Update, here is their reply:
Thank you for your email.
We would like to offer a reply to you –
The grains kept in 25Kg sacks on the floor are a result of several of our clients purchasing those grains in bulk. Turn over for the sacks is usually within a month of them being opened. Due to space limitations attempting to find a suitable sealed container and location for it is a challenge we are working on.
The scale currently in use is temporary due to our regular scale breaking down due to mishandling.
The only yeast packets store in min-ziploc bags is Fermentis SafAle yeasts. Unfortunately our Canadian supplier only sells these yeasts in 500 gram packets. To order them in individual sealed foil packets we would be required to place the order with an American supplier – who charges approximately the same price we currently charge to us. We would then have to factor in shipping costs, brokerage fees for Canada Customs. Those extra charges alone would double the cost of the yeast before we had any mark up to cover our own costs.
In consultation with ALES Club members, the resulting price would not be conducive to their purchasing these yeasts. Should we be able to locate a wholesaler who can supply Fermentis yeasts at a reasonable cost in individual sealed foil packets we would gladly make the switch. Failing that, we would be required to charge close to $8 per packet instead of our current $3.69.
As you pointed out, the ability to purchase items for home brewing via mail order is a lot cheaper. Most of these locations are able to purchase specialized grains in large enough quantities enabling them to reduce their prices accordingly. Due to the nature of these grains and the demand for them, we are forced to locate a supplier who can sell them to us on a per pound basis (a 25Kg sack of Maris Otter would last us more than 2 years, thus requiring sealed containers for storage, space etc). our costs as a result are higher to purchase these items, before factoring in overhead costs.
Again this applies to the selection of hops we are able to obtain and carry.
You are of course free to shop where you wish, and we can understand pricing will always play a part in purchasing decisions. As more clients begin to shop on-line, our own supply of specialized items for home brewing will most certainly diminish and be eventually phased out completely.
We hope this answers some of your concerns and again thank you for your email