Calling bottle shops to ask for whales

I work at Total Wine as well.. Same exact for me.

 

I've only ever called a beer shop once looking for Gandhi-Bot. He promptly told me no and then actually called me back and said that he actually had a 4 pack.

I never call stores asking about beer. However, my local go-to shop posts on facebook and updates me as to when they get certain things in. And I don't hesitate to ask them about the new releases when I go in there.

 

I don't call stores asking for whales because whales aren't sold in stores.

 

Not to sound like a dick, but do liquor store workers have the time to answer dozens of phone calls from people calling dozens of stores? ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS!!! It's tough enough trying to figure out what bottle of wine a customer's Aunt Minnie drinks based on vague descriptions, getting (at my store) all of the end of the year deliveries of thousands of cases of wine, beer and liquor which all have to be worked, putting together huge orders for Christmas parties, explaining for the 100th time what the differences between Scotch, Irish Whisky, Bourbon, Canadian Whisky are to someone "looking good bottle of whisky for a present"... Trust me, if you are the 50th person calling for a Propieter's or Zombie Dust you will be dealt with accordingly. If you stop in my store and I recognize you and I have something in the back-I'll tell you. Also, if it appears you are shopping the beer isle and ask, I will tell you what we have. What makes someone a regular? If a manager recognizes you!

It's sad, all of this BS wasn't necessary 3 years ago-it's a new world and everyone is trying to make the best of it!

 

If we get a reasonable allotment of a product we occasionally will just put a case out of sight for the employees to get some through the coarse of the week if they want it and also to dispose of as we see fit. Maybe someone comes in looking for a gift and they know they like a style or brand that fits whats in that case. it's nice to ensure that someone who came in to the store not polarized by any one particular beer is going to get a bottle of something that they didn't realize was a "hot ticket item"Keeping things out of site can serve several purposes. Discretion: being the obvious one even an empty case of an item can lead to a slew of questions ultimately resulting in a disappointed customer. Directing traffic: Especially this time of year I am ball's deep in all kinds of cases at work, If I were to put BCS or something similar in the back stock stacks on the floor I would have even more people than usual just tearing up the stacks I get paid to keep orderly. This is already a pet peeve of mine personally. I'm happy to dig out what ever you want but quit messing up the joint. (which I never say, I just spend more time re stacking cases)
If someone sees a whole case of something like that on the floor at least in the affluent area I live in people will just offer money to take a whole case or certain amount of something I've said there is a bottle limit on. This insults me and I'd rather not have to listen to someone try and bribe me and write me off as an A hole when they don't get what they want.

Allocations get messed up: sometimes someone will get 8 cases of something they should only have gotten 4 or 5 of and the distributor will come take it back from them if its not sold. those cases should not be visible. for all of the above reasons and tack on that mishandling that situation can put you in hot water with a distributor.

I will say this we have a nice early 60s retired couple who has been shopping with us for near a decade. They spend their retirement traveling the world buying and drinking beer. They frequently bring us things from their travels without asking for anything. They think about the employees at my store while they travel the world and bring back things with us in mind. I personally don't hesitate to put something aside for them if I think they would like it. That is the only customer who gets that treatment. they don't get additional bottles of anything. and they don't ask for any, nor do they complain when we don't hold on to something for them. The wife is a girl scout master and stops in every month it seems like with a few boxes of girl scout cookies. She's been shopping there twice as many years as I've been legally drinking, I don't have the heart to say I'm sorry ma'am I won't hold this for you because the internet wouldn't think much of my scruples if I did so.With the exception of a handful of people we like to spread the love, I've pulled out beer from my layaway stash to give to a customer that clearly wanted it more than me. Maybe they made a comment off hand and I think don't i have one of those somewhere? Do I really need that? Probably not I'll see if its still there, If it is I'm always happy to give it up. No one Jokeys for anything at least from us, we don't expect more of any customer than any other. All employees are held to bottle limits. we do everything we can to make sure fair is fair.

 

I work at Trader Joe's and honestly you will always get an accurate answer from us. We don't have any rare beers but some of our stuff gets hoarded by people because they worry about it being discontinued. Also the vintage ale is a great product, buy it and cellar it away as 2+ years of age is where the sweet spot is on that brew. Cheers

 

Another thing about calling stores-a week or two ago someone called about Zombie Dust, we had it and told him so (about 2 six packs left-he didn't ask how many or ask us to save one). He shows up a half hour later when the two six packs have been sold and he starts pissing and moaning about how he drove a half hour to get the beer that we sold.

 

One of my favorite bottle shops often posts their new rarities on Facebook when they get them in...usually around noon or so. I have one of those pesky day jobs that keeps me from beer shopping in the middle of the day, so I'll occasionally call them in the afternoon and inquire if they have any left. If they do, I'll sometimes ask if they can hold one...sometimes they will, sometimes with won't. I don't know if I count as a "regular," but I do shop there for more than just the rare stuff and they recognize me when I walk through the door. I call ahead mainly because it's a bit out of my way and I don't want to waste my time and gas driving over there only to be disappointed. Sure, sometimes they tell me that it's in and it sells out before I get there...that's life. But when I do go in for the rare stuff, I always buy other stuff...even if they sold out of that particular rare beer before I got there. Sometimes I get the last bottle or two in the shop. And sometimes, I'll give up my second bottle to the customer who walked in right after me inquiring about the same beer...yeah, I've got the last two, but I'm happy to share. I mean, it's just beer. They'll make more...

I understand both sides of the coin here and I appreciate that the shop will occasionally hold stuff for me. It's annoying to get tons of calls for the same thing all day long. I worked in toy stores for years...holding stuff for customers (Christmas time especially) sucks. People get pissed off when you're sold out and they get pissed off when you won't hold an item. It sucks. People suck. I always hate asking if they'll hold a beer for me, but they're always nice about it, even if they say no. I don't see the point in getting mad when they won't...again, it's just beer. If this particular shop has sold out, 9 times out of 10, I've been able to find the beer in question a week or two later around town.

 

Liquor stores have phones and employees and at least part of their job description is to field phone calls and provide customer service. So yes, I do expect someone to answer a simple question of mine. If I say "do you have any BCBS in stock?" it isn't too taxing to say either yes or no.

And what do you mean "dealt with accordingly?" Do you mean you're gonna lie to me and be a dick on the phone? Doesn't seem like a good way to treat a customer...and you can bet I won't be spending any of my money in your store.

 

I had a really good experience out in Riverside Ca. At a shop called Los Cerritos Liquor.I spoke to their beer Guru over the phone.He was very respectful and willing to talk beer.He told me he would be there when I was in town and sure enough he wasn't lying.
I showed him my "wanted list" and he brought some stuff out for me from the back...scored some Heady,BrueryWC and some other nice stuff.. he also had some other rares but I didn't have the $ for.
That's what a beer geeks about ..sharing the brew for anyone that is willing to look for it.

Big ups to "Jazz" beer guru.

 

How so? Because terrapinfan has a holier than thou attitude for working at a liquor store?
Where I live, every single one of his FAQ's would not be looked down upon.

I am "new" to the craft scene. This past Thanksgiving, I called up a local store that I rarely ever frequent, simply because of the distance. The guy I spoke to over the phone was polite enough to explain to me that there was a limit on BCBS, what time the truck usually came for deliveries and to call again after a certain hour and he would be able to tell me how much they got in. He understood the distance I had to drive, so when they were potentially getting in some of the variants, he told me I could call him again on a certain day and he would be able to check. I called back, they didn't get any in, but another one of their stores did have some and to call there. I did. I was informed they had a limited supply, so if I would like to put my my name down, they would hold a 4 pack for me.

1. I am not a "regular"
2. Nor am I a "greedy truck chaser". I don't hoard. I don't celler. I don't trade. I drank exactly 1 beer out of each 4 pack I bought and shared the rest with family and friends.
3. This site, and this site alone was responsible for getting me interested in BCBS, which means it could have been any one of these annoyed beer store workers posting in this thread who can't be bothered with the likes of people like me who call them out of the blue and who isn't a "regular".
4. Who is to say that just because I called to ask for a certain beer, I won't be buying anything else from them? Since I called and went to the store, I found that their selection was greater than I thought, so I have been back there a couple of times to buy some beer that my local place doesn't carry.
5. Because the guy who answered the phone wasn't a dick to me, he not only got a sale, but got more sales out of it because I have returned a couple of times.

 

I too also hate the build a relationship I'm here to buy beer and not trying to get a date man! I don't ask for any certain beers when asked you need help or what are you looking for I normally just say something special. If they want to share or say the have a "whale" then ill probably buy.

 

I'm not really a super social guy. I'll talk to the store employees if prompted, but I don't initiate conversations. I frequent a few stores and am recognized, but don't get or expect any special treartment. Just put the fucking beers on the shelf, with a limit if need be, and let people have at them. The "being a regular" and "building a relationship" to get special treatment stuff isolates other less social regulars and eliminates people who are new to the scene from having a chance at some great beers. It's just not my scene. I don't call, I don't ask questions, I'll check your facebook and come in, or come in because I was coming in anyways.

Here's a fun relevant story: A little while back, my wife (who does not appreciate beer as I do) went out to with the intent of buying me a couple nice beers for our anniversary. I don't much tell her names of beers I want or discuss it too much with her, just the basics.

She went into a store near her work (that neither her nor I had ever been to), and told the guy there she was looking for something special for me for our anniversary and asked if he had any ideas or could lend any help. The guy pulled some gems out of the back for her to choose from. To anyone who thinks you can't buy whales in a store, or that some shops aren't hoarding some really rare shit in the back, you're wrong. The funny part is that if I went in and asked if he had anything good in the back, I bet I would never have gotten a whiff of the beers he sold her.

 

Yeah, I've got to agree with ya man. I live in Smyrna and frequent both these places quite a bit. Stout Brothers is much better in the sense that they are a beer centric/food centric kinda place where you'll find some pretty rare stuff. But don't get me wrong, they are pricey too...don't really mind that, as the cost in gas and sanity to get to Greens and Hop City justifies the discrepancy. They've also got some great stuff on tap and had a totally kick ass lineup for their anniversary. Much more knowledgable staff and some good munchies to pair with their brews.

As for Smyrna World, I have mixed feelings.... I have to go there anyway since my wife does not drink beer and they have huge selection of wine and liquor. It's taken the better part of 2 to 3 years for me just to be able to procure the beers we are all searching for. I've had my best friend show up asking for KBS (single bottle for $10.00) when it was in and he wasn't considered privileged enough to get one. I show up an hour later and they sold me one. Not cool. He is a regular as well, but since his palate leans toward less crafty brew, I suppose he wasn't "sponge-worthy." I know the new owner a little bit and am considering just suggesting a way he can keep his regulars happy while not screwing us with jacked up prices. I got a bottle of Black Ops and Sweet Repute recently there for $23 per bottle. He knows damn well that may be gouging but if the demand is there, suckers like me will pay for it. Again, mixed feelings about this place. Somehow now I've made it onto their preferred list and don't want to see that go away for selfish purposes, but I can totally see why it's got a shady reputation.

 

People always seem to forget this. I spend a lot of money on beer and there are a number of decent to great beer stores in the area; thus, I have the discretion to spend my beer dollars at a number of different retailers. By being nice on the phone and providing good service and reliable information, I am much more likely to direct my business to your store. A number of stores have earned my business this way

 

There is no reason why the introverted consumer should be at a disadvantage to the extroverted one -- in this or any scenario. When a limited supply meets a growing demand, then what naturally results are the kinds of things I'm reading here: tactics on the part of the customer, favoritism on the part of the retailer. They are completely realistic aspects of an unbalanced production <<>> market reach, but don't suppose the chatty loquacious opportunist is somehow in a position to lecture others not like him/her. For every socially uninhibited gadfly reaping good favors from desireable sources there are plenty others without the gift of gab who nurture the same passions for beer of a certain quality that's low on quantity. We have no need to make a game of it and I personally feel there's something icky about the insinuation it should boil down to a contest of Mr. Personality.

 

Talking to people who run shops yields lots of different opinions and a good bit of it revolves around the local competitors-mega chains and grocery stores. Unfortunately, bottle shops are getting less of the more rare offerings put out by the more widely distributing brewers (i.e. Bells, Founders) because even the grocery stores now are aware of these and trying to get their own share. More and more the allocation is based on total sales and it is tough for even the best bottle shops which are "chains of one" to keep up with a 60 store chain and now Costco. Everyone wants a piece.

No system makes everyone happy and the sense of entitlement seems a bit off putting by some--albeit I hope a minority--on this site. Because every store's environment is different, I suspect the owners know better than most folks on this site as to what has and hasn't worked while walking that fine line of pleasing loyal customers and gaining new ones.

I would agree with the sentiment that being nice and courteous is never wrong.

 

Seriously, to me a relationship with a person is more than sucking ass so I can be on the cool guy who gets bottle held for him list.

There's enough great beer out there to enjoy, that I don't need to pretend that I enjoy 20 minute conversations where the goal is really just harpooning a whale that's hiding behind the counter of a store that lies about what's in stock.

Excuse me for being not committed enough. But I prefer to drink my beer in a glass, not out of a bunghole.

 

I really hate the process of finding big beers too. One of the local stores here does a nice job running tastings for when a big beer comes out. You have to buy a seat, which includes free beers and usually the rare beer on tap or out of the bottle. Then the opportunity to buy more of it. I also have thought it'd be nice for them to keep a public board of dollars spent behind the counter. That way everyone knows the pecking order and if you're tops on the list you get first crack at a pre-determined alottment. If you don't buy enough throughout the year then you don't get enough of the good stuff.

On a separate note. I'm a fat guy and even fatter cause I drink beer! I don't want to waste the precious calories I can afford to consume on average craft beer. Does that make me a snob? OK then. But I'm not sitting down at home to enjoy my 15th beer of the weekend. It's more like my third. So when I buy beer, I'm generally ONLY looking for the good stuff. Now when I go to the bar with a buddy, I'll drink the usual suspects.

cheers

 

Fellow introvert weighing in here. I don't think you have to be "Mr. Personality" to build a relationship. I've been going to the same neighborhood bottle shop for the last year and a half since moving nearby, and for the first ten months or so I never said a word to the employees. I do, however, buy a mix of everyday beers and special stuff (Pliny, Kern, etc.) when it comes in. At one point, about a year in, one of the employees started chatting with me a little, and now we have short, friendly discussions. I've never asked them to hold beer, but I've asked when stuff is coming in, and they've called the distributor right in front of me to find out. At some point, I may ask them to hold something for me, but I'll take that when it comes.

I guess my point is, these relationships don't have to be like they're between used-car salesmen, and they sometimes take time. And maybe there are reasons beyond scoring rare beers to say a few friendly words.