Whats the deal with Austin Homebrew Supply???

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 12:18 AM

I am a complete newb to this hobby and now have 4 batches in fermenters. i have ordered 3 times from AHS since i live in Texas and want to support them. Out of the 3 orders, they have screwed up 2. On the first they left out the carboy stopper and airlock i ordered with my new class carboy. on the most current order, i ordered a belgian pale ale mini mash kit and they left out the Hops and i wanted some dry yeast as a back up and they left that out. I called them both times and they said "sorry were busy, take it up with the shipping department. No thanks, i will move on. Any recommendations for a new mail order HBS? Dont want to air dirty laundry, but WTFO.

**Brew-boy** · 08-28-2008, 12:20 AM

Wow that is unusual I have had nothing but good luck with them. Maybe you should e-mail Forest and tell him the problems you have had. I do remember reading he was a little under staffed and was adding more people to help out. They are a good company who cares about customers satisfaction.

Ooompa Loompa · 08-28-2008, 12:21 AM

That is very unusual for them. Forrest from Austin Homebrew is an active member of these forums and I'm sure he'll chime in and set things right for you.

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 12:32 AM

I am sure Forrest is a good guy. It is just the attention to detail that screws you. A carboy without a stopper and airlock is no good. and a Belgian mini mash kit without hops is no good. i was hoping to expand my home brew experience this Friday with a mini mash kit. After unloading the box, and carefully searching the styrofaom peanuts for my dry yeast back up and any hops whatsoever, there was none. maybe i can use the mold from some old bread in my pantry for the hops?????

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 12:53 AM

Just to piggy back on the above. What really sucks is that in a hundred dollar or so order, the oversight of 2 or 3 dollars worth of ingredients spoils a whole weekends plans. I dont have the luxury of a LHBS to correct these oversights. Sorry to vent, just a frustrated newb. i know.....RDWHAHB. The only problem is the rate i'm going i will never have a HB.

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 12:54 AM

Maybe I'll go get a Bud Light!

Kevin Dean · 08-28-2008, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullF-16

Any recommendations for a new mail order HBS?

Austin Home Brew is one of the best there is, honestly. Let Forrest respond here before making a decision to spend your money elsewhere, he really does go out of his way to make things right and provide a good experience in general.

phissionkorps · 08-28-2008, 01:02 AM

I've always had good experiences there, even the one time I've been there in person. Sorry to hear of your bad experience, but I'm sure they'll rectify the situation. Sometimes you can find better prices elsewhere, but their clone kits are great and shipping there is rockin. Most of the time buying elsewhere isn't worth it, since what you save on products you will pay in shipping.

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 01:06 AM

Thanks KD, i will continue to support AHS. They ship quick to me. It just is frustrating that when a company grows....the care for the customer seems to wain! Micro managing is not the answer, but company leadership and pride usually mitigate this problem. Hate to be a Newb with these posts, but.......if no one knows, the problem persists.

BullF-16 · 08-28-2008, 01:12 AM

Shouldn't my posts be more along the lines of "why is my airlock not bubbling?" or did i just ruin my new batch by.......?

Seriously guys and gals....this sight is great. Us newbs appreciate your time and effort in bringing the art of homebrewing to the common person. I love this new hobby, cant wait till my first bottles are ready for consumption. Then i can truly RDWHAHB.

Jim