LFS/reefing etiquette

Townes_Van_Camp · Jul 19, 2023

How long would you wait for your LFS to secure a pink streaked wrasse before looking elsewhere?

It's been 4 weeks. I need a wrasse. Am I impatient or should I start looking elsewhere?

Derrick0580 · Jul 19, 2023

Depends on how readily available the fish is. I asked mine to get an orchid dottyback and knowing they are captive bred they are always available somewhere yet after 3 weeks I just went to petco and got one for half the cost the lfs sells them for.

saltcats · Jul 19, 2023

Maybe check with your LFS about their policy; I waited months on the waiting list for a fish at mine only to find out when I mentioned it casually to another employee later that they take you off the list after 4-6 weeks, because they assume you've probably moved on and gone somewhere else by then. Don't want to be sitting waiting for something they've stopped looking for!

Townes_Van_Camp · Jul 19, 2023

saltcats said:
Maybe check with your LFS about their policy; I waited months on the waiting list for a fish at mine only to find out when I mentioned it casually to another employee later that they take you off the list after 4-6 weeks, because they assume you've probably moved on and gone somewhere else by then. Don't want to be sitting waiting for something they've stopped looking for!

So they said we don't have one but we will get it and call you. They haven't called. I'll check in there before I buy just to make sure they don't have one and I missed the call. But you get it.

saltcats · Jul 19, 2023

Townes_Van_Camp said:
So they said we don't have one but we will get it and call you. They haven't called. I'll check in there before I buy just to make sure they don't have one and I missed the call. But you get it.

Yeah, I was in that same boat... Requested a specific fish and they took down my name and number, but then nothing after that.

MnFish1 · Jul 19, 2023

Townes_Van_Camp said:
So they said we don't have one but we will get it and call you. They haven't called. I'll check in there before I buy just to make sure they don't have one and I missed the call. But you get it.

I would ask them. I.e. - I asked about fish xxxx a week (or more) ago - and have not heard back. If you can't get one - do you recommend I try another source? It's possible/probable that they forgot.

bushdoc · Jul 19, 2023

Don't know how your particular LFS gets their orders, but one of my LFS just gets a list of live goods from wholesaler and choses quantities and specimens. They obviously cannot get what is not offered.
If you really want That particular fish, I would look online.

SnazzyUrchin792 · Jul 19, 2023

bushdoc said:
Don't know how your particular LFS gets their orders, but one of my LFS just gets a list of live goods from wholesaler and choses quantities and specimens. They obviously cannot get what is not offered.
If you really want That particular fish, I would look online.

And at my LFS, they can get anything, anything at all, inside of a week.

Northern Flicker · Jul 19, 2023

I would politely mention you’re not looking for one anymore before you go elsewhere, just to make sure it’s not coming on their next shipment.

Peace River · Jul 19, 2023

It really depends on the LFS, but as others have suggested I would reach out to them and if there is nothing in the pipeline then let them know that you are going to move on. The underlying ideas are communicate and set boundaries. Good luck with your search!