becoming a regular at new stores

Why are you concerned with "making nice" to them? They should be making nice to you. The whole point of them being there is to sell products. By taking something off the shelf and bringing it to the counter, you are choosing to spend your money at their business. Once they see that, they should be doing everything short of giving you the beer for free to ensure that you come back.

 

OMG MY FAVORITE BOTTLE SHOP SOLD SOME NEWB A BOTTLE OF RARE BEER WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOLDING IT FOR ME BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SUCKING HIS ASS FOR YEARS AND MAKING SPECIAL PURCHASES! I'M GOING HOME NOW TO CRY IN MY CANTILLON.

 

End of thread

 

Contrary to OP's post, a store I'd never been in before sold me a bottle of Sucaba that was in the back. I also bought a 4 pack of Plead the 5th while I was there. Guess what? I'll be going back!

 

OP...Did the guy you talk to at Wise Guys look like the bad guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark?


I used to frequent but stopped going there almost 2 years ago. The store is decent if you're looking for regular year-round stuff but not if you're looking for limited release beers. As far as I know they don't set stuff aside for locals, but instead have these "Limited Release Beer Sales" where they basically draw names from a hat for the opportunity to purchase a bottle. (see link)

https://twitter.com/wiseguysliquors/status/279264371593576451

I remember a couple months ago they tweeted and announced on FB that Founders Harvest Ale was part of one of their special lottery releases, like 2-3 months after the beer had came out.

 

I'd find a new store, Thread pretty much ended there. Beer isn't worth disrespect.
Also a manager in a store, Damn. Dat attitude. I'm the kinda guy that gets a big box of glassware and gives freebies out to anyone, new or old. Regulars just get the "privledge" of getting two glasses. Or something.

 

sounds like a negative Yelp review in the making

 

wow yea looks like just just save up all the limiteds and sell them at once. From their Twitter:

Special release limited beer sale this Satuday, March 16th at 9am at our Merrillville location. We have a limited number of these beers, wew ill collect names for those in attendance and draw once all have entered for the chance to buy Here are the beers that will be released: Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree IPA, Dark Horse Plead the Fifth Imperial Stout. Stone 2013 Old Guardian, Ommegang 15, Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Bigfoot, Schmatlz Funky Jewbelation, Schlafly Single Malt Scotch Ale New Holland Blue Sunday, Founder's Old Curmudgeon, Bruery Sour in the Rye and BROOKLYN BLACK OPS!!!!!! See you tomorrow @ 9am!!!! ADDED to tomorrow's special sale Fat Head Oompa Loompa Cream Stout!

 

Same old question in just another format.

Should bottles be held for regulars.
Should there be limits.
Should all beer just be put on the shelf.

a one time $40 dollar purchase is probably not going to open the pearly gates for you. only time can make you a regular.

With that said one should never tolerate rudeness in a retail situation.

 

I feel the same about West Lakeview Liquors ...tremendous place ...and they ship!

 

Bribing an employee so he will sell you a product that he is supposed to be in the business of selling you?
Not sure that won't just encourage him to treat everyone poorly in hopes of stockpiling bottles from customers looking to kiss up to him. I do understand the stores dilemna with selling limited releases but bottom line is if you are not happy shopping there, shop somewhere else. You shouldn't have to work so hard to buy beer.

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with the fact that I hate Florida State.

 

Geez, I am suddenly very thankful for my Total wine and more. Merriville is close to chicago, they HAVE TO have a good beer store!

 

You are allowed to go to both stores. It is not a marriage just a beer store.

 

That is definitely a possiblity and if I EVER got that vibe of 'holding bottles hostage'...see ya later.

 

Who says it is hard work? I like the people at my local shop a lot. Even had them show up to my groups tastings. I don't see the issue of being social and making friends with people unless you really are just doing it for the goal of getting them to hold a limited beer for you which would be sad.

I say just keep being nice and socialize when you go in and you'll be fine.

 

Exaggerate much?

So you're saying that, in addition to fielding literally thousands of in-person and telephone inquiries every day, beer store staff are going to be just thrilled about having to have individual conversations about beer with every "regular" customer who walks in hoping to work some inside angle on those precious rare bottles? Just when exactly are they supposed to get their jobs done? You know, the stocking and selling of beer?

From now on, I'm going to demand special treatment and free beer from my employer, in addition of course to the paycheck and benefits I already get for doing my job.

 

Oh I agree, being friendly with them is the way to go. I also have invited some beer guys who work at stores i frequent to my tastings. (wish they'd hire some ladies in the beer aisle).
But I was specifically referring to buying (or bringing) a bottle in for the same person that wasn't so nice to you. Your talking about people at your local bottle shop that you are friendly with) You spent time shopping for that bottle, are taking the time to go back to the store and give it to them and are probably doing it with your tail between your legs in hopes of him not being such a d*ck to you in the future.
I think we agree on this but are arguing 2 different issues here.

 

Bingo. You really shouldn't have to try too hard. I realize my prior comments might have come off like a 'bribe,' but I really don't mean it like that. I share bottles because they appreciate what I share because they are my friends that I jsut happen to buy beer from...lol. If they are dicks, fuck em.