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Value sourcing

Factory seconds, overruns and private labels are not the same thing.

This registry defines the claims before the site starts attaching premium-brand names to cheap unbanded cigars.

TermWhat it meansWhat it does not prove
Factory second

A cigar sold below first-quality presentation because of a documented cosmetic or production-grade issue.

Does not automatically mean the blend is identical to a named premium cigar.

Overrun

Extra production beyond an intended order or allocation when that explanation is actually documented.

“Overrun” is often used loosely in marketing; require a source before linking it to a flagship.

Unbanded

A cigar sold without a normal retail band.

Band absence tells you almost nothing about blend identity by itself.

Private label

A cigar manufactured for a retailer, club or another brand owner.

Can be a completely unique blend even when made in a famous factory.

Rebrand

The same or materially identical product sold under another label.

Strong claim: publish only with direct evidence for the exact product.

House brand

A retailer-owned or retailer-exclusive brand.

May be contracted to a known factory, but factory identity alone does not reveal the liga.

Evidence policy

Cigar Price Watch should only label a product as a confirmed rebrand, same blend or specific factory second when a manufacturer, factory, brand owner or similarly strong source identifies the exact relationship. Retailer hints such as “from a famous Nicaraguan factory” are useful context, not proof.

Why this matters for price comparison

A $4 unbanded cigar can be excellent value without being a $14 flagship in disguise. The useful comparison is documented lineage plus live price-per-cigar — not mythology.