Moan- Delivery times on supplies

[imark]

I'm mourning the loss of the previously speedy delivery times from our homebrew supply companies. It was great when hbc would deliver next day if ordered by noon. Unfortunately they no longer do so and it's usually a couple of days but nothing guaranteed. I've had to cancel a few brew days as I adjust to the new slower delivery times. So while I appreciate the selection and member discount and that these guys are running a business I'm having a moan.

Are the guys gone part time or something? Or is this down to the couriers? Is there any likelihood of getting next day delivery back? In any case the current situation is a royal PITA! 

[Shane Phelan]

I normally order a week in advance unless it is an emergency. It gives me time to look at and fantasise about using my ingredients for the days approaching the brew day.

I'm curious to know what is slowing down the deliveries though.

[Eoin]

The slower deliveries came with lower price points. That at least is my perception of things.

[delzep]

I normally order a week in advance unless it is an emergency. It gives me time to look at and fantasise about using my ingredients for the days approaching the brew day.

I'm curious to know what is slowing down the deliveries though.

So do you add a note to your order or something saying that you would like it delivered next Friday or whatever?

[imark]

The slower deliveries came with lower price points. That at least is my perception of things.

I don't think so. Delivery price has been the same €5.95 with hbc. In fact, I it was free on orders over €60 previously.

[Hop Bomb]

They're just busier Id imagine. I always leave a note if Im really in a hurry or phone in advance & ask if it can go same day.

[Taf]

The slower deliveries came with lower price points. That at least is my perception of things.

I don't think so. Delivery price has been the same €5.95 with hbc. In fact, I it was free on orders over €60 previously.

I definitely think that it is the case that times have suffered with change in price and courier. I'm sure that delivery used to be closer to €7 a couple of years ago, and normally via fastway, and was nearly always next day. Now it is some other crowd, and takes a bit longer. I blame the great delivery price war that happened a couple of years ago!

[Hop Bomb]

HBC Delivery is with DPD which is next day service as always & they're a far superior courier imo.

[Shane Phelan]

So do you add a note to your order or something saying that you would like it delivered next Friday or whatever?

If I'm brewing on a Saturday I put in the order on the Monday that week which is around 5 days in advance. Normally it will arrive on the Wednesday and if something goes wrong then Thursday/Friday. The best I have seen is ordering it before lunch and having it delivered the next day but I would never rely on this unless it was an emergency.

[Eoin]

The slower deliveries came with lower price points. That at least is my perception of things.

I don't think so. Delivery price has been the same €5.95 with hbc. In fact, I it was free on orders over €60 previously.

I didn't mean delivery prices, it was when the prices were pressed on the stocks and also when they went to free deliveries, more the competition that pressed prices rather than the actual price of delivery itself.

If prices lowered something was bound to suffer, we're lucky that the delivery times were the only victim to so speak.

[imark]

Unpredictable delivery date is a big problem for me since I can't get parcels delivered to work. So I need to be at home when it's delivered and I have to schedule my orders around that. So if it's consistently 1/3/5 days is irrelevant (obviously 1 would be best) as long as it's delivered on time.

Also, I don't think the problem is the courier because once the parcel has been dispatched I (almost) always get it next day with DPD. They have delivered to the wrong address on one occasion. So it seems to me the difficulty is with the ability of the stores to get the parcel out.

[Ciderhead]

I have seen the front and back end of the 2 major players in the South and even loaded the delivery van that calls anywhere between 3 and 5.
Its a tough business getting 30-40 orders out a day ensuring all the ingredients are there and then fellas ring them, I kid you not to check it has been received, to check it is being packed and the next day to check it has been dispatched, which all takes away from their time of processing orders.
Its full on from the point that they arrive in the morning till the point that they shut, I also have seen the positive attitude they show to problems.
I would cut them some slack and look at things like parcel motel if you need an exact delivery or you can collect from your local DPD depot late as I do and I dont know any other service provider that offers next day delivery for fiver.
p.s. btw i have no vested interest in either

[RichC]

Ordered from the hbc at 08:30 yesterday and received delivery at 1pm today. As reliable as always!

[Greg2013]

I have yet to receive an order in under 3 days from any of the 3 main HB stores here. Don't know what the issue is and i am certainly not blaming anybody( shocking i know), however i recently received a major delivery from UK in 3 days from posting so i don't know whats going on here.  I hear what Ciderhead is saying but i am with imark on this, its not good enough really to have consistently slow deliveries, not in this day and age. Allowances must be made but come on HB stores not all the time.

Twice in the last month i have had to cancel orders because the stores involved could not garauntee delivery for Friday when ordered first thing Wednesday morning or even Tuesday night, to me thats poor service IMHO.

[Metattron]

Its got to be expected. The home brew community is growing at a staggering rate. Never mind opening a brewery, I should start a home brew business!