Morebeer or Austin Homebrew?

[gerbache]

Just for another data point, I live in the Bay Area, so I don't usually order online from Morebeer, but the couple of times I have, they've been really fantastic. I got a confirmation immediately, and even with the free shipping that they say may take a few days, I received the package just a couple of days after the order was placed.

Their in-store customer service has also been fantastic. They have always seemed really knowledgeable and helpful, plus the email support has been good about answering any questions that have popped up.

I've also had great results ordering stuff from Northern Brewer, so my take is that there's several good options online. I've been going with whoever is the cheapest and closest to me, which has worked well so far.

 

[Shoemaker]

OK so I just tasted my morebeer beers after I kegged and carbed them and they are fantastic. Really fantastic. I made an American Ale and a Munich Helles and they are great.

However, I am trying Austin Homebrew this time just because I would like to try something new.

 

[Brewmasters Warehouse]

I wish there was an option for uncrushed grain instead of having to email them.

There is an option at checkout for choosing the grains crushed or uncrushed, as well as the ability to enter any special instructions. This was part of a relatively recent update, so you may not have seen it yet.

Ed

 

[Austinhomebrew]

It seems to be settled.

 

[MBasile]

The fact is both B3 and AHS have improved. You ignored that didn't you?

Improved? What was B3 like before? I shop there because they are less than 10 miles from my house, but there is typically at least one thing they are out of I need.

•Wine thief
•Black malt
•Gypsum (when I went back to get the black malt when if came in)
•US-05 yeast

Thats 4 things and today I just brewed my 4th beer

I'll keep shopping there because they are close to me, but I think I need to reevaluate going there the day/day before I want to brew unless I want to improvise.

As far as customer service goes, I'd consider them adequate. I worked retail for over 4 years and I don't feel like they give me the same attention I gave to customers.

 

[bentonre]

In general, all I can say is I feel blessed to have several very good suppliers to choose from for homebrewing orders. Too often, I find myself trying to choose a supplier who is the lesser of (2, 3 ... more) evils. I tried to stop going to auto mechanics that don't treat me right, eventually you end up travelling a long way to get your car worked on! I have been thoroughly impressed with the whole homebrew "family" and especially our suppliers and members here on HBT! The good thing, going back to the original post, is that if you choose any of the suppliers mentioned, considering the information and strengths mentioned, you will likely have a good experience. I wish many other retailers could be as good as some of the worst homebrew retailers!

 

[dantodd]

Improved? What was B3 like before? I shop there because they are less than 10 miles from my house, but there is typically at least one thing they are out of I need.

As far as customer service goes, I'd consider them adequate. I worked retail for over 4 years and I don't feel like they give me the same attention I gave to customers.

It used to be Fermentation Frenzy and was AWESOME customer service but the prices were a little higher and they didn't have quite as large an inventory. I haven't seen Phil (the original owner) there the last few times I was there and suspect the CS has suffered from that. That being said I still like the shop and make the trip down there regularly from up here. It doesn't hurt that I have an excuse to stop at Ditmer's and Fry's on the same trip.

 

[HenryHill]

Is that the best you could come up with? Could even I ask why? I mean they have been over and beyond for me with my orders. There are pretty much my only LHBS and homebrew club. I'd like an explanation not just a lazy post (if you have any?) If that is the real feelings of this place...** sucks.

I think all of the pot shot threads I've seen here should have been close or deleted before at least 30 days and no products shipped. Like AHS has said "they don't just go away" even though nobody ever got ripped off. The only rip off is leaving this kind of crap on the web.

Good for you.

I've seen members here give undeserved allegiance to them and then do 180*. It only took me three orders and I was done. They need cheerleaders, play it as long you can stand it.

As for improvements, if any-too late.

Have YOU tried all the others out there, or is your sampling from just a small lot?

 

[springer]

I order most of my staples in bulk but when I need just some specialty grain or yeast I use Austin or Brewmasters 99% of the time . More beer while having some great sales like the 3 gallon corny's for 49.95$ seem to have at least one item backordered/out of stock every time I order .Last time it was the 3/16 beer lines . They did however notify me that same day as the order was placed and gave me a few option I ended up just deleting the lines.

With the flat rate shipping Austin orders are usually 5 days from time of order and Brewmasters is 3 and sometimes as little as 2 . And thats because of location.

 

[slinn]

I have to go with Austin Homebrew Supply. Of course, I live in TX, but usually get my order the next day or sometimes the second day with their flat rate shipping. Prices are competitive, customer service is excellent. Also, if you're looking for a partial mash or an all grain kit, they have a great selection. Morebeer's selection shrinks considerably unless you're going with an extract kit.

 

[Arkador]

I have to go with Austin Homebrew Supply. Of course, I live in TX, but usually get my order the next day or sometimes the second day with their flat rate shipping.

I have done buisness with Midwest previously, but their kits are limited in details (like estimated ABV or even SG) but love my keging system I got from them. They do have great prices on alot of their equipment, and they will see a couple more orders from me some day.

I made one purchace from AHS and had great results. I called with a couple questions, and whoever answered the phone made sure i got exactly what I needed. Placed my order by 1:00pm, had confirmation by 5, and a package on my doorstep the next day.

I do most of my shopping at my LHBS (Fort Worth Homebrew), because they do alot for the local brewers, but will definatly be doing most of my online orders with AHS.

 

[toddrod]

Just my two cents here. I find that AHS commercial clone kits are the closes to the real thing that I have found.

 

[ibbones]

I have only dealt with Austin Homebrew so I cannot commit on any others. Austin has been great to me. I have been in their store a few times and when I go to ASustin, I usually try to get all the stuff (kits) I need for a month or two. They can answer all my questions and never get tired of this newbe asking them.

 

[Homercidal]

I've only bought from Northern Brewer, but if I ever need to buy online again, I'll def try Austin and Brewmasters. The only thing I have bought from B3 is an AHA membership. I didn't have any issues with it. I try to remember the deal of the day, but every time I remember, they don't have anything I want, if the sale is still on.

I do like the recipinator thing at brewmasters. Pretty cool!

 

[EricCSU]

The big reason was because I wanted to give the business to you guys. I have been down to your store and visited with the staff (of course, on a slower day) and really like what you are doing for the home brewing community. Like I said in my post, $5 was not the end of the world, but I figured since I was already ordering a couple of AG kits I would throw it in the order. I still ordered the kits, but was a little threw off by the response.

I don't mind throwing kudos when it is earned, but like all businesses - it is the customer who keeps the doors open. Reminds me of a story I learned when I was studying the business of customer service:

Pickle Principle - how it all began

No company is perfect like you say - the difference is the ones that try to change what is broken and excel at what works. Keep up the good work - and give em the pickle!

If you were really trying to "give them the business" then you would have just paid the listed price without haggling. If you wanted the lowest price, you would have haggled, which you did. There is nothing wrong with haggling, just don't say one thing and mean another. What is the point of giving them the business when you want to cut out their profit?

I'm glad it has worked out for you in the end.

Eric

 

[pretzelb]

If you were really trying to "give them the business" then you would have just paid the listed price without haggling. If you wanted the lowest price, you would have haggled, which you did. There is nothing wrong with haggling, just don't say one thing and mean another. What is the point of giving them the business when you want to cut out their profit?

I'm glad it has worked out for you in the end.

Eric

I've found that some people think haggling is right and not a privilege, or that price matching is required instead of optional. So when they are denied, it's an outrage. I'm not sure if it's conscious or not but some people will actually put price matching or haggling at the top of the priority list when it comes to judging a place. I can't wrap my head around that point of view. Instead of product (quality items, fresh, good variety, good stock), or service (pleasant people, knowledgeable staff, good response time), or even value (reasonable price, no hidden fees, no complicated rebates), some people will put haggling and price matching above or at least near the top of the rest. It's like it's more about getting a thrill over working a deal instead of just getting a good product.

Maybe I'm too easy going but I don't expect a free pickle when I walk into a burger joint. But according to that link I guess I could expect a neck massage. Instead of finding out what I can get for free I've been stupidly just looking for a place that makes a really good burger for a good price with good service.

 

[Shooter]

Improved? What was B3 like before? I shop there because they are less than 10 miles from my house, but there is typically at least one thing they are out of I need.

•Wine thief
•Black malt
•Gypsum (when I went back to get the black malt when if came in)
•US-05 yeast

Thats 4 things and today I just brewed my 4th beer

I'll keep shopping there because they are close to me, but I think I need to reevaluate going there the day/day before I want to brew unless I want to improvise.

As far as customer service goes, I'd consider them adequate. I worked retail for over 4 years and I don't feel like they give me the same attention I gave to customers.

Are you talking about the Los Altos or the Concord location? Based on your location and saying they are 10 miles from you house, I'm guessing Los Altos.

I think sometimes that can be a difference people aren't recognizing. They have mutliple showrooms and their main warehouse is up in Concord. I have found people up there to be helpful. I really can't speak to their other locations. It's quite possible they are complete idiots there!

Sometimes they don't do a good job of restocking their shelves in Concord, or updating their website for that matter, and you often have to ask to find out if they have something in stock. A lot of times they do, but any comments I make about them are referring to their main location.

However, I would order from Austin Homebrew Supply in a heartbeat as I've also had GREAT success using them in the past.

 

[DD2000GT]

If you were really trying to "give them the business" then you would have just paid the listed price without haggling. If you wanted the lowest price, you would have haggled, which you did. There is nothing wrong with haggling, just don't say one thing and mean another. What is the point of giving them the business when you want to cut out their profit?

I'm glad it has worked out for you in the end.

Eric

You make a valid point. I try to overlook one instance when I have had great service in the past - that is why I try to give them the business. However, if one store has an item for a set price, and other stores have the exact same item for a lower price - I see no reason to pay a unjustified higher price JUST because of the service. Lets not mistake good service with economics here.

There is haggling for the thrill of it, and there is responsible price comparison on identical items/quality.

But to the original post - AHS is a great place to shop and the owners do care about customer satisfaction - just watch the non-ingredient item prices. Not shopped at Morebeer yet - I have not had a reason to yet. HTH.

Dan

 

[Token]

I've found that some people think haggling is right and not a privilege, or that price matching is required instead of optional. So when they are denied, it's an outrage. I'm not sure if it's conscious or not but some people will actually put price matching or haggling at the top of the priority list when it comes to judging a place. I can't wrap my head around that point of view. Instead of product (quality items, fresh, good variety, good stock), or service (pleasant people, knowledgeable staff, good response time), or even value (reasonable price, no hidden fees, no complicated rebates), some people will put haggling and price matching above or at least near the top of the rest. It's like it's more about getting a thrill over working a deal instead of just getting a good product.

Maybe I'm too easy going but I don't expect a free pickle when I walk into a burger joint. But according to that link I guess I could expect a neck massage. Instead of finding out what I can get for free I've been stupidly just looking for a place that makes a really good burger for a good price with good service.

I agree.

I also would like to say I've purchased items from Austin Homebrew, and I will continue to purchase items from them. I just wish I could visit the store in person; it sounds like it's awesome! (I'm in the UP of MI. Far, far away.)

 

[ridd]

I read most of the posts in this thread, and I'll put in my two cents if it's worth something to someone.

I've bought from pretty much every online HBS, and my favorite so far is AHS. Their recipe kits are KILLER - you can buy every kit in any form you want (extract, partial, AG) - most stores have specific kits for the specific type of method you're brewing. Their prices are competitive to other places, and the shipping is what you'd expect..it's not Newegg (3 days guaranteed, usually less) but unless you're spoiled by fast shipping it won't matter much to you.

Like others have said, you pay for higher prices with the free shipping on morebeer. The only things I'd buy from them are the items you can get at other stores for the same price and take advantage of the free shipping. I bet you won't find much I know, I've looked.

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Thanks for all of the props. We ship things out in 1-2 days usually. After that it is up to UPS. That takes 1-4 days depending on wher you are located. Maybe I should open stores in other cities with the name Austin.

Austin, Minnesota looks good. It is only 110 miles from Minneapolis. If I have more stores then it would be quicker to get to everyone.

Forrest

 

[northernlad]

Whatever the score ends being, this has been a valuable thread for this new kid. I will certainly try Austin and BW.
However my first and only online purchase so far was from morebeer and they notified me that an item was out of stock and responded promptly to my subsequent shipping instructions. All told it did not end up taking more than the "free shipping" lag. Everything showed up as ordered properly packed. Logistically they make sense since I am on the west coast, but I will make sure to spread the wealth when I am not supporting my LHBS.

RE: pretzelb
I work in restaurant supply where the culture is to expect a discount. We set our prices at what it takes to keep the lights on. Even if our price is lower than the competition the very fact that we do not give them a discount sets them off. "But I'm spending a lot of money" "Sir, $500 is not a lot of money"
And of course "I can get it cheaper on the internet"
"Be my guest, sir. Who is going to help you when UPS freight drops that 1000lb double stack convection oven on your sidewalk? Who are you going to call to help you when it doesn't work out of the box? Because it won't be me."

Forrest:

Ho About here?
http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTE....585579&lon=-118.499719&zoom=13&q1=austin, or

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Link didn't work for me.

 

[northernlad]

It was supposed to a bit of a joke about putting a store in Austin, Oregon.

 

[Jipper]

I use the crush here at the shop and I get about 70% eff. which is fine by me. In fact, John Palmer and Jamil both say that anything higher than 75% and you are actually pulling some harshness out of the grains. Now, can you detect that, I dunno, but for me eff. is just a number and holds no real meaning to me. I know what my eff. is and I use it to plan my beers around. I have never seen a whole grain in my crush in the 11 years I have been here, and it is very possible there were some left in the mill bucket that got into your order, whomever it was that was having this issue.

What isn't fair I think, is to hold each shop on an equal ground. Some shops do more volume, and therefore have a longer turn around time than others. I don't think we should be frowned upon because we sometimes take longer to ship orders than say the new start-up online only shop. To be honest, I would rather see each one of you here supporting your local shops and keeping them in business than looking online to find the cheapest 1 ounce of NB hops you can. The local shops are the bread-and-butter of the homebrewing industry. Without them it's just another hobby.

I think sometimes it goes personal over here, and keeps a lot of well-meaning shops away. As the "new kid" on HBT, it is very intimidating to read all of these threads with people blasting us when they don't even order from us and haven't in a long time.

 

[olllllo]

Jipper, we'd love for someone to be here from B3 more often and participating as a Vendor, I think it would go along ways toward solving some of these communication issues.

By the same token, it's time that some of the members here start treating all of the merchants a little respect. Treat them as you would any other member and refrain from personal attacks.

The Admin has laid down a policy and i ask that you all follow it:

Threads about HBS & Home Brew Retailers
If you sign up to HomeBrewTalk just to complain about a Vendor your thread will be deleted. We don't know who you are or the legitimacy of your content.

Threads complaining about retailers from established members will be allowed if there is fraud going on from the retailer.

I do not want HomeBrewTalk to be a launching pad for every little problem you have with a home brew retailer over a transaction.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f22/threads-about-hbs-home-brew-retailers-143596/

 

[olllllo]

It's best to use the most effective method of communication. Austin Homebrew Supply and some other Vendors are comfortable answering questions here, but would probably like to handle problems via DM or email.

More Beer has a forum and doesn't have a strong presence here, so if you have a problem... do the math.

I'll let each retailer express how you should best contact them for problems, but you get the picture.

 

[olllllo]

One more personal peeve of mine, that if you violate has no sanction other than I will berate you...

Do not base your brewdays on the performance of others, the delivery of supplies by others, the inventory of anyone's store, the weather, your clergyman or Senator, your family, the spouse, the dog, Barack Obama, Home Depot, the neo-prohibitionists, the internet, your brewing software of choice, the metric system, the UPS guy,

NOBODY.

Take ownership of it and be a MAAAUUUN!

It's your brewday. Make plans. Be responsible.

 

[MisterGreen]

+1 for Austin Homebrew.

 

[Yooper]

Take ownership of it and be a MAAAUUUN!

But, ollllllo, I don't want to be a MAAAUUUN! I mean, I really don't. I just don't have the, um, balls for it. (Sorry, you knew I had to say that).

I'll double what ollllo said- it's not a contest. It's not northernbrewer vs austinhomebrew vs morebeer. I happen to buy more often from our vendors, because I've developed a relationship with them and they have great prices. They've supported our homebrew competition (with kick-ass prizes, by the way) and answered all of our questions and queries patiently. Ed (from Brewmaster's Warehouse) is in chat most evenings, and I've gotten to really like him.

Still, that doesn't mean I'm going to slam other vendors. I buy from other vendors when I need to, and everybody knows it.

If you MUST brew next Tuesday, then you'll have to plan better. Sometimes you'll have to get stuff locally in that case, and you'll pay more. Don't blame the vendor, and most especially don't rant online about it. That's not fair to them, or to us. If someone has a legitimate complaint, which is not resolved by the vendor, we all need to hear it. But, let's save that for the serious customer service issues.

I think many of us have been subjected to the "complaint about Cooper's" that happened recently. If not, feel free to head over to Utube and take a look. That's what's been happening lately- someone without any knowledge of brewing slamming a company and then coming here to continue the drama. We will encourage you to work with the vendor to find a resolution, and not rant and rave about it here.