Does my LFS suck?

[Mario0240]

Hey guys,

So I’m sitting here, drinking my morning coffee, and am doing some thinking as well, and I’ve come to the conclusion, I think my LFS sucks... He really only carries what he likes, which is Seachem everything almost, and at times, has been rude, since explosives aren’t allowed here, to the point I walked out of his shop feeling defeated and questioning myself. And his mark ups on equipment is insane!! He tried selling me a Redline Aquatics DC return pump to $180. It’s a rebranded Jebao that I bought on amazon for $70!!! I’m all for supporting local small businesses but dang... I will say though, his livestock prices are fair. Fish are typically on par with what online stores list them for, and sometimes he’s a little better. Food isn’t bad either.

Am I just being a baby? I’m considering getting everything from BRS or another online retailer, food and fish included.

 

[Brian barranco]

Hey guys,

So I’m sitting here, drinking my morning coffee, and am doing some thinking as well, and I’ve come to the conclusion, I think my LFS sucks... He really only carries what he likes, which is Seachem everything almost, and at times, has been rude, since explosives aren’t allowed here, to the point I walked out of his shop feeling defeated and questioning myself. And his mark ups on equipment is insane!! He tried selling me a Redline Aquatics DC return pump to $180. It’s a rebranded Jebao that I bought on amazon for $70!!! I’m all for supporting local small businesses but dang... I will say though, his livestock prices are fair. Fish are typically on par with what online stores list them for, and sometimes he’s a little better. Food isn’t bad either.

Am I just being a baby? I’m considering getting everything from BRS or another online retailer, food and fish included.

Usually when I get rude experience, I don’t buy anything and just leave. Well except if I see a good deal. I usually order online or buy used from local reefers. Look at local reef forums . You can save a ton of money.

 

[homer1475]

I go to quite a few that "suck", but their livestock prices are decent, so I buy from them. I like to buy livestock I can see an assess myself.

I just don't buy their equipment, or listen to their advice.

 

[gabrieltackitt]

There is an LFS near me that is the same way, between me and a few other guys I know that do that we collectively refer to him as the d -bag, he has some fair prices on coral, but his price on anything not livestock is insane. He tried to charge me $120 for a bag of RS Coral Pro, which is like $85 on BRS.

 

[Mario0240]

I go to quite a few that "suck", but their livestock prices are decent, so I buy from them. I like to buy livestock I can see an assess myself.

I just don't buy their equipment, or listen to their advice.

I feel like the advise and users here are far more positive and encouraging. And I agree, I’d rather lay eyes on the livestock before purchase.

 

[Mario0240]

There is an LFS near me that is the same way, between me and a few other guys I know that do that we collectively refer to him as the d -bag, he has some fair prices on coral, but his price on anything not livestock is insane. He tried to charge me $120 for a bag of RS Coral Pro, which is like $85 on BRS.

I wish I knew more reefers in my area. Unfortunately the couple of folks I do know are fans of his...

 

[fish farmer]

You're actually lucky to have a LFS to dislike. My LFS is petco, the other LFS which does other pets is an hour away and under new ownership and is nothing special. My "good" LFS is 1.5 hours away and have only been there once, has great corals, but limited dry goods and I've heard of bad reviews from several people. There is another local online guy who contributes here and looks to have stellar SPS pieces for sale, but it is beyond my means.

We used to have a great club presence, but that went away many years ago.

 

[Mario0240]

You're actually lucky to have a LFS to dislike. My LFS is petco, the other LFS which does other pets is an hour away and under new ownership and is nothing special. My "good" LFS is 1.5 hours away and have only been there once, has great corals, but limited dry goods and I heard of bad reviews from several people. There is another local online guy who contributes here and looks to have stellar SPS pieces for sale, but it is beyond my means.

We used to have a great club presence, but that went away many years ago.

There’s another fish/aquarium store about an hour and a half away, but I’ve not had the best luck with his livestock. Except for two black and while clowns... and after his prices plus my fuel, I’d be better off ordering online.

 

[dohc97]

I understand markups and a few of our local stores keep things to map pricing so it makes it fair. I still have not found an lfs that qt's and have had bad experiences with fish, I don't think I'll be buying local again. Dry goods, food I will continue to support them, picking up a salt bucket and some frozen food later today. I might not agree with the pricing but if I can afford it I will support my nice local retailer. I will not over pay and get treated bad though

 

[homer1475]

Any LFS(even petco) is an hour and a half drive for me. I'm sure it's probably cheaper to buy online, but the wife and I look at it as a day for a ride. We often times take the dogs, and make it a day out.

 

[andrewey]

I think everyone has a "line" that can't be crossed in their LFS. For me, I will always judge a LFS first on how they judge their animals and second on whether they provide honest advice to their customers. If you can do those well, I'm willing to overlook certain markup practices and so long as you remain honest, I'm willing to support the business (within reason).

 

[fish farmer]

Any LFS(even petco) is an hour and a half drive for me. I'm sure it's probably cheaper to buy online, but the wife and I look at it as a day for a ride. We often times take the dogs, and make it a day out.

That's usually what happens when we go to Burlington..the last time the dog got a new sweater.

 

[homer1475]

FWIW.....

I always try and support any LFS(yes even online some are still LFS's). With this recent pandemic, I think you'll be seeing a huge dent in any local store, and not in a good way.

 

[Mario0240]

I think everyone has a "line" that can't be crossed in their LFS. For me, I will always judge a LFS first on how they judge their animals and second on whether they provide honest advice to their customers. If you can do those well, I'm willing to overlook certain markup practices and so long as you remain honest, I'm willing to support the business (within reason).

That’s fair. He knows what he’s talking about, it seems. But he also seems to use older techniques and methods. Which isn’t wrong by any means, but his limited supply of additives and other stuff just makes me wonder...

 

[Mario0240]

FWIW.....

I always try and support any LFS(yes even online some are still LFS's). With this recent pandemic, I think you'll be seeing a huge dent in any local store, and not in a good way.

That’s a good point. Online is LFS to someone, right? Even WWC is someone’s literal LFS...

 

[homer1475]

That’s fair. He knows what he’s talking about, it seems. But he also seems to use older techniques and methods. Which isn’t wrong by any means, but his limited supply of additives and other stuff just makes me wonder...

If he's "old school" he may not carry them because he believes they are not needed. Right or worng, it is HIS store and believes his methods are the best ways.

 

[Salty Lemon]

I shop at my LFS for certain things and online for others. I have also found out that if you request certain products, they can frequently find a way to get them for you if you are willing to wait, or they might know someone locally who can help you. If they can't, you just hit the world wide web. But I would not tolerate rude or unkind behavior.

 

[fish farmer]

I think everyone has a "line" that can't be crossed in their LFS. For me, I will always judge a LFS first on how they judge their animals and second on whether they provide honest advice to their customers. If you can do those well, I'm willing to overlook certain markup practices and so long as you remain honest, I'm willing to support the business (within reason).

The funny thing is I rarely if ever ask my LFS for advice, maybe back in 2000 when I started reefing and my local guy (RIP) and I had some debates about stuff, I was a newbie and absorbing lots of info online at the time. Soon he figured I knew what I was doing since I was bringing in softies for credit.

I pretty much know now what livestock I want to buy at a LFS, if they don't have it when I go in, I either wait until they do or buy online.

 

[virginreef]

Hey guys,

So I’m sitting here, drinking my morning coffee, and am doing some thinking as well, and I’ve come to the conclusion, I think my LFS sucks... He really only carries what he likes, which is Seachem everything almost, and at times, has been rude, since explosives aren’t allowed here, to the point I walked out of his shop feeling defeated and questioning myself. And his mark ups on equipment is insane!! He tried selling me a Redline Aquatics DC return pump to $180. It’s a rebranded Jebao that I bought on amazon for $70!!! I’m all for supporting local small businesses but dang... I will say though, his livestock prices are fair. Fish are typically on par with what online stores list them for, and sometimes he’s a little better. Food isn’t bad either.

Am I just being a baby? I’m considering getting everything from BRS or another online retailer, food and fish included.

I think you have every right to be selective when it comes to spending money. If you can get it cheaper else where, and getting the best price is a priority for you, then do that. On the flip side, I think we know why most small businesses have to charge so much more for their products... products that would be cheaper at places like BRS, who can afford to charge less. Last thing I would suggest is to try putting yourself in your local store owner situation and ask... what would you do in order to stay above float while trying to stay competitive with others like BRS?

 

[Mario0240]

If he's "old school" he may not carry them because he believes they are not needed. Right or worng, it is HIS store and believes his methods are the best ways.

I agree 100%. But, in my opinion, him being the only fish store in town, why wouldn’t he want to keep up with the times? For what it’s worth, he also sells small animals like birds and reptiles too..