Azure Standard -- any experience?

[Mama Bear]

If you've ordered from them, what do you get? Do you find it to be a big difference in price or are you ordering specialty items that would be nearly impossible to find or perhaps the quantity (bulk) is what you're looking for? How far do you drive to pick up your order? What is the overall experience (good/bad, easy/difficult)?

TIA, you smart people. Mwaaa.

[Colleen]

I began ordering from Azure about 8 years ago and at that time I'd pick up my things from a friend's place, just a few miles away. I'm now the drop-off point for a small group. This works easiest because every couple of months we order several dozen large bags of kelp granules that we use for the cows. I used to order more from Azure but I've noticed a sharp increase in their prices over the past couple of years. Also, I prefer to support my local community food co-op (where I can also special order in bulk). Now I tend to get 25 lb bags of oatmeal and granola from Azure, as well as sale items if they're a marked savings over my co-op. I also often get my flours and nuts from Azure. But it's not like it used to be, when Azure was a definite savings. Some of my friends keep ordering from them routinely, assuming they have the best deals, although I've pointed out that the prices at our co-op are often just as good if not better. The primary difference comes in bulk ordering.

I appreciate being the ease of placing an order and having the items brought to me (and in my case, right to me, since I'm the drop point). But Azure can be frustrating in terms of customer service. Example: They can not tell you when things are out of stock. So you get your order and it may be that some items just weren't available. It's frustrating. It's also not an unusual that they leave an item off an order, in which case you have to wait until the next month. I've talked to David, the owner, a number of times about these issues but to no avail.

Let me know if you have more questions.:)

[KH_]

But Azure can be frustrating in terms of customer service. Example: They can not tell you when things are out of stock. So you get your order and it may be that some items just weren't available. It's frustrating. It's also not an unusual that they leave an item off an order, in which case you have to wait until the next month. I've talked to David, the owner, a number of times about these issues but to no avail.



This is the problem I had with Azure . . .I ordered quite a few times with no problems, but then placed an order for a certain item that I needed, and added some extra items just to get my minimum order met (I'd have the stuff shipped UPS). The one product I needed was out of stock and did not arrive, but still showed as available online. I called and asked and they had no idea when it might be back in stock, would not offer me free shipping on my next order, and could not tell me how I could avoid this problem in the future. I asked if I could call ahead and check to see if it was in stock, and the lady I spoke to didn't think that would assure me of getting the item, either. No one was helpful in the least and so I decided to spend my money elsewhere . . .there are so many options available that I'd much rather spend a little more and get good customer service, than try to save a couple dollars with poor customer service (and I would not have saved money with paying shipping twice).

[kalanamak]

they don't tell you that you'll have to reorder it in order for it to come next time. And, if you do COD, and then decide to pay on line, you have to call them and tell them you are doing so so they can re-set your account.

I got 20 tins of cream cheese with an expiration date in 3 days.
Etc.
I miss some of the things I used to get, like big boxes of Akmak crackers or WW pasta, but not the hassle.

[Diana in OR]

I've been ordering for 15 years. Right now, I drive 9 miles to pick up my order. It's because we moved out of the town where I ordered it from. I have had some of the trouble the others mentioned, but it doesn't really bother me. The lady who does the ordering will let us put substitute items in the order, which helps a lot. You might be able to do that going direct as well. (Ex. Crunchy peanut butter of Creamy is not available)

In the "old" days, Azure carried a lot of items that were not readily available elsewhere, or you could only get at an expensive health food store.

I order every other month now. Things I usually get, that are generally cheaper than anywhere else I've found:

25lb. bags of oats
Grains of all types
Granola
Dried Beans
Liquid Aminos
Hot Dogs
Sucanat and other sweeteners
Essential oils
natural cleaners (sometimes)
nuts
peanut butter (15lb bucket)
Broth powder
Some bulk baking items
Chili Seasoning

There may be a few things I'm forgetting. I will also sometimes order things there that I could get somewhere else, but it saves me a trip to the store. Many moons ago, I'd spend about $200/month on my Azure order, and it fed our family of 4 for most of the month. I couldn't do that now.

I think it's worth it if you can find a good place to order from. Also, if you consistently order the same thing, you will have a pretty good idea if it is usually in stock or not.

[Diana in OR]

That should be "Crunchy Peanut butter when Creamy is not available."