Selling tactics that make you go, umm?

[mastaslash]

I love to purchase WYSIWYG because, then you don't have to deal with the following selling quotes. Please sellers (that use these quotes), explain to me how the following quotes is suppose to make any sense.

1) I want to buy a SPS coral from a vendor. Price is $40 for (.5" - 1.0" piece) <------Really? Which one? If I got a half inch nub, that would suck. If I got a full inch maybe with branches, that would be a deal. These two sizes are so far apart when it comes to selling SPS coral, how do I know what I am paying for?

Classic Favorite
2) I want to buy some high end zoanthids. Price is $50 for (1-2 polyps) <-------Really? :neutral: How hard would it be to just list per polyp? I prefer to buy 2 polyp frags because they have a better chance of survival over a single polyp frag. If the polyp is normal a $40 per polyp coral, 2 would be a deal, but a single would not. And the moment you assume that you are getting 2, when the package arrives, you can guarantee there is only 1. :mad2:

Just a couple selling tactics that end up not getting a sell with this customer and other fellow reefers. It is ashamed, because these vendors have great products.

 

[SPSjunky]

If and when i purchase livestock online its always wysiwyg. if i cant see the exact piece i am always skeptical.

 

[RalphsReef]

Welcome to the world known as the reefing hobby. That selling tactic has been around as far back as I can remember. There is even one clown on eBay, who is monikered after a piece of bread you make from corn that lists in most of his ads "winners frag will be posted." He wants you to bid, but can not even show a WYSIWYG frag until you have won the auction. Surprisingly, people buy his stuff.

Just like posted above, I go with WYSIWYG pieces to avoid being disappointed.

 

[Pappy]

I think the tactics listed above are for a good reason...
1. Inventory 1-2 heads the person could have 10 frags some have 1 and some have 2.
2. Timing when posted it could be .5" or 1 head but by the time you buy it is bigger.

Not to protect the sellers here as I am a hobbyist but you know how weird and finicky we reefers (some of us are definitely weirdos lol) can be when purchasing. If we buy a 1" frag there are reefers out there that will literally take a tape measure and if its only 3/4" they will literally lose it (especially if its some clown selling a single polyp for $50 or.a 1" chalice for $400).

My best suggestion here is buy good deals and non overinflated prices and know what you're buying and none of this would even be a concern! If you insist on paying WAY too much then WYSIWYG is def the only way to go!

 

[watchguy123]

I have purchased frags from every source possible, LFS, fellow reefers, online reefers, and online vendors. The only WYSIWYG is when you lay your eyes on it in person. Photos even with good technique, honesty and integrity do not always accurately capture the true colors of your frag. And everyone seems to use a ruler of a different scale. And I am not even referring to sketchy sellers at all.

The advantage of online is that it opens up a world of choices, we are no longer dependent on just local resources. But it has its downside, WYSIWYG is not exactly WYSIWYG. Nonetheless, I continue to choose to purchase wherever I can find the coolest frags and I do make notes on online sellers about how large their pieces actually are, the condition they arrive in and their packaging so if I reorder down the road, I have a better idea of what I will get. And yes we all get burned once in a while.

 

[mastaslash]

Thanks guys for the replys. You all have great points, but like many said above, I am a "WYSIWYG" kinda reefer!

 

[secretreefer]

That's why when I post WYSIWYG it's truly a picture of the actual frag and the actual polyps. Also I always describe the lighting. I roll with 14k Phoenix Halides 150w right now. I used to roll with 240w halides but broke down and sold my DT. In the process of a new DT build. But I figure if it looks good under 14k phoenix halides then it'll look even better under LED or T5. Oh , and sorry no single polyps here. :xd: