Stealing brewery glassware

[BadJustin]

again, they knew... and they still want to try and make it work by eliminating the culprits... I don't see what's so wrong about that

I don't think anything is man. No business owner wants it to happen.

 

[Previously]

and they still want to try and make it work by eliminating the culprits... I don't see what's so wrong about that

Some good options have been discussed: selling the glassware for profit on-site, charging a deposit for glassware, etc.

We did that. What else is there to discuss?

 

[Gene1]

how the main issue is being overlooked is funny to me... stealing is wrong... it's a bad trend and it's not excusable...

It does suck that theft needs to be controlled for. It sucks that professional sports need to control for cheating/doping, and it sucks that banks need to control for fraud, and that networks need to control for hackers. Some people have an extremely strong ethical constitution - but many do not. When someone can steal and flip dozens of glasses for tremendous profit this easily, and thousands of different people pass through those doors each day, the odds say that you'll very quickly find multiple people willing to take advantage before long.

I know branded glassware is stolen at a much higher rate industry wide. This doesn't make it right, or acceptable, in any capacity.

Definitely agree. For me, the debate isn't about whether it's right or wrong. It's wrong, and I think everyone (even the thieves) would agree with that. I guess it's more about why so many people would do something so obviously wrong.

So far roughly one in ten people receiving a pour have stolen their glass. This is what legitimately shocked me, and compelled me to bring it up.

I guess this is where I am less shocked. I think it's easy for people to do bad things if they perceive those bad things as somehow aligned with norms, or less-than-harmful (or simply justified, which I don't think applies here). Out of that 10% of glasses, I would like to think that the majority of people are not like the parking lot flipper, but rather perfectly nice people who are under the delusion that this is a normal/acceptable thing to do.

As for where people get such an impression, it's kind of a thing.
https://www.google.com/search?q=steal+the+glass&tbm=isch

Though you'd hope people would know the difference between an event called "steal the glass" and, you know, every other day of the year.

 

[FTowne1]

The fact that this thread is 5 pages long (and growing) just proves how awful the beer "hobby" is in general. Do you think in some alternate universe some restaurant owner made a Facebook post about people stealing his monogrammed silver wear? Highly unlikely.

 

[Os]

It does suck that theft needs to be controlled for. It sucks that professional sports need to control for cheating/doping, and it sucks that banks need to control for fraud, and that networks need to control for hackers. Some people have an extremely strong ethical constitution - but many do not. When someone can steal and flip dozens of glasses for tremendous profit this easily, and thousands of different people pass through those doors each day, the odds say that you'll very quickly find multiple people willing to take advantage before long.

To me, that's the main issue - because I don't think the right-or-wrong thing is much of a debate. Even the people who stole the glasses would likely agree that it was wrong.

as I said, some of the suggestions are good... but to point the finger and act like they are wrong (which many in here are doing) for asking on social media that anyone be reported for theft is the odd turn this took... it's their business and they are trying to run it in a particular way... they are asking their "loyal customers" to report theft. How Treehouse became the issue here is crazy to me...

great, if you are looking at it as just a industry-wide issue and have opinions and suggestions on how to avoid things, great... but at the end of the day, Treehouse is a small business that has made an effort to run things a certain way, and they are not full on blaming all their customers as some have made it seem... they are just asking for help in identifying people who stole from them

 

[Previously]

When someone can steal and flip dozens of glasses for tremendous profit this easily, and thousands of different people pass through those doors each day, they should definitely start selling them on-site for a profit. We do it here at Talk Beer and we even offer shipping. The people love it!

FTFY

When did common sense die?

 

[sacrelicio]

So, I've never stolen glassware from a brewery or tasting room (and never will). On the other hand, I routinely helped myself to glassware from bars for a while back in my early 20s (happy to admit it). Not your Armsby Abbeys of the world, but stuff like branded pints, etc. from random bars.

My personal rationalization is that bars (and sometimes retailers) typically get this glass free from distributors. Some turn around and sell it, which has always felt pretty questionable to me. Otherwise, bars just accumulate this ****.

Obviously, it's still not "okay." If it was "okay," the bar would just say "take whatever glasses you want!" But, it bothered me less. Any thoughts?

There was a legendary dive bar in Uptown Minneapolis called "The Uptown Bar." It was an institution, everyone hung out there, tons of local bands played there, Nirvana even played there once, and if you were in your 20s and lived anywhere near Uptown, you had an Uptown Bar pint glass in your cabinet. I have one or two still. I did not pay for it although I maybe could have. No ragrets.

 

[RyanG1]

I am the LORD thy God!

1. No other gods before me
2. No graven images or likenesses
3. Not take the LORD's name in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day
5. Honour thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal Willi Becher pints glasses
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness
10. Thou shalt not covet

 

[Steve2]

Definitely agree. The debate absolutely isn't about whether it's right or wrong. It's wrong, and again: I think everyone (even the thieves) would agree with that.

I guess this is where I am less shocked. I think it's easy for people to do bad things if they perceive those bad things as somehow aligned with norms, or less-than-harmful (or simply justified, which I don't think applies here). Out of that 10% of glasses, I would like to think that the majority of people are not like the parking lot flipper, but rather perfectly nice people who are under the delusion that this is a normal/acceptable thing to do.

People are going to steal glasses. Those people are committing an immoral act. But, it happens and it’s probably going to keep happening.

Now the more interesting conversation is: How do you create a system to prevent theft, reduce the cost of theft to the brewery, etc. without threatening to call the cops over cheap pieces of glass? Or is this just a decision a brewery needs to make? Is the enhanced experience worth it?

I think we can obviously see specially marking glasses you can only own if you steal them is not the effective answer to that question. Hell even I would want that glass. That’s even with my know that it’s a really stupid impulse in my psychology that makes me want .rar things.

I know branded glassware is stolen at a much higher rate industry wide. This doesn't make it right, or acceptable, in any capacity.

So far roughly one in ten people receiving a pour have stolen their glass. This is what legitimately shocked me, and compelled me to bring it up.

"Deter theft" was the wrong way to put it. "Identify theft" would have been better. If you possess a small logo, etched glass outside of the brewery, there are two explanations: You took it because you thought you paid for it (there is no indication you did - and twenty signs scattered about the taproom to indicate that you didn't), or, (much more likely) you knowingly and willingly stole it.

Since asking for help we have been notified of at least one person selling a dozen or so of said stolen glasses in our lower parking lot. With any luck, bringing it up will help us identify and thwart more of this type of behavior, and allow us to continue serving our beer in branded glassware. If not, we've wasted very little energy and life goes on.

Stealing is wrong, regardless of value or context.

Unless:

You’d probably have had more luck from the community at large pointing out to your fans that any of these glasses for sale on the secondary were stolen from the brewery, and those people should be mercilessly mocked.

That semi-joke aside, what you’ve unintentionally created here is a scarce market for a very specific piece of glassware that you don’t want to sell. Ironically, it’s the same concept of scarcity, rarity, difficulty to obtain, etc. that helps sell your beer at such an alarming rate. I’m honestly surprised only 10% of people are stealing it. Not that I think it’s OK to do. Of course it’s not.

 

[Os]

Definitely agree. The debate absolutely isn't about whether it's right or wrong. It's wrong, and again: I think everyone (even the thieves) would agree with that.

I guess this is where I am less shocked. I think it's easy for people to do bad things if they perceive those bad things as somehow aligned with norms, or less-than-harmful (or simply justified, which I don't think applies here). Out of that 10% of glasses, I would like to think that the majority of people are not like the parking lot flipper, but rather perfectly nice people who are under the delusion that this is a normal/acceptable thing to do.

As for where people get such an impression, it's kind of a thing.
https://www.google.com/search?q=steal+the+glass&tbm=isch

Though you'd hope people would know the difference between an event called "steal the glass" and, you know, every other day of the year.

Now this seems contradictory... but even that aside... you are either giving them too much credit that they don't know they are doing anything wrong... or not enough credit that they are smart enough to know what they are doing is wrong...

And for all the criticism some are giving Nate for posting this on social media, it would seem like a good thing to call out the issue if people do indeed think it's acceptable, No?

We talk about this industry and how important it is to educate the consumer... seems like "stealing is bad" would be some necessary education under this premise

 

[Gene1]

Now this seems contradictory... but even that aside... you are either giving them too much credit that they don't know they are doing anything wrong... or not enough credit that they are smart enough to know what they are doing is wrong...

And for all the criticism some are giving Nate for posting this on social media, it would seem like a good thing to call out the issue if people do indeed think it's acceptable, No?

We talk about this industry and how important it is to educate the consumer... seems like "stealing is bad" would be some necessary education under this premise

People know things are wrong but do them anyway all the time for all sorts of reasons. In this case, they REALLY want the glass, and probably thought it was no big deal to Nate and the folks at Tree House. They also knew they wouldn't get caught. Motive, rationalization, and opportunity.

And yes - I think Nate definitely had every right to make it very clear that this is not something they consider acceptable, and hopefully that will go a long way to deter the good people from doing a bad thing (now they'll know just how bad it is). The truly malicious/profiteering bunch, though, will likely require some additional countermeasures.

Edit: Also, the more I think about the reality of someone stealing stuff and immediately selling it in the parking lot of the place they stole it from, the more floored I am. What the ****?

 

[jivex5k1]

Can't you just install a sensor attached to a small explosive on each glass? Just have it trigger if a glass leaves the building, problem solved.

 

[sacrelicio]

Ironically, it’s the same concept of scarcity, rarity, difficulty to obtain, etc. that helps sell your beer at such an alarming rate. I’m honestly surprised only 10% of people are stealing it. Not that I think it’s OK to do. Of course it’s not.

Call me crazy but I bet a few people have even made special trips to Tree House just to steal a glass, and in the process spend a lot more money than the glass is even worth.

 

[disapowzment]

We can start a gofundme for treehouse lost glassware.

 

[Snarf1]

The fact that this thread is 5 pages long (and growing) just makes me want to steal a beer glass to revel in all this holier than though, high horse, pretend moral outrage over something of absolutely no consequence.

FTFM

Don't you guys have some pissy Yelp reviews to write or something?

 

[Previously]

We can start a gofundme for treehouse lost glassware.

You, sir, are beyond reproach.

 

[litheum94]

"Identity theft"?

 

[JulianB1]

"Identity theft"?

Maybe I missed something, but I don't see where identity theft was mentioned.

 

[Gene1]

"Identity theft"?

*Identify

 

[Os]

People know things are wrong but do them anyway all the time for all sorts of reasons. In this case, they REALLY want the glass, and probably thought it was no big deal to Nate and the folks at Tree House. They also knew they wouldn't get caught. Motive, rationalization, and opportunity.

And yes - I think Nate definitely had every right to make it very clear that this is not something they consider acceptable, and hopefully that will go a long way to deter the good people from doing a bad thing (now they'll know just how bad it is). The truly malicious/profiteering bunch, though, will likely require some additional countermeasures.

Edit: Also, the more I think about the reality of someone stealing stuff and immediately selling it in the parking lot of the place they stole it from, the more floored I am. What the ****?

as much as I love Treehouse, the brewery, beer, and the staff... I'm not surprised by this... every time I've been there it's like a flea market of trades... I don't mean the pre-arranged "I'll meet you and we'll trade" things... but people literally with the trunk popped and a line up of what they have to offer... they have the most bizarre regulars, and some of them really lessen the experience for me...

I can't wait until it's all just beer and I can go and have a pint and grab a few 6ers and chill... seems like it's starting to go in that direction

 

[tehzachatak]

Also, the more I think about the reality of someone stealing stuff and immediately selling it in the parking lot of the place they stole it from, the more floored I am. What the ****?

Is this really that surprising in 2018 beer culture?

 

[regularjohn]

So is anyone going to Treehouse this week?

 

[litheum94]

*Identify

My bad. Misread that.

 

[jivex5k1]

as much as I love Treehouse, the brewery, beer, and the staff... I'm not surprised by this... every time I've been there it's like a flea market of trades... I don't mean the pre-arranged "I'll meet you and we'll trade" things... but people literally with the trunk popped and a line up of what they have to offer... they have the most bizarre regulars, and some of them really lessen the experience for me...

I can't wait until it's all just beer and I can go and have a pint and grab a few 6ers and chill... seems like it's starting to go in that direction

That sounds awful. Just awful.































Are any of them selling rare bathroom pours? Asking for a friend.

 

[ant880]

... but I don't care enough to argue.

And on the 24th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2018, hell did, in fact, freeze over.

 

[sacrelicio]

as much as I love Treehouse, the brewery, beer, and the staff... I'm not surprised by this... every time I've been there it's like a flea market of trades... I don't mean the pre-arranged "I'll meet you and we'll trade" things... but people literally with the trunk popped and a line up of what they have to offer... they have the most bizarre regulars, and some of them really lessen the experience for me...

I can't wait until it's all just beer and I can go and have a pint and grab a few 6ers and chill... seems like it's starting to go in that direction

That's crazy. The only time I've ever seen flea market type **** was at DLD 2012. I wonder if any other breweries deal with this on a regular basis.

 

[Os]

That's crazy. The only time I've ever seen flea market type **** was at DLD 2012. I wonder if any other breweries deal with this on a regular basis.

I really have never seen anything quite like it... saw something similar happening in Trillium in Canton but I was only there once and didn't stick around very long...

 

[abagofit]

That's crazy. The only time I've ever seen flea market type **** was at DLD 2012. I wonder if any other breweries deal with this on a regular basis.

It definitely happens at Trillium, but to a much lesser extent.

 

[Lutter]

as much as I love Treehouse, the brewery, beer, and the staff... I'm not surprised by this... every time I've been there it's like a flea market of trades... I don't mean the pre-arranged "I'll meet you and we'll trade" things... but people literally with the trunk popped and a line up of what they have to offer... they have the most bizarre regulars, and some of them really lessen the experience for me...

I can't wait until it's all just beer and I can go and have a pint and grab a few 6ers and chill... seems like it's starting to go in that direction

Not lately, but way back at Jester King, dudes would sit at the outside picnic tables with bottles arranged in front of them looking to trade for the latest bottles....

... one of the reasons they banned outside alcohol on their property some years back, I'm sure.

 

[RyanG1]

That's crazy. The only time I've ever seen flea market type **** was at DLD 2012. I wonder if any other breweries deal with this on a regular basis.

I've bought packages of tube socks out front of Sante, the brewery is located at a beach side version of Trailer Park Boys