Drinkstore prices

the beer revolu · 20-04-2017 4:32pm #1

I had never been in the famous Drinkstore until I found myself in the area today.

Now, I'm not going to complain about the prices they charge because I don't know what they charge for anything I picked up. No prices on the shelf or bottles.

I asked about this and was told that they don't put prices on beers and that I could ask. He then went on to say that if this was a problem for me that it wasn't the shop for me. I was then, rather patronisingly, told that there was a supermarket up the road.

I left empty handed.

Is it just me, or is this a crazy business model?
Would anyone else refuse to shop in a store that doesn't display prices?
Is this even legal?

My first trip to Drinkstore was a bit of a letdown.

mikeecho · 20-04-2017 4:35pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEwVpWFyy3M

Go back, and try that technique, they've only themselves to blame.

testaccount123 · 20-04-2017 4:44pm

Ive been going there for years and never noticed this. Prices are on the website for what its worth.

Passenger · 20-04-2017 4:53pm

Just keep going up and asking how much a particular bottle is. Then look disappointed and place it back on the shelf. Repeat ad nauseum.

the beer revolu · 20-04-2017 4:55pm

Passenger wrote: »

Just keep going up and asking how much a particular bottle is. Then look disappointed and place it back on the shelf. Repeat ad nauseum.

This is exactly why I want the bottles priced.
You outlined the alternative above.

a_non_a_mouse · 20-04-2017 4:57pm

never been.
but if I was in there, I'd probably leave empty handed as well, unless I went for something specific and had checked web site for price first.
The prices for some craft beers can vary dramatically, so I like to know what I'm spending before I get to the til.
(also i've had a number cases whereby what I think I'm going to spend doesn't match what I'm being asked for, and when asking the assistant to check again, they notice a "mistake" on their side)
So, sounds like drinkstore is not the shop for me either... Pity, I will be heading to Dublin in a month or so, and was planning on heading there, but plenty more offies doing craft and displaying prices on shelves who I'm sure would be happy to take my money.

DelmarODonnell · 20-04-2017 5:06pm

I've been in once, about a year and a half ago. I had just gotten my Beoir card and wanted to give it a spin as I knew they gave a discount. On gathering together a large stash of beer, I had included one German Beer in my selection. When I went to pay I very snarkily informed that the Beoir discount is only applicable for Irish beer. Absolutely no issues and obviously makes sense, but a simple 'sorry fella' would have done the job. He couldn't have tried harder to make me look a knob.

Luckily for all of us out that direction, Fresh at Smithfield Square has in my opinion, a wider and much better value selection of craft beer to choose from.

Passenger · 20-04-2017 5:20pm

DelmarODonnell wrote: »

I've been in once, about a year and a half ago. I had just gotten my Beoir card and wanted to give it a spin as I knew they gave a discount. On gathering together a large stash of beer, I had included one German Beer in my selection. When I went to pay I very snarkily informed that the Beoir discount is only applicable for Irish beer. Absolutely no issues and obviously makes sense, but a simple 'sorry fella' would have done the job. He couldn't have tried harder to make me look a knob.

Luckily for all of us out that direction, Fresh at Smithfield Square has in my opinion, a wider and much better value selection of craft beer to choose from.

Fresh gets a bit of custom from myself too. Everything labeled, neat, organised and competitively priced.

schemingbohemia · 20-04-2017 5:20pm

Been a while but from memory I think there were two brothers running it, one good one probably the fella encountered here.

Krusty_Clown · 20-04-2017 6:08pm

It is incredibly difficult to put a value on beer by just looking at bottle labels. A 500ml bottle could be e2 or e20 (sometimes even harder to put a value on them when drinking them!). I'd be very put-off by not having pricing visible. I've had nothing but good experiences with Drinkstore when ordering from their website, but have had little reason to order in the flesh. I think I'll continue to order form their website and stick to my local establishments for browsing.

Insect Overlord · 20-04-2017 6:18pm

I was looking at the website last night, for the first time in ages.

It seems the variety of what they stock is way down from what it was like a couple of years back.

For example, the New Zealand, France and Iceland sections are empty, Mexico only has Corona, Japan only has Asahi, and the UK section is down to 37 products when I'm sure it used to be well over 100.

Are the shops better stocked than the website would suggest?

quadrifoglio verde · 20-04-2017 6:22pm

I used to go in there quite regularly.
A few things changed.

1. My local supervalu went from carrying a few bottles of erdinger, to around 200 different bottles of craft beer. Mainly Irish, but a good selection of brewdog, founders, Sierra Nevada, To Ol etc.

2. A number of times the staff weren't friendly. Not rude either, but I felt like I was hassle. Like I was creating trouble by coming in, looking to spend 80 Euro on 10 or 12 bottles of beer.

3. They're 30 minutes drive away, compared to supervalu which is 5 minutes.

4. Stock. I'd go in for the special sought after beers to find they'd have none. I'd have drove for half an hour to find that what I wanted wasn't in stock. Look every business runs out of things all the time, but to be repeatedly out of stock just isn't on. You improve your stock control.

brk3 · 20-04-2017 6:58pm

Your man in there is a psychopath, after a few similar experiences to people in this thread I don't bother giving them my business anymore. Fresh in Smithfield is way better anyway, drinkstore have gone down hill.

andekwarhola · 21-04-2017 12:26am

Don't go there much as it's not local but I've always found the guy there friendly and the lack of displayed prices wouldn't overly bother me.

Only minor gripe would be a few times I've went in it looks like they've started stacking a load of stuff on the shelves and just forgotten about it

schemingbohemia · 21-04-2017 10:11am

An File wrote: »

I was looking at the website last night, for the first time in ages.

It seems the variety of what they stock is way down from what it was like a couple of years back.

For example, the New Zealand, France and Iceland sections are empty, Mexico only has Corona, Japan only has Asahi, and the UK section is down to 37 products when I'm sure it used to be well over 100.

Are the shops better stocked than the website would suggest?

Seriously, who'd bother going to Drinkstore for French, Icelandic, Mexican or Japanese beers? I'm sure they weren't selling so why keep stocking them. Not something to berate them for.

Insect Overlord · 21-04-2017 10:17am

schemingbohemia wrote: »

Seriously, who'd bother going to Drinkstore for French, Icelandic, Mexican of Japanese beers? I'm sure they weren't selling so why keep stocking them. Not something to berate them for.

You'd think they might streamline the website to remove the obsolete options though. It's just not very efficient.

rubadub · 21-04-2017 10:28am

the beer revolu wrote: »

Is this even legal?

It is not clear to me, it came up in consumer issues just yesterday. People asking how high price boutiques and jewellers can get away with no prices.

This site suggests it is required, and there is a contact email to report shops who don't
http://www.consumerhelp.ie/pricing-rules

Shops and service providers must display their prices, and there are rules on how they must be displayed. You have the right to clear and accurate information on the prices of goods and services so that you can compare prices and make informed choices...

If you find goods on sale with no price displayed or with the wrong price displayed, you should tell the seller and also contact us.

however this was my post about the boutiques etc.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/consumer_protection/pricing/price_display_of_goods_and_services.html

Retail outlets
The purpose of the EC (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 is to enable consumer to see the price of the product before buying and to make price comparisons. The price of products on sale in shops and supermarkets may be attached to the items themselves. Alternatively they may be displayed on a label on the edge of the shelf. Generally, shelf labels are used to display prices in supermarkets since barcodes have becomes more popular. Under the EC (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002, retailers must show the correct selling price in euro including taxes. Unit prices for products sold by weight volume or measure must also be clearly displayed. More detailed information on pricing of goods and services is available here. The Regulations provide for certain exemptions from unit pricing such as items which are equal or less than 50 ml or 50 grams. The Regulations also extend to online shopping. Services are not covered by the Product Pricing Regulations.

The Prices and Charges (Tax-Inclusive Statements) Order, 1973 requires that all prices marked on goods or prices displayed or quoted at the retail level and all charges for services displayed or quoted should be tax-inclusive (e.g. VAT) except where it is intended solely for a business customer.

Reading that, and on other consumer sites I always thought it did have to be displayed. But notice the word "quoted", the law then talks of "stated orally".

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1973/si/9/made/en/print

3. Where, for the purposes of or in connection with the sale by retail by a person of a commodity, the retail price of the commodity is stated orally by the person or by a servant or agent of the person or is stated on the commodity or on any container or wrapper in which the commodity is packed or on a ticket or label attached to the commodity or to such container or wrapper or in a catalogue or advertisement or in a notice or other document (other than an invoice), the price so stated shall be stated as a single amount inclusive of any charge made by the person for any tax payable in respect of the commodity.

4. Where, for the purposes of or in connection with the rendering of a service by a person, the charge for the service is stated orally by the person or by a servant or agent of the person or is stated in any catalogue or advertisement or in a notice or other document (other than an invoice), the charge so stated shall be stated as a single amount inclusive of any charge made by the person for any tax payable in respect of the service.

schemingbohemia · 21-04-2017 2:13pm

An File wrote: »

You'd think they might streamline the website to remove the obsolete options though. It's just not very efficient.

Yes, not efficient but not exactly a mortal sin either. The customer service issue and having prices visible is much more important.

OP - Did the bottles have price stickers on them rather than just having no prices listed below the shelf? Or no prices visible at all?

Been a while since I was there but they certainly used to have prices visible.

I will cut them some slack for the great Christmas and New Year I had a few years ago when I got a crate of Modus Hoperandi (I think) for €30 or so (think there was some issue with non-compliant labelling).

Trond · 21-04-2017 2:13pm

They've let their standards drop in the last 18 months. McHughs and Molloys are far better these days. Shame really.

the beer revolu · 21-04-2017 7:46pm

schemingbohemia wrote: »

OP - Did the bottles have price stickers on them rather than just having no prices listed below the shelf? Or no prices visible at all?
.

No visible prices at all with respect to the 6 or so bottles that I picked up.
Some stuff in the fridges did have shelf prices displayed but not many.

Heisenberg1 · 21-04-2017 7:52pm

I've used them over the last number of years and always found them to be sound no hassle at all.

donaghs · 26-04-2017 9:39am

the beer revolu wrote: »

I had never been in the famous Drinkstore until I found myself in the area today.

Now, I'm not going to complain about the prices they charge because I don't know what they charge for anything I picked up. No prices on the shelf or bottles.

I asked about this and was told that they don't put prices on beers and that I could ask. He then went on to say that if this was a problem for me that it wasn't the shop for me. I was then, rather patronisingly, told that there was a supermarket up the road.

I left empty handed.

Is it just me, or is this a crazy business model?
Would anyone else refuse to shop in a store that doesn't display prices?
Is this even legal?

My first trip to Drinkstore was a bit of a letdown.

Only saw this thread now. I've only been in there twice, first time to check it out (about 3 years ago). Decent enough beer selection, but almost no prices at all. And yes, I got a very patronizing smug response when I asked did they have any prices. One of the guys also said "which one are you looking for and I can tell you the price". As if your typical craft beer browser only comes in to buy their one favorite type of beer.

The 2nd time (last year) , just cause I happened to be passing through Stoneybatter. Same experience again. I said to them I didn't like buying in shops without prices. The guy (a little friendlier now) said something about being hard to do this with a the huge variety of stock that passes through the store. I had to point out that this never seems to be an issue for the likes of Redmond's or McHugh's that are equally (or better) stocked (at least on the days I was in there). So yeh, I don't go out of my way to visit it.

BaZmO* · 30-04-2017 6:20pm

I've been using them for years with no real problems. In fact, I'd always have a decent chat with Ken when I'd pop in to collect my order.

I used to always order on line, which is what I'd prefer as I could tailor my picks to my budget but their website has become progressively worse over the last couple of years, to the point that it's just pointless using it for anything other than standard stock items. I've been told many times that they're planning to update the website but they've been saying that for a couple of years now.

They used to be one of the best offy's in Dublin but since most offy's nowadays have just as good a range (and closer to home!) they're making themselves a little bit less relevant.

Losty Dublin · 30-04-2017 10:27pm

To be fair to them on one point, they get a lot of small orders dropped in by small brewers and distributors that are often sold out before they get prices up in shop.

BaZmO* · 30-04-2017 11:02pm

Losty Dublin wrote: »

To be fair to them on one point, they get a lot of small orders dropped in by small brewers and distributors that are often sold out before they get prices up in shop.

Yeah that's one of the reasons why they said they don't bother updating the website.

rubadub · 01-05-2017 12:14am

BaZmO* wrote: »

Yeah that's one of the reasons why they said they don't bother updating the website.

websites can cost a bit to change. For lots of shops, including even supermarkets like supervalu, you get more up to date info on their facebook/twitter/instagram pages. Of course you can not order via them but at least know what is in the shop day to day. Wetherspoons update their individual ones a lot.

https://www.facebook.com/www.drinkstore.ie/?rf=194422963904129

I don't get how some of these guys have the nerve/balls to be smug & patronising about not having prices, being ashamed & embarrassed would be the more appropriate feeling -I know if I worked there and had no say in the matter I would be redfaced & apologetic explaining why we had no prices up, especially as its seemingly a grey area legally.

I wonder how the same guys would react if they went into a supermarket with no prices and were confronted by a similar smug prick saying "this might not be the shop for you".

If you have to ask where do they get the prices from anyway? I guess its on a PC. Can they not just print the stock list & prices off on a bog standard printer. You go into some craft beer pubs and they have a very simple clipboard with A4 printouts on it, rather than a fancy flashy laminated menu that is obviously done by a printers. Or some "old" shops might have prices handwritten on tiny labels, rather than printed SEL labels. I never thought less of them.

the beer revolu · 01-05-2017 1:02am

rubadub wrote: »

websites can cost a bit to change. For lots of shops, including even supermarkets like supervalu, you get more up to date info on their facebook/twitter/instagram pages. Of course you can not order via them but at least know what is in the shop day to day. Wetherspoons update their individual ones a lot.

https://www.facebook.com/www.drinkstore.ie/?rf=194422963904129

I don't get how some of these guys have the nerve/balls to be smug & patronising about not having prices, being ashamed & embarrassed would be the more appropriate feeling -I know if I worked there and had no say in the matter I would be redfaced & apologetic explaining why we had no prices up, especially as its seemingly a grey area legally.

I wonder how the same guys would react if they went into a supermarket with no prices and were confronted by a similar smug prick saying "this might not be the shop for you".

If you have to ask where do they get the prices from anyway? I guess its on a PC. Can they not just print the stock list & prices off on a bog standard printer. You go into some craft beer pubs and they have a very simple clipboard with A4 printouts on it, rather than a fancy flashy laminated menu that is obviously done by a printers. Or some "old" shops might have prices handwritten on tiny labels, rather than printed SEL labels. I never thought less of them.

A good old hand held price gun works perfectly well in lots of smaller shops and offies.
Pricing your stock is just part of retailing. You can't just not bother doing it.

beardybrewer · 04-05-2017 10:02am

An File wrote: »

Are the shops better stocked than the website would suggest?

I'd be curious to check out some new sites.

I used to order from them when they had more exotic offerings and occasionally a good deal on whisky. I don't bothered checking there anymore as their stocklist is much reduced these days.

the beer revolu · 04-05-2017 12:50pm

It's a shame that what was once, by all accounts, a great shop has gone down hill but it's not surprising, really.

The issue with the stock not being priced is quite simply because they just can't be arsed putting prices on the bottles or shelves.

I can only assume that the issue with poor selection is down to similar apathy.

They probably blame a multitude of outside factors for their declining business but as far as I can see, it's all of their own making.

Pity.

testaccount123 · 04-05-2017 4:00pm

You've been to the shop once though, how do you know what it used to be like or that the business is declining?

Im personally not bothered by not having prices on the beer in the fridge. If the bill at the till is bigger than expected Ill query it.

the beer revolu · 04-05-2017 4:21pm

testaccount123 wrote: »

You've been to the shop once though, how do you know what it used to be like or that the business is declining?

Im personally not bothered by not having prices on the beer in the fridge. If the bill at the till is bigger than expected Ill query it.

I'm going by what people have said on this thread. People who no longer shop there because of its decline in range.
I'm also going by its reputation.

I ended up going to Fresh. Great range, good value and everything clearly priced.

testaccount123 · 04-05-2017 4:30pm

I dont think the range has declined. Its a small shop with the newer beers in the fridge, the rest is out the back. The fridge is the same size as its always been. It has a miles bigger range than the likes of Fresh.

It is, and always has been, geared at a local market - people who pop in a couple of times a week to see whats new. Everyone knows the two lads and just ask the price of things and whats been released. Its chaotic but thats part of its charm really.

I think the business has declined because they now have serious competition in the market, everywhere sells craft beer whereas they used to be one of the only real specialists on the Northside. The young guy working there doesnt help either.

Son0vagun · 04-05-2017 8:56pm

I love going into Drinkstore. Ken is an absolute gent, very knowledgable, always willing to help you, all you have to do is ask. He has just as many beers out the back as he does in the fridge. It's his business, to run as he pleases, it wouldn't be open if it wasn't successful.

the beer revolu · 05-05-2017 7:15pm

[quote="Son0vagun;103412831It's his business, to run as he pleases, it wouldn't be open if it wasn't successful.[/quote]

Eh, no. Not if it's a legal requirement to display prices (as I think it is).

Look, I've great time for idiosyncratic kranky retailers but the patronising way he spoke to me was not acceptable in my book.

Trond · 05-05-2017 7:55pm

McHugh's on the Malahide Road are miles ahead of everywhere else at the moment imo. Seriously well worth a visit.

Bus Boy · 05-05-2017 8:07pm

Have to say I find Ken to be a great bloke. I travel to get my stuff off them. I'm old school and just love the way the shop is all over the place, adds to my purchase. The lads get the good stuff too as they are well connected with suppliers and have a great reputation in that regard. I appreciate that people want to know the price of beer but with the turnover they have they probably are a little lazy. Anytime I've had to ask them about prices they've always obliged. But hey, it's a free world, if I felt they were being rude I'll just shop somewhere else. Won't stop me shopping there though, especially when the same stock is at least 50 cent more expensive in my local for no reason.

Trond · 05-05-2017 8:28pm

I will always love them for the time they sold Left Hand Milk Stout for €2 a bottle. Got 18 home on my bike :-)

donaghs · 05-05-2017 9:41pm

rubadub wrote: »

If you have to ask where do they get the prices from anyway? I guess its on a PC. Can they not just print the stock list & prices off on a bog standard printer. You go into some craft beer pubs and they have a very simple clipboard with A4 printouts on it, rather than a fancy flashy laminated menu that is obviously done by a printers. Or some "old" shops might have prices handwritten on tiny labels, rather than printed SEL labels. I never thought less of them.

Before " Carvills" Camden St closed, they used to print off new A4 sheets with prices when there were stock or price fluctuations. This wasn't ideal, but wasn't acceptable to me. The staff were also very friendly and keen to explain the issues with varied stock and multiple suppliers. I think Whelan's had similar A4 lists, it did the job.

RasTa · 06-05-2017 4:01pm

Drinkstore is usually the cheapest so you don't need to ask the price

rubadub · 06-05-2017 8:45pm

Bus Boy wrote: »

But hey, it's a free world,

there are laws, they are not free to do as they want. I am still unsure if what they are doing is illegal though.

RasTa wrote: »

Drinkstore is usually the cheapest so you don't need to ask the price

that is some strange logic. I find lidl to be usually the cheapest, I would not like to shop there and see no prices up, let alone not even be able to ask the price (i.e. seems you would not be too bothered if you could not even ask in drinkstore)

Bus Boy · 06-05-2017 9:50pm

In Lidl and Aldi you're not getting the fresh stuff. Hence why it's cheap. Knock yourself out there though rubadub, you gets what you pays for. It's like having a Sierra Nevada in Wetherspoon's, always a reason why it's cheap. Not having a go btw, but it's economics.

BaZmO* · 06-05-2017 10:03pm

Bus Boy wrote: »

In Lidl and Aldi you're not getting the fresh stuff. Hence why it's cheap. Knock yourself out there though rubadub, you gets what you pays for. It's like having a Sierra Nevada in Wetherspoon's, always a reason why it's cheap. Not having a go btw, but it's economics.

Eh, that's not true. Anyway, I think the point is that you would be going to Drinkstore to get a totally different range of beer that you'd get in Lidle & Aldi.

rubadub · 06-05-2017 10:07pm

Bus Boy wrote: »

In Lidl and Aldi you're not getting the fresh stuff. Hence why it's cheap. Knock yourself out there though rubadub, you gets what you pays for

I should have been clearer, I was talking about general grocery shopping, not beer, compared to tesco or dunnes I find lidl cheaper on a lot of stuff. I would be amazed if someone told me it did not bother them if a supermarket had no prices up, and that they would not be bothered if they could not even enquire about prices since "it's usually the cheapest"

Bus Boy · 06-05-2017 10:09pm

BaZmO* wrote: »

Eh, that's not true. Anyway, I think the point is that you would be going to Drinkstore to get a totally different range of beer that you'd get in Lidle & Aldi.

Sorry BaZmO you're correct. What I meant was the good stuff that Grand Cru and Four Corners etc distribute is fresh. Aldi and Lidl may get fresh stuff but it certainly won't be the brands from these lads.

Bus Boy · 06-05-2017 10:11pm

rubadub wrote: »

I should have been clearer, I was talking about general grocery shopping, not beer, compared to tesco or dunnes I find lidl cheaper on a lot of stuff. I would be amazed if someone told me it did not bother them if a supermarket had no prices up, and that they would not be bothered if they could not even enquire about prices since "it's usually the cheapest"

Apologies rubadub, I agree.

RasTa · 07-05-2017 1:34am

But we are buying beer so your aldi comparison makes no sense

donaghs · 07-05-2017 10:42am

RasTa wrote: »

But we are buying beer so your aldi comparison makes no sense

Aldi's O'Haras "O'Sheas" are mostly good. But in my nearest Aldi you can also get Bru, Bo Bristle, Foxes Rock, Brehon, Balbec IPA, Rascals, McGargles, Dungarven, etc.

Bus Boy · 07-05-2017 8:16pm

Having a little 21st Amendment Blah, Blah, Blah IPA... absolutely delicious. Cheeky 7.75%.

rubadub · 07-05-2017 9:56pm

RasTa wrote: »

But we are buying beer so your aldi comparison makes no sense

I am totally lost now, what is so special about beer that makes you not care if prices are displayed and not even able to ask what the price is?

RasTa wrote: »

Drinkstore is usually the cheapest so you don't need to ask the price

If it was wine would it make a difference? same brand of ketchup with similar BB dates? soft drinks? toothpaste?

Can you honestly see no sense in the comparison, if so please explicitly confirm that it is different for beer, it will make others know how seriously to take your posts.

Krusty_Clown · 08-05-2017 12:31pm

I was in Against The Grain the other night and they had KBS on draught. It's a wonderful, wonderful beer, but at ?11.50 for a 33cl serving I couldn't justify it, particularly, as I had already enjoyed a number of beers elsewhere, before arriving into ATG. Thankfully they had a full published price list, so I was able to arrive at an informed decision before approaching the counter. Otherwise, I might have ordered it and regretted it deeply after it was poured (though perhaps not!) - I'm not in the habit of running through pricing of beer with the barman before ordering - but perhaps others are different.

Publishing prices in a shop shouldn't be a big deal. It's not like there isn't a precedent. Lots of good off-licenses in Ireland publish pricing for their entire range of goods. Drinkstore probably don't have to - they may already have a solid customer base for whom it's not a big deal, but they certainly won't lose custom by including pricing, and by the tone of this thread, would stand to gain some. Like I said, I think they provide a great online service, so I'll continue to order from them through that means. I'd be surprised if they haven't noticed or been notified of this thread already, so there's not a lot of value in debating the point further. They can act on it or not as they see fit.

picachu · 08-05-2017 1:36pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

I had never been in the famous Drinkstore until I found myself in the area today.

Now, I'm not going to complain about the prices they charge because I don't know what they charge for anything I picked up. No prices on the shelf or bottles.

I asked about this and was told that they don't put prices on beers and that I could ask. He then went on to say that if this was a problem for me that it wasn't the shop for me. I was then, rather patronisingly, told that there was a supermarket up the road.

I left empty handed.

Is it just me, or is this a crazy business model?
Would anyone else refuse to shop in a store that doesn't display prices?
Is this even legal?

My first trip to Drinkstore was a bit of a letdown.

I've left here emptyhanded twice, i wouldnt go back in... Beer snobs

Drinkstore prices

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