I LOVE a great deal - on anything. You name it. And in these economic times - soon to be known as Era of the Bargain - there are deals to be had...and deals to make you mad.
Even if you're not watching your nickels, dimes and quarters, you can find yourself disappointed by wines that appear to be a good deal.
What is a good deal? That's pretty subjective in the wine biz - in my personal opinion (and I shop this way for most other things) - I like a deal that takes a few dollars off something that I already like or want. It's almost like a loyalty reward - the brand or store decides that their customers deserve a break on something that they know is popular (or maybe a bit too pricey for everyday) and lower the price by a percentage or a few dollars.
I also like a deal that gives me a discount for shopping and buying a case of wine. Again, it's a thank you for being a good customer, a quantity discount without compromising quality, I'm buying what I want and then get the courtesy of being rewarded with a financial incentive. From retail sellers to large supermarket chains, this should be a policy that is available (even if it's not advertised) and if not mentioned, something that you should feel comfortable asking for. Our policy is that we can't always do it on "limited release" wines but we try to find a way to make our clients feel like their was a value add or bonus for shopping by the case.
End of the aisle mark-downs. One of the things that drives me crazy is that most "bargains" that have signs displayed on them, or make it to the in-store flyer, or that have the words SALE or CLOSE-OUT on them are just that. They probably never sold at the full price that's quoted on the tag or sign - they are an item that is used to "bring in traffic" and the sale is really not a sale or bargain at all.
I recently bought a wine (shame on me!) that said that it was $3.99 on sale from $12.99 that was almost undrinkable (ha! get what you pay for!). I'd love the photos of everyone who paid $12.99!
Think before you grab these deals. If you pour out 3 bottles of $7.99 wine that's undrinkable, then wouldn't you have been happier just buying a $20-$25 bottle that you know you would enjoy and calling it a day?
There are all kinds of companies out there that have blow out inventory that makes it's way to the shelves of very reputable (? sorry to contradict myself) stores and at this particular point in time they still have to turn a buck for the seller (i.e. make a few dollars on you!).
So, use http://wine-searcher.com to check out prices and availability, really put it to the test of the salesperson (would you buy this wine to give as a gift to a friend?) or shop with people you trust.
Remember, a dollar saved can sometimes be a dollar wasted.
Even if you're not watching your nickels, dimes and quarters, you can find yourself disappointed by wines that appear to be a good deal.
What is a good deal? That's pretty subjective in the wine biz - in my personal opinion (and I shop this way for most other things) - I like a deal that takes a few dollars off something that I already like or want. It's almost like a loyalty reward - the brand or store decides that their customers deserve a break on something that they know is popular (or maybe a bit too pricey for everyday) and lower the price by a percentage or a few dollars.
I also like a deal that gives me a discount for shopping and buying a case of wine. Again, it's a thank you for being a good customer, a quantity discount without compromising quality, I'm buying what I want and then get the courtesy of being rewarded with a financial incentive. From retail sellers to large supermarket chains, this should be a policy that is available (even if it's not advertised) and if not mentioned, something that you should feel comfortable asking for. Our policy is that we can't always do it on "limited release" wines but we try to find a way to make our clients feel like their was a value add or bonus for shopping by the case.
End of the aisle mark-downs. One of the things that drives me crazy is that most "bargains" that have signs displayed on them, or make it to the in-store flyer, or that have the words SALE or CLOSE-OUT on them are just that. They probably never sold at the full price that's quoted on the tag or sign - they are an item that is used to "bring in traffic" and the sale is really not a sale or bargain at all.
I recently bought a wine (shame on me!) that said that it was $3.99 on sale from $12.99 that was almost undrinkable (ha! get what you pay for!). I'd love the photos of everyone who paid $12.99!
Think before you grab these deals. If you pour out 3 bottles of $7.99 wine that's undrinkable, then wouldn't you have been happier just buying a $20-$25 bottle that you know you would enjoy and calling it a day?
There are all kinds of companies out there that have blow out inventory that makes it's way to the shelves of very reputable (? sorry to contradict myself) stores and at this particular point in time they still have to turn a buck for the seller (i.e. make a few dollars on you!).
So, use http://wine-searcher.com to check out prices and availability, really put it to the test of the salesperson (would you buy this wine to give as a gift to a friend?) or shop with people you trust.
Remember, a dollar saved can sometimes be a dollar wasted.
