Breweries Privately Contacting You

I don't think it is strange, especially if it is a smaller brewery but if their prices are that significantly more then I see no reason to not continue doing what you're doing. They want to eliminate the middleman it sounds like (more profit for the brewery).

 

I'm curious, did you respond? If so, did you let them know their price point kind of makes it hard for you to justify purchasing direct from them?

In general, I enjoy purchasing things direct and "cutting out the middle man" because that typically affords an opportunity to build a relationship and save a few bucks. If they (the brewery) want that option to be desirable to the public, their prices should reflect that. Seems like sour grapes on their part.

 

I think that is blatantly rude. I would respond back with a brief email along the lines of:
- Your deposit is outrageous
- You also cost more than my bottle shop
Feel free to explain your gouging, and then i will explain my purchasing patterns.

 

The $150 keg deposit actually covers their price for the keg. The Brewers Association started this program to cut down on lost kegs.
http://www.kegreturn.com/about/

http://www.kegreturn.com/keg-etiquette/#cost

 

I'm all for supporting the source, but if they're making it that much more difficult to do so then it makes it that much more difficult to want to do so. Especially when we're talking about a consumable product like beer.

 

So much for using your real name on the internet huh? bit yea. Some will learn, some will not.

 

I would have replied with the price you paid and then ask can they sell it for that or somewhat close. You think it would be cheaper?

 

Yeah this deposit is normal. I know that quite often (in NYC) bigger distributers have been known to "accidentally" take empty kegs from smaller craft competitors when picking up at bars. Replacing kegs is a big expense for a small brewery.

 

It's illegal in Indiana to buy a keg directly from a brewery. I've only had places Friend me on Untappd or Follow me on Twitter. Nothing as personal as you described.

 

There needs to be a middle ground though, if said brewery wants their customer to purchase direct from them, they can't slap a $150 on every keg to protect themselves from theft. Sounds like a sound proof way to deter potential customers.

 

While you can absolutely use your real name on Untappd if you wish, most do not. There is an in-app messaging service that allows users to communicate with each other. Kinda like beermail here.

 

I have never seen a deposit so high. I always thouhgt deosits covered the scrap cost of the keg. IE if the deposit is 35 bucks (what I usually pay) you can only get 25-30 for it at a scrap yard.

 

I did have a brewer contact me to inform me that the beer I purchased in NW Arkansas is not legally distributed there. I don't think they were over the moon with my rating.

 

I would always think deposit would cover replacement costs or amortized replacement cost on something like a keg. Its certainly worth more than scrap value to the brewers.

 

Keg loss and theft is something that breweries have to cover with higher prices on the beer. A $150 deposit would be refunded on return. I wish I could rent a car with only a 20% "deposit", rather than be responsible for full replacement value.

 

I personally would've told them politely to go eff themselves. They're ruining themselves by charging so much, and its just rude to inquire about your buying habits. That's not how customer service works!

 

Seems shady to me personally. If they are a smaller brewery, they should also be supporting those stores that are willing to put their beer on the shelf. This seems like they're skirting their business partners, which I'm sure the store wouldn't be too happy about.

Yes, I understand they should make their money. There is a difference though in marketing the fact you sell beer at the brewery, and directly soliciting business away from your partners.

 

In light of what @WiscoTerr said, I would consider mentioning this to the retailer. They may appreciate this insight as I'm sure you are the first (or last) person to experience this type of 'customer service'.