My LFS vs Buying Supplies Online

[Salty Lemon]

I've been planning out my big tank for months -- heck, I can say years. I always walk into my LFS and look at the tanks and buy what I need for my other tanks. Last week I purchased a 210 through them and it is proudly standing in our family room -- anxiously waiting to start doing its job. Last night I went in to purchase some of the guts for it. I spent over well $1000 and had three separate people help me get started and pick out my supplies. I even got a discount on my sump. But I did what I promised myself I wouldn't do... After purchasing everything I came home and looked up the prices on Amazon and BRS. Needless to say I would have saved a lot of money buying online. So I'm kicking myself for throwing two weeks' worth of groceries out the door.

However...when my yellow tang had an alien hanging out of his gills, one of the staff walked me through what to do. (He's still alive today.) When I bought a new protein skimmer for my 60 gal, the staff member set it up for me right in the store and explained the ins and outs of the warranty. When my first tank crashed -- they didn't judge. They helped me through it. I can name something awesome that they do every time I walk through the door. I guess I can say that was worth $250. But it is hard to swallow.

I really want to keep local business alive -- but they just can't compete. This time I bought locally. I can't guarantee I will always do that -- $125 is a big difference for a protein skimmer.

 

[IgnatiusRath]

it's tough to justify when you just look on paper, but those intangibles and non monetary little things add up too. Makes for a balancing act between saving cash up front and supporting the local LFS.

 

[Salty Lemon]

 

[CindyKz]

My lfs is always there for me. I know a lot of stores get slammed for giving bad advice to make a sale but it would take all my fingers and most of my toes to count the useles items they have talked me OUT of. Not to mention the "special" discounts amd freebies I've gotten over the past couple years.

I dont mind paying extra for some items to support them because I'd be crushed if they closed shop.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

I’ve run a reef aquarium service for many years. I’m lucky in that my most of my clients don’t care about cost too much, and wouldn’t even consider going online to buy things.

However, I’ve had a couple over the years who have said things to the effect of, ‘Why should I pay your prices for _____ when I can get it so much cheaper online?’

My response is always ‘You can buy your stuff online if you want. And when you have a problem at 2 in the morning and need it fixed right away, make sure you call online to get it taken care of.’ It’s typically a conversation we only have once.

The point being, with a LFS or service, you’re paying for a lot of things other than the product.

 

[Salty Lemon]

I’ve run a reef aquarium service for many years. I’m lucky in that my most of my clients don’t care about cost too much, and wouldn’t even consider going online to buy things. However, I’ve had a couple over the years who have said things to the effect of, ‘Why should I pay your prices for _____ when I can get it so much cheaper online?’ My response is always ‘You can buy your stuff online if you want. And when you have a problem at 2 in the morning and need it fixed right away, make sure you call online to get it taken care of.’ It’s typically a conversation we only have once. The point being, with a LFS or service, you’re paying for a lot of things other than the product.

Well said.

 

[Piranhapat]

It's important to support a LFS . But it's also important you save a dollar when you can. This is not a cheap hobby. But there are things you can't buy from online and your LFS. Like frozen food. LFS might be a few dollars but the shipping will cost more from online. You must look at this like this. Instead of spending two weeks of groceries at LFS. Save one week for your yourself .

 

[lion king]

Yes, sadly the lfs can not compete with online. I will buy some things to support my favorite lfs at the time, even though I know I could save money online. Like salt for instance, I'll pay a few dollars more to support the lfs. But there is a point, there's no sense in spending sometimes $50 or more dollars for skimmer or pump or something. I've stopped the online ordering of fish and corals and will exclusively get my favorite lfs to special order any items I want, same for special food I want as well.