Beer stores that keep the sought after stuff "in the back"

Seemingly. Better than bottle shops that don't get anything and keep ipas on the shelves for 1 year+

 

Some do, some don't. Lots of stores do it differently

 

Exactly, we can't really generalize this. It's to the preference of the owner or store manager in regards to their clientele in that area.

 

the worst scenario is the stores that not only keep it in the back room, but jack up the prices (I'm looking at you CT)

 

Happens all the time. Also, and I'm not trying to be a dick, but this topic comes up all the time. Some will say the practice is fair while others will compare it to kicking puppies in the face. Personally, I don't care if a store wants to hold stuff for their important customers but many around here do.

 

Happens at my favorite spot too. I was browsing one night and the owner happened to be in the store and we got on the topic of Permanent Funeral. He says "we have one in the back if you want one." Of course I did.

Ive been in that store every week for over a year and they even update inventory on their website. Never once was Permanent Funeral listed or put on shelves.

Then a few weeks ago the cashier asked if I wanted the last pack of Zombie Dust. Never have seen Zombie Dust in there either. Great find since it was only a week old

 

You guys are now on the inside. Stop looking a gift horse in the mouth.
And remember, the first rule of buying back room beers, never talk about buying back room beers.

 

I have no problem with rewarding folks that keep you in business.

 

Happens all the time. Doesn't matter if it's beer, wine or liquor.

 

What city are you in? But this thread pops up every once and a while, and I'm usually in the minority by hating the fact that shops do this

 

I don't care for the practice either. If this store is open to the public then the merchandise should be on the shelf for the public to purchase.

 

This subject seemingly comes up a couple weeks after each big (highly publicized) releas of small (highly limited quantity) beer. There's really no way for a shop to keep everyone happy on these things. Either it goes on the she'd and the regular customers, the ones always there spending money are pissed, or they are behind the counter, and those not in the know are. IMO, for releases that a store gets a case or less, behind the counter is fine, with or without mention on social media.and those who want can ask. For releases of more than that, shelf should be encouraged.

 

One of the realities of beer distribution is that when there are short supply, high demand beers going into the marketplace somebody has to made a decision as to which of many possible customers gets the option to purchase and how.

You can do it in such a way that a few one-and-done truck chasers and/or early birds who can get off work get first access and can quickly clean the item off your shelf and inventory list.

You can do it by lottery (if you can figure out a legal way to do that within state and federal alcohol sales laws, but be sure and have a good lawyer on retention, just in case).

You can do it by ensuring that the people who support you and help you stay in business get first option to buy. In all cases you can sell more than you have.

So from the perspective of the retailer which do you choose?

As a regular customer who spends most of his beer money in a very few places because they do things like keep their beer stock fresh and will order me a case of anything that comes into PA in bottles if they can get it, my preference is to have that loyalty rewarded by being offered first option on the hard to get stuff.

 

Alternately, for beers that are sold with a limit by the retailer, I wouldn't mind a sign in the beer section or at the register:

"We currently also have the following beers (list with quantity) - just ask a salesperson." ​

This would help solve the problem of stocking beers on the shelves and people attempting to buy more than the limit, or having to constantly restock the shelves with only the allowed limit. And eliminates the "insider" aspect that only those in-the-know or "friends" of the staff gets the limited beers.

I remember a few years ago, finding a stack of six or so cases of Nugget Nectar on the "floor" along with all the other beers, bringing a case to the register and as I was paying for it, a manager walked by and voided the sale saying it was limited to 1 sixpack per person. (WTF? This was a year when there was no particular shortage of NN and I'd bought multiple cases at that store in previous years). With a sign I wouldn't have tried to buy a case - instead I would have driven down the highway to the next door and bought it (which I did, anyway, after being told of the limit).

Or the time I asked "Excuse me, do you carry XYZ Ale?"

"Oh, yeah, we keep that in the back and only sell it to customers who ask for it."

"Uh, OK," I said to the back of his head as he walked away, "Can I have a bottle?"

 

Living in Vermont long lines and sellouts are an everyday reality. Weekend (or midweek) warriors come up to Burlington/Waterbury/Montpelier and pack up their cars with hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars of beer. I appreciate the determination, but it also kills me when I have to endure a 30 minute queue at the Bevy on the way home from work just to pick up a single 4-pack or bomber.

So, if I've found a place or two that rewards me as a local customer by hooking me up with some backroom stash before or after "rush hour", I chalk it up as just being friendly to a regular, say thank you very much, pay, and go on my way. It's similar to niceties in other industries (buybacks at the bar, free dessert after dinner at the restaurant) ... just a little perk for being loyal shopper.

 

If you don't see it on the shelf, always ask. You never know what they have back there that they just can't fit on the floor.

 

Just to play devil's advocate, the examples you offered at the end wouldn't cause others to miss out on anything like they would be if bottles were being held for the lucky few

 

The more popular craft beer gets, the more this is going to happen. I rarely saw this 2-3 years ago. Now I wouldn't be suprised if every single shop around me does it. I know at least 75% do.

This is why I trade more now!

 

Second the trading more point. Only way to get limited stuff nowadays it seems