Hill Farmstead thread

[bahnfire]

Also to note prices went up

I just noticed this too as I was reading over the updated retail page. Bummer for sure, but understandable and I certainly don't hold it against them. But I will be paying exclusively with card now, since I'm paying the CC companies fees either way.

 

[skrip]

anyone going up mind scooping me a Lemoncello IPA? i'm sure i have something you'll want

 

[Respirologist]

I just noticed this too as I was reading over the updated retail page. Bummer for sure, but understandable and I certainly don't hold it against them. But I will be paying exclusively with card now, since I'm paying the CC companies fees either way.

Same here. But if I go through the line 3 times I could see my credit card company shutting the card down til I call them to confirm. Easy solution is give them a call before I go.

 

[JBP]

We got Lemon Cello in Maine stores last week.

 

[user 307594]

Credit card processing fees are typically 1.5-2%, not 6%.

 

[Respirologist]

The prices of Growlers and 750ML non-BA saisons hasn't gone up since I first went to HFS in December of 2011. Arthur has always been $10 and Edward has always cost $3 for glass + $7 for a fill (maybe it was $6 in 2011)

so to have a 6% increase after all of this time isn't bad at all. The 750ML saisons are still the best steal in craft beer. We're in an age where over herbed / over spiced bomber saisons from breweries cost $9 and 750s are going for $20. I don't mind the price change.

Agreed and same here. Had me wondering how the hell Heady has maintained it's price point

 

[Respirologist]

Credit card processing fees are typically 1.5-2%, not 6%.

If i accept a credit card via Paypal its 2.9%.

 

[Adam Jackson]

Agreed and same here. Had me wondering how the hell Heady has maintained it's price point

I'd say Lawson's, Alchemist and HFS have remained vigilant on not increasing prices for the longest time. I think Double Sunshine has always been $8. Alchemist has always been $3 a can You'll pay $8.99 for DS @ stores and $3.50 for heady at stores but that's just a store markup and it's not out rages. I think Hunger mountain had a ton of Anna in December and charged $12 a bottle instead of $10.

I agree with what others may say that barrel aged HFS beers have creeped up in price. If you don't like the prices, don't buy it but the core Abner, edward, Arthur, Everett prices have remained identical to what they were 3 years ago..before the crowds, before the expansion and before HFS won #1 and #2 brewery of the year. Hill Farmstead could have raised prices a lot higher than 6% 18 months ago and the crowds would be what they are today.

 

[bsc]

I don't think anyone is complaining about pricing, just the subtle way they increased them without blatantly saying so.

Prices have increased over the years.
Whether it is the cost/size of BA bottles or only doing DIPA growlers in 750mL's or festival ticket pricing or bigger bottles for 2x the price per ounce.

Gotta pay for the expansion somehow.

 

[jomobono]

http://www.hillfarmstead.com/main/2...ic-give-your-bankcard-company-a-heads-up.html

 

[oilcan1]

Abner now listed in $10/750ml only status. Bummer, hope not permanent.

 

[tehzachatak]

Abner now listed in $10/750ml only status. Bummer, hope not permanent.

It's been going back and forth for a while. Seems like it is frequently 750 mL only when it's the only Double IPA on, usually 2 L allowed if there's another DIPA on.

 

[oilcan1]

It's been going back and forth for a while. Seems like it is frequently 750 mL only when it's the only Double IPA on, usually 2 L allowed if there's another DIPA on.

Hmm, first time I ever saw it listed as such. Thnx for clarifying.

 

[Adam Jackson]

It's been going back and forth for a while. Seems like it is frequently 750 mL only when it's the only Double IPA on, usually 2 L allowed if there's another DIPA on.

I've assumed, a drop from 2L to 750ML means there's not much of that batch left and they're trying to stretch it out. In other cases, (i.e.. Society & Solitude #5) I assume it's because the demand is high and it's more spreading of the wealth.

-----

Another look at prices, I went through Google Cache for HFS Prices (slow day at the office) and The core beers Edward, Abner, etc have been the exact price on HFS' site since they opened for business 4.5 years ago. Pretty insane. Even the growler prices are unchanged. Not sure about glassware.

 

[tehzachatak]

I've assumed, a drop from 2L to 750ML means there's not much of that batch left and they're trying to stretch it out. In other cases, (i.e.. Society & Solitude #5) I assume it's because the demand is high and it's more spreading of the wealth.

I could well be wrong, but I thought I remembered an Abner batch go up, maybe last fall, as 750 only, and then when an S&S came on alongside it, it went to 2L. But who knows. Point being, there's reasons for the limits, and it hopefully is not indicative of any permanent switch to 750mL.

 

[Os]

I could well be wrong, but I thought I remembered an Abner batch go up, maybe last fall, as 750 only, and then when an S&S came on alongside it, it went to 2L. But who knows. Point being, there's reasons for the limits, and it hopefully is not indicative of any permanent switch to 750mL.

eh, if anything, I've seen more beers start at 2L that didn't before (SS5)

 

[Shilt]

eh, if anything, I've seen more beers start at 2L that didn't before (SS5)

This. The most recent batches of SS4 and Abner have started at 2L and 750, but as there begins to be less left they knock it down to 750 only on the Website. I assume this is to help spread the love a little, or keep it on longer while waiting for other things to be ready.

 

[Respirologist]

Alright Alright I HAVE a solution to this...... Stay with me here...... We need to have VT follow the role MA sets which is Alcohol is exempt from sales tax ! So which Vermonter wants to start the petition !?

 

[Auror]

Went up today, pretty crowded. Normal line, but only 1 terminal for cards. People paying cash were able to cut up the line a few times because some of the staff was just doing cash transactions. So might be advantageous to still bring cash in the future.

 

[MikeG1]

Went up today, pretty crowded. Normal line, but only 1 terminal for cards. People paying cash were able to cut up the line a few times because some of the staff was just doing cash transactions. So might be advantageous to still bring cash in the future.

Any Hommage left on the shelf from last week?

 

[Auror]

Any Hommage left on the shelf from last week?

No, but Arthur, BA Everett, La Vermontoise, and Limon Cello IPA for bottles.

 

[MikeG1]

No, but Arthur, BA Everett, La Vermontoise, and Limon Cello IPA for bottles.

Ugh, not even worth the trip up

 

[supremepie]

Credit card processing fees are typically 1.5-2%, not 6%.

Processing fees that are added on by mobile register services like Square are significantly more than this. I was talking to Shaun about this a few months ago, and he mentioned he was hesitant to start taking cards because Square takes a 10%(I believe) cut of all transactions

 

[drgarage1]

Processing fees that are added on by mobile register services like Square are significantly more than this. I was talking to Shaun about this a few months ago, and he mentioned he was hesitant to start taking cards because Square takes a 10%(I believe) cut of all transactions

That is a gigantic lie. Square takes 2.75% for swipes, 3.5%+15 cents for manual entry. Larger businesses (HF is big enough to qualify) can negotiate down to 2% or even lower.

It was worse back in the day, but I have many friends who use square, and their low processing fees are a big reason why. Additionally, there is no minimum transaction fee charge, so no one should ever post a transaction minimum for credit cards.

 

[pjs234]

That is a gigantic lie. Square takes 2.75% for swipes, 3.5%+15 cents for manual entry. Larger businesses (HF is big enough to qualify) can negotiate down to 2% or even lower.

It was worse back in the day, but I have many friends who use square, and their low processing fees are a big reason why. Additionally, there is no minimum transaction fee charge, so no one should ever post a transaction minimum for credit cards.

I believe that all contracts with MC/Visa prohibit minimum purchase amounts for CC purchases. Doesn't seem to stop anyone from doing it. Been tempted to call MC/Visa to report vendors who do, but way too lazy to actually do it.

 

[drgarage1]

I believe that all contracts with MC/Visa prohibit minimum purchase amounts for CC purchases. Doesn't seem to stop anyone from doing it. Been tempted to call MC/Visa to report vendors who do, but way too lazy to actually do it.

And I have no problem with the alternative, which is tacking on a small fee for credit card use over cash on small purchases. That makes sense to me. What makes me irate is my local (and favorite) bakery initially refusing to run my card because they have a $10 minimum and I was spending $9.75. This actually happened. They wouldn't add the extra quarter to just make it $10. And they use square!

 

[pjs234]

And I have no problem with the alternative, which is tacking on a small fee for credit card use over cash on small purchases. That makes sense to me. What makes me irate is my local (and favorite) bakery initially refusing to run my card because they have a $10 minimum and I was spending $9.75. This actually happened. They wouldn't add the extra quarter to just make it $10. And they use square!

I was out cycling and only had a CC on me, stopped in a gas station, asked if they took CC's, they said yes. I got a gatorade, brought it to the counter and gave them my CC. They told me it was a $10 min. I informed them that I was out on my bike, 40 miles from home and needed the gatorade. They wouldn't budge. Annoyed, I then informed them their contract with MC prohibited them from setting minimum purchases for CC purchases (that didn't win me any points). They suggested I buy more stuff, to which i responded that I couldn't, as i was on a road bike and had no where to store it. I then said, just charge me $10 for the gatorade, and they refused, said "i can't take your money for nothing"... this went on for a few minutes, they finally relented and let me use my CC for the $2 purchase.... ******* hate the minimums.

 

[supremepie]

That is a gigantic lie. Square takes 2.75% for swipes, 3.5%+15 cents for manual entry. Larger businesses (HF is big enough to qualify) can negotiate down to 2% or even lower.

It was worse back in the day, but I have many friends who use square, and their low processing fees are a big reason why. Additionally, there is no minimum transaction fee charge, so no one should ever post a transaction minimum for credit cards.

Word, thanks for clarifying that. I was simply going off of Shaun's word. Thought it sounded a bit exorbitant and far fetched when he mentioned it, but didn't wanna question his logic mid-rant

 

[Auror]

Not sure if all of them do it, but the credit card processor I do business with takes a variable rate depending on the type of card used (Debit, Credit, Reward Credit, Specific store card). Think it averaged out to 2.11% last month (not including AMEX).

 

[drgarage1]

Not sure if all of them do it, but the credit card processor I do business with takes a variable rate depending on the type of card used (Debit, Credit, Reward Credit, Specific store card). Think it averaged out to 2.11% last month (not including AMEX).

Oh, AMEX. There's a damn good reason so many businesses refuse to accept them.