Preventing Theft Of Moscow Mule Mugs

[StonesRyan]

Does anyone have a good protocol for ensuring that copper mugs aren't stolen from the tasting room? We hold an ID as a deposit but they're still hard to keep track of - especially at busy times when it's easier to sneak away with one. We've been losing them too frequently lately and it's quite hard to swallow when someone only buys an $8 mule and gets an $18 copper mug along with it. Any ideas how to prevent this besides doing a pat down on everyone who leaves?

[HedgeBird]

https://www.amazon.com/LB1-High-Performance-EliteBook-Anti-theft/dp/B00MH433UQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466697001&sr=8-6&keywords=laptop+theft+chain

Kidding aside if $18 is your cost your probably paying too much.  There are some options on eBay that are still expensive, but better than $18.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/one-dozen-14-ounce-moscow-mule-copper-mugs-NEW-/181979588381?hash=item2a5ed4271d:g:DSsAAOSwGotWiFkz
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-x-MOSCOW-MULE-COPPER-MUG-100-SOLID-COPPER-14-OZ-FREE-SHIPPING-Ice-Cold-Drink-/111756028443?hash=item1a052daa1b:g:DEwAAOSwR5dXTOP8

We gave up on the copper mugs and just went back to glassware.

 

 

[StonesRyan]

The lock is tempting!!

I know $18 is high but they're hand-hammered solid copper with a fired patina and with our logo hand-stamped into them. They're certainly not the cheapest but theyre the coolest we've seen - they're also our top selling piece of merchandise. We may have to switch just selling the nice ones and using less expensive ones for cocktails. 

[Silk City Distillers]

Charge $10 and factor in that 1 in 9 will walk away?

Discount the drink+mug combination?

 

 

[StonesRyan]

Both good ideas, Silk City - thank you.

[Jno]

You could always do like Pat O's in the French quarter.

Charge so much for the mug, like a deposit, and if the glass/mug is returned they get their money back.  A little time consuming, but you will find most will bring the glass/mug back for the deposit.  But some will keep them as a souvenir.

Or do just what Pat O's does exactly and not tell people they can return the glass for a refund and you are ahead the glasses that are left behind by the unsuspecting (don't do this).  

Of course your cost is a boat load higher that the cost of a hurricane glass...but a suggestion.

[StonesRyan]

Thanks, Jno. Charging for the mug up front would certainly be a deterrent!

[Tom Lenerz]

A German bar near me has glass boots that they had the same issue with, so now they take your credit card and if the boot doesn't come back you get rang up for it. I want to say it is a crazy high price, like $100, to deter people from 'buying' them. 

[StonesRyan]

Another good idea. Thanks, Tom!

[lengmann]

Wondering how practical the deposit might be as that just puts additional burden on the staff during busy hours.  I'd probably go to cheaper options with a special or mug club to entice the buying of mugs.

[RobertS]

Metal would probably mess with the field, but DVD security stickers may be an option. The security scanners probably aren't cheap, though.

[StonesRyan]

Thanks folks! I agree Lengmann, we tried taking deposits and it's difficult to manage. I like your idea Robert and have wondered about rfid chips but know nothing about that sort of thing.