I guess maybe I know the answer but I’d like it discussed anyway.Where would you say the majority of a LHBS’ money comes from? There’s the McDonald’s route - make a little money on a billion sales, but I don’t think most places are that busy. If you go the bistro pricing route your customer base will be small. So, is the money in the add-ons and the grain is just the enticement to get the customer in the door?
From talking with retailers - it’s the little things that make up the bulk of your income, but it’s the equipment that puts you over the top, hence the reason retailers always need new people in the hobby.
There is a package store in my town that has a decent assortment but will get whatever you want from Corsby and Baker , usually in a few days and at VERY fair prices.
Since he is making the $$$$ on the liquor store his homebrew mark-up is very fair