A Little Unimpressed This Year

wrasse man · Nov 24, 2019

I don’t know if it’s just me or the offerings, but thus far they seem a little lack luster. Maybe there isn’t really anything I’m in the need for, or nothing is really grabbing my attention. I mean, I can’t even find any tempting salt offerings or other consumables. I watched today’s BRS video and they did make an ominous mention that some of the “high-end manufacturers” weren’t going to be participating. But I’m not entirely sure who they are referring to.

This also goes for non-reefing items, I haven’t seen anything even remotely tempting.

But so far I haven’t made any purchases, that may change but so far nada. Maybe this is just a sign of my life being complete, and I no longer have to fill the void with unnecessary things........yah doubt it.

KrisReef · Nov 24, 2019

I'm waiting for the after Christmas sales myself.

tautog83 · Nov 24, 2019

Let's see what this week brings , you would think tropic marin would participate with brs since they get all the "video time" and positive reviews . Help us , help you have strong sales this season lol

BiGGiePauls33 · Nov 24, 2019

Buying a Trigger Systems Sapphire 34 sump and Sapphire 10g ATOO container. Maybe some radions and mp40's after xmas.

Mical · Nov 24, 2019

I bought some "needed" items from BRS, but yea if it wasn't on sale I can wait. So far hasn't been anything that I couldn't live without.

AZMSGT · Nov 24, 2019

Blame MAP pricing. It’s a all about price fixing. No sales equal higher profits.. at least thats their theory.

Mical · Nov 24, 2019

AZMSGT said:
Blame MAP pricing. It’s a all about price fixing. No sales equal higher profits.. at least thats their theory.

Sad marketing practices. I could understand that theory if their customer service & warranties were priorities with the manufacturer. I prefer to do business w/folks who back up their products with service & warranty. And it's not just manufacturers but retailers too. B&H photo is one of those retailers who will take anything back if you're not happy with it. And the way they're able to do so is they work w/manufacturers based on their sales volumes. (Hello BRS are you listening???)

kapnkush608 · Nov 24, 2019

Dude, it's not even black Friday yet ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

wrasse man · Nov 25, 2019

kapnkush608 said:
Dude, it's not even black Friday yet ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Valid point, but it hasn't been Black Friday for the last few years, its more like Black November. I guess the point is, I haven't seen any "must haves" across the spectrum of all my interests, not just reefing related.

I even asked my seven year old daughter what she wants from Santa this year, she say's "I want to be surprised". So it seems even in her small world there isn't that must have item every kid cant live without.

Brings me back to my days as youth of dog earing pages and circling stuff all through the JC Penny's Christmas Catalog.

lakai · Nov 25, 2019

The issue is that black friday deals are no longer what it used to be due to the fact that retail transitioned to having sales year round and keeping inventory low.

Ecotech raising prices 10% and having one sale 10% off is a real joke.

GlassMunky · Nov 25, 2019

I’m loving Black Friday sales, but I’m the one offering the sales....
I’ve sold over $5k in glass in the last 3 days thanks to my Black Friday sale.

Which means a very merry Xmas for my reef

DivingTheWorld · Nov 25, 2019

I agree. In past years the BF sales have been huge for stores like BRS. This year they barely mention it or post in their threads. I also wonder if sales tax has something to do with it. The big savings online used to be sales tax, but now with the prices more leveled, I assume the sales are down considerably? I know last year I was not charged sales tax, but they started collecting soon after.

Stang67 · Nov 25, 2019

I am planning on getting quite a bit of stuff for my new build. I think what I am seeing is pretty decent. But its my first time so really not much to compare it to.

Greybeard · Nov 25, 2019

I'd agree. Ok, so yeah, I've bought some salt, RODI filter replacements, etc. Stuff that I need regularly. 15% is not going to inspire me to buy something that I was waffling on.

Picked up a Skimz L60 return pump on a 'flash' sale a few months back, like 75% off. Didn't even need it... but at that price, well, it's worth buying just to put on the shelf. Yeah, it was being discontinued, but it's still a very good quality AC pump... cheap.

A few years ago, bought a Vertex 180i skimmer for like half price. Still using it today. Great skimmer.

Not seeing any deals like that this year.

Bryce M. · Nov 25, 2019

Not reefing related but I nailed a 3500 new beef gaming PC for 1500.
I think that's a great deal

Tamberav · Nov 25, 2019

wrasse man said:
Valid point, but it hasn't been Black Friday for the last few years, its more like Black November. I guess the point is, I haven't seen any "must haves" across the spectrum of all my interests, not just reefing related.

I even asked my seven year old daughter what she wants from Santa this year, she say's "I want to be surprised". So it seems even in her small world there isn't that must have item every kid cant live without.

Brings me back to my days as youth of dog earing pages and circling stuff all through the JC Penny's Christmas Catalog.

Certain items don't go on sale until actual Black Friday. It has been that way every year. The generic 15% off hits and then certain MAP items or brands don't have a sale until Friday. Then there are some doorbusters as well. Some items don't go on sale at all.

I buy less now then I did in the past, but that is because there is only so much a person needs to own.

Mostly just salt, RODI filters, refill on tests, bulbs etc... buy everything I need for the year then buy it again next November.

Nick Steele · Nov 25, 2019

we picked up a complete 20G AIO for around $150-200 off regular price. I’m happy with that!

Roosterjack · Nov 25, 2019

At minimum one would think that there would be some effort towards growing the hobby. Great pricing on entry-level (but not poor quality) equipment, paclave deals, etc. The more reefers there are the more items they sell, especially since we all know that bigger/better setups are typically on our minds as our experience grows.