What is an "Online Humidor" and how many of you have one?

[souldog]

During a contest thread, a member stated he currently has XXX amount of boxes in an "online humidor" (as seen here: http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?...st&p=691486). The remark created enough interest in a handful of young CPers, so at the direction of Gary, a new topic is created.

As the topic poses, what is an online humidor, and how many of you have one? Is it really a form of a "lay-a-way" system, as Gary alluded to in his post?

Thanks for your responses BOTLs. I'm sure myself, Amateuraficionado, and Doc Wylie thank you in advance for your knowledge.

 

[grateful1]

You buy from a vendor, who then stores them in a temp/humidity controlled location.

edit - while most lay-a-way may have you paying a portion of the price(like at a Walmart or something)....with cigar vendors you pay the asking price of the cigars.

 

[Ginseng]

If you mean online humidor in the sense of one managed by an entity other than oneself, then an OH is simply a bonded, insured facility that is environmentally controlled, and secured where one stores purchased cigars. This is in contrast to humis or coolers we keep in our own home or place of business. The key thing is that one has full time, real time access to the stock and the disposition of the stock. This is what distinguishes it from simply renting a locker at the local B&M. As I understand it, it is not a "layaway" situation as the cigars are fully paid for.

How's that?

Wilkey

 

[grateful1]

If you mean online humidor in the sense of one managed by an entity other than oneself, then an OH is simply a bonded, insured facility that is environmentally controlled, and secured where one stores purchased cigars. This is in contrast to humis or coolers we keep in our own home or place of business. The key thing is that one has full time, real time access to the stock and the disposition of the stock. This is what distinguishes it from simply renting a locker at the local B&M. As I understand it, it is not a "layaway" situation as the cigars are fully paid for.

How's that?

Wilkey

Yea..I edited my post - I was confused! :blush:

 

[amateuraficionado]

So is it just a vendor who holds your smokes for you, or is it actually a separate facility where one could store cigars, much like furs, under controlled temp. and humidity?.... like mini storage for cigars, if you will. If it's simply the vendor, is there a charge associated with storage?

 

[Ginseng]

In my experience, these are managed by vendors, typically provided as a no-charge service for customers, and storage is off-site of the main distribution and sales fulfillment warehouse. Although some vendors have several large storage facilities so in some cases it's hard to tell for sure where this stock might be retained.

I don't know of any "pay to store" cigar storage and warehousing facilities but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Wilkey

 

[grateful1]

So is it just a vendor who holds your smokes for you, or is it actually a separate facility where one could store cigars, much like furs, under controlled temp. and humidity?.... like mini storage for cigars, if you will. If it's simply the vendor, is there a charge associated with storage?

Yes....it is (as Wilkey stated) a bonded/insured/controlled location.

Sometime's the vendor runs it...sometimes it with the wholesaler.

Most places like this are not at the 'shop'....although some may be.

Is there a fee....depends on the storage location.

-----------------------------------
Ugh...when I thought of 'lay away'...I thought about paying for it and picking it up later. I forgot that most only require a small payment....so, sorry!

 

[LilBastage]

This sounds like it could be trouble for some people. :laugh:

I had never heard of this until today. I'm not sure I'd take advantage of it at this point, but it's nice to know it's out there for the day I begin my new life as a gypsy.

 

[alexgtp]

If you mean online humidor in the sense of one managed by an entity other than oneself, then an OH is simply a bonded, insured facility that is environmentally controlled, and secured where one stores purchased cigars. This is in contrast to humis or coolers we keep in our own home or place of business. The key thing is that one has full time, real time access to the stock and the disposition of the stock. This is what distinguishes it from simply renting a locker at the local B&M. As I understand it, it is not a "layaway" situation as the cigars are fully paid for.

How's that?

Wilkey

This is exactly what it is.
Thank you for explaining it perfectly.

Also this is not a LAY AWAY PLAN. All ciagrs have been purchased and are only being stored until I am ready to accept them.

 

[MoeCizlak]

I would assume this varies from OH to OH, but is there a minimum amount they will ship to you when you so desire? If you have five or six boxes stored, will they only ship a box or would they send a fiver or so if you ask?

 

[Ginseng]

I think it makes sense that they deal in full box quantities. Otherwise, they'd probably end up spending an inordinate amount of time sorting through boxes, pulling and packing fivers. I wouldn't do it if I were in their position.

Some OHs will require a minimum number of boxes to be in inventory. X number to open an "account" and at least Z boxes in stock at all times.

Wilkey

 

[tone-ny]

I have a virtual humidor, the vendor owns the cigars and I covet them

 

[tigger]

I have a virtual humidor, the vendor owns the cigars and I covet them

:laugh:

I can't add much to what others have said, other than the fact that at least some vendors who provide this service also require that the OH "owner" not have any boxes shipped within six months of purchasing them.

 

[tsmckenney]

Is this a 'hide it from wifey' thing?

 

[tigger]

Is this a 'hide it from wifey' thing?

For me it's a combination of a "no room for more coolers" thing and a, "it's easier to age them if they're many, many miles away" thing.

 

[Doc Wylie]

I have a virtual humidor, the vendor owns the cigars and I covet them

ahhhhh...Now I understand! All this time I've had a virtual humidor and never knew it. :laugh:


Seriously, I think I now understand how the OH concept works. I guess I can see the merits in having a few boxes of cigars that may be difficult to find on short notice or perhaps limited editions and such stored away in controlled conditions...but otherwise I'm still puzzled about how an OH is of benefit. What am I missing?

 

[MoeCizlak]

I have a virtual humidor, the vendor owns the cigars and I covet them

:laugh:

I can't add much to what others have said, other than the fact that at least some vendors who provide this service also require that the OH "owner" not have any boxes shipped within six months of purchasing them.

If I may ask, what is the reasoning behind this stipulation?

 

[Doc Wylie]

Is this a 'hide it from wifey' thing?

For me it's a combination of a "no room for more coolers" thing and a, "it's easier to age them if they're many, many miles away" thing.

OK...both reasons make good sense.

 

[Ginseng]

I can't add much to what others have said, other than the fact that at least some vendors who provide this service also require that the OH "owner" not have any boxes shipped within six months of purchasing them.

If I may ask, what is the reasoning behind this stipulation?

The intention is that this is a longer term storage facility and not a rapid-turnaround, pseudo desktop humidor. I supposed it is also to inject a bit of discipline with regard to "cellaring" one's cigars and, again, to minimize the time and effort required to go in and pull sticks or boxes on a frequent basis.

Wilkey

edit: One way you might take advantage of this is for example, if you buy a box and find that you like it, but don't have room to store several boxes, then you can cellar a few boxes at the OH. Once the cigars in your box start smoking the way you like, then start calling in boxes for continued consumption.

 

[Yeahthatsme]

It's also used to buy cigars during the summer, right? So they don't get shipped and potentially ruined in the heat.