MrPerfecto
Well-Known Member
Higher Retail Prices Equals Cheaper Cigars 
Over the last 5 years we’ve seen a big shift in the cigar market, and we have hit a point where higher retail prices are actually translating into cheaper cigars for the average smoker.
Here’s why:
Covid inflation & free money effect: During the pandemic, prices on everything went up—including cigars. At the same time, people had more disposable income (stimulus checks, less travel, etc.), so they spent more on cigars. Even auction sites like CigarBid were booming, with people chasing bids and paying higher prices than ever.
Boost in production: With demand spiking, cigar companies scaled up production. The result was massive growth in both volume and retail pricing.
The slowdown now: Fast forward to today. Inflation has tightened wallets, and people simply can’t buy retail cigars every day like they did before or during covid. Demand has dropped off hard. Rail prices are higher then ever.
Oversupply & boutique competition: Meanwhile, boutique brands are popping up like never before. Pair that with an oversupply of cigars from the big producers, and what you get is downward pressure on prices across the board.
Example—Oliva: One of the clearest examples is Oliva. In 2021, they struck a deal with CigarPage, and suddenly you could find Oliva sticks for $3 or less. Pre-covid, I struggled to even land Oliva Firsts under $5 at auction, and Oliva Saisons usually went closer to $4 per stick. Seeing Oliva this cheap was almost unheard of.
And while it’s tough to dig up hard proof of those earliest 2021 drops, here’s what we do have documented:
April 2023: A 10-pack Oliva sampler for $29 shipped (~$3 a stick).
March 2025: CigarPage ran a “10 cigars for $20” bundle including Serie V, Melanio Maduro, Serie O, Serie G, and Black Swan—just $2 per stick. Forum chatter even noted that Oliva has a stake in CigarPage, which explains how they can unload inventory at fire-sale prices.
Industry pressure: Since Oliva is one of the biggest players in the industry—and widely considered a top-quality brand—their pricing moves force the hand of other companies. When a giant like Oliva is selling high-grade cigars for $2–3 a stick, it’s hard for anyone else to justify charging more. That’s why we’re now seeing coupon codes on boxes, aggressive online discounts, and brands competing with deals like never before.
Bottom line:
Sure, you’ll still pay more at retail in your local B&M—but that’s more about choosing to support your community of cigar smokers than it is about stocking up your humidor. And not everyone even lives close to a lounge, so factor in fuel costs and it gets pricier still. For day-to-day buying, the real story right now is more selection, more competition, and cheaper deals—if you know where to look.
Over the last 5 years we’ve seen a big shift in the cigar market, and we have hit a point where higher retail prices are actually translating into cheaper cigars for the average smoker.
Here’s why:
Covid inflation & free money effect: During the pandemic, prices on everything went up—including cigars. At the same time, people had more disposable income (stimulus checks, less travel, etc.), so they spent more on cigars. Even auction sites like CigarBid were booming, with people chasing bids and paying higher prices than ever.
Boost in production: With demand spiking, cigar companies scaled up production. The result was massive growth in both volume and retail pricing.
The slowdown now: Fast forward to today. Inflation has tightened wallets, and people simply can’t buy retail cigars every day like they did before or during covid. Demand has dropped off hard. Rail prices are higher then ever.
Oversupply & boutique competition: Meanwhile, boutique brands are popping up like never before. Pair that with an oversupply of cigars from the big producers, and what you get is downward pressure on prices across the board.
Example—Oliva: One of the clearest examples is Oliva. In 2021, they struck a deal with CigarPage, and suddenly you could find Oliva sticks for $3 or less. Pre-covid, I struggled to even land Oliva Firsts under $5 at auction, and Oliva Saisons usually went closer to $4 per stick. Seeing Oliva this cheap was almost unheard of.
And while it’s tough to dig up hard proof of those earliest 2021 drops, here’s what we do have documented:
April 2023: A 10-pack Oliva sampler for $29 shipped (~$3 a stick).
March 2025: CigarPage ran a “10 cigars for $20” bundle including Serie V, Melanio Maduro, Serie O, Serie G, and Black Swan—just $2 per stick. Forum chatter even noted that Oliva has a stake in CigarPage, which explains how they can unload inventory at fire-sale prices.
Industry pressure: Since Oliva is one of the biggest players in the industry—and widely considered a top-quality brand—their pricing moves force the hand of other companies. When a giant like Oliva is selling high-grade cigars for $2–3 a stick, it’s hard for anyone else to justify charging more. That’s why we’re now seeing coupon codes on boxes, aggressive online discounts, and brands competing with deals like never before.
Bottom line:
Sure, you’ll still pay more at retail in your local B&M—but that’s more about choosing to support your community of cigar smokers than it is about stocking up your humidor. And not everyone even lives close to a lounge, so factor in fuel costs and it gets pricier still. For day-to-day buying, the real story right now is more selection, more competition, and cheaper deals—if you know where to look.