Buying from private sellers

[Scdell]

Just like the titles says. Kinda wondering how much luck people have had with doing that? I've tried a couple of times without any real luck. One horrible experience and a couple of so so experiences. It's disappointing at the least opening a box and finding dead corals in the box. Even if it's only one out of 5-6. I've bought from some of the sponsors on here and never once came across that. So...........think I'll stay away from private sellers from now on. You get what you pay for!!!

 

[Anthony123coral]

I’ve had a lot of luck, a few purchases that I was less then impressed with poor shipping, frags that didn’t heal, zoas separated from frag plugs. But I’ve also gotten some supper nice corals at good prices. Some sellers are just rude and overpriced and some are just all around great people and excellent hobbyist. I’d say I’ve had a lot more good experiences then bad. Just my 2cents
Anthony

 

[Scdell]

Thanks for the input! Most of mine have been from poor shipping. One actually shipped corals in the heat of the summer in an plain box. No styrofaom cooler. In those little plastic cups. Never even made up for it!

 

[JBs_Reef]

SCDell
Don’t be afraid to ask question of sellers. Do they use coolers or styrofoam lines boxes, what kind of heat packs, do they protect the frags in the bag, etc.

First, they shouldn’t mind answering these questions because they are asking you to risk your hard earned money. Second, they will likely have a photo or a feedback they can steer you toward to build your confidence. If they don’t you know your risk is going up and you can decide if it is worth it for you.

Hope this helps!

 

[JBs_Reef]

The only thing I want to add to my above post is that sometimes asking questions may cause the coral to get sold quickly to someone else. Another factor to consider.

 

[Scdell]

Thanks. That is someting I've learned. And I now do that. But I just bought 6 frags from someone that came recommended. From Washington to N.C. 2 frags doa. No heat pack or ice pack. Packaged nice. As soon as I opened the box I knew. I could smell it.

 

[JBs_Reef]

Thanks. That is someting I've learned. And I now do that. But I just bought 6 frags from someone that came recommended. From Washington to N.C. 2 frags doa. No heat pack or ice pack. Packaged nice. As soon as I opened the box I knew. I could smell it.

You should get a refund or new frags (you pay shipping) with standard doa.

 

[JBs_Reef]

You should get a refund or new frags (you pay shipping) with standard doa.

If they don’t you should post something about the selller in the feedback section so others are aware.

 

[Scdell]

You should get a refund or new frags (you pay shipping) with standard doa.

I will. But that's not the point. You get excited to be getting someting you really want. Only to find doa in the box. It's a hassle to pay for more shipping. It's basically a letdown. I'd rather buy from a responsible sponsor and know my stuff will get here in the proper condition. If I lose it by something I did then it's on me.