Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Delivery

How are cigars packed for shipping?

Every order is picked directly from our Spanish cedar humidors and sealed inside a thick, airtight barrier pouch accompanied by a complimentary Boveda 69% two-way humidity pack. This maintains an optimal 65–70% relative humidity throughout transit. Parcels are packed in robust, plain cardboard boxes with no external branding or tobacco markings to ensure privacy and security.

Why do you have a £230 minimum order?

We operate on a wholesale-tier pricing model for private collectors and aficionados across the UK. By setting our minimum order at £230, we absorb all delivery costs on Royal Mail Tracked 24 rather than inflating individual stick prices with hidden shipping surcharges.

How fast does delivery take?

Orders placed before 2:00 PM Monday through Friday are dispatched the same day. Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivers to almost all mainland UK addresses the next working day. If you require guaranteed delivery by 1:00 PM the next day, Royal Mail Special Delivery is available at checkout for £9.95. The Scottish Highlands and Islands and Northern Ireland typically require two working days.

Do I have to be at home to sign for my parcel?

Yes. Under the Children and Families Act 2014, tobacco products are strictly age-restricted. Royal Mail couriers are legally required to verify that the recipient is 18 or older and request a physical signature. Couriers cannot leave tobacco parcels in an unattended safe place or porch. If nobody is available, the postie will leave a card for free redelivery or collection from your local delivery office with valid photo ID.

Cigar Provenance & Storage

Are your Cuban cigars genuine English Market Selection (EMS)?

Without exception. Every box and pack of Cuban cigars we sell is imported through Hunters & Frankau, the sole official UK importer for Habanos S.A. Each box carries the green English Market Selection (EMS) inspection seal, the official Cuban government warranty seal with micro-printed serial numbers, and the factory date code hot-stamped onto the underside of the box. All UK tobacco excise duty and 20% VAT are fully paid.

How is your stock stored prior to dispatch?

Our entire inventory is maintained inside commercial Spanish cedar walk-in humidors held steadily at 65–69% relative humidity and 18–20°C. We monitor hygrometers daily to ensure leaves remain supple, aromatic, and free of moisture fluctuations.

Can I smoke my cigars immediately when they arrive?

Yes. Because your cigars travel inside a sealed pouch with a fresh Boveda 69% pack, they arrive in prime smoking condition. If you plan to store them, simply transfer them to your desktop humidor or airtight tupperdor with the Boveda pack provided.

Payment Methods

How do I pay by UK bank transfer?

When you complete your checkout, your order is registered and inventory is reserved. Our payment details are provided via our customer support live chat rather than unencrypted email. Simply open the chat widget, provide your order number, and our team will share our UK business account details. As soon as your transfer clears, your parcel is queued for dispatch.

How do cryptocurrency payments work?

We accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC). Upon selecting crypto at checkout, you will receive our dedicated wallet address and a scannable QR code along with the exact network specification. Once the transaction confirms on-chain, your order is automatically marked as paid.

Returns & Replacements

What happens if my cigars arrive damaged or cracked?

We inspect every cigar prior to packaging, but if a parcel is damaged by the courier or cigars arrive cracked or unraveled, we will replace them or issue a full refund immediately with no argument. Simply contact us at info@southernsmokecigars.com within 14 days with your order number and a photograph of the damaged items.

Can I return an opened box of cigars?

Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, sealed accessories (cutters, lighters, humidors) can be returned within 14 days. However, because premium cigars are natural organic goods sensitive to ambient climate, statutory cancellation rights do not apply once the outer box seal, cellophane, or EMS warranty sticker has been broken.