DrinkUpNY Online Order Angst

[Phil T]

I've seen a few mentions of this retailer, so I hope I can get some feedback. I placed an order on Jan 17 and my status is still just 'processing'. I've received no emails since the order verification despite having sent an email Last Saturday. My order at 'Stirling Fine Wines' languished for 12 days before I received shipping info. Is this delay typical or am I not likely to get my order? [The bottles I ordered are now listed as 'Out of Stock']

I placed an order with them 1/8/13. Its still in the processing mode. They processed my CC the same day I ordered. A communication with them indicated they are waiting for product to arrive.

I'm not worried. I will give them until 2/8. If not shipped, I will call my CC company and all will be right

[MauiSon]

Thanks all, they emailed me shortly after I posted (mebbe shout-out provoked ). They're getting 1 within a week or two, the other they have no scheduled shipment. I guess I'd better ask to double up on the incoming and nix the no-show, or I could just fuhgetaboutit. They showed 'In Stock' when I ordered - argh!

[BFerguson]

I avoid them. They list a lot of stuff on their website but I'm almost positive that they don't actually stock a lot of it; they have to get it from the distributor to fill the orders. Hell, their Falcon Heights location is only a mile from my work and the one time I stopped there they had about 3 bottles of Jack and a handle of Beam white. Looked like a front business to me. I haven't been to their main store in Minneapolis so I can't speak to that one.

The Minneapolis store had a pretty large selection the one time I went there. But that was also the last time i will visit.

I was more than a bit nervous being there in the midday, I'm not sure I would want to visit it after dark..........

[tmckenzie]

I have never had an issue with them. They do move a god bit of our stuff, the place is tiny, they only open the store for a few hours a dy, the rest of the time they work on orders.

[CaptainQ]

The exception was a large order I placed with Merwin's Liquor in Minnesota last year. Not only did they string me along for two weeks assuring me that a product was on it's way, but then they unceremoniously cancelled my order. When I called to ask why, they said that they couldn't get any of the products in stock. I was skeptical because the one I ordered had was still on the site, albeit at twice the price I had ordered it. So I call the store and ask them to double check that it was on the shelf and they confirmed it was plentiful. Very sketchy and terrible customer service.

Same thing happened to me. Merwin's sucks!

[Yeti]

Just scoped Merwin's website. They've got a few very appealing prices on specific items, but the feedback here will probably keep me away.

[sob0728]

Just scoped Merwin's website. They've got a few very appealing prices on specific items, but the feedback here will probably keep me away.

I just want to put in a good word for Merwin's. Locally, they have free home delivery. Their prices are good on most things and their selection is pretty good for the Twin Cities. The Falcon Heights store Brisko is talking about is the one where I found two bottles of High West 21 priced at $42.99. They also get the Four Roses limited edition stuff in stock every year. So they have definitely improved the selection since he was in there.

As for the North Minneapolis location. I went there one in the midday as well and will never go back. Not a great location. Great selection though if you have a security detail to escort you through the store. Pappy, BTAC, and all that.

[Brisko]

Yeah, the FH location hadn't been open that long when I was there, maybe I should stop in again.

As far as the Broadway location, you guys might be overstating it a little. The key is to get there enough after opening that the hardcore alkies are gone and early enough that the riffraff aren't awake yet. So maybe 10 or 11 am. I would watch my back in the parking lot but then again I do that as a matter of course. Then again I always seem to get along well with seedier types so maybe my opinion is skewed.

But the delivery option makes that all pointless, although I prefer to hold the bottle in my hands before I buy it.

[tanstaafl2]

Yeah, the FH location hadn't been open that long when I was there, maybe I should stop in again.

As far as the Broadway location, you guys might be overstating it a little. The key is to get there enough after opening that the hardcore alkies are gone and early enough that the riffraff aren't awake yet. So maybe 10 or 11 am. I would watch my back in the parking lot but then again I do that as a matter of course. Then again I always seem to get along well with seedier types so maybe my opinion is skewed.

But the delivery option makes that all pointless, although I prefer to hold the bottle in my hands before I buy it.

Well, when you put it like that it sounds much more inviting!


Perhaps that dusty hunting group in LA can loan out their security detail for a trip to north Minneapolis. Just bring your long johns...


Back on topic I have had good success with DUNY. They one time they messed up an order by sending the wrong bottle (same brand, wrong version) they sent me the correct bottle at no additional shipping charge and let me keep the mistake as well.

A free bottle always tastes a little better no matter what it is! And so I at least check them first when shopping online.

[MauiSon]

I'm just getting deeper into a quagmire here. I emailed my preference to replace the now unavailable bottle with a second bottle of the 'soon to arrive' bourbon. The second bourbon was more expensive, so I was called on the phone to provide my CC info for the additional charge. That was over a week ago and I've heard nothing since then and my online order record hasn't been modified to indicate the change (nor have I received an order change confirmation). Third email on this issue has gone out today requesting an order status update. I'm giving it another week.