Sometimes, you gotta' support the LHBS

[Onihige]

I used to have two HBS, one in each neighboring cities - in opposite directions. One was bigger, but he didn't really cater to mead or beer brewers. He made his business selling destilling equipment and wine kits.

He only stored one or two 1 kg bags of base malt and no speciality malt, he kept his dry yeast in room temperature, gave bad advice for mead... his business recently went under. But he was a nice guy.

The other store seems better, they're smaller and store all their grains in the basement so you'd have to ask first to check what they have. First time I visited I did not know what. He also mills for you, I think for free.

He's friendly, gives good advice, carries a lot of equipment, let's you try mills etc before you buy.

But the cost of shipping is cheaper than the trip there, and his selection is still limited and more expensive. So I haven't been there very often.

I kind of want to open my own HBS in the same city where the HBS tanked. There's potential business if you do it right, I think.

 

[Mongrel]

Went to a LHBS that is actually 40 miles away on te recommendation of some fellow homebrew club members. Went to pick up some roeselare yeast and some dme an other products. Ended up spending $85.

I noticed the roeselare yeast was dated from February. This was last week so the yeast was over 7 months old. Talked to guy and he said he would knock off a couple of bucks if I wanted it. I said sure!

He rang it up. Yeast was 6.95. I thought that was wrong so I asked him. He said. Yeah I could only do like 50 cents. Sorry. I asked why he didn't tell me that before he swiped my credit card and he just stared at me. I asked what the regular price was and he said it was like 7.50 or so. I said. Oh weird. Thanks I guess

I went online to brew depots website (that's this LHBS) and saw that the regular price for this yeast was 6.95. The guy knew it was my first visit there and lied to my face and knowingly broke my trust.

Yeah I'll stick with the big guys from now on. It's cheaper and they won't lie to me.

I wouldn't be back there either. Fortunately, I love my LHBS, and we're so close to Wyeast I've been able to pick up a smack pack that was only 3 days old.

 

[Hamsterbite]

I haven't yet ordered anything online, although there may come a day when none of my LHBS's have what I'm looking for, and then I will.

Working in San Jose, I have quite a selection to choose from. I live 100 miles east in the CV, so there is even more to choose from in between.

I do have a clear favorite and I'll tell you why: Best selection, best prices, best quality are no brainers. But these guys really go the extra mile. I've never had the misfortune of coming in when they had someone less than helpful or knowledgable behind the register. Another thing I like, is you can email them your recipe, and they will respond and tell you if they can fill it, or if they would need to make any subs. On top of that, they only charge me for the exact qty of hops I need in grams. They don't make me buy them in one or two ounce pre-measured bags like all the other LHBS I've been to. And, they discount for AHA and BNA. For people who live in the area, they probably already know who I'm talking about.

Now, I still spend a little money on odd parts at the other shops. One of them, if you get the proprietor, will talk with you all day about your beer. He encourages you to bring your beers in for critique. This guy is super knowledgable and has a highly trained pallette.

Your never going to get that ordering online. If you're an advanced brewer and you're in a good club, maybe that's of less value, but for a beginning brewer like myself, it makes a big difference in my beer.

Plus, I've got a chip on my shoulder regarding big business. I tend to support local businesses where I can for that reason. I'm a firm beleiver of you get what you pay for. The lowest price is usually not always the best deal.

 

[Onihige]

I'm so jealous, Hamsterbite. And that's the kind of HBS I'd open, if I ever could.

 

[Skeptidelphian]

The LHBS is 10 minutes away, always has good samples to be had. They have a lot of turnaround so I'm fine getting most stuff from them. I'll order my extract (I do partial mashes) from a place that has more selection. Same with certain specialty grains. The guys there are always friendly and one of the owners has one of the finest mustaches in the world.

 

[UtahNate]

That's pretty tactless... and not really good business.

<snip>

I agree... I'd go out of my way to avoid his shop in the future. Then I'd be a smart-*** the next time he asked that question...

Him: Where did you get your ingredients?
Me: *Raises voice* I got them from <insert name of store here>. They're a fantastic brew shop. Great quality, selection and lower prices than your stuff!

Passive aggressive? Sure...

Or...

More than likely I'd just find a new brew club. Still wouldn't spend my money at his store though.

 

[whitehause]

I've got a great shop near me(Weak knee) that is always more than helpful. They have 60 different grains, 30 or more hops(American and UK versions of many), 50 yeasts,and a great staff. The owners are almost always the ones helping you, and will do whatever it takes to help you out.

About the only thing I go online for is parts(ball valves,taps,ect.) the prices are just too much better on line.

 

[edds5p0]

There is a decent one in my town, but since they are closed all weekend and before I get home from work, they do not get my business. I have to drive 45 minutes to get to the next closest, but they are great.

 

[mcbaumannerb]

There is a decent one in my town, but since they are closed all weekend and before I get home from work, they do not get my business. I have to drive 45 minutes to get to the next closest, but they are great.

Closed all weekend? Sounds more like they do it as a hobby instead of a business.

 

[edds5p0]

Closed all weekend? Sounds more like they do it as a hobby instead of a business.

It is also a bar tending school, so that may have something to do with it.

 

[Radegast]

I knew my LHBS was an asset, but I'm just now starting to realize how good I've got it. I've never comparison shopped the grain, but after the great deal I got on my 10g round FB MLT, it's hard for me to be critical. Not to mention all the great advice, or the fact that he just started a local homebrew club.

 

[Hackwood]

I'm lucky to have 2 good LHBSs that are pretty close to me. I've chosen the closer as they have helped me with everything that I have ever needed help with. Gave me a free packet of yeast when I thought my first lager wasn't starting fermentation. Never have they tried to push anything on me that I did or didn't need. Just very helpful.

The further shop is nice as well with good people. A bit smaller, but still have helped me out. They also carry some craft beers that I like to pick up from time to time to taste.

I haven't bought much of anything off the internet. Aside from CL picking up a used temp controller or mass home brew extras. I actually just met up with a guy getting out of HB and got an unused mill, cornies, stir plate and box of misc. As I have been slowly trying to get kegging stuff I couldn't pass it up. I think he's on here as well. If so, THANKS AGAIN!

In closing. I'm a big supporter for keeping the "little guy" in business. One of my other hobbies is racing RC cars. Almost everything that I purchase is through where I race. If he goes under, we have to go and race elsewhere.

 

[SpookyAlmond]

I've found that the LHBS has better prices on certain things (corney kegs for like 30 and no shipping). Oh and grain is cheaper when you don't have to factor in shipping. Some times they'll have sales on yeast about to expire so you can get it for like 4 bucks a vial. But their equipment is just astronomically priced...

 

[pellis007]

My LHBS was very helpful and informative in helping me get started in this hobby. I've found I could buy much of my bigger equipment online for less money, but I still purchase some items from my LHBS. He's a little more expensive than online, but then I don't have to pay shipping, so it pretty much evens out. I'm happy to support them whenever I can. They've always been friendly, and willing to spend time answering questions, and making recommendations. Plus, in a pinch if I forgot something, I can just run out and get it, rather than wait days for an online purchase.

 

[Caveman3141]

I'm pretty glad I don't feel too much loyalty to my LHBS. I was shopping online for a new primary fermentation bucket. Midwest has 6.5gal buckets with grommeted lids for $15. The same item at my LHBS was $26. This is just an example but most items there run 20-30% more expensive than I can buy online. Of course it helps succor my guilt that my LHBS isn't a real LHBS, it's a health food store with a small corner devoted to homebrewing and home wine making.

 

[mytommygundont]

I have a wonderfu lLHBS less than two miles from me. They are attached to a wonderful brewery. The people are great and knowledgable at both. The difference is the beer is worth the money and LHBS isn't.

I went into the LHBS to buy 1/2" silicone tubing the other day. $3.60 a linear foot. I don't care if that guy has a family to support, his mark up is rediculous and I refuse to be fleeced! In case you haven't shopped for 1/2" silicone tubing before, that's $1.10 a linear foot difference than I find at bargainfittings.com. I occasionally buy grain there and dry yeast once in a while but at their prices I wouldn't be able to brew nearly as much beer.

 

[timewasted]

I have a good LHBS nearby. Think about it this way, when you are brewing on a Saturday and need an ingredient fast, you need someone local you can count on to have the ingredients. If you have that, you are very luck. Support them.

That being said, there are certain things my LHBS doesn't carry, that I will buy online. Generally when I do that, I go ahead and get all of my supplies at the same time, since it doesn't cost more in shipping.

 

[Hamsterbite]

I have a wonderfu lLHBS less than two miles from me. They are attached to a wonderful brewery. The people are great and knowledgable at both. The difference is the beer is worth the money and LHBS isn't.

I went into the LHBS to buy 1/2" silicone tubing the other day. $3.60 a linear foot. I don't care if that guy has a family to support, his mark up is rediculous and I refuse to be fleeced! In case you haven't shopped for 1/2" silicone tubing before, that's $1.10 a linear foot difference than I find at bargainfittings.com. I occasionally buy grain there and dry yeast once in a while but at their prices I wouldn't be able to brew nearly as much beer.

First, I will concede that I know nothing about the LHBS you speak of. It may be lousy for other reasons, however; let's focus on the example you gave: Let's say you needed 10 ft of tubing. That's a difference of $11, right? Looks like your online resource has flat rate shipping of $5 to CO, so you've actually only saved $6, and you'll have to wait 2-3 business days for it.
Your LHBS has already rolled his cost of shipping into his price. He can't possibly compete with the discounted shipping costs of an online retailer,and he's not moving the same volume either. If he sold them at the same price as the online retailers, he would very quickly go out of business. If he's smart though, he can provide added value that the online guys can't. You get someone to actually talk to. Ask questions. Compare notes, contribute to the local hobbyist community, etc...

I'm sorry, but I just don't see your example of "ridiculous markup" having much merit. This is normal markup for an LHBS, he's not getting rich off of his silicone tubing, that much is for certain. You say in one breath that they are wonderful and knowledgable, but then you accuse them of trying to "Fleece" their very small market of savvy customers with this pricing plan on tubing. I don't get it.

No one will dispute that you can find lower prices from an online retailer. Price and value are two very different things though. I'm not saying that online retailers are bad and that you shouldn't use them, but I do think your example is oversensationalized. I'm not just picking on you either...this is widespread consumer mentality. Most people these days unfortunately would make the same choice. I don't envy the guy that's trying to make it as an LHBS...not in this day and age.
My argument is that when lowest cost purchasing is done as a reflex, you may be missing out, and you're certainly contributing to the ultimate demise of Main st. Ma and Pa businesses.

 

[C-Rider]

We have a great LHBS here on O`ahu. Mike stocks something like
48 different grains,
24 different hops (pellets)
8 different dry yeasts
37 different wet yeasts
And so much more.