Great advice! I took your advice from a similar video you did like this and it worked. I got to know the manager and brought most of my business to his store. Since then he has offered me access to more allocated bottles than I can buy. I try to only buy bottles I think I will like. And “Yes”, I have turned down a bottle of Blantons he offered. Because I already had 3. Keep making great videos 👍🏾
This is all great advice, a lot of which I’ve had play out positively in my own bourbon hunting experiences. I will say, however, to keep in mind that a lot of liquor store managers aren’t going to be in the same position forever. They move on to other jobs, or maybe get promoted if they work for large grocery retailers, etc. I developed a solid relationship with one manager of the liquor department at a large grocery chain. Not long after I was consistently receiving nice bottles from him, he ended up moving on to another job. The manager who replaced him decided to implement a raffle system at that store, so that was all she wrote for me on that place.🤣 Nice video, fellas. Cheers!🥃
It is a risk, but since I enjoy the journey and not just the outcome I am not too bothered by it when it comes to an end. Same thing happened to me, but my guy graduated college and was able to get a job in his field. I was happy for him.
Great video guys! I prefer the points system. I like knowing the rules and pretty guaranteed to be able to purchase what we want. This only works when you buy many non-allocated bottles though.
Great video. I work for a larger liquor store that will occasionally receive allocated or unique bottle releases. I know my regular clientele and really like to see them get those bottles. It’s amazing on the days we get releases how many people show up that I have never seen before after someone makes a social media post or picture. They will ask if we have any more and after being told we are sold out will immediately turn around and walk out.
thanks for the video and continued great insights! FWIW, I got really lucky in my at Total Wine this morning! They were stocking allocated Buffalo Trace items; lo and behold, I was able to grab (one-per-customer-only) a bottle of Colonel Taylor, one of Eagle Rare 10 and one of regular BT!! I think they were only putting out 6-12 bottles of each. So, once in a while, a guy can get lucky!
Preach it brother!! Glad you redirected me to this video, I am new to all this. I’ve been watching a lot of videos. I was open and honest with all the local stores I’ve visit. Some I unfortunately did not purchase anything, but I now know going forward. I need to have my mind made up before I walk in to buy something. I don’t quite understand why some of these stores that make you build points only to redeem them for a lottery ticket for a “chance” to purchase an allocated item. If I build relationships and make purchases, I would much rather do that. Community for me is everything.
I am against a points system for a chance. It is interesting to talk with decision makers for things like this. I sometimes get the chance. They often have no ability to predict how their decisions are going to influence customer behavior.
Good video. I have found for myself that is isn't as much the juice in those allocated bottles as it is the game of the hunt for these bottles. I found this out back when bourbon was a bust. I frequently visited a store and once they had some really rare bottles and they held these back for me.. These will be the bottles I will open up on each of my children's weddings.
Where i live we pretty much wait in line for 9 hours at Frys twice a year or go into the TW Grand Reserve lottery 4 times a year. Most other stores are whiskey museums or have very limited access to allocated whiskey. It's most often about where you have the best odds.
Great stuff guys! This is how I have been able to acquire some of my special bottles. The one I don’t follow is the visiting the store only when you are going to buy. I stop in every week around the same time, same day and look to see what’s new. It is known I buy every other week, and that I come in to talk about all things whiskey and bring samples on weeks I’m not buying. Just the other day I had a conversation about a store pick that they still have a lot of. It’s an amazing bottle, but it is not moving as fast as others. So we talked about how to get the word out and the manager is now going to setup a tasting and I am going to put samples of my bottle into the hands of my bourbon buddies who like that style of bourbon and tell them about the tasting. That way they have multiple chances to taste it and will hopefully purchase it. Im not doing it because I want something, I’m doing it because the manager is super cool and one I would consider a friend and second, that bottle is really good and a lot of the bourbon community is missing out on it.
The Kelly Liquors store in the Mountain Run shopping center is great. They know me, and know that when I come in I'm going to leave with a bottle, even if it's just one, and a cheap one. I talk to the people there, and buy something every time I go in, because that's what I naturally want to do. But it's paid dividends. It's precisely because of that relationship that a clerk went to the wine section, and pulled out and offered me the last bottle of Eagle Rare (which I bought). It's because of that relationship that the manager gave me a taste of a Knob Creek store pick, which I was back a few days later with scraped together money to buy. And even without that, it's just pleasant to go and know that the people there know me, understand my budgetary constraints, and will make recommendations and let me taste things without any pressure. I'm a country boy, and Kelly Liquors - at least that store - feels like going into a country store. 🙂 12:43 I'm an introvert myself, but in my 63 years I've learned that if you can't deal with people, it's a miserable existence. 14:43 Wes is guilty of alcohol abuse! 😂 18:41 Kelly Liquors is in fact a couple of bucks more expensive than Total Wine, and so I do trade at the big box 45-50% of the time. But when I know that I like what I'm going to buy and so I'll be getting a fifth, and I have the cash money to pay the little bit extra, I'll gladly go to Kelly.
Your advice works in state controlled states also. I live in NC and have spent years building relationships with store managers. It really is the best way to get that text or phone call when allocated bottles hit stores.
I stop in early and get drink from the store / bar when its empty. Recently had cancer surgery got hooked up and I mean hooked!!! up with a weller single barrel for 55$ ... 61 after tax because I was open and friendly informed them im going to spend some money there because if they didn't have the good stuff at the time to buy I could at least try the good stuff at the attached bar next door
Great advice! I actually really like the "don't walk out empty handed" video along with the other cool ones you guys did like "what people hate about liquor stores" and vice versa. It really helped out and I have some relationships now I didn't have before. Hasn't helped me get an allocated bottle but it's fun. 😅 thanks for the video!
@@BourbonRealTalk don't be sorry 🤣 it's all good and I'm more comfortable going into liquor stores now so all is well~ and like you said relationships are fantastic!
I'm not after allocated bottles, but the advice here is good in general. The best of the local liquor stores offer far better service than the big chains. They tend to have lower staff turnover, so people there will get to know you over time. They become aware of what sorts of things you like, and when you go in, they might direct you to something interesting that you might not have otherwise noticed, or they might let you know of special events. It works for bars too. Not every bottle at a bar is displayed prominently; sometimes, something interesting is hidden behind other bottles on a lower shelf, and the bartender will be happy to point it out to a regular customer who might be interested. Total Wine has recently expanded aggressively in my area. It's nice to have the additional option, but it has sucked some business away from local stores. BevMo has been in the area for a long time, but it has never had the greatest selection, so it was never a huge threat to the small specialty stores, but Total Wine is a different story. The local stores are certainly appreciative of customers who have stuck with them even after a big chain has disrupted the market.
First video of yours I've watched and you guys nailed it. Talking about the point of view from the guy looking to enjoy bourbon and not the flipper/hoarder. Looking forward to more videos!
Ohio is a controlled state but the stores are privately owned. We don’t see great numbers of allocated bottles but it’s all at msrp. However lately the drops have been pretty good. Great advice and I always talk to the people in the stores I shop at and it’s just the right thing to do. Enjoy!!
It comes with publishing content. Despite the disclaimer I still had a guy get in here and try to say how terrible we were for trying to teach people to manipulate. Some people want to promote themselves as the only virtuous ones so bad that they see evil in every direction.
My favorite store I found a elmer t lee for 55 dollars they also have a bar that is attached, i go in if they dont have anything allocated im looking for I buy a pop then go next door and buy drink because they keep one of each of the allocated bottles for the bar u buy a drink of something then leave a nice tip then befriend the bartender if they are new (ie)nice tip support the store you want stuff from
Making friends goes a long ways, I have also found that buying their recommendations/ store picks helps out. My recent score was a Weller 12. Still seeking the CYPB 😉😉
I'd much rather make friends, trying their picks, and get stuff at cost than get gouged because I'm an American. I'm guessing you don't have a magic connection and have an endless supply of hard to find bottles either. @@DerrickMarkleymusic
I would love to see a video about stores making bundles with allocated bottles. A video about why they make them and what goes into the decisions about what to put in the bundle or baskets.
15:29 Red Skull. I definitely feel at a disadvantage being an introvert. Rewards member at three stores and I tend to find more rare stuff sitting on shelves than by relationships.
You’re right you do have to do relationships. Call and I do offer samples for some of my harder to get bottles in their store or others. And I have personally bought store picks even when I have better bottles of the same thing.
Great info here. My only question is this. I’m just now building my collection and discovering what I like. A lot of times I’m looking for something specific that was either recommended to me or a saw a video on. It’s not a hard to find item but they don’t carry that specific product. With a very limited budget what’s one to do. If I buy something else, I likely will not be able to buy the bottle I was looking for if I see it somewhere else.
You do not damage your reputation when the bottle you ask for is not allocated. In that case it makes sense to go elsewhere. My concern is someone going to every store in town asking for Pappy 15 and leaving. If you ask for Jack Daniel's BiB and they are out of stock, you don't seem like a flipper when you leave empty handed.
Here’s how I go allocation hunting and what works for me will not necessarily work for you. When I walk into a small store I up front with them and tell them I’m just looking when they ask how they can help me. When they ask me what I am looking for, I’m honest and tell them I’m looking for the same thing as everyone else. Then I walk around to see what they have as a lot of stores have things the others don’t have and that’s the fun part. I then try to get something from that store. And when I do see the allocated stuff I ask nicely what are the prices on them. And IF the price is right I usually get it. I’ve even had a store hand me their entire allocated price list!!! Unfortunately at that time I had spent my budget at that time and ended getting something else. BUT I do know where I can go get the stuff if needed. The only time I had a problem is the store got something they knew I wanted but could not get ahold of me as I forgot to leave my number with them. By the time I came back a few weeks later they had sold it. We both had a good laugh and I made sure I left them my number that time. 🤣🤣🤣
Another great video Most informative and passionate guys in the social media platform when it comes to the bourbon game! Thank u Can’t wait for new content!👏🙏
That is sad to hear. If there are big box stores in the area selling for much cheaper it is hard for a independent to maintain customers unless they have unique value to offer. Good relationships between the independent and the wholesaler help a lot to keep the store stocked with some unique items.
I have to nitpick a point you guys made: Maybe every store owner you deal with is calling you guys straight away when they have anything allocated but for the rest of us we have to go in to know if they have something. Sometimes they don't have what you want, even if it isn't allocated.
There is no harm in asking for something that isn't allocated and leaving when they don't have it. You only damage your reputation with the decision maker when you ask for something allocated and leave empty handed because you branded yourself as a non drinker who might be a flipper.
Thanks… but honestly, life is too short to chase around for particular bottles at crazy prices. Every well stocked liquor store has more to choose from than anyone needs to find something to sip and smile with… it just isn’t my second career to grovel around for lucky breaks at far away retailers. I get it. The thrill of the hunt and all that. First sip of a new bottle acquired after great effort. Me, I spend my time enjoying. Not looking. But hey, to each their own. Your mileage may vary! Cheers, all.
To me theres just too much good whiskey to pay up or go crazy over certain bottles. If i get an allocated bottle, cool, but if not theres always another unicorn coming out next and always good product on the shelves
In my area the way the stores handle the raffle/lottery simply is too expensive for me to participate. These stores are roughly 25 miles away (so 50 round trip). You have either a one week or one month period where you can ONCE DAILY put your name in for a shot at one bottle off the allocated list. Then to make it worse these drawings are held on Friday during work hours! I make my grocery runs once a week and there are other stores closer to me for other items. So I have no real reason to run up my gasoline costs and time investment just for a POSSIBILITY of getting an allocated bottle. As for the stores that don't run a raffle or lottery except for the very very high end bottles, they mark up prices to secondary or more! So it's a lose-lose for me! Nevertheless I have still cultivated relationships with a handful of these stores for regularly and semi-regularly available bottles other than BT products. It's how I discovered options I wasn't even thinking about and keeping me in the know on store picks! So I'm thankful for that.
I am sorry to hear that. There are fewer and fewer in my area too. They are just too lazy to do the hard work and use the bottles to build relationships. I liken it to a person who sells themselves to the person willing to pay the most rather than actually getting to know someone and finding a partner they really matches with.
Didn’t know they couldn’t buy bottles from their store employees or owners .. I’m pretty sure they do in Texas .. I know y’all are in McKinney I’m in Plano but seems like some of the guys that work at big box buy bottles
It isn't a state law. Virtually all stores have a policy against it because when regular customers find out the get upset and stop shopping at the store.
Great video. As someone from a third world country, I gain no benefit watching this, the only whiskey available on the shelves are jack daniels and glenlivet. Local stores got 100 different wines and 50 different vodka, but only 2 whiskey.
It's called fireball nasty crap. Was told by a store I go into that if they want hard to get stuff they have to take a boat load of that crap. Nothing but a scam imo. This store has set stuff aside for me that they know I'm interested in from time to time, which is pretty decent of them.
What you're talking about is called an inducement and they are technically illegal but that law is generally not enforced. It sucks that your store is having to go through that, but its awesome that they're taking care of you!
Why should any liquor store just sell any old Johnny come lately who is not a regular their hard to find bottles when there is no loyalty or support for their business year round that’s the equivalent of rewarding, a brat versus an A student who does well all year.
Some good advise, cheers bro!
Any time!
Great advice! I took your advice from a similar video you did like this and it worked. I got to know the manager and brought most of my business to his store. Since then he has offered me access to more allocated bottles than I can buy. I try to only buy bottles I think I will like. And “Yes”, I have turned down a bottle of Blantons he offered. Because I already had 3. Keep making great videos 👍🏾
Glad it helped!
Excellent video. Years ago I decided I don’t have the time and energy to chase bottles
That is fair. For some people they are content to drink great tasting shelf available products, and for some people they just pay secondary.
This is all great advice, a lot of which I’ve had play out positively in my own bourbon hunting experiences. I will say, however, to keep in mind that a lot of liquor store managers aren’t going to be in the same position forever. They move on to other jobs, or maybe get promoted if they work for large grocery retailers, etc. I developed a solid relationship with one manager of the liquor department at a large grocery chain. Not long after I was consistently receiving nice bottles from him, he ended up moving on to another job. The manager who replaced him decided to implement a raffle system at that store, so that was all she wrote for me on that place.🤣
Nice video, fellas. Cheers!🥃
It is a risk, but since I enjoy the journey and not just the outcome I am not too bothered by it when it comes to an end. Same thing happened to me, but my guy graduated college and was able to get a job in his field. I was happy for him.
Great video guys! I prefer the points system. I like knowing the rules and pretty guaranteed to be able to purchase what we want. This only works when you buy many non-allocated bottles though.
If you spend that amount it is a solid strategy.
I’m not quite Alex but we have a great collection. We’ll invite you guys next time we have a tasting get together!
Indeed; plenty of great available bourbons & ryes but it is also fun to hunt for some hard to find bottles!
I get a little jolt from finding a rare bottle. I guess it is just my collector gene.
Great video. I work for a larger liquor store that will occasionally receive allocated or unique bottle releases. I know my regular clientele and really like to see them get those bottles. It’s amazing on the days we get releases how many people show up that I have never seen before after someone makes a social media post or picture. They will ask if we have any more and after being told we are sold out will immediately turn around and walk out.
That is what I try to explain to people. That behavior is just no effective and it is the least fulfilling.
thanks for the video and continued great insights! FWIW, I got really lucky in my at Total Wine this morning! They were stocking allocated Buffalo Trace items; lo and behold, I was able to grab (one-per-customer-only) a bottle of Colonel Taylor, one of Eagle Rare 10 and one of regular BT!! I think they were only putting out 6-12 bottles of each. So, once in a while, a guy can get lucky!
All solid pours! Congrats!
Preach it brother!! Glad you redirected me to this video, I am new to all this. I’ve been watching a lot of videos. I was open and honest with all the local stores I’ve visit. Some I unfortunately did not purchase anything, but I now know going forward. I need to have my mind made up before I walk in to buy something. I don’t quite understand why some of these stores that make you build points only to redeem them for a lottery ticket for a “chance” to purchase an allocated item. If I build relationships and make purchases, I would much rather do that. Community for me is everything.
I am against a points system for a chance. It is interesting to talk with decision makers for things like this. I sometimes get the chance. They often have no ability to predict how their decisions are going to influence customer behavior.
Thankyou for the advice. I will use it wisely.
Good video. I have found for myself that is isn't as much the juice in those allocated bottles as it is the game of the hunt for these bottles. I found this out back when bourbon was a bust. I frequently visited a store and once they had some really rare bottles and they held these back for me.. These will be the bottles I will open up on each of my children's weddings.
It is the collector gene, if you have it you get a big jolt when you find a rare one.
Where i live we pretty much wait in line for 9 hours at Frys twice a year or go into the TW Grand Reserve lottery 4 times a year. Most other stores are whiskey museums or have very limited access to allocated whiskey. It's most often about where you have the best odds.
If you are grand reserve that is not a bad strategy.
Great stuff guys! This is how I have been able to acquire some of my special bottles.
The one I don’t follow is the visiting the store only when you are going to buy. I stop in every week around the same time, same day and look to see what’s new. It is known I buy every other week, and that I come in to talk about all things whiskey and bring samples on weeks I’m not buying.
Just the other day I had a conversation about a store pick that they still have a lot of. It’s an amazing bottle, but it is not moving as fast as others. So we talked about how to get the word out and the manager is now going to setup a tasting and I am going to put samples of my bottle into the hands of my bourbon buddies who like that style of bourbon and tell them about the tasting. That way they have multiple chances to taste it and will hopefully purchase it.
Im not doing it because I want something, I’m doing it because the manager is super cool and one I would consider a friend and second, that bottle is really good and a lot of the bourbon community is missing out on it.
This is awesome!
Thank you guys. Many out there doing bourbon, but really appreciate how you go about it!
Our pleasure!
It’s actually pretty simple, buy often and buy variety, be nice, and share your rewards!
Very true! Solid summary.
The Kelly Liquors store in the Mountain Run shopping center is great. They know me, and know that when I come in I'm going to leave with a bottle, even if it's just one, and a cheap one. I talk to the people there, and buy something every time I go in, because that's what I naturally want to do. But it's paid dividends. It's precisely because of that relationship that a clerk went to the wine section, and pulled out and offered me the last bottle of Eagle Rare (which I bought). It's because of that relationship that the manager gave me a taste of a Knob Creek store pick, which I was back a few days later with scraped together money to buy.
And even without that, it's just pleasant to go and know that the people there know me, understand my budgetary constraints, and will make recommendations and let me taste things without any pressure. I'm a country boy, and Kelly Liquors - at least that store - feels like going into a country store. 🙂
12:43 I'm an introvert myself, but in my 63 years I've learned that if you can't deal with people, it's a miserable existence.
14:43 Wes is guilty of alcohol abuse! 😂
18:41 Kelly Liquors is in fact a couple of bucks more expensive than Total Wine, and so I do trade at the big box 45-50% of the time. But when I know that I like what I'm going to buy and so I'll be getting a fifth, and I have the cash money to pay the little bit extra, I'll gladly go to Kelly.
Sounds like you have a good thing going! Cheers!
Your advice works in state controlled states also. I live in NC and have spent years building relationships with store managers. It really is the best way to get that text or phone call when allocated bottles hit stores.
I have been told they can not select buyers, but I understand things are different in each state.
I stop in early and get drink from the store / bar when its empty. Recently had cancer surgery got hooked up and I mean hooked!!! up with a weller single barrel for 55$ ... 61 after tax because I was open and friendly informed them im going to spend some money there because if they didn't have the good stuff at the time to buy I could at least try the good stuff at the attached bar next door
Great advice! I actually really like the "don't walk out empty handed" video along with the other cool ones you guys did like "what people hate about liquor stores" and vice versa. It really helped out and I have some relationships now I didn't have before. Hasn't helped me get an allocated bottle but it's fun. 😅 thanks for the video!
I am sorry you have not gotten any bottles yet, but IMO the relationships are worth more anyway.
@@BourbonRealTalk don't be sorry 🤣 it's all good and I'm more comfortable going into liquor stores now so all is well~ and like you said relationships are fantastic!
I'm not after allocated bottles, but the advice here is good in general. The best of the local liquor stores offer far better service than the big chains. They tend to have lower staff turnover, so people there will get to know you over time. They become aware of what sorts of things you like, and when you go in, they might direct you to something interesting that you might not have otherwise noticed, or they might let you know of special events. It works for bars too. Not every bottle at a bar is displayed prominently; sometimes, something interesting is hidden behind other bottles on a lower shelf, and the bartender will be happy to point it out to a regular customer who might be interested.
Total Wine has recently expanded aggressively in my area. It's nice to have the additional option, but it has sucked some business away from local stores. BevMo has been in the area for a long time, but it has never had the greatest selection, so it was never a huge threat to the small specialty stores, but Total Wine is a different story. The local stores are certainly appreciative of customers who have stuck with them even after a big chain has disrupted the market.
Relationships make whiskey better.
I appreciate you guys.
Thank you for watching!
First video of yours I've watched and you guys nailed it. Talking about the point of view from the guy looking to enjoy bourbon and not the flipper/hoarder. Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks for watching - we're so glad you're here!
Ohio is a controlled state but the stores are privately owned. We don’t see great numbers of allocated bottles but it’s all at msrp. However lately the drops have been pretty good. Great advice and I always talk to the people in the stores I shop at and it’s just the right thing to do. Enjoy!!
It makes the process more enjoyable IMO.
Great show
Thanks
Good advice. Sorry you guys catch heat for educating us on how to find the hard to find whiskeys we want to find and drink.
It comes with publishing content. Despite the disclaimer I still had a guy get in here and try to say how terrible we were for trying to teach people to manipulate. Some people want to promote themselves as the only virtuous ones so bad that they see evil in every direction.
My favorite store I found a elmer t lee for 55 dollars they also have a bar that is attached, i go in if they dont have anything allocated im looking for I buy a pop then go next door and buy drink because they keep one of each of the allocated bottles for the bar u buy a drink of something then leave a nice tip then befriend the bartender if they are new (ie)nice tip support the store you want stuff from
Great way to engage the system!
Making friends goes a long ways, I have also found that buying their recommendations/ store picks helps out. My recent score was a Weller 12. Still seeking the CYPB 😉😉
It really does. Congrats on the score!
I'd much rather make friends, trying their picks, and get stuff at cost than get gouged because I'm an American. I'm guessing you don't have a magic connection and have an endless supply of hard to find bottles either. @@DerrickMarkleymusic
such a great episode!!
I thought it was pretty entertaining. Thanks for watching.
I would love to see a video about stores making bundles with allocated bottles. A video about why they make them and what goes into the decisions about what to put in the bundle or baskets.
This video covers those subjects:
ruclips.net/video/ojNsfiwdP-g/видео.html
As a liquor store owner, I can say that everything you guys said here in this video is 100% accurate
Thanks for sharing! You can see by the comments that a lot of people disagree.
I love you guys too! God bless you!!
15:29 Red Skull. I definitely feel at a disadvantage being an introvert. Rewards member at three stores and I tend to find more rare stuff sitting on shelves than by relationships.
That is an effective strategy too! Cheers!
You’re right you do have to do relationships. Call and I do offer samples for some of my harder to get bottles in their store or others. And I have personally bought store picks even when I have better bottles of the same thing.
Sounds like a good way to show your support. Cheers!
Great info here. My only question is this. I’m just now building my collection and discovering what I like. A lot of times I’m looking for something specific that was either recommended to me or a saw a video on. It’s not a hard to find item but they don’t carry that specific product. With a very limited budget what’s one to do. If I buy something else, I likely will not be able to buy the bottle I was looking for if I see it somewhere else.
You do not damage your reputation when the bottle you ask for is not allocated. In that case it makes sense to go elsewhere. My concern is someone going to every store in town asking for Pappy 15 and leaving. If you ask for Jack Daniel's BiB and they are out of stock, you don't seem like a flipper when you leave empty handed.
Here’s how I go allocation hunting and what works for me will not necessarily work for you. When I walk into a small store I up front with them and tell them I’m just looking when they ask how they can help me. When they ask me what I am looking for, I’m honest and tell them I’m looking for the same thing as everyone else. Then I walk around to see what they have as a lot of stores have things the others don’t have and that’s the fun part. I then try to get something from that store. And when I do see the allocated stuff I ask nicely what are the prices on them. And IF the price is right I usually get it. I’ve even had a store hand me their entire allocated price list!!! Unfortunately at that time I had spent my budget at that time and ended getting something else. BUT I do know where I can go get the stuff if needed. The only time I had a problem is the store got something they knew I wanted but could not get ahold of me as I forgot to leave my number with them. By the time I came back a few weeks later they had sold it. We both had a good laugh and I made sure I left them my number that time. 🤣🤣🤣
Sounds like some good relationships.
Good idea, guys. I’ve formed a relationship with an owner of a place near my house and now he looks out for things he knows I want.
That is awesome!
Another great video
Most informative and passionate guys in the social media platform when it comes to the bourbon game!
Thank u
Can’t wait for new content!👏🙏
Much appreciated!
Awesome video fellas
Thanks 👍
A lot of these mom and pop shops are disappearing from this area... some of them are disappearing because distributors are being unfair.
That is sad to hear. If there are big box stores in the area selling for much cheaper it is hard for a independent to maintain customers unless they have unique value to offer. Good relationships between the independent and the wholesaler help a lot to keep the store stocked with some unique items.
I have to nitpick a point you guys made: Maybe every store owner you deal with is calling you guys straight away when they have anything allocated but for the rest of us we have to go in to know if they have something. Sometimes they don't have what you want, even if it isn't allocated.
There is no harm in asking for something that isn't allocated and leaving when they don't have it. You only damage your reputation with the decision maker when you ask for something allocated and leave empty handed because you branded yourself as a non drinker who might be a flipper.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks… but honestly, life is too short to chase around for particular bottles at crazy prices. Every well stocked liquor store has more to choose from than anyone needs to find something to sip and smile with… it just isn’t my second career to grovel around for lucky breaks at far away retailers.
I get it. The thrill of the hunt and all that. First sip of a new bottle acquired after great effort.
Me, I spend my time enjoying. Not looking. But hey, to each their own. Your mileage may vary! Cheers, all.
We covered that in the disclaimers. More and more people are approaching it the same way you are, including me.
To me theres just too much good whiskey to pay up or go crazy over certain bottles. If i get an allocated bottle, cool, but if not theres always another unicorn coming out next and always good product on the shelves
Agreed. We do say in the video that this does not apply to stores that mark the prices up over SRP.
In my area the way the stores handle the raffle/lottery simply is too expensive for me to participate. These stores are roughly 25 miles away (so 50 round trip). You have either a one week or one month period where you can ONCE DAILY put your name in for a shot at one bottle off the allocated list. Then to make it worse these drawings are held on Friday during work hours! I make my grocery runs once a week and there are other stores closer to me for other items. So I have no real reason to run up my gasoline costs and time investment just for a POSSIBILITY of getting an allocated bottle. As for the stores that don't run a raffle or lottery except for the very very high end bottles, they mark up prices to secondary or more! So it's a lose-lose for me! Nevertheless I have still cultivated relationships with a handful of these stores for regularly and semi-regularly available bottles other than BT products. It's how I discovered options I wasn't even thinking about and keeping me in the know on store picks! So I'm thankful for that.
Depending on what stores are in your area, this advice can be of limited use. Glad to hear you have formed some relationships!
There is one single store within 90 minutes of me in any direction that sells at MSRP. The entire industry has moved to price gouging.
I am sorry to hear that. There are fewer and fewer in my area too. They are just too lazy to do the hard work and use the bottles to build relationships. I liken it to a person who sells themselves to the person willing to pay the most rather than actually getting to know someone and finding a partner they really matches with.
Didn’t know they couldn’t buy bottles from their store employees or owners .. I’m pretty sure they do in Texas .. I know y’all are in McKinney I’m in Plano but seems like some of the guys that work at big box buy bottles
It isn't a state law. Virtually all stores have a policy against it because when regular customers find out the get upset and stop shopping at the store.
@@BourbonRealTalkmakes sense ..
Great video. As someone from a third world country, I gain no benefit watching this, the only whiskey available on the shelves are jack daniels and glenlivet. Local stores got 100 different wines and 50 different vodka, but only 2 whiskey.
Sorry. You may like next week's episode more.
😢
Where are you ?
@@jfcustomfab North Texas
It's called fireball nasty crap. Was told by a store I go into that if they want hard to get stuff they have to take a boat load of that crap. Nothing but a scam imo. This store has set stuff aside for me that they know I'm interested in from time to time, which is pretty decent of them.
What you're talking about is called an inducement and they are technically illegal but that law is generally not enforced. It sucks that your store is having to go through that, but its awesome that they're taking care of you!
I’ll at least buy wine, or syrups or bitters, or even snacks, etc if they don’t have what I want in terms of bourbon.
I am sure the notice and appreciate that support.
I’m truly sorry about your brother.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Why should any liquor store just sell any old Johnny come lately who is not a regular their hard to find bottles when there is no loyalty or support for their business year round that’s the equivalent of rewarding, a brat versus an A student who does well all year.
This!
Step 1: Buy on secondary 🤣
For those with resources not chasing the thrill of the hunt, this may be good advice.
It's illegal. You can get cheated. You still need to form relationships to get authentic undamaged stuff at a decent price.
@@0529mpb narc detected
Nonsense!!
I'll bite. What part about this is nonsense?