Sixpoint (May 2018)

Seems all the talk on this thread is always about the app and the small batch releases which are just not convenient for me heading to Red Hook on a Saturday, but picked up a 6 pack of Citrus Jammer and damn that beer is good. Reminds me a little of Westbrook Key Lime Gose which I also love. Hope to see this around all summer long.

 

I appreciate your thoughtful response here. I think its important to address some of the critical points you addressed in a similar fashion....

When you spoke of "data points" and "customer service" you actually touched upon something you might find interesting....just as you can "rate" or "score" beers, you can also provide a score/rating to customer experience and service. These are done via customer surveys, and it produces what is called an "NPS" score (Net Promoter Score). The NPS "is used as a proxy for gauging the customer’s overall satisfaction with a company’s product or service and the customer’s loyalty to the brand." You can read more about it here.

We've done extensive surveys on this topic, and generated NPS scores for our small batch releases. While we have no doubt that the Sixpoint app may not be convenient to you, the NPS scores for those who have purchased through the app is overwhelmingly positive. As a matter of fact, in the NPS rating scale, it is viewed as "world class."

This does not mean the app is a universal solution for all, but it does provide a more objective data point that shows pretty unanimous customer satisfaction. Also, it is important to note that these data points are actually generated from actual customers, not people who have never purchased themselves. While that may seem logical, it is important to remember that you cannot truly rate a customer experience if you are not actually a customer.

You commented, "That's why I say I'd rather see time-relevant updates on whether or not I can be enticed to head to a brewery."

This will be implemented as well, for the power of the app goes far beyond small batch can releases. We will be layering in these features as we continue to evolve and update the software.

You wrote, "What would really change things for me is being able to reserve beer without having to be on high alert the moment it goes on sale-physically or virtually- and being able to pick it up during any business hours. I realize that's probably not possible for small batch beers that are hyped to any degree."

You nailed it....if something is small batch and/or hyped, that means by default the demand will almost certainly exceed the supply. Therefore, what you envisioned is essentially impossible. You cannot reasonably expect to have guaranteed access to anything that is critically scarce without applying any effort to procure it...although we could explore an "auto-purchase" function, but that would have to be limited to the most loyal customers who already proved their willingness to purchase the conventional way. Maintaining the equity of the program is an ongoing conversation though and we appreciate your insights!

cheers

 

The June release is actually planned for June 16th...we plan to update the app soon with details...

Thanks for chiming in. The reason why these threads are limited to the app/small batch beer is this is the appropriate forum for that. For beers like Citrus Jammer (which see full distribution at retail) we discuss those in the Beer News and Releases forum. You can comment on that here.

cheers!

Several people here commented on Instagram, so I thought it was important to address this point....

Instagram, by its very nature and design, promotes instant gratification. Some studies also show it promotes "narcissistic attention-seeking behavior and encourages users to seek constant validation and approval from their peers."

This is not exactly the type of behavior we want to promote as an industry or society...but no one can deny the influence this app has had on the beer industry.

We've talked about this internally a ton at Sixpoint...and we think its a huge mistake to use Instagram as the primary marketing driver at a brewery. There are many reasons why, but perhaps the first and most important is that Instagram is owned 100% by Facebook, and this company has not shown that it has the best interest of its users in mind. Even some of the founders of Facebook have admitted they are exploiting a dopamine feedback loop inside our brains, and the users are literally being programmed and monetized for their identities. Knowing this, its not the type of thing we wanted to hitch our wagons to. There has to be a better path, even if its harder and requires some innovation.

Thousands of breweries may use Instagram as their main marketing tool, but developing our own app we believe will be the right move over time. Even Shaun Hill recently opined over the breakdown of the social fabric with the erosion of the pub, and we agree with many of his points. Technology should be used as a connectivity device - but its not meant to replace all social interaction together. We wanted to develop an app that connected our customers with great beer - but still provide a forum/community for them to engage and interact with each other, if they so desire!

cheers

 

@Sixpoint tell us more about the tequilla barrel oj jammer

 

will try to get a photo of it posted...rest assured there will be more details in the June Sixpoint thread!