KBS price gouging

Lueken's?

As to the price of KBS, I can remember getting this wonderful brew as an extra in trades I made. I guess that's....history.

 

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is vote with your dollar. Refuse to buy from shops that pull those shenanigans. Sounds like a lot of others already have done so if KBS is still in the shop there. There will always be someone who will buy it though, even at that price.

You should just try to make a trade for it if you want some. Us folks here in Michigan don't get Cigar City and some of us (ahem) I'm sure would be happy to make a fair trade.

 

I've only received KBS as an extra in trades. For 3 years running now.

No that would not be a dick move. A store manager realizing something he's selling at a reasonable price is "too sought-after" and pulls it from the shelf then increases the price by more than 300% is ridiculous.

 

The store owner has the right to it, obviously. You probably won't get far w/ Founders if you call, but I'd do it anyway. What I absolutely would NOT do is go back in and negotiate with him. That's just rewarding bad behavior.

 

Shit yea you should drop some names. $20 a bottle, really??? I remember when this stuff used to be easy to find on the shelves during season.

 

Gouging? Sorry but in no way is it gouging. Way up SRP yes, but not gouging. It is just beer.

 

Yeah, I really hate the use of the term "gouging." This isn't water after a natural disaster; as you said, it is just beer. (And I say "just" in comparison to what I view as legitimate instances of price gouging, not to diminish my or anyone else's love for these fantastical brews.)

 

I agree with the OP in terms of it being way overpriced though, I certainly would pay more than $5.99 a bottle for it and it is my favorite beer of all time.

 

This... is entirely accurate. Beer cannot be "price gouged", as it's entirely a luxury item. People really need to learn the definition of price gouging.

That said- it's a downright ludicrous price. My one and only recourse to seeing or learning about a price like that would be to stop patronizing that store. And tell the owner why. Not aggressively, not arguing with him, just clearly stating that selling beer at that much of a markup results in the loss of my business.

If that was the only good bottle shop in my area... I have no real idea what I'd do. I've got 3-4 in my area, so if I had to ditch one, I'd still be OK.

The sad thing is... I bet he sells out of said KBS. Maybe not at that markup... but it'll move eventually.

 

I love KBS. I mean love KBS. But $20 a bottle is absolutely ridiculous and I would spread this stores name and unethical practices on every board you can. Sure they can charge whatever they want, but if they have the right to do that, you have the right to bitch about it and spread the word.

 

I don't know what the markup on KBS is when priced at ~$5-$6 a bottle. But it seems like the KBS release -- and any others that people go nuts for when it comes out -- might become a real pain for them.

They seemingly spend a bunch of time crafting a policy for distribution of their 1-3 cases, yet even 72 bottles at $5 profit each isn't paying for a European vacation anytime soon.

They field a bunch of phone calls from non-patrons trying to grab a few bottles, which is pretty much a waste of time for them since they're going to sell the beer regardless. And if they price discriminate, then they get ripped on message boards.

It just seems like a royal pain for not too much payoff. I guess the payoff might be if you can leverage your KBS into improving non-KBS sales, i.e. by encouraging people to spend at your store for a chance at KBS. But unless you really leverage it well -- and even then, it's probably hard to do so with just 1 case, for example -- it seems like a big pain in the butt for a store [owner].

Any of the guys who work at shops care to chime in?

 

The phone calls asking for KBS they hate, but people coming into the store looking for it, and likely buying other stuff while they are there...they like very much.

 

Do people generally do this? I mean, I did it, but only because I felt guilty. But I would think many people are only looking for KBS and leave otherwise.

Heck, I haven't gone back to that other store, since they don't have as good of prices of selection as my 2 regulars.

 

The store isn't doing anything illegal. They're simply adjusting to the market's demand. Sure, a bottle of Kentucky Breakfast Stout is going to run you more money, but at least you're more likely to find a bottle (versus other stores that sell out their stock in a matter of hours). If the purchaser is willing to pay the price, it's worth it to the purchaser. And if somebody disagrees with my ideology, fine, but don't be complaining when the flavor of the week is impossible to find.

 

$20 for a KBS is insane! Is it Total Wine?

 

Meh. Don't like the price, don't buy it. It's not like KBS is the only good beer in the whole US of A..

 

I wouldnt hate it as a store owner....use it as a tool to reward your loyal customers...screw someone you dont know asking for it that hasnt purchased a single bottle from your shop