It's pretty sad that it's less expensive for me to order supplies online than to simply drive 20 minutes and buy directly from the stores in my area.
I suppose the convenience and being able to examine everything and make decisions is great. It's also nice to have helpful employees who can assist me with questions. Annapolis Homebrew was great with that.
I have found that some of the mail order supply chains are quick to respond to email questions and phone calls as well.
Unless I have lengthy amounts of questions that I don't feel like typing out or discussing by phone, customer service comes up even for the most part.
I suppose it is simply disappointing that I have to pay more to buy in person even with shipping costs.
I cannot speak for them all, as I have not been to Thirsty Brewer. Unfortunately, they lack a website that gives details of their prices and I have yet to meet a local brewer who shops there.
As for online purchases, I have used Brew Gadgets, Northern Brewer, and Midwest Brewing Supplies, and makebeer.net (Coopers products) with great results from each of them.
I am currently waiting on some Austin Homebrew stuff to arrive so I can't give a plus or negative on them yet. They have been great with keeping me updated thus far though.
I understand renting and leasing in some areas is much more expensive than others. I get some price differences.
So, has anyone been to Thirsty Brewer? Is it also a waste of time and gas money when I can simply order online?
Is it safe to buy Wyeast and other liquid yeasts online or should I continue to purchase them from LHBS? Any recommended sites for this in warmer weather months?
Thanks. Rant, comments, and questions complete. I hope this wasn't too chaotic of a read.
I suppose the convenience and being able to examine everything and make decisions is great. It's also nice to have helpful employees who can assist me with questions. Annapolis Homebrew was great with that.
I have found that some of the mail order supply chains are quick to respond to email questions and phone calls as well.
Unless I have lengthy amounts of questions that I don't feel like typing out or discussing by phone, customer service comes up even for the most part.
I suppose it is simply disappointing that I have to pay more to buy in person even with shipping costs.
I cannot speak for them all, as I have not been to Thirsty Brewer. Unfortunately, they lack a website that gives details of their prices and I have yet to meet a local brewer who shops there.
As for online purchases, I have used Brew Gadgets, Northern Brewer, and Midwest Brewing Supplies, and makebeer.net (Coopers products) with great results from each of them.
I am currently waiting on some Austin Homebrew stuff to arrive so I can't give a plus or negative on them yet. They have been great with keeping me updated thus far though.
I understand renting and leasing in some areas is much more expensive than others. I get some price differences.
So, has anyone been to Thirsty Brewer? Is it also a waste of time and gas money when I can simply order online?
Is it safe to buy Wyeast and other liquid yeasts online or should I continue to purchase them from LHBS? Any recommended sites for this in warmer weather months?
Thanks. Rant, comments, and questions complete. I hope this wasn't too chaotic of a read.