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SpuddsBuckley

Lurker
Nov 26, 2024
26
42
I've never had a smooth transaction with PipesandCigars.com – After 3 failed attempts, I stopped using them altogether. There are plenty of better options out there like Smokingpipes and Tobaccopipes. And I recently discovered a place out of the Boston area called Watch City Cigar that has an excellent selection of tobaccos you won't find on the major sites. They shipped quickly and have reasonable prices.
 
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Pooh-Bah

Part of the Furniture Now
Apr 21, 2023
586
5,511
32
Central Maryland
Over all my orders (only three or four) haven't had any bad experiences, but they do seem to have a reputation for incompetence so I've stopped rolling the dice, personally.
I rolled the dice some more to hoard War Horse and snag some HH; each order I've placed with them over these few years has had less packing material than the last and more advertisements for other business.

Judging by the tins all just clattering about unimpeded in the box that last shipment, I'm sure I'm only one or two orders away from the enterprising lads at P&C figuring out how to ship tobacco without using a box.
Or maybe it'll be mixed in with a neighbor's Chewy order, with a note to please finish the delivery for them.
 
Dec 9, 2023
1,385
16,994
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I've never had a smooth transaction with PipesandCigars.com – After 3 failed attempts, I stopped using them altogether. There are plenty of better options out there like Smokingpipes and Tobaccopipes. And I recently discovered a place out of the Boston area called Watch City Cigar that has an excellent selection of tobaccos you won't find on the major sites. They shipped quickly and have reasonable prices.
TobaccoPipes is being shut down in a few days as will Cup of Joe’s. Both web stores were owned by Mac Baren and are being folded into Pipes and Cigars.
 
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Brad H

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 17, 2024
608
4,582
No issues with P&C.
Always had good customer service (for me at least)

Going forward after Sutliff/Mac B crash I don’t think there is much I would order from them.

I’d prefer to support other companies though.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong but was Hearth & Home exclusive to P&C
I never looked elsewhere to buy it and don’t recall seeing H&H elsewhere.
 
Dec 9, 2023
1,385
16,994
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
No issues with P&C.
Always had good customer service (for me at least)

Going forward after Sutliff/Mac B crash I don’t think there is much I would order from them.

I’d prefer to support other companies though.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong but was Hearth & Home exclusive to P&C
I never looked elsewhere to buy it and don’t recall seeing H&H elsewhere.
No, you could buy Hearth and Home products from other stores like SmokingPipes but I think P&C offered the entire H&H line.
 
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wyfbane

Lifer
Apr 26, 2013
5,980
8,516
Tennessee
In my time smoking (started 2011-ish), no one could beat the clearance sales at P&C. Not perfect, they sent me a lb of Shannon (meh) instead of Limerick when it was temorarily being discontinued. Their packaging is rough. as long as you buy 5+ tins, they wrap them, in my experience.

Will I use them post Mac Baren betrayal? Maybe. But their appeal was having the best sales and the more robust selection of H&H and Sutliff sourced stuff. It looks like SP will be my guys moving forward.
 
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SSGT.

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jul 7, 2024
242
1,387
Sealy Texas
I've only went through them a couple of times and haven't had any issues with them. I do still prefer Smoking pipes because they take the time to actually give a description of what you're buying. and give more information before you buy.
 
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Jan 8, 2013
7,736
3,524
Over the years I've never had any issues with them, other than thier less than stellar packing. I recently put an order in so I hope their packing has improved.
 

TriedPiper

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 23, 2024
219
211
Western NY
I placed an order for the 'Lights Out' combo on P&C. The page said Only 4 Left! - So I had to get them. I topped off my order to get the shipping discount and placed the order.

The combo went out of stock so P&C only sent me the 4oz bulk that I added.

I have called twice and both times they said that they only charged my PayPal for the 4oz bulk since the combo item was no longer available. My PayPal currently shows that they charged me for the full amount. The second time I called, P&C said that the full amount is only a hold amount and that it COULD take 45 days for the remainder of the charge to drop off. Well that sucks. It's now been 48 days, no change. I guess I'll need to call them again.
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
17,248
32,379
46
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
I might have said this before. I would say the biggest problem with them is customer service. It's lack luster. Sometimes when they make a mistake, which every single company ever will do because to err is human. And while they do fix it. Many of the stories sound like once they have your money they're not going to prioritize your satisfaction.
What really makes the difference is that merchants are always competing with each other. When there are other merchants with decent prices and great above and beyond customer service, then that extra mile makes all the difference.
So if they have something I truly want that isn't available I won't hesitate to order from them or if they have an exceptional sale (mostly what I've I bought from them are discontinued blends or cigars that they still have in stock, including older Seattle Pipe Club made by Lane that were great examples of aromatics). But I won't assume that the packing will be great or that the shipping will be timely or that if I contact them about issues that it won't be frustrating. If you accept that then they're great. But the bottom line is other tobacco sellers have given me a better experience.
 

SpuddsBuckley

Lurker
Nov 26, 2024
26
42
I placed an order for the 'Lights Out' combo on P&C. The page said Only 4 Left! - So I had to get them. I topped off my order to get the shipping discount and placed the order.

The combo went out of stock so P&C only sent me the 4oz bulk that I added.

I have called twice and both times they said that they only charged my PayPal for the 4oz bulk since the combo item was no longer available. My PayPal currently shows that they charged me for the full amount. The second time I called, P&C said that the full amount is only a hold amount and that it COULD take 45 days for the remainder of the charge to drop off. Well that sucks. It's now been 48 days, no change. I guess I'll need to call them again.
Sounds par for the course for them. I've been through the ringer with them on credit charges, incorrect items being sent, refund disputes, you name it. In fact, I'm still dealing with an unresolved problem that started late LAST YEAR, and that's why I've stopped using them altogether. I recommend smokingpipes and my new favorite watch city cigar – they're based out of Boston and have a great selection. And they ship your order the same day you place it.

Hope your case with P&C is resolved soon!
 

TriedPiper

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 23, 2024
219
211
Western NY
I placed an order for the 'Lights Out' combo on P&C. The page said Only 4 Left! - So I had to get them. I topped off my order to get the shipping discount and placed the order.

The combo went out of stock so P&C only sent me the 4oz bulk that I added.

I have called twice and both times they said that they only charged my PayPal for the 4oz bulk since the combo item was no longer available. My PayPal currently shows that they charged me for the full amount. The second time I called, P&C said that the full amount is only a hold amount and that it COULD take 45 days for the remainder of the charge to drop off. Well that sucks. It's now been 48 days, no change. I guess I'll need to call them again.
Okay, so I called P&C this morning and talked with a CS Rep. I was told that the hold could take UP TO 45 days to fall off from my PayPal account. The 45 days does not include Saturdays or Sundays.

I wish that I would have learned this earlier in my conversations. Will try again in 2 weeks and report back.

Interesting. This same exact scenario happened twice in the last month with TobaccoPipes due to their stock dwindling down. Both times with TP, my PayPal money was credited back the very same day. How's that for customer service!