On 12 May 2007 08:14:25 -0700, wrote:

>While I can understand why people choose websites like wine.woot, you
>can't forget that these sites and big chain stores (Total Wine, etc)
>are killing the small independent wine retailers like myself. What you
>may save on wine.woot, you may end up paying in shipping charges.
>
>You may also want to check our eBay's Wine Auctions: eBay Stores> Home
>& Garden> Food & Wine> Wine
>
>Linda Blakely
>Ex USAF Photographer ;-)
>"Wine...it's not just for breakfast anymore"
>www.letstalkwine.blogspot.com

I can sympathize--but only a little bit. The same argument used to be
applied to libraries by bookstores and video rental places (I spent
ten years serving on a Board of Trustees of a major metro library
district.) The actual fact is that libraries whet the appetite of
readers and video watchers so that they actually spur business.

Let me start by noting that a lot of folks don't live places where
good independent wine retailers are easily accessible. Whitesboro TX
where I now reside is such a place. Sure, Dallas is just a short hour
and a half drive away, but that's not always convenient. And, although
there are some knowledgeable retailers, I'm just as likely to be
gazing at a wall full of bottles with artsy labels and inane "shelf
talkers" to make my selections.

My reason for bringing up my Woot experience was that, just as with
good restaurant wine lists, the hunting for value has already been
done for me. I've got a better chance of being introduced to something
I'll enjoy and the pricing is typically a "loss leader" for the
winery. Since Woot is a one shot buying experience, I'm then more
likely to visit my local wine retailer to buy more of what I enjoyed.
It's a win/win experience in my book.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com