PipesAndCigars.Com: Are They Trustworthy?

[pappymac]

Here's the deal...
P&C is a big company which sells products to thousands of pipe and cigar smokers. Probably 10s of thousands. Just because a few forum members have had problems with them doesn't make them a bad company trying to rip-off customers.

Do they occasionally have customer service problems? Yes. But name me one other large business that doesn't screw up occasionally. The post office is constantly screwing up but people still use them. I've also had problems with FedEx, UPS and DHL.

As for P&C, I have ordered from them when I see something I'm looking for. I have never had a problem with them.

 

[pylorns]

I still order from them, but they have definitely screwed the pooch on some orders. I feel like in the past couple years their service has gotten worse. And like pappymac said, the USPS screws up more than them.

 

[walkingpipeguy]

I've ordered from them 3 times, and had no issues. They have some things that I like that I can't get anywhere else.

 

[LeafErikson]

I have had a couple of bad experiences with them that I won’t get into. I prefer to spend my money elsewhere.

 

[litup]

I don't want to repeat myself on a forum every time this gets brought up so I'll just say that I don't think they are trying to screw people over. There's just a lot of incompetence and there are easier options. If it costs me an extra 20 cents a tin to go elsewhere for a pleasant transaction, I will.

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

I've had one issue after many successful orders. Ordered a 500g box and received a 250g box.

Two emails with photos resulted in receiving an additional 500g box while keeping the 250g box sent in error.

I like their deals and "cash". Selection and pricing are sometimes better.

 

[georged]

... they installed new order tracking software that was engineered by a retarded chimp that seriously messed things up for several weeks and the hate has never stopped.

 

[RL Bucktails]

Here's the deal...
P&C is a big company which sells products to thousands of pipe and cigar smokers. Probably 10s of thousands. Just because a few forum members have had problems with them doesn't make them a bad company trying to rip-off customers.

Do they occasionally have customer service problems? Yes. But name me one other large business that doesn't screw up occasionally. The post office is constantly screwing up but people still use them. I've also had problems with FedEx, UPS and DHL.

As for P&C, I have ordered from them when I see something I'm looking for. I have never had a problem with them.

Well said. Same here.

In recent months I've seen some blends available on Pipesandcigars that weren't available anywhere else at that time, or at least not for a comparable price. So far I've not needed to use them, but going forward I would like to have that option.

However, I've also seen some posts here that mention trouble ordering from P&C and advise avoiding them. I can't seem to find those posts now, and I want to get a clearer idea of what the (apparently) ongoing issue is with this retailer before I make some upcoming purchases.

Could anyone tell me what the rub is regarding this site? They look very well established and have positive reviews, generally speaking.

What's been your experience using these guys, and/or what warnings would you offer?

Yes they are a real business. No issues so far for me.

 

[Hutch Piper]

I’ve not had any issues with P&C. Just expect slower shipping cas compared to Smokingpipes, who fills orders within a day (and even same day).

 

[judcole]

I have never had a bad experience with P&C.

 

[khiddy]

For reference, I placed orders yesterday afternoon with both smokingpipes and pipesandcigars. Smokingpipes sent me an email last night that my items had shipped. Still waiting to see a notification from P&C.

By the way, it’s also important to note that P&C is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, the same parent company that also owns CigarBid and now MacBaren.

 

[JoeW]

I've placed 4 orders with P&C since early March, and haven't had any issues at all. Small sample, but there it is.

Their shipping/tracking system isn't the most trustworthy: twice it was accurate, and twice it still said "Processing" after I had already received the orders. The first time, they shipped an order in two separate shipments: one box contained a $2 pipe tool, and the other box contained the remaining $128 of my items. Their shipping department works in mysterious ways.

 

[jbfrady]

I've not had any issues with them, but to be fair I've only made two orders there. I just purchased clearance items both times so they didn't get many of my moneys, but they still shipped quickly. Maybe they just  really wanted to be rid of that shit.

I agree with the OP though, in that I like certain things from p&c that nobody else has. I bought my wife one of their Norman Rockwell ash trays plus a tin of tobacco for ten bucks plus shipping. You just can't beat it.

 

[Hutch Piper]

I've placed 4 orders with P&C since early March, and haven't had any issues at all. Small sample, but there it is.

Their shipping/tracking system isn't the most trustworthy: twice it was accurate, and twice it still said "Processing" after I had already received the orders. The first time, they shipped an order in two separate shipments: one box contained a $2 pipe tool, and the other box contained the remaining $128 of my items. Their shipping department works in mysterious ways.

Same thing just happened to me. I placed an order and for several days the status said Processing. I just received my shipment and it still says that. Not a huge deal but there are times when I do need to know that my package is about to arrive.

 

[Mike N]

I like to order tins from the site sponsors if they are available. For instance, I first tried to buy the new release Sun Bear Honey Locust at SP but its site was overwhelmed, so I searched elsewhere.

It’s also nice to buy online from those that set up at pipe shows whom you have met in person. Last week at Columbus, it was great to speak with the reps manning tables for SmokingPipes, Iwan Reis, Sutliff etc.

Support companies that support pipe websites, artisan makers and pipe shows. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth it sometimes for the long term prospects of this hobby.

 

[newbroom]

I'll not order from them again.

From what I've read that you've posted, you really don't need to buy any more tobacco anyway.

 

[Chasing Embers]

From what I've read that you've posted, you really don't need to buy any more tobacco anyway.

Living on savings and a fixed income now. No more pipes or tobacco.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Inconsistent, inept, and glitchy are words that come to mind.

If they have tins I want at a great price I’ll make a purchase, but if the margin isn’t significant I’ll buy elsewhere.

 

[greysmoke]

They're trustworthy. Not always predictable. If/when they screw something up, they can generally be relied upon to fix it.

 

[gkunkel]

Never had a problem with them