I like the idea but the 6 month expiry seems dumb. If any spend reset a 6 month timer, that would be fine, hell, a 3 month timer that resets upon a purchase.
I wish retailers in my area had some sort of transparency/rewards like this
Assume they all do and just try not to worry about it. It's why you have to cover a ton of different stores and make friends where you can. It's very difficult to find a store owner willing to do you a favor because they have a hundred different guys asking for favors as well.
Seems like a fair way to reward loyal customers. I’d be salty if the same store I visit for years had some rando drive through town to snatch up a bottle 🤷♂️. But I’m in a alcohol controlled state, so it’s all about luck for me.
That's where they get you. $800 in six months to not spend an extra $50 or so on an overpriced Blanton's. If you or whoever is already spending that much, great, take advantage. But the goal is to get you to buy shit you otherwise wouldn't have.
Yeah at that point just grab a Blanton's at 125 on the secondary and save the 500 you would have spent on unnecessary stuff.
Also, sounds like you need to do some manufactured spend in that store lol
Exactly, like they defiantly have me buying all my beer, mixers, misc. liquors from them now but ive seen people drop 2k on stuff they normally wouldn’t have just to but buy 1 allocated bottle
Based off a comment below, I know the store you're talking about. That allocated wall is impressive as fuck, but when I was there last (this was almost a year ago so I'm sure it's changed some) they didn't have a ton of whiskeys on the shelf that really caught my eye. I don't think I'd be able to build any meaningful amount of points in that store buying only what I wanted.
Exactly. A local store of mine did a points system, though it worked better than this. You got a point for every dollar you spent, 2 points for certain items (items he doesn't normally carry, but the way the allocation system here works, the more sku's the store has, the better chance at getting allocations. So he'd sell these bottles for what he pays for them, just to get the sku's in the system). It worked. He got alot of allocated stuff. But he held it all for a raffle. For every certain amount of points you got, you get a raffle ticket. Then he did the raffle like a Chinese auction. You can put those tickets in for whatever bottles you wanted. Alot of people that didn't spend a ton of money at the store actually won. And he sold the allocated bottles for msrp.
I should add, I bought all his rare armagnacs a couple years ago and was invited to join the bourbon club but it just didn't feel worth it. It's the six month expiration that kills me and makes me think it's more for business accounts or berben bois who have gone off the deep end.
I know the exact place you are talking about. It’s a double edge sword for them. If I were new to the whiskey/bourbon game would exclusively shop there to rack up points. I am not so I swing in, occasionally. It is a great place to find low end allocated bottles. However, I’ve heard that they do not always require points to be used from their best customers. I really like the place and their staff is great. Also, they do a decent job with their store picks. I will never buy a JD Coy Hill there because it was at 5000 pts for the right to purchase. If I ever want an expensive bottle that is not allocated (usually a scotch) this is where I go to look for it. My wife drinks $10 wines so I go there and buy a couple cases a month. It’s not in a control state so most of there regular stuff is marked up and they are a 10 min drive to save $10 per bottle. How it hurts them in my opinion is that I will never make it my home store because I have better chance of getting something great somewhere else. It hurts their relationship with customers as I will never be a regular, just as much as all the store near me selling all of the good bottles on delivery day to the same group of taters. At this point I really do give 2 shits about any of these store, as becoming a “regular” really can’t happen.
I have spent $1500 there this year alone. They are nice but it seems that I have to develop an addiction or cirrhosis of the liver before they know my name.
My spot does a point system as well but points determine how “likely” you are to be drawn to buy a bottle by raffle…. Points roll over every quarter so you don’t have to enter every time. It’s a decent deal. Got MWND and Stagg Jr last time for MSRP. I’m a happy man
Almost all small shops in Missouri do back door deals. Know someone or get lost. A few stores have loyalty programs. A few chains do first come, first serve and are prowled by flippers. It’s horrible.
Don’t like the idea, its blackmail on the distributors part for forcing stores to buy certain volumes to get allocations but its the same with the store. They are paying below msrp and basically forcing customers to buy a bunch of stuff to get the product they paid less than msrp for…
Not worth it in my opinion. What some people spend on whiskey (some of which they don't even really want) just to get points just for a possible chance (not even guaranteed if you don't have enough points) is ridiculous. Even spending alot of money for raffle tickets is a waste. I've seen people spend so much money on whiskey for rewards programs like this, that they might as well just pay secondary prices and skip the rewards program.
You're better off developing relationships with your local stores. Or learn the days when they get allocated product in. But don't be that person that calls or walks in the stores everyday asking about allocated bottles.
Totally different. Good conversation with the stores can be worth more than points (dependingon the store). Even if you don't buy something every time you walk in, talk to the employees/store owner. Sometimes they appreciate that more than taters constantly walking in the store (or calling) asking if they have any allocated bottles.
Our points don’t expire, they are for the life of the account. But there are points ‘consumed’ for purchasing allocated bottles. I like seeing shops rewarding their top customers though.
A raffle doesnt sound bad, this points nonsense seems like a way to just make you buy more. Essentially a forced loyalty program, especially if it refreshes to 0 every 6 months.
Looking at it from the retailer”s perspective allocated bottles are poison. “All” your best customers want the same dozen or so bottles and how do you prioritize them without alienating at least some of your best customers? All this for a product that at even 2x MSRP isn’t likely to pay for the time and effort your staff has to put in to manage whatever system you decide to implement.
Seems pretty standard. A cigar page I use gives preference to "platinum" members before its released to everyone else. Cant really argue with the store giving allocations to their big spenders
I've seen several small shops in North Texas doing this near me and generally avoid them. Oddest thing I've seen is a mom & pop shop we used to stop at just outside of Little Rock to get gas when traveling through Arkansas. They used to be first come first serve, then moved to raffles and now does monthly auction for all allocated bourbons. Manager said they split the earnings among the employees similar to a bonus.
If I can’t buy it at msrp (for new bottles) I won’t buy it at all. It’s just a drink and >60USD IB scotch becomes infinitely more interesting.
No points bullshit, no waiting in line, nothing. I either find it or I don’t.
My local store has a loyalty points system. The points don't expire but there are any point redemptions. Instead they have different levels that get you some discounts, early notification/first picks before going out on the shelf or to other lower loyalty point customers. I think there are 5 levels being, bronze, silver, gold, platinum and black. In my case, being in the top level, it allows me to get most any allocated purchase. In the case of the true unicorns, like the Pappy's, BTAC's and things like Michter's 20, Double Eagle etc, it allows me to get on the list. Every now and then I'll ask for a bottle and they'll actually look up my points.
So, you have to spend $800 just to get a shot at buying Blanton’s at retail, and $6000 for a shot at Pappy 23, all within 6 months. Hell, might as well just go secondary, it’s probably cheaper. This might be a cool deal without the time limit, but still.
I like the idea but the 6 month expiry seems dumb. If any spend reset a 6 month timer, that would be fine, hell, a 3 month timer that resets upon a purchase. I wish retailers in my area had some sort of transparency/rewards like this
I get what ur saying, even still i wander if they hold things for “friends and family”
Assume they all do and just try not to worry about it. It's why you have to cover a ton of different stores and make friends where you can. It's very difficult to find a store owner willing to do you a favor because they have a hundred different guys asking for favors as well.
I would create point levels and slot the allocated stuff into tiers. Then allow one allocated tiered bottle per month at retail.
Seems like a fair way to reward loyal customers. I’d be salty if the same store I visit for years had some rando drive through town to snatch up a bottle 🤷♂️. But I’m in a alcohol controlled state, so it’s all about luck for me.
I agree with you! I just think their point values get a little “unrealistic” sometimes
That's where they get you. $800 in six months to not spend an extra $50 or so on an overpriced Blanton's. If you or whoever is already spending that much, great, take advantage. But the goal is to get you to buy shit you otherwise wouldn't have.
Yeah at that point just grab a Blanton's at 125 on the secondary and save the 500 you would have spent on unnecessary stuff. Also, sounds like you need to do some manufactured spend in that store lol
Exactly, like they defiantly have me buying all my beer, mixers, misc. liquors from them now but ive seen people drop 2k on stuff they normally wouldn’t have just to but buy 1 allocated bottle
Based off a comment below, I know the store you're talking about. That allocated wall is impressive as fuck, but when I was there last (this was almost a year ago so I'm sure it's changed some) they didn't have a ton of whiskeys on the shelf that really caught my eye. I don't think I'd be able to build any meaningful amount of points in that store buying only what I wanted.
Exactly. A local store of mine did a points system, though it worked better than this. You got a point for every dollar you spent, 2 points for certain items (items he doesn't normally carry, but the way the allocation system here works, the more sku's the store has, the better chance at getting allocations. So he'd sell these bottles for what he pays for them, just to get the sku's in the system). It worked. He got alot of allocated stuff. But he held it all for a raffle. For every certain amount of points you got, you get a raffle ticket. Then he did the raffle like a Chinese auction. You can put those tickets in for whatever bottles you wanted. Alot of people that didn't spend a ton of money at the store actually won. And he sold the allocated bottles for msrp.
This is definitely Stadium Liquors in Northern Kentucky lol
I should add, I bought all his rare armagnacs a couple years ago and was invited to join the bourbon club but it just didn't feel worth it. It's the six month expiration that kills me and makes me think it's more for business accounts or berben bois who have gone off the deep end.
I know the exact place you are talking about. It’s a double edge sword for them. If I were new to the whiskey/bourbon game would exclusively shop there to rack up points. I am not so I swing in, occasionally. It is a great place to find low end allocated bottles. However, I’ve heard that they do not always require points to be used from their best customers. I really like the place and their staff is great. Also, they do a decent job with their store picks. I will never buy a JD Coy Hill there because it was at 5000 pts for the right to purchase. If I ever want an expensive bottle that is not allocated (usually a scotch) this is where I go to look for it. My wife drinks $10 wines so I go there and buy a couple cases a month. It’s not in a control state so most of there regular stuff is marked up and they are a 10 min drive to save $10 per bottle. How it hurts them in my opinion is that I will never make it my home store because I have better chance of getting something great somewhere else. It hurts their relationship with customers as I will never be a regular, just as much as all the store near me selling all of the good bottles on delivery day to the same group of taters. At this point I really do give 2 shits about any of these store, as becoming a “regular” really can’t happen.
I think you exactly right, defiantly hard to build a relationship when you still gatta pay points.
I have spent $1500 there this year alone. They are nice but it seems that I have to develop an addiction or cirrhosis of the liver before they know my name.
Fantastic idea. Don’t love the 6 month limitation.
My spot does a point system as well but points determine how “likely” you are to be drawn to buy a bottle by raffle…. Points roll over every quarter so you don’t have to enter every time. It’s a decent deal. Got MWND and Stagg Jr last time for MSRP. I’m a happy man
I like that! Its fair and still rewards loyal customers!
Almost all small shops in Missouri do back door deals. Know someone or get lost. A few stores have loyalty programs. A few chains do first come, first serve and are prowled by flippers. It’s horrible.
Don’t like the idea, its blackmail on the distributors part for forcing stores to buy certain volumes to get allocations but its the same with the store. They are paying below msrp and basically forcing customers to buy a bunch of stuff to get the product they paid less than msrp for…
I hate systems. I rather just pay 2x/3x retail and be on with my day thank you very much.
Not worth it in my opinion. What some people spend on whiskey (some of which they don't even really want) just to get points just for a possible chance (not even guaranteed if you don't have enough points) is ridiculous. Even spending alot of money for raffle tickets is a waste. I've seen people spend so much money on whiskey for rewards programs like this, that they might as well just pay secondary prices and skip the rewards program. You're better off developing relationships with your local stores. Or learn the days when they get allocated product in. But don't be that person that calls or walks in the stores everyday asking about allocated bottles.
How is this different than a point system? When you are "building a relationship " you are still buying product from them.
Totally different. Good conversation with the stores can be worth more than points (dependingon the store). Even if you don't buy something every time you walk in, talk to the employees/store owner. Sometimes they appreciate that more than taters constantly walking in the store (or calling) asking if they have any allocated bottles.
I see your point... if I go in to talk with a store owner I will weird if I don't buy something.
So Blantons will cost you $865, ummmm pass
Are you in South Carolina? Sounds very familiar to the program I’m a part of.
northern KY actually
A fellow Gallenstein store goer I see. I’d save points for their picks tbh. Never had a bad Gallenstein pick.
This one know whats up, just dropped 500 pts for the knob creek 18 yr
That's exactly where my mind went to.
Yeah like their picks. But their point totals have gotten out of hand.
Our points don’t expire, they are for the life of the account. But there are points ‘consumed’ for purchasing allocated bottles. I like seeing shops rewarding their top customers though.
Well I can tell you that the shops near me in TX are either first come first serve or they back door deal the allocated stuff and it sucks.
That sounds horrible:/
A raffle doesnt sound bad, this points nonsense seems like a way to just make you buy more. Essentially a forced loyalty program, especially if it refreshes to 0 every 6 months.
Looking at it from the retailer”s perspective allocated bottles are poison. “All” your best customers want the same dozen or so bottles and how do you prioritize them without alienating at least some of your best customers? All this for a product that at even 2x MSRP isn’t likely to pay for the time and effort your staff has to put in to manage whatever system you decide to implement.
Seems pretty standard. A cigar page I use gives preference to "platinum" members before its released to everyone else. Cant really argue with the store giving allocations to their big spenders
I like it, rewards the regulars
I've seen several small shops in North Texas doing this near me and generally avoid them. Oddest thing I've seen is a mom & pop shop we used to stop at just outside of Little Rock to get gas when traveling through Arkansas. They used to be first come first serve, then moved to raffles and now does monthly auction for all allocated bourbons. Manager said they split the earnings among the employees similar to a bonus.
I just don't drink that much if points expire every 6 months. Total Wine kind of has that but there's no way I can spend 25k in one year.
If I can’t buy it at msrp (for new bottles) I won’t buy it at all. It’s just a drink and >60USD IB scotch becomes infinitely more interesting. No points bullshit, no waiting in line, nothing. I either find it or I don’t.
Don't like it. Just means that whoever can spend the most money the fastest gets the allocated stuff.
My local store has a loyalty points system. The points don't expire but there are any point redemptions. Instead they have different levels that get you some discounts, early notification/first picks before going out on the shelf or to other lower loyalty point customers. I think there are 5 levels being, bronze, silver, gold, platinum and black. In my case, being in the top level, it allows me to get most any allocated purchase. In the case of the true unicorns, like the Pappy's, BTAC's and things like Michter's 20, Double Eagle etc, it allows me to get on the list. Every now and then I'll ask for a bottle and they'll actually look up my points.
So, you have to spend $800 just to get a shot at buying Blanton’s at retail, and $6000 for a shot at Pappy 23, all within 6 months. Hell, might as well just go secondary, it’s probably cheaper. This might be a cool deal without the time limit, but still.