Another reefer trying to sell coral

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Welp, as you can see in the title, I am trying to sell coral. Before we get started, it's not something I just decided to do. I used to have a mindset of I hate my job and I want to do something I love, but life changes have helped me realize the issue isn't my job but my attitude. I no longer hate my job and feel blessed to have a steady income in a harsh world. That being said, I still absolutely want to sell coral online. My biggest hurdle is getting started. Nobody tells you how hard it is to provide pest free coral. I've got quite a few different corals that would help me with variety, but I am working on taking fish out of main displays and treating them for diseases so I don't sell a coral that crashes someone's tank. This isn't the hard part. My biggest hurdle is figuring out shipping. I try to be an honest person so I want to make sure I'm not ripping a customer or a shipper off, directly or indirectly. What is the best way to ship? Of course, FedEx or UPS is the best way to go because they're the most reliable in terms of overnight shipping (let's be honest...you wouldn't personally buy a coral unless it was overnighted to you). Do I start off selling on eBay and charging the full amount of shipping that I'm charged or do I take a hit in hopes that most customers won't buy just 1 coral I have? (i.e. a green slimer that sells for $20, I charge $40 for shipping, and it costs me $60 with materials and labels.) I've also considered selling on this forum and another local forum. Any and all (constructive) criticism is welcome.

Some more back story, I've been in the hobby for 3 years and 2 years of it, I've been working towards the goal of selling. I currently have 3 different tanks set up in my living room (an incredibly lovely wife approved), 1 frag tank and 2 working display tanks. Total amount of different corals is around 120+. 1 of those tanks doesn't even have coral in it yet, as I believe that you should add all fish first before adding coral, so that number will be closer to 200. I'm close to $20k deep for all of the tanks. I hope this discourages conversation about making sure I want to make my hobby my job, as it basically already is. My free time is spent on this forum learning and working odd jobs to pay for new coral/equipment.

 

[BighohoReef]

My biggest complaint is why can’t you be in Washington, I totally be onboard to help you maintain and build your business for free! Love hobby and is also a goal .

As with all small businesses it’s a tough go those first few years especially if you’re going it alone. Tons of blood sweat and tears, and as you know in this hobby you’ve already paid those dues.

Anyways time to for some food for thought hopefully to help you on your way.

1. What makes you stand out against the back drop of the bigger online folks? Or the LFS? (I just had my first Cuttlefish experience, in my opinion
they set a standard).

2. I like your approach to selling pest free... That’s a plus but how do you get that across to your customers?

3. At the start charge a flat rate for shipping, or until a customer hits a specific price threshold and your costs are recoup’d. Just know as a reef consumer If I spent $150 I’d expect discounted or free shipping.

4. Market your store front with rarer corals, but have essentials “Starter” packs like a candy cane, gsp, xenia pack or SPS packs products along those lines.

5. Supplement your cashflow by also becoming a whole seller to your local fish stores.

This is a huge topic I have more thoughts but let’s start here for now.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Hey @BighohoReef. It would be awesome to have some help, but my wife tells me I'm impossible to work for. Great questions/talking points. Let's tackle those.

1 & 2. Standing out isn't as hard if you tackle question #2 aggressively with advertising. Advertising goes a looooong way.
I can't even begin to tell you how many corals out there have algae growing all over them or leave you with reef pest soup once you've dipped them. Photogtaphy is also extremely important. Not super doctored photos like you see from some vendors, but a representative pic of what you have. Cuttlefish is awesome and they definitely do a great job, but there are several other stores in Portland and a little farther south that sell you whatever they get the day they get it straight from the ocean. I'll also point out that as good as Cuttlefish is, try to show me somewhere you can look at any of their current stock. It doesn't exist from what I see. Who wants to drive to a store that may or may not have something you want? Not everyone wants to sell locally only. It's not about being the best when starting out, just being better than the least best guy. Another tool is to hop on a forum like this or a local forum and start being active. Answer questions for individuals. The more people who see you post, the more likely they are to check you out.

3. Fortunately, that number could easily be absorbed at a higher price point like $150-$300. Some vendors don't give you free shipping unless you hit that mark, and that's only if you purchase it straight from their site. Ebay or forums? You're paying a shipping price. While some people think a $250 coral is worth $250, it isn't and that's just fact.

4. I totally agree. There is also something to be said about having corals you've "named" yourself. It's wise to find your own color variants, but the more well-known corals are also important to have. Realistically, it's not something you get when starting out though. You're usually getting the more rare corals from other vendors/lfs through trading rather than paying retail price.

5. Wholesale is a must in my opinion, but it's much more difficult to convince a store to give you cash than your regular Joe as they already have their hookups, especially when first starting out.


There are tons of businesses shipping. Taking away practices from those who you buy from the most will help you thrive. For example, there's one vendor I buy from that always sends at least 1 free coral with a purchase. I don't know what they set the purchase price point at (I order at least $100 every time), but it's something to learn from.

 

[Aqua Man]

Wishing you luck from another Oregon reefer!
I’ll just add that I prefer Fed ex over UPS.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Wishing you luck from another Oregon reefer!
I’ll just add that I prefer Fed ex over UPS.

Thanks, Aquaman! You from the valley?

 

[PigFarmer]

Sandy Oregon here fellas! Let's GO! Trades and local sales is where it's been for me.. Hard to turn this hobby into a way of living out here imo.. only way is to cover every base and grind, grind, grind some more! All that grinding sure takes the fun out tho! U ever notice how unhappy and stressed most the LFS owners are?

 

[Casket_Case]

You can list a minimum purchase, a lot of people do that. It’s just to ensure you break even and to stop people from wasting your time when they want to buy just a twenty dollar frag.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Sandy Oregon here fellas! Let's GO! Trades and local sales is where it's been for me.. Hard to turn this hobby into a way of living out here imo.. only way is to cover every base and grind, grind, grind some more! All that grinding sure takes the fun out tho! U ever notice how unhappy and stressed most the LFS owners are?

Hello from Salem! Hopefully we can work something out in the near future when the product is ready! I'd love to meet with some of you all too! Not super easy to find another hobbyist here. I'll be honest, it ain't easy. There is something in what you said that needs attention though. The LFS here are unhappy and stressed. That's your problem. Why is the customer seeing those negative emotions? If you can't put on a face and provide good customer service with a smile, then why are you in it? This business isn't something you can make an easy living with. Find something you love to do and find a way to make it your job, WHILE STILL LOVING IT. If you don't already already, watch Cory from Aquarium Co-Op up in Washington. He's been in it for awhile and he's found ways to keep that fire lit. At the root of it all, he's a hobbyist and still loves the hobby.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

I was in the wholesale end in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, and California for over 25 years. It is a tough nut to crack with the current high shipping costs. I would look at airline shipping as you can get faster deliveries at less than half the cost of FedEx or UPS. I just sent 20 lbs. of live rock to Iowa for $90.00 versus the almost $300.00 quoted by the other two. You will need to apply for known shipper status and pass a TSA background check. Takes about two weeks. This is also the best way to get new stock in for your business as you can find Trans shippers and wholesalers who might sell to you.

Good luck with the new gig.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

You can list a minimum purchase, a lot of people do that. It’s just to ensure you break even and to stop people from wasting your time when they want to buy just a twenty dollar frag.

Now you might be getting somewhere...any links to some people who do that?

 

[Flippers4pups]

@oregongrownreef, I feel you. 30 years working in the surgical instrument field I'm more than burnt out. But health insurance is expensive and than steady income is what drives me to keep going. 9 years till I retire. Maybe then I can start my coral business then.

Frags of my montipora cap. Flippers 'Monster cap"! Lol

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

A few pictures of what we're currently working with. Another order of 20+ en route for Wednesday. Still have to get some of these bad boys on their discs.

Another note: Pictures are a month old. Cyano has been eliminated and xenia is 75% gone from the tank.

 

[Aqua Man]

Corvallis/Albany area. It’s been awhile since I visited the shop in Salem.

looks like a great start from the pics you posted. With a supportive wife you’re half way there!

 

[Casket_Case]

Now you might be getting somewhere...any links to some people who do that?

I’m not sure... I can check if you want.

 

[Pntbll687]

Hey @BighohoReef. It would be awesome to have some help, but my wife tells me I'm impossible to work for. Great questions/talking points. Let's tackle those.

1 & 2. Standing out isn't as hard if you tackle question #2 aggressively with advertising. Advertising goes a looooong way.
I can't even begin to tell you how many corals out there have algae growing all over them or leave you with reef pest soup once you've dipped them. Photogtaphy is also extremely important. Not super doctored photos like you see from some vendors, but a representative pic of what you have. Cuttlefish is awesome and they definitely do a great job, but there are several other stores in Portland and a little farther south that sell you whatever they get the day they get it straight from the ocean. I'll also point out that as good as Cuttlefish is, try to show me somewhere you can look at any of their current stock. It doesn't exist from what I see. Who wants to drive to a store that may or may not have something you want? Not everyone wants to sell locally only. It's not about being the best when starting out, just being better than the least best guy. Another tool is to hop on a forum like this or a local forum and start being active. Answer questions for individuals. The more people who see you post, the more likely they are to check you out.

3. Fortunately, that number could easily be absorbed at a higher price point like $150-$300. Some vendors don't give you free shipping unless you hit that mark, and that's only if you purchase it straight from their site. Ebay or forums? You're paying a shipping price. While some people think a $250 coral is worth $250, it isn't and that's just fact.

4. I totally agree. There is also something to be said about having corals you've "named" yourself. It's wise to find your own color variants, but the more well-known corals are also important to have. Realistically, it's not something you get when starting out though. You're usually getting the more rare corals from other vendors/lfs through trading rather than paying retail price.

5. Wholesale is a must in my opinion, but it's much more difficult to convince a store to give you cash than your regular Joe as they already have their hookups, especially when first starting out.


There are tons of businesses shipping. Taking away practices from those who you buy from the most will help you thrive. For example, there's one vendor I buy from that always sends at least 1 free coral with a purchase. I don't know what they set the purchase price point at (I order at least $100 every time), but it's something to learn from.

Number 5 is not hard at all. You walk in, have good and accurate pictures, and a good price.

I sell to stores that I already deal with for my regular job (i sell dry good and tanks/stands), and every single one of them wants a better price than what they currently get.

I offered 20% off what you already pay, just need to see an invoice to verify. This not only got me in the door with most of them, but also got me some ballpark pricing on what they currently get. I'm looking to supplement my income, not become a coral wholesaler, so undercutting the wholesaler wasn't that big of a deal.

Set some standard prices with fast growers. I have a green monti cap that i have to frag every week it grows so fast, so I have it on my standard price list at $12/frag, I also have neon trumpet/candy cane coral on the list at $10/frag (3 heads or under) and mini colonies for $15 (4+ heads).

Get some corals that look good under 10k lighting. Neon green trumpet coral, gsp, red/orange monti cap, anything gold in color. These move WAY faster than I thought to other stores. You may make more money on a frag of homewrecker, but stores will call and ask for more gsp as soon as they run out.

 

[EMeyer]

In terms of shipping, a few considerations.

1. Don't forget about cheaper options. Soft corals like zoas absolutely do not require overnight shipping, 2-day is fine. And cheaper services like USPS Priority are often overnight within state, anyway.

2. Don't pay list shipping prices. You can get a discount by calling and asking for one, if you're persistent. If you sign up through shipstation, you can get a big UPS discount without even calling.

3. Charge a flat rate, and accept that you're eating costs on all shipments. No buyer is willing to pay actual shipping costs. To offset this, my suggestion is to slightly increase all your prices to offset shipping (just a few dollars), and add a minimum order size.

 

[Pntbll687]

Welp, as you can see in the title, I am trying to sell coral. Before we get started, it's not something I just decided to do. I used to have a mindset of I hate my job and I want to do something I love, but life changes have helped me realize the issue isn't my job but my attitude. I no longer hate my job and feel blessed to have a steady income in a harsh world. That being said, I still absolutely want to sell coral online. My biggest hurdle is getting started. Nobody tells you how hard it is to provide pest free coral. I've got quite a few different corals that would help me with variety, but I am working on taking fish out of main displays and treating them for diseases so I don't sell a coral that crashes someone's tank. This isn't the hard part. My biggest hurdle is figuring out shipping. I try to be an honest person so I want to make sure I'm not ripping a customer or a shipper off, directly or indirectly. What is the best way to ship? Of course, FedEx or UPS is the best way to go because they're the most reliable in terms of overnight shipping (let's be honest...you wouldn't personally buy a coral unless it was overnighted to you). Do I start off selling on eBay and charging the full amount of shipping that I'm charged or do I take a hit in hopes that most customers won't buy just 1 coral I have? (i.e. a green slimer that sells for $20, I charge $40 for shipping, and it costs me $60 with materials and labels.) I've also considered selling on this forum and another local forum. Any and all (constructive) criticism is welcome.

Some more back story, I've been in the hobby for 3 years and 2 years of it, I've been working towards the goal of selling. I currently have 3 different tanks set up in my living room (an incredibly lovely wife approved), 1 frag tank and 2 working display tanks. Total amount of different corals is around 120+. 1 of those tanks doesn't even have coral in it yet, as I believe that you should add all fish first before adding coral, so that number will be closer to 200. I'm close to $20k deep for all of the tanks. I hope this discourages conversation about making sure I want to make my hobby my job, as it basically already is. My free time is spent on this forum learning and working odd jobs to pay for new coral/equipment.

Just pick a shipper and go with them. In my area (PA) fed ex is much more reliable than UPS, ask around from friends or family about who they prefer.

FInd a dry goods distributor in your area and open an account to get bags/cups/ misc items. Save yourself some money here instead of ordering online. Preferably they would sell the additives you use to maintain alk/ca/mg as you will be going through these readily and shouldn't be paying retail if your using it for business uses.

Are you in a sales position now with your current full time job?

Are you going to label your coral "pest free"? Honestly I would not. If you get a website or business FB page up you should talk about all the precautions you take to eliminate pets, but saying "pest free" opens you up for someone to say "I got AEFW from them", "i bought some hammer coral from them, and now I have vermitds everywhwere".

Take your time getting this off the ground. I'd start with selling to local stores and selling local to people on FB. This allows you to get picking, packing, techniques down before you start trying to sell and ship through the mail.

 

[Pntbll687]

In terms of shipping, a few considerations.

1. Don't forget about cheaper options. Soft corals like zoas absolutely do not require overnight shipping, 2-day is fine. And cheaper services like USPS Priority are often overnight within state, anyway.

2. Don't pay list shipping prices. You can get a discount by calling and asking for one, if you're persistent. If you sign up through shipstation, you can get a big UPS discount without even calling.

3. Charge a flat rate, and accept that you're eating costs on all shipments. No buyer is willing to pay actual shipping costs. To offset this, my suggestion is to slightly increase all your prices to offset shipping (just a few dollars), and add a minimum order size.

In addition you can set up "zones" across the country with different shipping rates. If you don't do this you;ll get an influx of orders from across the country because of your "cheap" shipping. And those orders will be for 2-3 frags each of cheap stuff

 

[Pntbll687]

A few pictures of what we're currently working with. Another order of 20+ en route for Wednesday. Still have to get some of these bad boys on their discs.

Another note: Pictures are a month old. Cyano has been eliminated and xenia is 75% gone from the tank.

How big are the tanks? And what type of lighting/filtration are you running?

DO NOT GET RID OF THE XENIA!!!

Stores love that stuff, and it moves fast. Get a strainer basket with some rubble/crushed coral in it. Put the xenia in there when you trim it. It will take a week or so, the xenia will attach to the rubble, then glue that to plugs.

 

[BighohoReef]

I was thinking about your post when reading the link below on the Battlecorals blog. I have to say I'm a big fan of Adam, he runs a great home setup for a mass operation lol. I'd also recommend watching some of the coralvue interviews he's done, it would give you some great insight into long term sustainability for your own coral business. As a consumer in this hobby I'm leaning more towards only purchasing aquacultured pieces I might pay a premium but the health and pest approach is a plus!

How are things coming along for you?

Wild Fire... and the Inevitable After Burn

It’s a pretty easy thing to do. Pick up some good looking maricultures, these days the line between consumer, retailer and wholesale's a little fuzzy anyway, so just about anyone can get their hands on a box of Indo's, or maybe a few wild Aussies. Cut them up into nice extra chunky frags...

battlecorals.com