Every so often we hear from disgruntled smokers who’ve ordered from so-called “Havana cigar merchants” — both in the UK and abroad — and ended up disappointed. Buying cigars online can be a pleasure, but it can also be a gamble if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Here are some insider tips to help you choose wisely.
Why Choosing the Right Merchant Matters
When you buy cigars in person, you can inspect the box and talk to the merchant. Online, you rely on trust — and unfortunately, not all retailers play fair. Some will ship out their second-rate stock while keeping the finest boxes for walk-in customers.
At Simply Cigars, it’s the opposite. Our internet and mail order business is our only business. We don’t have a walk-in shop to “keep the best for” — so our customers always come first.
5 Red Flags When Choosing a Cigar Merchant
Keep an eye out for these warning signs before you buy:
- No Address or Phone Number
If there’s no real contact information, walk away. - Sealed Boxes Only
They may look impressive, but sealed boxes can hide poor wrapper colour or worse, tobacco beetle damage. - No Guarantee
A trustworthy merchant should replace or refund if cigars arrive damaged, don’t arrive at all, or aren’t up to scratch. - Suspiciously Low Prices
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Lower prices often mean cutting corners on quality. - Unknown Storage Conditions
Cigars need the right humidity and temperature. If a merchant won’t disclose storage details, be cautious.
What to Look for in a Reputable Merchant
- Country of origin
We believe the UK — and especially English Market Selection (EMS) cigars — offers the most consistent quality in the world. In the UK, EMS cigars are imported and quality-checked by Hunters & Frankau, who have safeguarded Havana quality for over 200 years. - Opened, inspected boxes
All Havana boxes imported to the UK are opened and checked by Hunters & Frankau, then again by us at Simply Cigars. Anything sub-par goes straight back. - Correct storage
Cigars are living, breathing products. Always ask: where and how does the merchant store their stock? In the UK, professional merchants train their staff in the handling, storage, and service of Havana cigars.
Why Simply Cigars is Different
Although you can’t hold the cigars before buying, we’re happy to check factory codes, box dates, and wrapper colours to suit your preferences. And with email support that’s fast and personal, buying online is as convenient as it is reliable.
Want to Explore Further?
If you’d like to find some of the UK’s finest cigar specialists, visit the Association of Independent Cigar Specialists.
Or browse our curated collection of EMS-certified Cuban cigars at Simply Cigars — where quality and authenticity are always guaranteed.