Dear Local Home Brew Store Owner,

I have been brewing now for four years, and have been coming to your store that whole time. I have noticed in that time that your business has really declined. I want to continue to give you my business, but you are making it difficult. Let me offer you a few of my observations.

In the four years I have been visiting your store I have only seen you there twice. The people you have working, while very polite and helpful, aren't necessarily experienced home brewers. Yet, they are the only people you have chosen to leave in charge.

In addition to the people you have chosen to leave in charge, your store is just plain wack. I don't expect the Taj Majal; but sagging, brown, wet drop ceiling tiles. Are you serious? And lets just agree that you need to be up on your tetanus shots just to reach into the hop cooler.

One more thing. Your prices are horrible. I don't expect internet pricing, I certainly expect to pay a little higher price for these things locally; but two to three times as much? It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I feel like I'm being ripped off.

As a business owner myself I would like to make a few suggestions. Take some pride in the place and clean it up. I'm not talking a total remodel, just a mop and bucket and a few ceiling tiles. Then get some people in who have brewing interests -- better yet, be there yourself. It's disheartening when your employee is shocked to hear there is brewing software out there that prints an ingredient list.

Finally, do some promoting. Your parking lot is easily eight times the size of your store and fronts two major local streets. Why aren't you brewing out there every weekend? Let people see what the hobby is about, let them stir the kettle and get them hooked. Then tell them "come by in a few weeks and taste the beer you helped make". You'd kill 'em -- and you could use the increased volume to lower the prices a little bit.

Good luck to you in the future, I truly hope you succeed.