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gratus fermentatio · 05-01-2012, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yooper

You know what? I'd probably be treating even worse than you were. I've been into TWO homebrew stores, ever, where I was treated well.

I've gone into a number of homebrew stores, throughout the country as I travel a bit. And I've been ignored, and sometimes been talked down to if spoken to at all.

I've had 20-somethings say to me, "Hey little lady, are you interested in learning to make beer?" as I've walked through aisles, but most often I'm completely ignored.

My answer to that question, if asked, is something like, "Oh, no. I'm not interested in a beginner's kit, thanks."

A minute later: "I was just looking for a small burner for my secondary MLT, so I could upgrade my 1/2 barrel all-electric indoor HERMS because it's hard to do a triple decoction with the vessels I have." Then leave.

I actually DID walk out without a thing in in Akron's "Grape and Granary". I went in with my dad who went for the road trip with me to visit Hoppin' Frog Brewery. Three clerks fell over my dad, but ignored me totally. When my dad pointed to me and said, "I'm with her, she is looking for something", one did approach me and ask if he could help. I said I needed some carastan as well as some base grain and he pointed at the room in general and said their bins of grain were "all over". And they were- but in no sort of order and I didn't feel like spending an hour looking for a pound or two of crystal malt. And no way was I going to purchase the sacks I had planned.

I said, well, then, I need a pH meter. He sort of rolled his eyes and went behind the counter and grabbed one from the shelf behind put it down on the counter. When I asked the accuracy of it, he had to go ask, and the second guy was pretty condescending to me.

So I left. It happens all the time!

Northern Brewer treated me well, and so did Midwest Brewing Supplies. I spend over $500 on each of those walk-in trips, though, so maybe it's better to be ignored!

Good lord the way you were treated at those 2 places is truly SHAMEFULl!!! I don't know what the hell is wrong with people these days. They don't call me "sir" (or you 'mam'), they're condescending towards women, who actually (according to census figures) have MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME than men, and would (seemingly) rather pass on turning a profit from YOUR biz, would presumably court the biz of males.

OK, a litle biz parallel here: If the gun industry has been able to figure out that women are a viable market demographic & have not only begun to appeal to that market, but have been doing so for over a DECADE, you'd think that an LHBS would be able to take a cue from those big, tough guys who manufacture guns & treat women like they would treat ANY other homebrewer.

You know, it's morons like that that give the rest of maledom (is that even a word?) a bad reputation. Well, OK, them & those idiots who have zero budoir skillz & a tiny pkg.

No offense intended.

I've benefitted from your brewing experience many times Yoop (you don't know it, but I have), I think you're a valuable asset not only for me, but for (potentially) every member of this forum... And NOT just for the racy avatar either.

OK, I've prattled on long enough, time to refill my tasty libation & settle into my own personal little groove.
Regards, GF.

**bottlebomber** · 05-01-2012, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gratus fermentatio

those idiots who have zero budoir skillz & a tiny pkg.

Yep, there's nothing Yooper hates more than when she goes to a HBS and the guy at the counter has a tiny package

**Zuljin** · 05-01-2012, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottlebomber

Yep, there's nothing Yooper hates more than when she goes to a HBS and the guy at the counter has a tiny package

She must be AG then. AG is always a bigger package.

gratus fermentatio · 05-01-2012, 12:04 PM

Damn, I gotta quit posting while druck.

TyTanium · 05-01-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gratus fermentatio

Damn, I gotta quit posting while druck.

No, please...keep doing it. Actually, it was more coherent than most people's sober posts. And well said.

**CreamyGoodness** · 05-01-2012, 02:09 PM

Maybe I've just been living in New York for too long, but I just get so confused when I hear the sexism stories. I supposed I would be surprised if I was working at Al's Jockstrap Emporium and Yoop walked in, but even then, if she's willing to buy one of my fine jockstraps what would I care? Something like brewing beer where there are no gender variables whatsoever I dont know why there would even be surprise, let alone rudeness.

**SharonaZamboni** · 05-01-2012, 02:42 PM

There actually is some sexism. Car shopping can be ridiculous, unless you impress the sales guy with your mad driving skillz. When we have visitors at home, they all ask HWMC about the meat smoker, but he's got no clue how to use it. The kegerator must also be his.

My first visit to LHBS was with my friend and I kinda got the feeling they thought we were gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But they were helpful and now ask about my brewing and offer suggestions when I stop in. Good service, respect, and advice will keep your customers coming back and your store in business.

**CreamyGoodness** · 05-01-2012, 02:50 PM

I'm a slender-built man with a nasal voice living in Astoria... people just assume I'm gay until they meet SWMBO. Used to bother me but now I shrug it off.

I guess my point, though, is even if the shop owner incorrectly assumes you are buying something for your husband, you potentially have a wallet with money in it. Money that he wants to exchange for his goods. Not giving you proper service would just be straight up stupid, not just morally wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharonaZamboni

There actually is some sexism. Car shopping can be ridiculous, unless you impress the sales guy with your mad driving skillz. When we have visitors at home, they all ask HWMC about the meat smoker, but he's got no clue how to use it. The kegerator must also be his.

My first visit to LHBS was with my friend and I kinda got the feeling they thought we were gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But they were helpful and now ask about my brewing and offer suggestions when I stop in. Good service, respect, and advice will keep your customers coming back and your store in business.

**CreamyGoodness** · 05-01-2012, 02:55 PM

I'm a slender-built man with a nasal voice living in Astoria... people just assume I'm gay until they meet SWMBO. Used to bother me but now I shrug it off.

I guess my point, though, is even if the shop owner incorrectly assumes you are buying something for your husband, you potentially have a wallet with money in it. Money that he wants to exchange for his goods. Not giving you proper service would just be straight up stupid, not just morally wrong.

This actually ties in with my thread about servers assuming I wouldnt like something at a restaurant and trying to dissuade me from ordering it. If, instead of being a giant jackhole the shop owner instead tried to sell Yooper or yourself a kit to make a "girly" beer that has historically been popular with female patrons, I'd say eye-rolling is in order but at least he was trying to be helpful.

Sorry for the weird double post.

**bottlebomber** · 05-01-2012, 03:22 PM

This thread is officially sweet now