I heard in here recently that JR's was partially bought out.
Who? Altadis?
Due to an "overstock" condition in my humidor, I hadn't done any business
with JR in a couple years.
Now, I find their customer service sucks, their prices are mediocre, and
their shipping makes anything but small orders too pricy.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/8f879b108b623f2e

That's pretty much what I've read over at A.S.Pipes [I pretty much just lurk
here at ASC]. JR Cigars was bought by someone, either altadis or lane
limited or one of those bigger companies, and their customer service sucks
and for us pipe smokers on the other end, the shipping makes it not worth it

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/6fead194d05d5d48

Yeah, they purchased controlling interest several years ago:
[link]
Even though Lew is supposed to still be presiding as President and CEO, I
wonder how much influence he actually has on the company these days...
--Brett

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/049d1fb68569da46

news:pNkbj.1645$1q4.922@trnddc06...
Evidently not a lot in the CS area. JR's is about 180 degrees from what they
were a few years back.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/a05d0a8147f7ab88

sorry, I disagree, although there is no great weekly specials, just
how many cigars does one need to buy to make it through an entire
year? In my case, if I replenish 250 cigars a year ( 10 boxes..)
that's alot. So one can pick the right time to buy from JR and for
certain cigars, they are the lowest price. JMHO......

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/d66db80e7c9260bf

I agree with Bob ... yah, Lews hype is amusing, but some of his
specials are really good, and his local store is a lot more reasonable
than most of the boutique stores around here for a few singles. If I
want to beat his prices big time, then it's a big internet search
(Cigar Express is good) We like a number of the Fuente products and

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/ff25c4ef4a326ccd

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:02:58 -0700, "Tom S." <t.m.s.w...@cox.net>
wrote:
In all the years I've used JR, any customer service issues were solved
with a single email.
The only thing I agree with is the shipping cost.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/f4801a75f40314ac

In article <jljbj.8231$3b7.5...@newsfe23. lga>,
[of JRCigars.com]
I've never had anything but stellar customer service from them.
Who has better prices?
Who beats them on shipping?!
The "new" shipping system was quite controversial for a while, but Lew
spelled things out (using small words, and typing slowly ;), and I

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/ec4ad6821d344404

On Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:02:58 -0700, Tom S. typed:
I've always had great service and fast shipping from JR, and Lew's
prices are rarely beat. YMMV....

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/1408bf792fe0578e

"Serge Dasara" <nos...@aol.com> wrote
I have always had good luck with JR Cigars. They seem to have the brands I'm
looking for (except for two) and their shipping costs are competitive.
Customer service is as good as other retailers. And equally important is the
relationship with their customers. JR Cigars and Lew Rothman have been very

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/7bf0c234cb1df5ed

Yep, Altadis.
[link]
I have had "personal" issues with Mr Rothman for some time, but in all
fairness, I have to say the JR's is still one of the best places to
buy cigars. The prices are reasonable, the shipping is fast, the few

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/c8234587ba573812

On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:05:48 -0600, Mickey <Mic...@NOSPAMFatHounds.com>
wrote:
I have pretty much shifted over to Famous & Mike's as long as they have
what I am looking for. That fact, coupled with Cigar Cyclopedia price
comparison, I haven't done much with JRs this last year.
-
Pegleg
U.S. Navy Retired

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/64bf7f8d046135e0

Couldn't have said it better m'self.
JRs is STILL my go-to for domestic smokes, even though I've bought
many a box from other vendors.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/ab6913cd46fdc2b6

I agree - I now purchase about 90% of my cigar purchases from Holts because
of this reason. I find they've got great customer service, and I'm willing
to pay a bit extra for quality service.
ror

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/db0006d832e0c8a2

A years worth would get me about a $100 S&H charge, or about $25 at other
places.
Well, first, I want to order when and how I want, not how it suits JR's.
Also, on many JR is no longer the best price, including most that I
gravitate towards. MOF, he doesn;t carry many lines that I buy regularly,

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/d1bf495d18e720aa

I agree with Bob ... yah, Lews hype is amusing, but some of his
specials are really good, and his local store is a lot more reasonable
than most of the boutique stores around here for a few singles. If I
want to beat his prices big time, then it's a big internet search
(Cigar Express is good) We like a number of the Fuente products and

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/40c8db8f157ff07e

In 11 years, I've only had one other issue that had to go to customer
service and that was probably 7-8 years ago.
This most recent instance was handled in an arrogant, "tough shit" manner.
My answer to that is "Bye".

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/bce421c3e0baebb2

CI, Atlantic, Mike's (for some things).
Mike's, CI, Atlantic...
Yeah...like a cheap cutter for the golf bag. He dropped the price to one
cent (yes, $0.01), yet you pay $2.50 shipping.
See above...and those are just the ones I deal with regularly now.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/b33b092399ab259f

Yes, they're good...but not what they used to be, and others have taken up
the slack.
The one CS response I got this past week was more than enough to smash the
years of good service I got.
BTW, the issue was Camacho Havana and the price in the X-Mas catalog ($68)
vs the web site ($102). Yes, their packaging went from 20 to 25, but do the

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/95d9674f3c34e648

Quite.
And, like I said, when you add S&H for more than three items (especially
five packs).
Yes, JR does sell five packs at a discount rate, but many times the saving
are obliterated.
I guess he needed to hire people that could only do simple math :~)

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/3865e98010e57c0b

"Tom S." <t.m.s.w...@cox.net> wrote in news:qqBbj.8345$E01.3139
@newsfe22.lga:
Patrick McManus has the same style as Dave Barry, but
McManus is funny.
B. (Gotta love Rancid Crabtree.)

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/c8b8ef6a5c7e7380

On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:38:58 -0700, "Tom S." <t.m.s.w...@cox.net>
wrote:
So after 11 years of good service, you say "Bye" because some customer
service rep pissed you off??
If a clerk at Wal Mart was rude, you would never go back?

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/15ab51e524234ef0

In article <3v6um31dh8d33qkap8954utert6e0 p0...@4ax.com>,
I read this as: "I've been smoking cigars for 11 years. About 8 yrs
ago, JR demonstrated that they tolerated people with no customer service
sense in their customer service department. I don't do business with
those kind of people."
Many of us will never enter a Wal*Mart [a second time], because they

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/3fe4df2ad249952e

Nope, I did two follow-ups by email...same general resposne. Also, some
other things (see below).
I expect that level of service at Wal-mart...not JR's.
If I was shopping at ANY store for some years and they started to go
downhill, I'd start pulling back. It's the other things that gave me some
pause (S&H, among other things, like them not having best prices anymore),

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/4246fe3c61b5c1b2

...
Who'd you hear that from?
When they run ads for job openings, they get something like 180 apps for
every opening.
They also hire people that no one else will, such as ex-criminals (under
strict supervision), and many others who couldn't get a job anywhere else.
You should be glad they give those folks opportunities. How much of that

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/0fd25668c00289b5

On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:00:02 -0700, "Tom S." <t.m.s.w...@cox.net>
wrote:
Let me get all this straight-
Some background info-
I have always received pretty good service from JRs.
Last time I ordered from them, was about 4-5 months ago. One box of
maria mancinis, and three bundles of connies.
When did their S&H costs change? I did not notice anything too out of

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/8a5b31ae5e681e8d

On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:00:02 -0700, "Tom S." <t.m.s.w...@cox.net>
wrote:
I just went to their website. Now it is $2.50 for each item it
appears.
"Even free stuff." Which seems pretty stupid on their part.
I guess if one ordered a box or two of more expensive smokes, the
$5.00 is not a deal breaker, but I do see where it can add up on

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/1f965a0756a59fbf

I used to order a lot of pipe tobacco from JR's but with the new
shipping rates not so much, I still buy most of my cigars there though.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/4d17849a246be015

In article <eYHbj.48586$K27.25...@bignews 6.bellsouth.net>,
I thought tins of pipe tobacco were one of the things that went to 10c
(or whatever) to account for the shipping and make it "all work out" --
no?

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/66c4bd30745f92f0

Not sure who bought a pices of JR's but I know in NJ they had big
plans for a highway store and could not get a liquor licence so with a
big highway location that makes for a big $$$ loss for them. Most of
the smaller shops in NJ have better selections and pricing so for JR
to survive it would take the Lounge

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/7f419604e9445d0c

I'll have to go and see if they changed it AGAIN. It used to be $2.50
each for the first 5 items (a sleeve of 5 tins was considered 1 item).
Then it went to $2.50 for every item individually (each tin in the
sleeve was charged $2.50 shipping).
I admit that even with the shipping charge the price is still pretty

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/027863e845f77427

As mentioned, I wanted a couple of cheap cutters for my golf bag. JR had
them at one cent, and $2.50 each for shipping.
Great deal, ya know -- a fifty cent clipper is now $2.51.
Is it so hard to just calculate the appropriate charge when the order is
tallied up?

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/a331fdc80dff0d5f

Oh my dear friend, you must have drug coverage.......For those of us
that do not, Wal mart still is the leader in the 4 buck genertic drug
prescription, and I for one use it extensively....way ahead of the
others except for Target and they offer a larger selection...
On Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:58:17 GMT, Miss Elaine Eos

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/86867cc668012f08

In article <pRRbj.11847$m6.8...@newsfe18. lga>,
a) They're $1, here.
b) ...but that's only if you walk to the door. Getting a guy to bag it
up & bring it to your door would cost extra.
$2.51 for a $1 cutter delivered to your door is quite a deal, actually!
Yes.
(Feel free to suggest a scheme that scales to JR's staff &

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/e161f09168ef8d2f

Miss Elaine Eos <Misc@your_pants.PlayNaked.com > wrote in

Correct. Packing problems are one of the ways mathematicians
earn their keep. When I was in grad school, FingerHut (in
Omaha) hired a professor and 3 of his students for the Summer
to work out an algorithm for deciding which size box to
pack an order in. Their current algorithm was using up

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/787ae0e027716242

On Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:50:44 GMT, Miss Elaine Eos
How 'bout this for a scheme:
Free shipping on all orders over $250.00.
I'd buy way more stuff to try to save a couple of bucks. <BG>

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/edf7b41cacb6fae5

On 25 Dec 2007 00:10:16 GMT, Bart Goddard <goddar...@netscape.net>
wrote:
That's another thing:
I REALLY, REALLY HATE PACKING PEANUTS!!

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/32d431f05b90cb1b

Their current algorithm was using up
You get a box and look at how your product fits, and if there is too much
room, you get a smaller box :-)
JJ

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/b4b9f59199fb5150

jeremy <jer...@dcnet2000.com> wrote in
WHAT??!! And trust your employees to make a decision? Are
you MAD, man?
B.

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/48376caff224fb1f

Geez Tom .... you been out of the loop for quite awhile now. Lew sold
out at least 3 or 4 years ago if not 4 or 5 years ago.. He really aint
got no control anymore and you can tell that by the operations of the
company, the offering they have and what they have done within there
humidors in the stores. They still have a good selection and good

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/cd6231c34f821028

On Wed, 26 Dec 2007 05:30:11 -0800 (PST), "JtN©"
They even let JtN prance unbridled in their humidor! The horror!
CigarBaron

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/b3099b92e0c1375c

He took the dog collar off?
Bob (moonshine does funny things to the memory!)

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/42739fe04c3bb2a9

Yes ... amazing what happens when Lew no longer owns the place.
JtN ©2007

Full Source: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.smokers.cigars/msg/2a5018fb6a0879da