Swedish snus and the shipping problem

[the_vape_nerd]

So after reading a few posts here I went and delved into snus briefly.

Here are some assumptions I've made and I'd just like confirmation on these:

1. The snus itself is not really all that expensive. The shipping is what can make it so.

2. There are not any sellers of real swedish snus in the U.S., that will ship the stuff domestically because of the PACT.

3. Local shops can sell it to you but the supplies are quite limited if available at all.

 

[The Rebel]

So after reading a few posts here I went and delved into snus briefly.

Here are some assumptions I've made and I'd just like confirmation on these:

1. The snus itself is not really all that expensive. The shipping is what can make it so.

It isn't. Some are more than others depending on brand and perceived quality. I think you pay more for the name sometimes

2. There are not any sellers of real swedish snus in the U.S., that will ship the stuff domestically because of the PACT.

No actual manufacturers of Swedish snus in the US. Just the fake Camel and Marlboro. General sells in the US but only to licensed vendors like tobacco and cigar stores

3. Local shops can sell it to you but the supplies are quite limited if available at all.

I've been able to find General only at this time. I believe that will change if the demand continues to rise. Right now, although snus has been around Europe for decades, it isn't well known in the US so the market is small. I'd like to see that change for sure, but as with everything in the US, it'll be taxed like crazy and probably not cost effective in the long run

Just my thoughts...

 

[ridethespiral]

So after reading a few posts here I went and delved into snus briefly.

Here are some assumptions I've made and I'd just like confirmation on these:

1. The snus itself is not really all that expensive. The shipping is what can make it so.

2. There are not any sellers of real swedish snus in the U.S., that will ship the stuff domestically because of the PACT.

3. Local shops can sell it to you but the supplies are quite limited if available at all.

1) Snus is really, really cheap. Got that right. Because USPS will NOT ship tobacco, you are stuck with UPS which is expensive. In Canada, we have the option of using Swedish Post which then gets handed over to Canada post. We are at great risk of having our packages opened and charged extreme customs fees and duty. I've never really heard of that happening to shipments to the USA though.

2) Same thing in Canada. At least you can find general for ~$5 a can. It's $20 a can at a tobacconist here.

3) Same up here as well. I've only seen general, and even that was slightly difficult to find.

 

[hittman]

Even with the high shipping you can get the price per can down to around $4 or less if you place a good size order. Also there are specials where you get four or five free cans for each roll you order. Snuscentral has a coupon code on their site right now for 10% off for first time orders that they run all the time and have another for everyone for 10% off that is running until I think june or july.

 

[rothenbj]

It's quite a conundrum. When I got started, like anyone else that never used snus, I had no idea if I'd like it or not. I just took a chance and went to a Swedish site, found a sample pack with 10 different brands and ordered it. That was over 3 years ago and snus was incredibly cheap and shipping was the same way. My second order was much more of the same because I was hooked. I was getting the cans delivered for under $2 a can. Since brand didn't/doesn't matter to me, I bought a lot of what I really liked and other stuff in grab bags to discover other things for the future.

Today it's much different. Even with a decent sized order ($2-300), getting the price in the $3-4.00 per can range takes some work. I have a good supply in my freezer and most cans hold up well. In my mind the white portions are the best long term and I have a preference for that type which is fortunate for me. Others prefer the classic that seems to vary in storage comparability.

If I were starting out and can't find a local supplier, I'd look for a General supplier near you at Log On. There are a handful in N.O. that have there sample, Americanized brands and they are reasonably priced but short on count. It looks like a handful of somewhat local stores. If you like it, search the Swedish sites for grab bags where you just buy cans of different stuff and bite the bullet on either price or quantity and go from there. Good luck.

 

[the_vape_nerd]

I'm going to hunt down some General this weekend.

In the meantime, I got two flavors of Camel Snus just to see if I like the stuff. It turns out I like it a lot. I will still vape but this is pretty handy for times when you can't.

 

[hittman]

The camel frost was the first one I ever tried. I knew from trying it that snus was for me and the rest is history.

 

[the_vape_nerd]

this one says camel mint snus...i guess its the same with a new name....i also go the mild non mint one....is the swedish stuff much better?

 

[The Rebel]

Worlds better. American snus is like candy to me now that I've dived into the Swedish pool. Plus American snus has a lower nicotine content which didn't help at all with cravings. Swedish snus rocks my cravings for close to two hours at a time. And American snus is actually more harmful for you than Swedish. I would venture to say that is has the same level of Nitrosamines as chewing tobacco. Don't quote me on that, but I believe it is correct.

 

[Stubby]

Worlds better. American snus is like candy to me now that I've dived into the Swedish pool. Plus American snus has a lower nicotine content which didn't help at all with cravings. Swedish snus rocks my cravings for close to two hours at a time. And American snus is actually more harmful for you than Swedish. I would venture to say that is has the same level of Nitrosamines as chewing tobacco. Don't quote me on that, but I believe it is correct.

The studies that I have seen (I'm not going to dig them up but they are out their) show Camel snus has the same low TSNA levels as Swedish snus. There is no reason to believe it somehow becomes more risky just because RJR makes it. I do agree the Camel snus is way to sweet to use all day. I much prefer the salty swedish.

Oh..... I hope you know that chewing tobacco has traditionally been very low Nitrosamines comparable to snus. Dip has been a bit higher but has gone down significantly in recent years.

 

[The Rebel]

The studies that I have seen (I'm not going to dig them up but they are out their) show Camel snus has the same low TSNA levels as Swedish snus. There is no reason to believe it somehow becomes more risky just because RJR makes it. I do agree the Camel snus is way to sweet to use all day. I much prefer the salty swedish.

Oh..... I hope you know that chewing tobacco has traditionally been very low Nitrosamines comparable to snus. Dip has been a bit higher but has gone down significantly in recent years.

Thanks Stubby for the great information. I know there is a difference between the way American snus is made compared to the Swedish snus. I thought I read that because of that, Swedish is safer than American. I need to do some more reading, but can you clarify the differences between the two? Thanks!

 

[rothenbj]

Both Camel and Swedish snus are pasteurized rather than flue cured which probably accounts for the similar safety profile. I agree with stubby based on what I've read and Elaine Keller's comments on Camel snus from someone that works at RJ Reynolds. The only thing I haven't read anything about is how they get the sweet flavor for Camel products. That always concerned me as far as mouth health.

I had the same experience with Hitt since I bought Camel before my order arrived. There might not be as much nic in it, but I was able to stop smoking as soon as I took my first portion. The one caveat was that I had already reduced my Cig habit from 2-3 PAD to six cigarettes over 7 months with E cigs. That made the mountain easier to crest.

 

[thinkfastholsters]

Im lucky to have found a local cigar shop chain in the Richmond, VA area that carries General. I still have a strong desire to try Thunder Coola and Berry but im not paying that shipping just to buy a couple trial cans :/

 

[rothenbj]

Think, the only way it makes any sense to order from Sweden now is to wait for a sale/special offer and make a huge order.