cwb_reeftank
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What are some Do's and Don'ts of frag swaps?
Do's and Don't of frag swaps?
- Thread starter cwb_reeftank
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TJ's Reef
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Do's: Bring an adequate sized Cooler and some heat-packs, Make the rounds quickly when you first walk in to create a game-plan on which Vendors have Livestock you are really interested in, Bring cash in smaller bills so as to make it easier for Seller or plan to buy in increments of $20's, Bring a notepad or record short video clips on your phone as to the name and any pertinent info on any Corals bought, If you love Blue light bring a small Blue/UV Flashlight to check out Corals that may not be shown under Blue, Be prepared for receiving your Corals once home by having space available and a Dip and inspection process already to go. HAVE FUN and Learn what you can.
Dont's: Don't leave Cooler or Money at home unless this is part of your budgeting plan, Don't initially play hardball in negotiating with Vendors/Sellers wait until towards the end to make offers on package deals especially from ones you did earlier business with, put down any ones purchases no matter what they may be except Aiptasia and Mojano's then tell them nicely they were wronged, forget to throw a few dollars at Club's Raffles.
Cheers, Todd
Dont's: Don't leave Cooler or Money at home unless this is part of your budgeting plan, Don't initially play hardball in negotiating with Vendors/Sellers wait until towards the end to make offers on package deals especially from ones you did earlier business with, put down any ones purchases no matter what they may be except Aiptasia and Mojano's then tell them nicely they were wronged, forget to throw a few dollars at Club's Raffles.
Cheers, Todd
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Well this could be a few different things...
Dos:
1. Be Prepared - This includes bringing a cooler with a heat/cool pack ready to go. Have your area prepared at home and be ready to dip the corals.
2. Bring cash - Many vendors do have the ability to take cards, but cash talks when you try to barter a deal. Remember there is a fee for them to take your card, cash is always best.
3. Strike up conversation - Get to know the vendor a bit and talk about their setup at their shop. Ask what they keep parameters at and what lighting they use. This will help you acclimate the corals, but it will also help them remember you on future deals.
4. Support the raffle and any charitable donations the organizers are supporting. You CAN make a difference.
Don't:
1. Don't try to barter right away at the beginning of the swap. They want to get their asking price for their items if possible.
2. If the event is focused around commercial vendors, don't bring your own frags to sell or swap. They don't appreciate that when people come in and sell/swap then walk around to try get a deal out of them.
3. Don't try to tell vendors what they are doing wrong. Remember they are the ones growing corals and selling them, you are the consumer.
4. We all love kids, but don't let them run free at the swap. At the one I organize there were reports of chocolatey fingers getting prints on books, fingers in frag tanks, and even one tasting the yummy green cool-aid from the AlgaGen Live Food dispenser... It's all good if they want to learn and see the cool stuff. Just please keep them by you and watch them...
Dos:
1. Be Prepared - This includes bringing a cooler with a heat/cool pack ready to go. Have your area prepared at home and be ready to dip the corals.
2. Bring cash - Many vendors do have the ability to take cards, but cash talks when you try to barter a deal. Remember there is a fee for them to take your card, cash is always best.
3. Strike up conversation - Get to know the vendor a bit and talk about their setup at their shop. Ask what they keep parameters at and what lighting they use. This will help you acclimate the corals, but it will also help them remember you on future deals.
4. Support the raffle and any charitable donations the organizers are supporting. You CAN make a difference.
Don't:
1. Don't try to barter right away at the beginning of the swap. They want to get their asking price for their items if possible.
2. If the event is focused around commercial vendors, don't bring your own frags to sell or swap. They don't appreciate that when people come in and sell/swap then walk around to try get a deal out of them.
3. Don't try to tell vendors what they are doing wrong. Remember they are the ones growing corals and selling them, you are the consumer.
4. We all love kids, but don't let them run free at the swap. At the one I organize there were reports of chocolatey fingers getting prints on books, fingers in frag tanks, and even one tasting the yummy green cool-aid from the AlgaGen Live Food dispenser... It's all good if they want to learn and see the cool stuff. Just please keep them by you and watch them...
