Somehow, my previous review has disappeared.
I was absolutely thrilled to discover a local cigar shop and was genuinely excited to support a local business.
The individuals working there are undeniably friendly. However, I encountered an unfortunate situation when I purchased a bundle of cigars, although I cannot recall which specific one, that turned out to be infested with tobacco beetles, rendering the entire bundle unsmokable. In an attempt to rectify the issue, I returned the bundle, excluding one cigar that clearly exhibited beetle holes, and presented them with photographic evidence of the problem. Initially, they attempted to deny the presence of beetles. Eventually, they offered a meager refund of $25. Disappointed with their handling of the matter, I left the $180 bundle in their possession and decided not to return as a customer.
Very regrettable.
Update: As luck would have it, I ran out of cigars and decided to stop by for a single on my way home. Abdul, the owner, happened to be present. By chance, I had a photograph of one of the cigars infested with beetles. Curious as to his opinion, I inquired about it, and unsurprisingly, after nine months, he initially failed to make the connection, but eventually acknowledged the presence of beetles. He then made the connection between my inquiry and the review I had left. "Oh, you're the one who wrote the review," he said. I confirmed that I was indeed the author. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation, explaining that I had returned the bundle the very next evening after purchasing it in an attempt to assist them. However, the young man working there(his brother)had aggressively denied the presence of beetles. Furthermore, Abdul claimed that he had overheard the conversation from the back room and that I had been offered a refund or replacement, which was entirely false. I informed him that the employee had insisted it was not beetles, and as a result, I left the remaining cigars on the counter and, yes, I was quite angry. I confronted Abdul, asserting that no reasonable solution had been presented to me, and the following day, I was only given a credit of $25, which I found to be unsatisfactory. Abdul appeared slightly irritated, yet maintained a polite demeanor. However, apart from extending his hand for a handshake, there was no genuine effort to rectify the situation. I reluctantly shook his hand, but I now regret stopping by the shop again. My anger has only intensified. Despite maintaining a polite tone, it was clear that I was displeased. Nevertheless, he assured me that this was the only bundle that had ever encountered such an issue, and their supplier claimed it was likely an isolated incident. I am relieved to hear that. Additionally, I am grateful that I had not placed those cigars in my 2000-count humidor. At this point, my only consolation is that even though I am just one customer and not particularly significant, I spend thousands of dollars each year on cigars elsewhere... I have no intention of damaging his business; I genuinely hope they thrive. I am merely recounting my experience and expressing my frustration. Based on my encounter, I have decided to revise my review from two stars to just one, as either Abdul lied about being present during the incident or he failed to address the issue as the owner himself at the time. He mistakenly claimed that I had been offered a refund or replacement, which I believe I should have been. Unfortunately, he missed the opportunity to regain my trust as a customer and rectify the situation that day as well. One complimentary cigar and an apology would have sufficed. I genuinely hope this review serves as a lesson for you, Abdul. While you have lost me as a customer, perhaps my interactions can help retain other patrons, and I sincerely hope your business prospers. I can only hope for better...
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