In regards to the "honor sysyem" to help reduce some loss why don't you keep a scale at the register to confirm a total weight and if it doesn't total right just charge them the most expensive grain you carry for the difference.
What would be your ideal LHBS?
- Thread starter sudbuddy
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I guess I'm pretty happy with my shop. Prices are reasonable, competitive with the online stores, and then shipping makes it cheaper. Selection is good. Not as good as the online guys, but good. And then I've never had a problem customer service-wise, although I know that others have.
As far as complaints, I like to use some particular ingredients because I like the character. Some of them are less-than-popular hops, and then specific grains from specific maltsters over the same grain from other maltsters.
Now, it's me being really picky, but I'd really like to able to buy, say, English Challenger by the pound, instead of the ounce, but they just don't stock it. Of course, the mainstays (Cascade, Centennial, EKG, Tettenanger, etc, plus a whole bunch of more popular hops) they do stock by the pound, and I buy them as such. But it's the hidden gems (because I really do love Challenger) that are by the ounce only, and work out to cost twice as much.
I also grew to love almost every Weyermann malt. Consistently good quality. However, they've stopped carrying all the smaller bags of most Weyermann specialty grains, and replaced them with another German maltser I find to be inferior. I can still buy Weyermann base malts by the 55lb sack, so that's not an issue, but I can't justify trying to get 55lbs of Weyerann Caramunich III.
So, my point is, I doubt you'd be able to compete with the online guys here, but selection selection selection, and in varying quantities. I don't personally care about ordering an exact grain bill, although I see why others do. I'd actually like to be able to order specialty malts pre-packaged somewhere in between 1 lb and 55 lb (say, a 10 lb bag). I could easily justify buying 10 lbs at a time of Crisp Crystal 45L, because I use it so much. But not enough to justify a full sack. And buying in actual loose bulk is a hassle, and they usually don't have the malts I want available to do it that way anyway.
So yeah. Sorry for the rant, but that's my opinion.
As far as complaints, I like to use some particular ingredients because I like the character. Some of them are less-than-popular hops, and then specific grains from specific maltsters over the same grain from other maltsters.
Now, it's me being really picky, but I'd really like to able to buy, say, English Challenger by the pound, instead of the ounce, but they just don't stock it. Of course, the mainstays (Cascade, Centennial, EKG, Tettenanger, etc, plus a whole bunch of more popular hops) they do stock by the pound, and I buy them as such. But it's the hidden gems (because I really do love Challenger) that are by the ounce only, and work out to cost twice as much.
I also grew to love almost every Weyermann malt. Consistently good quality. However, they've stopped carrying all the smaller bags of most Weyermann specialty grains, and replaced them with another German maltser I find to be inferior. I can still buy Weyermann base malts by the 55lb sack, so that's not an issue, but I can't justify trying to get 55lbs of Weyerann Caramunich III.
So, my point is, I doubt you'd be able to compete with the online guys here, but selection selection selection, and in varying quantities. I don't personally care about ordering an exact grain bill, although I see why others do. I'd actually like to be able to order specialty malts pre-packaged somewhere in between 1 lb and 55 lb (say, a 10 lb bag). I could easily justify buying 10 lbs at a time of Crisp Crystal 45L, because I use it so much. But not enough to justify a full sack. And buying in actual loose bulk is a hassle, and they usually don't have the malts I want available to do it that way anyway.
So yeah. Sorry for the rant, but that's my opinion.
OP
OP
sudbuddy
Hang on, I had something for this
Hmm. You raise a good point. But how am I to know which maltster you prefer? As for weyermann, I love their malt, but since it's not part of the country malt group it's hard for me to order by the pallet. Basically, my choices for grain are BSG (Brewers Supply Group, formerly Crosby & Baker) or CMG (The Country Malt Group, heavy hitters in the grain world) and LD Carlson as a distant and shockingly overpriced third option. For now I rely on a pallet a month from Country Malt, but I'd love to start working other sources into the mix. It all depends on growth and what my customers prefer. So far Best Malz seems to be an acceptable substitute for weyermann, but as soon as that changes I will change my buying practices. I can't order everything from everyone, wish I could, I'm just not there yet
My point, as impractical as it is, is to stock them all.
Or at least a variety and ability to special order.
I like that mine knows my name. But since my actual name is Brewer I bet it's kinda easy for them.
That too. It's nice when they know the regulars and treat them as such.
Been a few times where my shop.is busy, there's a backup to be rung up, and the owner has dropped what he was doing to ring me up immediately.
Sorry to the guys who pop in for a kit 4 times a year, but call it a perk of dropping a couple hundred bucks a month there.
Also, a rewards system would.be awesome if it hasn't been mentioned already. Seems every time i go in there i qualify for $50 off my order.
![Craft A Brew - Safale BE-256 Yeast - Fermentis - Belgian Ale Dry Yeast - For Belgian & Strong Ales - Ingredients for Home Brewing - Beer Making Supplies - [3 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bcKEwQmWL._SL500_.jpg)
If that happened to me while I was in line, that would be the very last time I would ever patronise said business.
It should be banned in airports as well.
Having an LHBS in the first place would be a huge plus, but if I could create an ideal LHBS, some of the key points would be:
* Knowledgeable staff of homebrewers.
* Reasonably-priced, fresh ingredients.
* All the basic small stuff in stock - sanitizer, tubing, fermenters, airlocks, etc.
* Big or specialty equipment in stock or available to order.
* Active in the local homebrew scene.
* Regular brew lesson/sessions for customers/potential homebrewers.
* Hops always vacuum sealed for freshness.
* Liquid yeast (seems like a no-brainer, but we're imagining an LHBS in China right now, where liquid yeast is virtually nonexistent).
Other nice things that would go beyond the basics:
* A homebrew bar area where customers and staff can enjoy homebrew (BYO or in-house) for critiquing/troubleshooting/checking out different glassware/getting totally s**tfaced.
* Organizing group buys.
* Delivery.
* Made-to-order kits from in-house recipes or your own recipes.
* A fairly comprehensive set of tools for homebrewers to DIY their equipment or reasonably-priced in-house equipment modification services for morons like me who have never even used a Dremel, much less a welding torch.
* A nice brew rig that homebrewers can arrange to use for personal brewing in-house.
Those are probably a good start.
* Knowledgeable staff of homebrewers.
* Reasonably-priced, fresh ingredients.
* All the basic small stuff in stock - sanitizer, tubing, fermenters, airlocks, etc.
* Big or specialty equipment in stock or available to order.
* Active in the local homebrew scene.
* Regular brew lesson/sessions for customers/potential homebrewers.
* Hops always vacuum sealed for freshness.
* Liquid yeast (seems like a no-brainer, but we're imagining an LHBS in China right now, where liquid yeast is virtually nonexistent).
Other nice things that would go beyond the basics:
* A homebrew bar area where customers and staff can enjoy homebrew (BYO or in-house) for critiquing/troubleshooting/checking out different glassware/getting totally s**tfaced.
* Organizing group buys.
* Delivery.
* Made-to-order kits from in-house recipes or your own recipes.
* A fairly comprehensive set of tools for homebrewers to DIY their equipment or reasonably-priced in-house equipment modification services for morons like me who have never even used a Dremel, much less a welding torch.
* A nice brew rig that homebrewers can arrange to use for personal brewing in-house.
Those are probably a good start.
Not so much cutting in line, but opening up an additional register for me. Which I suppose is the same eventual thing in a sense, but I do notice a distinction.
I can see why you'd say that. But it's no different than what happens if they open a different line at the grocery store, or really anywhere else (and this line's never been near that long). So if you want to not patronize every business that does it, by all means.
WI_Wino
Well-Known Member
My personal reasons why I stopped frequenting the LHBS in Madison:
- location and hours - very hard to get to, limited parking, open late one night a week (a quick review of their site though shows they have expanded their hours)
- expensive - was not even close to being competitive with online pricing including shipping
- employee attitude - there were several employees that I just did not enjoy talking to. They were smug and condescending when I asked questions about ingredients, equipment, etc. It wasn't a pleasant experience.
For me it is cheaper and usually faster to have stuff shipped from Ritebrew then going downtown Madison.
- location and hours - very hard to get to, limited parking, open late one night a week (a quick review of their site though shows they have expanded their hours)
- expensive - was not even close to being competitive with online pricing including shipping
- employee attitude - there were several employees that I just did not enjoy talking to. They were smug and condescending when I asked questions about ingredients, equipment, etc. It wasn't a pleasant experience.
For me it is cheaper and usually faster to have stuff shipped from Ritebrew then going downtown Madison.
That's one that grinds my gears, no matter what kind of store.
There's another LHBS that I occasionally go to that has a few people like that. Hipster wannabes, with rock star attitudes. They're paid by the hour and don't own the place, so they couldn't care less if they piss off customers.
This is a specialized, niche business, with a very select customer base. It's not like Walmart or Home Depot. Every customer counts and the ones who are rubbed the wrong way are often the ones who talk about it online.
autobaun70
Well-Known Member
I love my local shop. Thomas Creek, in greenville sc. They can come off as unprofessional or intimidating to the first time shopper/newby, due to being an operating brewery, however this is a big advantage. The owner is very knowledgeable but doesn't have a lot of time for lengthy conversation, but that's ok by me. Other may not find it as helpful.
They will sell grain in bulk (very good prices due to being a brewery), and will let you email your order and bag or crack your grain to order. Hops can be gotten for better prices online, but are not overpriced at all.
If you need more help The best time to stop by is after 5:00 when the tasting room is in full swing, and they have more staff dedicated to one on one customer interaction
They will sell grain in bulk (very good prices due to being a brewery), and will let you email your order and bag or crack your grain to order. Hops can be gotten for better prices online, but are not overpriced at all.
If you need more help The best time to stop by is after 5:00 when the tasting room is in full swing, and they have more staff dedicated to one on one customer interaction
hanuswalrus
Well-Known Member
As far as pulling, weighing and milling your own grains as opposed to the shop worker doing it for you... I kinda like the hands on approach of doing it myself. Maybe I'm paranoid, but, to me, there's an added element of mystery when you don't do it yourself. I'm sure most LHBS owners/workers are to be trusted, especially @sudbuddy, but I guess I just feel a bit more comfortable seeing the name of the grain on the bin and then scooping it myself. Yeah.. I'm probably paranoid.
No problem! Here is more detailed info about the punch card. There is a little square where the guy writes how much i spent for each batch and initials it (No actual punching of the card). Then when i have 10 "punches" he can average the cost of all 10 batches and give me a free batch up to that amount. That way someone can't buy ten 5 gallon batches and then get a 10 gallon batch for free or something. It seems like a very fair way to do it.
autobaun70
Well-Known Member
I love my local shop. Thomas Creek, in greenville sc. They can come off as unprofessional or intimidating to the first time shopper/newby, due to being an operating brewery, however this is a big advantage. The owner is very knowledgeable but doesn't have a lot of time for lengthy conversation, but that's ok by me. Others may not find it as helpful, but I very much enjoy it. He is very direct with his help, which can seem "gruff," but is very willing to provide in depth advice when not in the middle of a brew house run.
They will sell grain in bulk (very good prices due to being a brewery), and will let you email your order and bag or crack your grain to order. Hops can be gotten for better prices online, but are not overpriced at all.
If you need more help The best time to stop by is after 5:00 when the tasting room is in full swing, and they have more staff dedicated to one on one customer interaction. Retail items such as parts is good, but not well displayed. The other "non expert," staff knows the inventory well, and can get anything they don't have within a day or two.
They will sell grain in bulk (very good prices due to being a brewery), and will let you email your order and bag or crack your grain to order. Hops can be gotten for better prices online, but are not overpriced at all.
If you need more help The best time to stop by is after 5:00 when the tasting room is in full swing, and they have more staff dedicated to one on one customer interaction. Retail items such as parts is good, but not well displayed. The other "non expert," staff knows the inventory well, and can get anything they don't have within a day or two.
OP
OP
sudbuddy
Hang on, I had something for this
That seems like a really smart way to do it, I like it. Definitely going to start planning on implementing it tomorrow
TxBrew
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Talking in general, attitude is very critical to any local establishment. People will pay more online then deal with a local place if they feel marginalized when they go there, even once. I don't care how small a purchase is, treat them like they belong there every time. Very much dislike specialty shops having a clique vibe when you want to shop there.
Bulk deals are nice.
Quality mill for milling on site. Motorized is even better (cranking by hand sucks)
Selection that is well layed out, easy to locate things.
Knowledgable friendly staff (has encouraged many an impulse buy on my part)
The CO2 refills/exchanges are great (Some fill shops provide better pricing for larger tanks, even a dollar off the fill is nice)
Location and hours. My local is closed on Sundays and Mondays, which I understand, but I always seem to need something on those days. They also close at 6pm which can be inconvenient for a midweek supply run. Once again I understand the need to have a life outside the shop.
Possibly being group buy friendly or maybe even organize one (sure it cuts into your bottom line so probably not too feasible to set up yourself).
Definitely have your prices clearly labeled.
Try to avoid rationing/limiting amounts for hard to find ingredients (when it happens)
Some things that would be nice if legal or not prohibitive(cost, hassle, etc)
Tastings of HB
Brewing clinics or maybe even a location to do group brews on a few nice weekends in the summer
Quality mill for milling on site. Motorized is even better (cranking by hand sucks)
Selection that is well layed out, easy to locate things.
Knowledgable friendly staff (has encouraged many an impulse buy on my part)
The CO2 refills/exchanges are great (Some fill shops provide better pricing for larger tanks, even a dollar off the fill is nice)
Location and hours. My local is closed on Sundays and Mondays, which I understand, but I always seem to need something on those days. They also close at 6pm which can be inconvenient for a midweek supply run. Once again I understand the need to have a life outside the shop.
Possibly being group buy friendly or maybe even organize one (sure it cuts into your bottom line so probably not too feasible to set up yourself).
Definitely have your prices clearly labeled.
Try to avoid rationing/limiting amounts for hard to find ingredients (when it happens)
Some things that would be nice if legal or not prohibitive(cost, hassle, etc)
Tastings of HB
Brewing clinics or maybe even a location to do group brews on a few nice weekends in the summer
Some other that folks have mentioned and some of my own personals:
- Easy to find and get to. It does not have to be next door, just don't put it in a poorly branded strip mall or warehouse with no signage so I am guessing where you are.
- Keep a well stocked store ingredients wise.
- Fresh Yeast kept in a fridge-> Discount older yeast as I will buy it at a discount and give it a shot if its a week or 2 out of date.
- Stock quality SS fittings and parts. This helps when retrofitting or refitting a pot and you need an x NPT fitting quickly.
- Honestly, I would also start stocking core e-brew parts as this seems to be gaining ground(I know I went down this road myself). Elements, PIDS, a few DIY panel kits, etc.
- Stock cheap pots as well as the higher priced ones. I would love to have the option to go cheaper if I choose or need an experiment pot.
- Well stocked hops supply(in the fridge as well for freshness).
- A shelf with some of the core brewing books and the latest BYO mag for sale.
- Kegs/Co2 Swap-Outs
- Discount on bulk grain buys
- Membership program - This should allow me to do stuff like buy 10 kits and get one free or a 10% discount on my purchases by being a member. Makes me feel special and keeps me coming back for the discounts
- A true love and core knowledge of the hobby..this is the attitude one
- Decent prices..I am not asking for free or a giveaway, just dont bend me over for something I can get somewhere else for $20 less. I will go the cheaper road if its like for like product.
- A "Brew Day Saturday" monthly program..I would love to go to the homebrew store to meet up with others for a monthly or bi-monthly brew day event to meet new/old folks. It will also get me to buy stuff if you offer an additional discount that day of the month.
- Easy to find and get to. It does not have to be next door, just don't put it in a poorly branded strip mall or warehouse with no signage so I am guessing where you are.
- Keep a well stocked store ingredients wise.
- Fresh Yeast kept in a fridge-> Discount older yeast as I will buy it at a discount and give it a shot if its a week or 2 out of date.
- Stock quality SS fittings and parts. This helps when retrofitting or refitting a pot and you need an x NPT fitting quickly.
- Honestly, I would also start stocking core e-brew parts as this seems to be gaining ground(I know I went down this road myself). Elements, PIDS, a few DIY panel kits, etc.
- Stock cheap pots as well as the higher priced ones. I would love to have the option to go cheaper if I choose or need an experiment pot.
- Well stocked hops supply(in the fridge as well for freshness).
- A shelf with some of the core brewing books and the latest BYO mag for sale.
- Kegs/Co2 Swap-Outs
- Discount on bulk grain buys
- Membership program - This should allow me to do stuff like buy 10 kits and get one free or a 10% discount on my purchases by being a member. Makes me feel special and keeps me coming back for the discounts
- A true love and core knowledge of the hobby..this is the attitude one
- Decent prices..I am not asking for free or a giveaway, just dont bend me over for something I can get somewhere else for $20 less. I will go the cheaper road if its like for like product.
- A "Brew Day Saturday" monthly program..I would love to go to the homebrew store to meet up with others for a monthly or bi-monthly brew day event to meet new/old folks. It will also get me to buy stuff if you offer an additional discount that day of the month.
I think I see a basic trend of 4 common things:
Offer bulk pricing and be reasonable on smaller consumables
Offer a selection of slower moving non-perishables and do not be afraid to price them accordingly (small parts for kegs)
Have courteous, engaging and attentive staff
Offer some method of kitting grains and grinding on site that is not a pain for the customer
All the others seem to touch one of 3 areas but the specifics are all over the place:
Location and hours
Repeat purchase incentives
Consistent stock that is as fresh as reasonable
I have to say, if my LHBS had this type of attitude/stock/Incetives/buying process I would spend more time and money there. As it is, I find myself spending more each month there than I did in the past because the owner is one of those guys that is helpful, knowledgeable and engaging. His bulk prices are very reasonable, his yeast and hops as well but his specialty grains are all pre-packages Carlson. In truth, he does a lot with only one 12' aisle for homebrew and the rest of the store devoted to hydroponics.
Offer bulk pricing and be reasonable on smaller consumables
Offer a selection of slower moving non-perishables and do not be afraid to price them accordingly (small parts for kegs)
Have courteous, engaging and attentive staff
Offer some method of kitting grains and grinding on site that is not a pain for the customer
All the others seem to touch one of 3 areas but the specifics are all over the place:
Location and hours
Repeat purchase incentives
Consistent stock that is as fresh as reasonable
I have to say, if my LHBS had this type of attitude/stock/Incetives/buying process I would spend more time and money there. As it is, I find myself spending more each month there than I did in the past because the owner is one of those guys that is helpful, knowledgeable and engaging. His bulk prices are very reasonable, his yeast and hops as well but his specialty grains are all pre-packages Carlson. In truth, he does a lot with only one 12' aisle for homebrew and the rest of the store devoted to hydroponics.
My LHBS allows you to pick your yeast and hops. They have a couple of the TRUE glass door fridges. They also have a TON of room, having moved into quite a large space. I know space can be a premium.
Things I'd like to see my LHBS do?
- Carry more hardware pieces. That said, cost is a factor. I have no problem buying local, but when outfitting an entire rig with camlock fittings, an extra 3 bucks a piece adds up. Internet wins there, even with the shipping.
- Offer discount pricing on larger hop selections. Unless this has changed, don't just change me the per oz price x 16. I know you're getting a discount on it, you know you're getting a discount on it, why rake me over the coals? Again, internet wins out here as well.
- Granted, having seen what you could get a sack of 2row for when the group buys were still going on, you're telling me the "best you can do" is $25 than what I was getting during the group buy? I go through a 55lb sack of MO every two months, for my house pale alone. That stuff adds up. They are a huge store, that I would imagine goes through more grain than your average brew pub.
- Offer a store discount to accredited/recognized/AHA registered homebrew clubs/members. They offer one to the club that is affiliated with them, but they aren't the only club in the area. And other clubs do more than just beer.
Things my LHBS does well:
- Fantastic selection of yeast. Many kinds of liquid, and many kinds of dry. Would be nice if they could get ECY, but that's not on them.
- Fantastic selection of hops.
- Pretty good selection on equipment. Certainly not as much as a Morebeer, but pretty close. They have the room, I would think they could stock more options.
- They do group brew days at the store, inviting new brewers to brew a specific recipe. They also do other things where they invite clubs to come brew, and offer barrels to store the beer in. Then have a competition to see which club made the best beer, and award the winning club with a gift certificate.
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
- Excellent wine selection.
- Great cider selection (in season).
autobaun70
Well-Known Member
One more thing that I would have found very nice at the time I started brewing. A very good selection of basic "beginner" recipes with good instructions, etc. for the beginning brewer. These would not necessarily need to be stored in "kit form," but the staff needs to be able to quickly pull them and assemble into a kit. The accompanying instruction sheet should be of good quality (In terms of print quality/presentation), and all ingredients/mosilin bags/etc. very clearly labeled.
This may sound like overkill, but is essentially what the online competition brings to the table on their websites. I bought my first few kits online due to such not being available locally.
This may sound like overkill, but is essentially what the online competition brings to the table on their websites. I bought my first few kits online due to such not being available locally.
Yes, a recipe/idea book with some solid examples of recipes fitting the different styles with some notes on how they taste can be nice as a reference or to help people make their own recipe on the spot. Or maybe even a few pages that can be referenced with the BJCP style definitions. Pages with common substitutions/characteristics of ingredients (so customers can make the informed decisions).
Maybe even be willing to be a collection point for submissions for some competitions.
Maybe even be willing to be a collection point for submissions for some competitions.
OP
OP
sudbuddy
Hang on, I had something for this
That was one of the first things I did! It has worked out great for us, and I don't even sell other kits now. Being able to tell a customer "here, this is my recipe and you won't see it anywhere else. Go brew it, bring it back and we can discuss it" has been invaluable and beats the hell out of the same old LD Carlson kits you see everywhere else
Opiate42
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Seeing some folks requesting to NOT suggest alternatives if lacking something. I dunno I appreciate it when my LHBS dude offers up something that could be a suitable replacement. Only been doing this for >2 years and still very much in my early mad scientist mode.
Anyhoo, there's two shops I head for near me I'll call them Big Shop and Little Shop.
Big Shop I don't visit so much anymore as it's a b!tch to get to and only open late enough for me to do so after work two days a week. Getting there on a weekend chews up too much brew time!
Likes:
Likes Not As Much:
Anyhoo, there's two shops I head for near me I'll call them Big Shop and Little Shop.
Big Shop I don't visit so much anymore as it's a b!tch to get to and only open late enough for me to do so after work two days a week. Getting there on a weekend chews up too much brew time!
Likes:
- Big shop is relatively huge, good selection and competitive prices.
- Little shop is tiny but owner dude manages to cram in pretty well everything I've needed with rare exceptions into that little storefront of his. Also very competitive pricing.
- Little Shop will mill the grain for me if I ask.
- Little shop a warm friendly place.
- Little shop dude is awesome, we swap homebrew and chat about all kinds of things, never too busy to help with supplies, gear, or questions. If something is not on the shelf he'll drop what he's doing and grab it from the back if needed.
- Big Shop Staff are knowledgeable and helpful and more or less friendly (see below)
- Neither bother me if I'm poking my nose around the shop looking and not in need of help yet.
- Both their websites are really well laid out, can order online and pickup in store same day.
- Little shop has a self-serve bulk bin where you can scoop and measure out your own grain for a couple types of base malts (i.e. 2Row @ $1/lbs).
Likes Not As Much:
- Big Shop staff "more or less friendly", not as chatty unless it's really quiet and only one of them in the store. Otherwise, if they cluster they tend to get so wound up in their own conversations they can unintentionally ignore clients who may be in need of assistance.
- Little shop only carries Fermentis for a dry yeast, and Wyeast for liquid. If I want a specific yeast other than that I have to make a special trip to visit Big Shop who carries just about everything.
- Big shop does not mill grain for you. They have a drill mill setup to do it yourself but sometimes I don't have the time.
- Big shop being as big as it is is a pretty warehouse cold feeling kinda place. Great for storage but makes me want to just grab and get out.
- Little shop is a one-man show, if he's got a ton of people in line be prepared to wait. New place though, hasn't even been open a year yet so I can be patient .
ArkotRamathorn
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My ideal LHBS would be open
Just found out my local store (only local store) is changing ownership, I assume it's changing ownership, but knowing my luck they'll close. I order online some stuff but like to pick up yeast and bulk bags in person.
Just found out my local store (only local store) is changing ownership, I assume it's changing ownership, but knowing my luck they'll close. I order online some stuff but like to pick up yeast and bulk bags in person.
I don't think my customers will steal from me but the biggest risk is when they make a mistake and combine two grains they didn't mean to. I think the urge to get a do-over would potentially risk having it dumped into another bulk bin.
For all the years I was going to the local shops, I never knew I was doing research for my own shop to come in the future. I do however remember a lot of the things that annoyed me and I hope to eventually solve all of them in time.
All hops and yeast, even dry, is in the fridge the second it arrives. We start discounting our Wyeast packs at 4months and it increases over time. By the time there are any at 6 months old, you have a fresher option at full price. Your choice. Every time we place a stock order for hops replenishment, we target adding at least one new variety. We sell at least half of our varieties by both once and pound.
On the grain front, we're finding that locals are much more prone to buying items by the recipe than in bulk so we've moved specialty grains down to 4oz purchasable increments and we don't penalize for less than pound quantity. We don't have self serve because our bulk grain is stored in our shipping area due to how much more of it is actually shipped. Our mill is also on the loading dock with a vent fan to avoid dust storms in the store. To avoid pile ups, I always encourage locals to email or phone in a grain order an hour or more in advance. It helps even out workload so much that we may incentivize with a discount. We also have most specialty grains in prepacked 1lb bags for grab and go.
Kits are still being worked out. I went with the BSG Select kits for extract brewers to have something on the shelf for a quick drop in purchase. Longer term, I tend to offer on demand kits that come out of the freshest inventory. I'll always use Brewing Classic Styles if the customer doesn't have a specific request. It's now a matter getting the more popular styles into our system as one click SKU so that I don't have to build shopping carts real time.
I think I read earlier in the thread, maybe even two posts, that as customers you don't want staff to make suggestions for substitutions of out of stock or non stocked items. Wow, worst idea ever. For one thing, it suggests that all customers have done such extensive research that they know the common substitutions and have decided they don't want them. Imagine someone asking for Briess 2 Row. If I play this game, I'd say no we don't have it (pssst, we stock Rahr 2 row). I can fully appreciate a preference and you can tell me you really rather Briess, but not saying "well, we stock Rahr, would you like that?" is 100% what I would expect as a customer. Sometimes it's not just brand variation, but still relatively like for like products like sanitizer. I've had several customers ask for B-Brite "sanitizer" or Iodaphor. Without being smug about it, I kindly suggest a cleaner like PBW followed by a easier to use sanitizer like Starsan. If my customers are put off from suggestions of best practices and best products, they will hate coming to my store. As vendors, we will also know about new products coming into the market before customers do. What if our unspeakable substitution is the new hot ****? You don't want to hear about it?
All hops and yeast, even dry, is in the fridge the second it arrives. We start discounting our Wyeast packs at 4months and it increases over time. By the time there are any at 6 months old, you have a fresher option at full price. Your choice. Every time we place a stock order for hops replenishment, we target adding at least one new variety. We sell at least half of our varieties by both once and pound.
On the grain front, we're finding that locals are much more prone to buying items by the recipe than in bulk so we've moved specialty grains down to 4oz purchasable increments and we don't penalize for less than pound quantity. We don't have self serve because our bulk grain is stored in our shipping area due to how much more of it is actually shipped. Our mill is also on the loading dock with a vent fan to avoid dust storms in the store. To avoid pile ups, I always encourage locals to email or phone in a grain order an hour or more in advance. It helps even out workload so much that we may incentivize with a discount. We also have most specialty grains in prepacked 1lb bags for grab and go.
Kits are still being worked out. I went with the BSG Select kits for extract brewers to have something on the shelf for a quick drop in purchase. Longer term, I tend to offer on demand kits that come out of the freshest inventory. I'll always use Brewing Classic Styles if the customer doesn't have a specific request. It's now a matter getting the more popular styles into our system as one click SKU so that I don't have to build shopping carts real time.
I think I read earlier in the thread, maybe even two posts, that as customers you don't want staff to make suggestions for substitutions of out of stock or non stocked items. Wow, worst idea ever. For one thing, it suggests that all customers have done such extensive research that they know the common substitutions and have decided they don't want them. Imagine someone asking for Briess 2 Row. If I play this game, I'd say no we don't have it (pssst, we stock Rahr 2 row). I can fully appreciate a preference and you can tell me you really rather Briess, but not saying "well, we stock Rahr, would you like that?" is 100% what I would expect as a customer. Sometimes it's not just brand variation, but still relatively like for like products like sanitizer. I've had several customers ask for B-Brite "sanitizer" or Iodaphor. Without being smug about it, I kindly suggest a cleaner like PBW followed by a easier to use sanitizer like Starsan. If my customers are put off from suggestions of best practices and best products, they will hate coming to my store. As vendors, we will also know about new products coming into the market before customers do. What if our unspeakable substitution is the new hot ****? You don't want to hear about it?
just me thinking aloud here but a "do over" bucket available at a slightly reduced pot luck price could possibly be interesting for the adventurous.
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