Whisky Forum - Buying whisky from shop or online?

Russell D

Last week i was in edinburgh and bought some whisky from a shop on the royal mile.
On returning home i looked at the shops online prices for the whisky i bought. It was a shock to find that it was cheaper by 15 pounds to buy online.
I have emailed the shop and have received a curt reply,i quote "sure online prices are cheaper"
I would have thought that me going into the shop to buy and therefore not incurring packing costs would make the item the same cost or am i being stupid.

Genuine Risk · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 9:03 pm Post subject:

Most high street shops are ment for tourists that only buy from that shop once. If you had of been able to show the online price on your phone at the time they would probably have matched it, I have done it before. A lot of these shops will have a discount for regular customers.

But it is crap and nothing worse than being ripped off by someone who doesn't care.
_________________
Putting the func in dysfunctional.

Russell D · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2013 9:23 pm Post subject:

Yes its not good,esp since i have bought from them before. They had the cheek to tell me online prices didnt include postage.
So i now know that bottles of whisky are no longer delivered by carrier pidgeon.
Needlless to say i wont buy from them,online or at the shop,again.
One of the reasons i go to the shops is to have some conversation with the people who work in the whisky shops. They know more than i do and i learn from them as a rule. I have certainly learnt from this.
Anyway merry christmas to all on here.

Fergie · Master Of Malts Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 1743

I would always order online these days, no parking costs and the likes of TWE deliver quickly and it is only Â£4.95 for up to 60 bottles and next day delivery is Â£6.95

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Alastair · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 12:07 am Post subject:

I am not in Edinburgh very much but i would be very warey the prices in whisky shops in the royal mile after my last visit were i came across more than a few over inflated prices. Having no whisky specialist shop near me i mostly order online anyway.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Diademo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 1255

I feel your pain but maybe you have to put in perspective.
I couple months ago I bought few bottles from the same shop in Edinburgh. I spent there more than an hour discussing with salesperson, I tried 8 or 10 samples (free) and bought 4 bottles. I was aware of higher prices but they allowed me to send additional 5 bottles (bought in other Edinburgh stores) with the same package to my address.

In my book this is a good shop but when I'm buying my regular stuff I'm ordering online (not necessary from their site). IMO shop on Royal Mile is reasonably good one if you know that you are in the prime tourist location in the city. At the end, it's just business - but I appreciate their time, free samples and help they are providing.

BTW - Personally I think that Cadenhead's on Canongate Street is the best whisky shop in the area.

5-12-1908 · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Posts: 307

Being fair an online retailer will always be cheaper. I shudder to think what the rates will be on the royal mile, then the staff. A wharehouse or garage in Bolton or Birmingham will no doubt not even have wallpaper never mind carpet and heating for the comfort of the window shopper.

Calder · Master Of Malts Joined: 13 Nov 2008 Posts: 688

I use whisky events such as the Glasgow Whisky Festival and the Edinburgh Whisky Fringe to taste any whiskies that i may be interested in as i have found whisky specialist shops dont always offer samples and are less reluctant to open the more expensive bottlings and in the past i have been left with the uncomfortable feeling that i was trying to get a free drink.

I find reviews and comments on this site invaluable also.

Personally i would use supermarkets for the standard entry level whiskies such as from Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie and i would always use online shops for special bottlings.

drPete · Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 6:45 pm Post subject:

Russell D · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:37 am Post subject:

obviously i wont name the shop but it wasnt cadenheads. i wasnt offered any samples and i was looking for this specific bottle hence the purchase.
i understand the rating,wages thing but it still sticks in my craw that the price difference was there,remembering that there was no packaging costs at all,it was a cash sale, there and then, and the fact i bought two bottles there.
anyway as i said i wont buy from them again,either online or in person and i do buy a few bottles.

albo · Master Of Malts Joined: 22 Mar 2011 Posts: 1888

Russell D · Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:23 pm Post subject:

albo, i am sorry but i wont name the shop in case of the legal eagles.
the last from the shop,the owner i think, was,and i quote ,
you cant be serious, please dont make such a big deal over a few quid price difference,take your bottles back to the shop and get all your money back or email me scan of your receipt and i will send you a cheque for the difference. whatever you want ... we dont make a big deal out of small things here.
whilst i may be able to get my money,or the difference back, i still think that the attitude,the customer service,such as it is,leaves alot to be desired.

James T · Master Of Malts Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 2968

I agree Russell this guys attitude absolutely stinks.

Personally i mostly buy online, no driving and parking hassles and the cost of the whisky is often cheaper as you can shop around online and i have found standard shipping from the likes of The Whisky Exchange is very quick.

It is good to taste before you buy but most of my purchases i have tasted before and the more expensive purchases which i havent tasted are less likely to be available for tasting or are often not offered for tasting especially up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh unless you are a tourist with an American accent. I online reviews very helpful for guiding me to both my everyday dramming and more expensive purchases.