...and now sold out at Smokingpipes.com!
Got My Sun Bear
- Thread starter Civil War
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I heard this years release pales in comparison to last years release! 
I heard this years release pales in comparison to last years release!
Right. LOL
I got two tins on the way. One to try and the other to cellar. I too succumbed to the hype train.
I just can't do this hype/hurried type of shopping. If they want my business, it's gotta be readily available.
Had the same problem. Tried to get another 8 at 12:05 am, but it was gone. Welp, I guess there may be some more next year. ☹
I'm guessing there's dozens of smaller shops around the country that still have some available if you want to pick up the phone and spend some time calling.
Same, generally. There's too many excellent readily-available blends out there for me to care about "HOT SEXY NEW RARE LIMITED EDITION PRODUCT". I am curious about Sun Bear since it's been so well-received, but a the same time I have a hard time believing I'd prefer a few tins of Sun Bear in my cellar over a few more tins of Full Virginia Flake.
If you did you’ve got messed up tastebuds, man. ?
I think they do it so half the people buy it without even knowing if they like it. ? it’s genius really
Agreed, and it's kind of surprising, at least to me, that this marketing tactic works on pipe smokers. I think of pipes as a no-rush, relaxing, timeless sort of activity... definitely not a heat-of-the-moment, perpetually on-trend sort of pursuit.
But pipe tobacco isn’t. Think of if something rare goes in stock. Everyone and their grandpa shits their pants trying to get their hands on it. People see it as “once it’s gone it’s gone” and that does messed up things to people.
True. Additionally, the uncertain future of tobacco as a whole, and the niche industry that is pipe tobacco in particular, probably enables the success of scarcity-based marketing as well. I'll just continue to slowly build my cellar and look forward to the time that I don't have to even contemplate future availability.
I think they mostly do it due to a limited supply of certain tobacco leaf. Given that most of these Small Batch releases sell out in a week and in many cases, within 24 hours, I don't think they need to be concerned too much with marketing hype to sell it. Last year, I bought half a dozen tins of Sun Bear, got it in in 2 days, smoked it and loved it. Thankfully, it didn't sell out so quick last year as it was the initial release and people were hesitating to purchase it (so much for the conspiracy or marketing hype theory). So I promptly ordered another 25 or so tins.
Seems like the majority of these small batch releases occur yearly and sell out promptly due to past satisfaction by purchasers who buy more and reviews from those who previously have smoked it. Not marketing hype. Were someone to smoke 1 tin per month, 12 per year, 8,000 tins doesn't go very far if you have thousands of potential Customers. If this were really primarily marketing hype, they'd be selling these tins for 50% more than their standard tin price.
Seems like the majority of these small batch releases occur yearly and sell out promptly due to past satisfaction by purchasers who buy more and reviews from those who previously have smoked it. Not marketing hype. Were someone to smoke 1 tin per month, 12 per year, 8,000 tins doesn't go very far if you have thousands of potential Customers. If this were really primarily marketing hype, they'd be selling these tins for 50% more than their standard tin price.
Fair points all around. However, there is definitely "LIMITED RELEASE" marketing going on to induce people to buy something they aren't familiar with. There were banners on this site the past few days advertising exactly that. I suppose I just think of pipe smoking as a retreat from the fast pace and in-your-face-do-it-now type of mentality so pervasive in modern life, and it irks me to see that mentality in the pipe world. All good though, because it's each of our own choices how much we want to participate in that sort of thing.
I will concede there is a bit of hype to it. These guys are in the business to make a profit. I purchased 20 tins this year and didn't find that effort to be stressful in the least. It's not even closing to trying to chase Penzance or Stonehaven or even ones such as Astley's 44 or Wessex Campaign Brigade Dark Flake. I find it a lot more stressful being unable to smoke exactly what I am in the mood for than paying attention to tobacco availability and placing orders. As you say though, to each their own. There's something to be said for keeping it very simple and smoking a few favorite blends as well.
Agreed, and that last bolded part is generally my approach to pipe smoking, though it's a bit of a catch-22 since experimentation and giving new blends a try is how we find our favorite blends in the first place
I just got my (2) tins. I purchased this blend based on the reviews from those who have the same tastes as mine and who I trust. Also the ingredients seem to be something I'd enjoy. Just finished my first bowl and I have to say that the tin note and taste are familiar, but I can't place my finger on it. At first I thought maybe it's similar to Anglers Dream, at first light. Then as I got further into the bowl it became more dissimilar to Anglers Dream. After a few more bowls I might be able to nail it down to a similar blend. Anyhow, I like it and am glad I purchased the (2) tins.
The small batch blends never seem to disappoint, I'll buy a few tins of whatever comes out before trying it since I trust the quality will be good. Im especially in love with the Carolina red flake from 2019.
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