Online vs. Local supply

[starrfish]

When I was brewing 10 years ago I bought all ingredients locally in PA. Now that i'm in SC the nearest LHBS is 1 1/2 hours away.

I've found a shop in NC (1 1/2 to 2 hours away other direction) that can ship to my office in 24hrs via ups commercial (big savings business to business shipping) for a lot less then I'd spend in gas to get there.

That being said I do miss some of the advice and suggestions i got buying locally, AND I REALLY MISS THE TASTING EVENTS we used to have after store hours. If a LHBS were to open in my town I'd probably buy most things there, even if it cost a few $ more.

 

[zman]

Here in the Denver Metro area my LHBS are pretty great. They carry most of what I need with the exception of the Barley Crusher I just ordered from Brewmasters warehouse. What I like about some of the LHBS's in my area is that I can get a #50 of 2 row for about $45. However, I think the better deal for me on Hops would be to order online as the # price is very reasonalbe even with shipping.

 

[neko]

I have only used LHBS because it is close to my house and I can have the ingredients that day. Also, the people are nice and they will go around the store and fill up all the ingredients for you. It's also not bad that they have a selection of some homebrews on tap all the time

 

[davesrose]

I believe in sharing the wealth! I've found that my local shops have varying degrees of variety and price. None can compete with having all the options made available by the internet: which is understandable, since they're going to have to keep inventory for a very small market. If I'm looking for a hard to find item, or just want to save money, then I'll buy from one of the big online places. If I want something fast an immediate, I'll buy from my LHBS.

 

[winzerz]

while my LHBS has some stuff lots of fresh grains and hops

the best part is he has 4 diff brews on tap for $3.00 a pint

service is slow(one man operation)

and a bit dusty

I always enjoy tipping a few pints while he gets my order together

 

[abonzer]

The only issue I had the shop in my area (new business about 1 year ago) was the owner only provided yes and no answers and no solid advice for a first time brewer (that was 2 months ago). To me the only way a business like this will survive is to get new customers interested in their hobby of brewing beer. A good start would be to actually act interested and have some enthusiasm. I have since ordered from Midwest to get up and running.

 

[brown_dog_us]

I used to buy locally, but when gas crossed the $4 mark I decided to try the online stores. I haven't been back to the LHBS. Once I changed my habits and started ordering 2-3 brews at a time I found it was much easier to order online. I don't know if my shop is over priced or what, but I save about 35% by ordering online. I brew about 25 batches a year so it really adds up. If you are thinking about ordering stuff online you need to do your homework. All the sites have a different price and shipping structure and different products. I order from MoreBeer and Austin mostly and couldn't be happier.