ok ive never been to any cigar events but i read somewhere that they often have free sample of whatever cigars they are promoting. Is that true? there is a rocky patel event at a shop near me and was wondering if it was worth checking out( 45 min drive).

It is possible that they may have some freebies, but in my experience, events are more discount oriented.  For example, buy 3 get 1 free.  That being said, I've been to a Rocky event and they are fun, but it really probably depends on the actual cigar store's atmosphere.

Most of the cigar events in my area offer a free cigar (whichever one they are promoting), then a 3 for 1 deal or 4 for 1 deal depending on the brand.  Sometimes they have raffles for people that made purchases or other freebies, like if you buy a box, you get a hat or t-shirt in addition to the 3 for 1 or whatever deal they have going.  For me, 45 minutes might be a bit out of range just to get a free RP, but if you are going to check out the shop, enjoy a couple sticks and have some buddies to go with, I would give it a shot.

Quotenwb - 8/6/2010  3:50 PM

It is possible that they may have some freebies, but in my experience, events are more discount oriented.  For example, buy 3 get 1 free.  That being said, I've been to a Rocky event and they are fun, but it really probably depends on the actual cigar store's atmosphere.

Been to several RP attended events, NO FREEBIES...

so are the major multi brand cigar shows the only hope for freebies...

It really depends on the event, I think. I just went to a La Gloria Cubana event about a month ago and they were giving away a free cigar to try and had a buy 3 get 1 deal going as well.

In general the shops I go to will have specials and raffles and very, rarely freebies. They are fun to go to meet people, meet reps, and cigar "celebrities" so to speak. I go if its someone I want to meet or a brand I want to learn more about. Even if they were giving away a free stick I wouldn't drive 45 mins for it if I wasn't interested in some other part of it.

Yeah I decided to go to my local shop instead. Got a hand full of various olivas and a few free empty boxes to boot.