LFS Markup?

David Shaughnessy · Mar 1, 2016

OK. I've been in this hobby up to my little toe for years. Finally have a slab foundation and have been working on setting up the tank and sump; up to working plumbing so far. Having moved and seen a couple of LFS close in the meantime, my newest best place looks great. But now that I'm shopping (with an occasional buying thrown in) I'm noticing that my new bestie charges between 5 & 10% higher than I'm finding in online stores. I used to think in terms of shipping costs but since my LFS isn't "L" any more, how do these prices compare?

I'm all into supporting local business but I'd say reasonably set prices. And I don't have much else to compare to.

Thanks.

Shep · Mar 1, 2016

Sadly for most products, online shops are going to have them for cheaper than a LFS can sell for. Its partly because the online shops buy massive amounts of product so they get it at a discounted price.

hybridazn · Mar 1, 2016

Also keep in mind that your lfs has to pay a lot more overhead than most online places. Also keep in mind shipping prices as well.

melypr1985 · Mar 1, 2016

^^^ Both of these. Plus the shop is paying shipping as well, so that goes into the price they are asking for. Either way you are paying for shipping, but at your LFS you have the ability to haggle some. Plus, at the shop the shipping costs are spread out more so your paying less than the 50-ish dollars that you would with an online purchase. We tend to give a break based on how long the fish or coral has been there. The longer it's been in our care, the more we are willing to make a deal. just something to think about. There are so many Pros and Cons to be measured when making a choice of where to buy.

Nick Marchese · Mar 1, 2016

Plus your LFS is much better of helping you out if you have an issue

David Shaughnessy · Mar 2, 2016

I understand the economics involved. All his expenses and not selling in large discount levels. I'm just wondering on the reasonableness (as compared to other LFS prices). Since there aren't many locally, I can't compare personally. If my LFS is selling at a reasonable price, I'll support him because I want to keep him around. I like the personal touch. Not quite as enthused by the idea if he's gouging me.

millertyler22 · Mar 2, 2016

I buy from my lfs because he has nor tried to sell me anything not needed and he has even talked me out of purchases I was dead set on. His store normally is 10-15% more then online Remember everything bad that can happen will happen on a Friday night when everyone else is closed and shipping can't get there till Monday. So ha wing a good relation ship with the local shop will help alot

PatW · Mar 3, 2016

The LFS offers advantages. You can see the product. You can ask questions. For fish, you can see them. You know their size, color, activity level, whether they are eating or not, how plump they are and so on. It is even more than WYSIWYG which tends to sell at a premium. Remember, the online places charge shipping.