by Smoker06

Haven't seen a Thompson's catalog in years.

I have.
I haven't ordered anything from them in about
twenty years, but the catalogs still show up.
I think you could go into witness protection and still get em.

[Smokestack Jack]

I just received the T catalog and threw it in the recycle bin. Maybe I'll get it out and brouse through it!

[Exille]

I always trash Thompsons ads...every time ive ever ordered from them Ive received poor customer service, slow as molasses shipping and bad product presentation.....

[Mad Dawg]

I haven't looked inside a Thompson's catalog in years. The last interesting thing I discovered about them is that they burn with bright, cheery colors.

Seriously. Try it yourself.

[Cigary43]

Without doing the obvious Thompsons bash dance they do have their sales that at times are pretty good. As with any purchase know what you are getting with any vendor whether by reputation or experience. I know friends who order from them but use a fake phone number and use their office as the place to receive packages.

I think it's wise to have a variety of sources for your cigars and then build a good relationship with them which will serve you in the future when they hold those "sales" that will be coming later. I have a few sources that email me that something is coming in the future ( esp. those cigars I usually buy ) so I don't pay more than the upcoming sales price. Just had 2 sources send me some info on Opus Cigars that I was wanting to get and was able to score tins of the Reserve at $40...it pays to build that relationship so you get advance calls.

[Ringo]

The reason that I noticed all of this is that, after NOT getting a Thompson's catalog for several years (not sure how I managed that) suddenly one showed up at my mother's house, addressed to her. My mother who has never smoked anything in her life. Ok... I went through the catalog and actually saw some nice deals on Fuente products and overall the whole affair seemed toned down a bit from what I recall they used to be like.

Thompson's private blends are terrible to a stick, at least any that I have ever tried. Really bad.

[Mad Dawg]

Seriously, thanks for bringing it up, Ringo. If they're competitive, they're maybe worth another look. Can't have too many sources, after all.

Of course, if their customer service still sucks, that's another matter altogether...

[H311oLHD]

I've been noticing a lot of Thompson ads in magazines and things of that nature lately. I haven't purchased from them b/c i odnt want to get harrassed for the rest of my life lol.