What does your LHBS do to keep you coming back?

[Unibrow]

I have 1 close LHBS close by and another kinda far from me, about 20 miles away. I almost never go to the close store...

I go to the far LHBS more often because they have beer software, and will run all your recipe ingredients, calculations, IBUs, etc... They also have a killer electric mill that can turn 6# of grain into the perfect crush in 10 seconds.

 

[fenners]

My local homebrew store is Austin Homebrew Supply, and is under 2 miles from where I work... I've nothing much to complain about. They keep me coming back because of the *great* advice/help I get in-store, the great prices & top notch selection.

 

[SgtB]

Not much. I try not to go there. The guy behind the counter always looks at me funny when I ask for things, and they are a "Self Serve" HBS.

 

[Conan]

I go back to mine because I like the owners/ family. They're a very small-store shop, but usually have what I need. It's expensive compared to online, but I get to hear the banter, meet other brewers, and smell the grain when I walk in. And, I can ask them what will substitute if they don't have enough of what I need. All that said, I still tend to buy alot online because I can have it shipped for cheaper than this store's costs. Kyle

 

[donjonson]

Not much other than always have what I need. The guys that work/own it are pricks. The act annoyed by the presence of customers and are impatient and rude. If there was an equal competitor I would go there instead.

 

[Dogphish]

i'm not very impressed with the one here in Norfolk VA. the only reason i support them is because i don't have to wait or pay for shipping when i buy from them, and it is locally owned/operated, so the money i spend is staying in the local economy.

now, here are a few reasons why i don't like that store:
1. i have received grain in a bag that seems to have been used for a trash bag. it had styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom. i assume someone sweeped the floor, emptied the dust pan into the bag, filled it with grain, and sold it to me.
2. i received a bag of "milled" grain that was 75% whole grain, uncrushed. i also lived 45 minutes away from the store. i had to postpone my brew session until the next day. i had to drive the long trip back to the store, tell them to adjust their mill, and they didn't even offer a discount of any type.
3. i'm PRETTY sure they adjust their mill to not crush the grain well in order to hurt people efficiency and sell more grain.
4. the store is owned by some rednecks. i'm surprised they don't just buy Bud Lite at the market.

 

[lou2row]

Nothing close to me at all. Went to one in Dundee MI while I was still just reading on here. Kid working wouldn't put his phone down to help, and was a ****** when I asked questions. Haven't been back.

Titgemiers in Toledo had been where I go lately.
Pros:
-friendly staff
-nice selection
-fair prices
-also carry bird seed, and dog treats and supplies.

Cons:
-40 miles away
-a block from where Elvis's Momma cried
-asked about buying grain and the guy acted relieved when I said I would mill my own at home. Is it really that hard?
-every time I am there, there are guys buying dog supplies I am positive run a dog fighting ring.

 

[FooFan]

Great advice, prices and very friendly. I go to Just Brew it, south of Atlanta. I have quite a drive to get there and pass a few other homebrew shops on the way. I would not consider getting my supples or equipment anywhere else.

If you live in the Atlanta are check them out...

 

[Bradinator]

Be the only LHBS store within 300KM to carry beer making supplies such as hops, grains and liquid yeast.

Everything else is just wine making