Thoughts on what happend to me today ?

it's just bourbon county though.... not like it's anything special anymore

 

That's a shitty story and I would be pissed too. I think the unfortunate lesson to be learned is that we have to accept we are usually just a face in the crowd, even if we are regular customers or if we think we have a personal relationship with the employees. There are lots of people trying to spend their money, especially during a once a year special release like this. While everyone should be treated like the only customer they have, it's just not realistic all the time. Your only options are to overlook this, and become a little more cynical, or write them off and tell everyone you know to do the same. Completely up to you which way you want to handle it.

 

Not giving the guy on the phone an excuse but imagine all the calls they got over the past 4 days. He may have assumed you knew about a list. I'd talk with the manager and ask him why a list is so secretive that a regular doesnt even get informed about it early on? I guess you know for next year. But that feels like bad CS all around. Never assume anything especially with a limited product. Now if next year they out right lie about a list, and then asking if youre on it, you know the list was a made up thing they did. Did you see a physical list?

 

I liked the earlier reply in which a BA recommended a conversation with the manager.

Double down and let him know that if he denies you a right to purchase a product, he is practicing bad business. And say it in a matter-of-fact way but not condescending.

 

I can be an evil bastard if I need to, and this would be it!

 

Minnesota is the same way but at least 2 people ship here so just try a few folks and see if something works.

 

I would find a new store.

Look let's not pretend otherwise, if you brought it up 4 or 5 times in the previous weeks and not once did the kid say something about the list then there's a good chance it was intentional. I'd wager it's something along the lines of them not wanting to add another person on the list for whatever reason - maybe you're not regarded as a notable regular, not liked by the kid or the manager, or whatever. There's some clique-y things going on at some places these days, and I've seen it from both sides.

 

Are we talking like, raw eggs evil, or is torture too kind?

 

The question is, did you get any? If you didn't, then you didn't want it bad enough. The same thing my father would say to me. Gotta have a backup plan in case something like this happens with your store.

Trade some local PA stuff for a couple bottles. Its in abundance right now my brother! Drive to Trillium, Treehouse or Hill Farmstead and make it happen with some trades. (Ship from a different state if there's a legal issue to do so.)

 

I had a similar experience this year with a very small shop I go to regularly. I had talked to the owner several times. Fortunately I was able to get eight bottles from other stores like Total Wine and Wegmans. I really like to solicit small business, but I expect better treatment for the increased price I pay over big stores. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet, but it will likely depend on the next conversation I have with these owner. I'm fortunate enough to have other options close by with better selection.

 

Personally I have had similar a experience more than once.. the rage will fade and you will. Come to realize as I did.. that your beer fate lies in your hands and your hands only.. I leave nothing to chance because when I'd do.. be it at work or beer some fuck is going to drop the ball.. my advice.. suck it up and change the way you look at your relationship with these people.. the kind of service/ relationship you want with them is more rare than harder to get than any beer on this site .. by expecting it you will be setting yourself up for further disappointment. . take matters into your own hands.

 

I can't say I'd disagree with what you're saying. 4, 5 times is bs, plain and simple. At the 5 or 6 stores in my town that sell craft, I'm stupefied at the lack of knowledge about beer with employees I've dealt with. I just talked to a manager that couldn't tell me what days their trucks came in!! I've been offered Rochefort 10 for the $1.99 singles price. Like Saul Goodman said: "Conscience, can be expensive." To me, it sounds more like a CF situation than intentional, but if they are playing favorites, then he'll find that out soon enough. Clear the air, make it known that you would like to give them your business if they treat you like a valued customer, and if they screw it up after that, the gloves are off, and word of mouth is the kiss of death for his store.

 

I agree. I'm a regular and on first name basis with the guys at my local bottle shop. They have lists for some rare releases but even if I'm not on the list, they still look out for me for some of the really good releases.

 

I would personally choose to spend my money elsewhere moving forward. I have worked hard to develop a relationship with the beer manager at my local store to ensure that I don't need to be standing in line or rush to the store the day a limited release comes in. Taking the time to stop and shoot the shit with him about beer each week and occasionally dropping a couple bottles of something I enjoyed from outside of our local distro has paid it's dividends.

 

I understand your frustration and most of what you say is unacceptable behavior on their part - but you really can't say he lied - he might not remember you visiting twice when he may see thousands of customers a month.

 

I hate to break the news to you, but you need to move. It seems the only plausible solution.

 

That's some bullcrap! If they won't make it right, find elsewhere to shop.

 

how often do you go to this store? once a week?

i have 2 local go-tos that are within 10 miles from my house and are on my way home from work, plus they have a great selection. i have 2 other go-tos in PA that are roughly 25 miles away, they have stuff i can't get in NJ so it's worth it to me. BUT i don't visit the PA shops more than 1 time every 2-4 months.

so i understand driving an above average distance for a shop with good selection but if you have to deal with BS then find a new shop.

beer should be fun, not frustrating.

 

So I get why ur pissed. However I never assume anything. Initially I would hAve asked how they were releasing it and when he said by a list, then I would have asked to have been included. Never assume!! Should he have volunteered the info? Probably. But hedge ur bets.

 

I'd start looking for a new store.