Camel cigarettes mailing list - RJ Reynolds Tobacco - unable to get on mailing list - poor customer service experience

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on January 29, 2003:

From: Ronald Reynolds [Email User] RE: Camel cigarettes mailing list - RJ Reynolds Tobacco - unable to get on mailing list - poor customer service experience

Let me start out by saying that I am 27 years old and have been smoking for about 5 years. I moved to my current address about 6 months ago, shortly after, I called 1-800-camelca to update my mailing address records so that I could continue to receive coupons, catalogs, promotions, ect. I left the new info and received an age verification form in the mail. I promptly filled out the form, enclosed the necessary photocopy of my NY state drivers license and mailed it back. I received another request for this info a week or two later and ignored it figuring I already sent one, no big deal.

Some time later I bought a promotional pack of Camel cigarettes (buy 2 get 1 free or something like that) and there was a form inside. I didn't recall getting any mailings, coupons ect. from Camel so I decided to mail another form. The form requests that you send a copy of your photo ID and that if your address is different from the address on the ID you must also send proof of address. When we moved all of the utility bills were put in my wifes name (I was out of the state at the time).

Lacking any utility bills with my name on them, I photocopied my three most recent pay stubs (blacking out SS# and other sensitive info) and sent with a copy of my NY state drivers license with the old address. Still nothing in the mail from Camel, so I called the toll free number again. The CSR (customer service rep.) told me that I was not on their mailing list and she would send out an age verification form, I stopped her there. I explained everything that I've detailed above, all the way up to the pay stubs (which are mailed to my correct address) she verified that they had in fact received that particular correspondence but that it was not sufficient proof of address, and she told me she would mail another form.

I told her about the utilities in my wifes name, and that my license has the old address. She told me she would mail another form. I live in New York and getting a new license printed is too expensive just to ensure that I receive cigarette coupons. The CSR was useless and just insisted on mailing another form, even though it will do me no good, I told her what I had to prove my address and she said she'd mail another form "just in case" I got a utility in my name or a new license.

I understand they have to be careful not to mail promotional materials to those under 21, but I am over 21, and have a valid drivers license to prove it. I work and my paychecks are mailed to my home. I was so frustrated that the CSR just talked in circles, I asked for a supervisor, but none were available. Cigarette coupons are not overly important, customer service is. Oh well, Marlboro still sends me their stuff, sorry R.J. Reynolds, I'm off to flavor country with them instead.

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To Whom it may Concern:

I am a camel mild smoker in South Africa, and have smoked camel for the past 15 years. A few years ago you changed the cigarette filter, the new filter does not die as easy when you put out/kill the cigarette. If you leave the cigarette burning, the filter burns under there is nothing left of the cigarette. This has resulted in hole that was burned in my couch. I friend of mine recently change from camel to Rothmans because first problem.

I sure that the cigarette are not SABS compliant.

PLease give me your input

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I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH WINSTON LIGHTS SOFT PACK. THE LAST 3 CARTONS I BOUGHT EVERY ONE OF THE STAMS CAME OFF THE PACK. THIS IS THOROUGHLY DIGUSTING WITH THE PRICE OF CIGARETTES NOW.

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Its certainly sounds, to me, like you got the short end of the butt.. (every pun intended). :)

I have no doubt you worked all possible channels only to end up 'empty handed' and that. .truly is a bummer.

I think you said it best.. when you realized. this was not overly important. However.. while im on yur side. i woulda figured, yu'd of said , not a pre-req.. no worries. potato.. camel, hehe. ;) ..

I live in Iowa.. our state taxes just went up .. due to the "great" governor.. a buck a pack.. folks are freakin out now.. its.. $4.50 for marlboro, $ 4.29 camel.. ..

Coupons are great.. i appreciate them.. hardly get them.. thats how i ended up here.. heh.. tryin to get a few.. i used to be a favorite of Camel.. i got Camel cash on my Bday back in the day.. it was great :)

But ive come to one .. not quite startling conclusion..

I can only attribute my payin 2 dollars a pack as opposed to almost 5 bucks a pack.. over a period of just a few yrs to 2 major things..

a) folks who claim they didnt realize that smoking was bad for you, even though. we both know.. first time you smoked, you coughed. and yur body said, "hrmm.. not good".. and still file claims for 'they didnt warn me' (watever) an sue these companies.

b) Govt. taxin the crap outta smokers. (they figure we'll smoke, so we pay )(notice i didnt say drinkers, cause 'our' highly paid official need their alchy :P

So.. while i agree with you .. i think.. yur grievences should go much much deeper. im glad anytime i get a coupon from any for smokes for 50 cents. and realize. even then.. the problem goes further. i should just quit.. till then..

Do what I do.. buy a machine. 20 - 40 bucks, investment.

Buy your Tubes (usually 200 a box) and a pound of tobbacco.

Roll yur own, 11 dollars a carton. :)

Yurs truly,

Agreed :)