IPCPR Raises Membership Dues for 2017

Today, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers’ Association (IPCPR), the cigar industry’s largest trade organization, announced that it would be raising dues effective Dec. 1.

The biggest change will be that it will now charge retailers based on how many storefronts the retailer operates:

• Tier One (1 Store) — $450 (Three Badges)
• Tier Two (2 Stores) — $600 (Four Badges)
• Tier Three (3-5 Stores) — $750 (Five Badges)
• Tier Four (6+ Stores) — $900 (Six Badges)

Previously, retailers were charged $395 annually for three badges with the opportunity to purchase additional badges.

The organization will offer a $50 discount for any dues paid by Jan. 31, 2017—meaning the increase will be only $5 for retailers with one store.

Retailers will still be able to purchase up two additional badges for $150 per badge.

Other badges issued to non-exhibiting members, i.e. those falling under the Broker, Supplier, Internet-Media, Domestic & International Distributor headers, will also now pay the $450 price, though the $50 early payment discount is also in effect.

For manufacturers and companies that exhibit at the show, i.e. associate members, there is also a new fee structure, determined by annual sales:

1. Up to $1 million— $750
2. Between $1-5 million — $900
3. Between $5-$20 million — $1,500
4. Over $20 million — $2,950

Those fees are just for the membership, they do not cover any additional fees for booths. Additionally, there is no $50 early payment discount.

Finally, a $100 reinstatement fee will be issued for any member whose membership lapses.

In an email, the IPCPR stated that rising legal and lobbying costs related to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) new regulation of premium cigars prompted the organization to raise its fees.

The 2017 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show begins July 15 in Las Vegas, Nev.