Originally posted on 02/28/2012:

Not being a wise arse but why would any business only accept customers who are "invited"? Smells like Business Psychology 101 gimmickry to me.

I recall a conversation with an owner of a very pedestrian winery who would give tours of his operation. At the start of each tour he would emphatically proclaim "Yes you may buy bottles of our fine wine. However due to the high demand for our product we must limit purchases to only two bottles per person." Invariably he would be prevailed upon by many of the tourists begging him to sell them cases of the wine to take home with them. Of course he would reluctantly consent; "well for you just this one time..." The psychology of selling is a powerful tool if used correctly.

No offense intended, just saying.