Recourse for Price Gouging?

[LiveFromLou]

There is a liquor store in my town that is sitting on some very nice stores of hard to find bourbon. I would love to relieve them of their stock, but they are literally charging double on almost all of it. This includes selections from Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. While I know the Commonwealth of Kentucky doesn't have the resources to care about these kinds of things, do the distillers have any say in this? Should I inform them that their products are sitting on a shelf at 100% markup?

[hectic1]

There is a liquor store in my town that is sitting on some very nice stores of hard to find bourbon. I would love to relieve them of their stock, but they are literally charging double on almost all of it. This includes selections from Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. While I know the Commonwealth of Kentucky doesn't have the resources to care about these kinds of things, do the distillers have any say in this? Should I inform them that their products are sitting on a shelf at 100% markup?

Ah no...they can charge whatever they want as the distillery has been paid by the distributor and the distributor has been paid by the liquor store. I'm pretty sure they understand the cost of money and having them in there an inflated prices is probably a strategy to gain traffic on their part. You see these bottles and while you might not pay it you might by something else while you're in there...someone who really wants those bottles will end up paying it...someone always does!

[wadewood]

Ah no...they can charge whatever they want as the distillery has been paid by the distributor and the distributor has been paid by the liquor store. I'm pretty sure they understand the cost of money and having them in there an inflated prices is probably a strategy to gain traffic on their part. You see these bottles and while you might not pay it you might by something else while you're in there...someone who really wants those bottles will end up paying it...someone always does!

ditto on what Bob says. This is America and capitalism should thrive. You could make them a lower offer for said bottles; they might say yes.

[squire]

The store is within it's rights to charge what they want or even to display the bottles of whisky with no intention of sale. I know a merchant who does that, keeps them right beside the cash register, he won't sell them but will sell something "like" them.

[MyOldKyDram]

Yeah, really about the only recourse you have is to not shop there. Reward stores that you like with your dollar instead.

[PaulO]

I believe when it comes right down to it, they can charge as much as they want. On the other hand, if the inventory doesn't move, they don't make any profit. Keep an eye on the place. Maybe they will end up having a big going out of business sale, and you can swoop in and clean the place out. My personal solution is not to buy from people I think are jerks. I also tend to buy several bottles at a time if something I like is a good deal, not always available, etc. My two favorite stores are both an hour away in different directions from my home. That also influences my shopping habits. Louisville has some great stores, but even they don't have everything all the time. Have you checked out the Liquor Barn?

[WAINWRIGHT]

I have to agree with Bob and Wade here,try to deal on the bottles if they have been on the shelf for a long time.I have done this many times in the past they have a rare bottle and they are charging for it,meet them somewhere in the middle both parties are happy and you walk out the door with something you have always wanted.Sometimes they won't deal but more than often they will,start heading for the door and they always seem to come around.

[Josh]

Ah no...they can charge whatever they want as the distillery has been paid by the distributor and the distributor has been paid by the liquor store. I'm pretty sure they understand the cost of money and having them in there an inflated prices is probably a strategy to gain traffic on their part. You see these bottles and while you might not pay it you might by something else while you're in there...someone who really wants those bottles will end up paying it...someone always does!

[Young Blacksmith]

There is a store locally that has started doing this, specifically with THH. Last year it was selling for $65, now they have it marked at $110. Same vintage, nothing has changed. Other prices have started to creep upwards. Unfortunately, this is a chain. Fortunately, they have a few stores in more "economically depressed" areas, and their prices have not changed on the same products!

I'll give you one guess as to where I spend my money....

[squire]

Oh, two guesses please.

[Halifax]

Is there really such a thing as "price gouging" when it comes to luxury goods? I think not. I understand that it can be frustrating to see a bottle priced well above MSRP. As a consumer you really only have three options... Buy it. Pass on it. Shop elsewhere... That is... If elsewhere has it in stock. Which they usually don't. Hence why the guy who does has it priced the way it is.

[squire]

Bourbon isn't luxury goods it's one of the major food groups.

[Halifax]

Bourbon isn't luxury goods it's one of the major food groups.

I know that I get my recommended daily allowance. :grin:

[squire]

I take a bit extra just to be sure.

[Flyfish]

The store is within it's rights to charge what they want or even to display the bottles of whisky with no intention of sale. I know a merchant who does that, keeps them right beside the cash register, he won't sell them but will sell something "like" them.

Squire lives in a more enlightened state where merchants are free to charge whatever the customers will tolerate. In Ohio we are totally protected against price gouging because the state determines what we will pay. In exchange, all we have to do is accept the state's definition of what it is we want. You want AAA? Too bad. You want VOB BIB? Too bad. You want (fill in the blank)? All the Buckeye bourbon lovers are consoled by the thought that we will never even see a bottle of Pappy because "there is no market for it here." But if we want something "like" Pappy, we can always buy the Weller 12. Oh, wait. No we can't.

[squire]

Actually, our merchants can order any brand on the market through our State ABC only they may not be so inclined unless the customer commits to pay for an entire case.

[p_elliott]

I can get anything I want in Iowa as long as I buy an entire case.

[PaulO]

Do you guys get a good price if you order a case?

[jburlowski]

I can get anything I want in Iowa as long as I buy an entire case.

[squire]

Price is negotiable on special order but at least 10% off suggested retail.

[p_elliott]

Actually I think special orders in Iowa the price is jacked up.

[squire]

That's discouraging Paul, one is inclined to not bother.