Ty1erC
Member
I'm trying to determine which online home brew supply company offers the best prices. Any suggestions?
Its called shopping around and doing your own research...
I understand that, sir. Being a beginner, and not having the time or desire to do price-comparison research, I thought maybe getting the opinions of others would be helpful.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions.
I'm sorry it sounded harsh, but the one pet peeve I have with forums is people asking question out of pure laziness. We don't know what you want to order...That determines a lot of things:
If you are ordering bulky or heavy items, then it may be best to order from someone with flat rate shipping like Austin HomeBrew.
If you are ordering particular items that only some stores carry, then you obviously have to go with a store that carries them.
Or if you are near a retailer, you can save by picking your items up locally.
The only way to be sure is to fill carts on each site, choose shipping options and find out whose cheapest.
If you don't have time or patience, then I reccomend not partaking in this hobby
In posting this question, I learned about a few retailers I probably wouldn't have discovered on my own, so my 'laziness' paid off.
And if being exposed to posts that request advice on a beginners home brew forum 'peeves' you to such a high degree, I'd recommend not partaking in this forum. Or at least to not post passive-aggressive replies to ridiculous questions such as mine.
Yep, you found vendors you could have found in 20 seconds browsing the vendor page...
Welcome Ty1erC. I think you'll usually find people here very willing and eager to answer questions such as yours.
I'd say Midwest is generally the cheapest on-line retailer that I've bought from (even after including shipping costs). As for service, I've had good experiences with Midwest, Northern Brewer, MoreBeer, and Williams Brewing. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Having said that, I try to buy from my LHBS as much as possible and surprisingly, their prices are usually as good as the big on-line guys.
We just added free shipping on orders over $100. This should be the best delivered price. We can't have the best price on every item, but if you buy several items your total should be less with us.
Forrest
I just wish that I could buy grain from you in the exact quantities that I need. Some of your grain is only available in a fractional amount of 8 oz.
We have flat rate shipping if you order less than $100. I don't know if I would call a $7.99 difference considerably cheaper. You really have to compare.
I had a customer that wanted to buy 6 wine kits. He wanted me to match Midwest's price. Of course, I had to match the shipping charges as well. I had to show him that if I matched Midwest's price, I would have to charge him $60 extra dollars.
You really have to compare the delivered overall price not each item plus shipping and another item plus shipping as if you are going to buy just one item per order.
You should buy where you get the best deal. Shop at a homebrew store, any homebrew store.
Forrest
Forrest, I agree, costumers really have to compare. I usually put Midwest and AHS side by side in my orders and I get cheaper prices with Midwest more often than with AHS in orders less than 100 bucks. Having said that, I do buy more from you guys because I try to plan ahead as much as possible, so most of my orders are just a hair over 100 bucks! I also like your website better! :rockin:
You really have to compare the delivered overall price not each item plus shipping and another item plus shipping as if you are going to buy just one item per order.
My advice, first try buying local and support your community.
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