I don’t understand the business model for wine.com. How are they able to provide such deep discounts? Have they been around for a while?
Normally wine.com mark up the price 10-20%. Lets say caymus they selling at $89.99, other site is $75. Maybe their invoice price is $40-$45
They’re relying on their name and that most people aren’t going to shop around. Most of their “deals” are on the order of 10% off so people think they’re getting a deal but really they’re just getting it for around what they would buy it from another online site, if that. I don’t know where people are finding all these $100 off $300 codes but if everyone used them that would definitely cut into their profit. Most people probably aren’t buying $300 of wine though so a small hit to their bottom line and they’re still moving inventory, probably higher priced inventory with those codes. Up until now I’ve been using this deal about once a year when I get it in the mail at the end of the year. I’ll make an order then another through my wife. I’ve usually used it to buy the higher priced bottles that I only get one or two bottles of. Hillside Select, Pontet-Canet, Insignia, etc.
With stewardship and the 100/300 coupon wine.com is about 25% less than any other source for stuff like Krug 168 375s, so that’s what I’ve been stocking up.
This. Without the 100/300 coupon wine.com isn’t close to competitive, except maybe with Zachy’s. With the coupon and careful selection some of the deals are the best I can find.
You definitely need to check wine searcher before buying at wine.com. they are normally pretty competitive on new wines especially after using the always available 10% off coupons. I found their pricing on bordeaux futures receipt competitive with everyone. But once you get beyond 2 years from release date, it starts to get more noncompetitive and bigger coupons are needed.
Historically 20-30% higher, so, yeah, $100 off $300 is a wash.
Just depends. Krug halves at 60 a pop delivered is definitely better than you’ll find elsewhere. Ardanza especial and bedrock ovz for ~20 delivered is also very good.
2014 Jamet was great.
Here’s a decent Bordeaux combo
Chateau Canon 2010 $159.99->$113, WSP $135
Chateau Troplong Mondot 2010 $179.99->$127, WSP $144-$179
Definitely not a wash on all the things I’ve bought. I’d say pricing is more like 10-15% above W-S best pricing, so after a 1/3 discount, and with the stewardship shipping offer, those items are coming in well below W-S best all-in. Obviously careful selection is necessary, but I’ve found no shortage of excellent buys. Quite the contrary, I’ve been tempted to buy way more than I would otherwise, especially as threats of tariffs continue to loom.
Maybe just me. I had two Giacosa’s in the cart and decided not to pull trigger a few times over the last couple of days.
Agree with this 100%, if you pick the right bottles this deal is tough to beat with stewardship membership.
Credit card on fire
I would strongly agree that careful attention to how the pre-discount price compares to the marketplace is essential to getting a great buy. If you do this and cast a wide enough net, the deals can be excellent, tempting, and difficult to say no to. I’m trying to learn to “just say no” but as you point out, Michael, it is difficult.
O that’s dangerous. I just read the 2016 produttori thread. So I picked up some up with the $100 off $300 code.
Any expiration dates on these?
This is worrisome.
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They’ve delivered every order very quickly.
Bought more than a few bottles from them using coupons including a case of PYCM last year. 0 issues.
Sean
I hope you guys are right.
They shipped from CA my 2005 Pape Clement by US mail yesterday. Am worried because it’s snowing in WA these days.