Have You Ever Told Off a Beer Store?

International beverage in GR has a decent rep but i refuse to purchase anything from rishi because i feel he practices most of the same.

 

When buying from him remember all off the things you just wrote about, stick to your guns, and trust yourself and your insticts.

 

I actually just did this two days ago to a beer store I frequent. I went and picked up their last four pack of Great Divide Hercules and a Doom. The total came to $36 and change. I told them that unless they lowered their prices I wasn't shopping there, and I would tell people to steer clear as well. I live WAY out east on Long Island, out in the boonies and there are places that would have charged a good $5-7 cheaper for the total that are closer (but I like the other stores selection). I warned them a few months ago that their prices kept me from shopping more frequently, but they didnt listen to me. Oh well, plenty other stores that will take my $150+ month.

 

Unless it is the only beer store in your area, I don't understand why you keep going back.
Spend your money elsewhere

 

anyone recommending gubna should be discredited regardless of his reasons. just an opinion.

 

Sometimes business forget that we're the reason their bills get paid. They need to earn your business, not vice versa. If you're a regular, they will miss you way more than you'll miss them. And if there's another store somewhat close...give them a shot. Worth the extra few minutes to find someone that understands the importance of good customers.

 

Yeah, I mean its all about giving them an opportunity to fix the problem. Just be nice and polite about it, and then if they continue screwing with people, THEN you get to drop the hammer down, lol

 

As a bartender (and former bar manager), I strongly believe in keeping the customer first. I'd rather guide someone in the direction of something that is more to their taste than something that's more expensive. Anyone trying to do a quick-sell of a higher-priced beer is very short-sighted from a business standpoint. Repeat customers are the bread-and-butter of every business.
Especially in an area of strong competition, pricing isn't everything...but being a decent, ethical human being goes a long, long way.
I personally go back to establishments that actively dissuade me from purchasing higher-priced items, or recommends alternatives. If that happens, I know I've got an owner or proprietor who cares about more than the bottom line.

 

I miss Arbitrator. O the stories he could tell.

 

I don't tell off a bottle shop. I just don't shop there. Even if it is a place that gets stuff I can't get elsewhere or gets it more often. Luckily there are a lot of really good bottle shops in my area where I can get almost everything (at least that is available in So Cal.)

One example. Guy who owns the bottle shop has a tasting event over one weekend. He is pouring but everyone is talking beer together. I mention some beers that a new local brewery is pouring (they do not yet have bottling production). This owner craps on the local stuff and talks about all the stuff he sells that is "heads and shoulders" above the local stuff. I cannot condone crapping on other local businesses that help funnel business to your business. This was a place that had competitive prices and seemed to have more of the rare stuff than other shops, but I refuse to visit the place again. Support other craft brewing (especially local craft) or you lose my business.

 

Don't the highest priced items often bring the lowest margins though? Like the gas station, they don't make shit when you fill up $60 worth of gas. All their profit comes from tic-tacs, powdered donuts, slimjims etc.

 

Really? I used to live in that area and Rishi was nothing but helpful to me for 1+ years and continues to this day despite me only visiting the store when I am in town visiting family

 

That price actually seems about right, after taxes and what not. I paid $20 for doom pre tax before, and hercules is $15 around me. Small shops, especially craft centric shops, don't sell a lot of volume.

My favorite liquor store in Chicago is real small place, and I know the prices will probably be a dollar or two more than the big stores, I still prefer to shop there.

 

Damn. The Dark Horse IPA variety packs here went for $24.99. That still only justifies maybe two bucks a beer, if not maybe a tiny bit more, considering the convenience of breaking up the 12-pack.

 

So in a couple of occasions he has discounted a beer or two for you, and on a couple other occasions (3 is what I believe you said) he has tried to steer you toward a higher priced item than you were looking for originally. Frankly, the only thing that this person might have done wrong is not showing you what you wanted to see first (Dale's) before trying to up the sale.

First of all, lighten up Francis. What you paid is pretty in line for those beers.
Second, this owner barely knows you yet if I'm reading correctly. He probably does this type of thing (you know, being gregarious and making suggestions) to everyone when they walk in. It's called aggressive customer service. He'll probably back off once he gets to know you and finds out you're not as uneducated and malleable as most. He's a business owner and he's trying to make a sale, the bigger the better. All do this. If you feel he is assaulting your virginal sensibilities and want him to be more gentle with you, then that's a discussion you two should have in private.
Third, learn what the word 'gouging' means please.
Last, don't assume that you know how to run his business better than he does. That's quite narcissistic.

Why not just engage the guy and talk prices? Why do you need to "spell it out to them" as if it's a threat? Just mention that you get a few of your favorites somewhere else because it's cheaper there. A simple comment with a friendly smile such as "that one's too expensive for me" will go a long way. He's pegged you as a big spender (said so yourself)--let him know that you appreciate a market-fair price as much as the next guy. Don't get all butthurt because the guy is trying to run a business. It's really not about you.

 

Does this apply to everything and everywhere you shop or just beer stores? Like do you tell a higher end grocery store chain that you won't shop there because they don't have the same prices as a lower end store or Walmart prices?