Hey guys I just wanted to drop a quick line. I have a small story. I have been slowly purchasing stuff from my lfs for my upcoming 180 build. I have so far purchased my display tank my sump and my return pump. Now I have paid a total of about 50 dollars extra from buying local and supporting my local economy over purchasing online. Let's face it , nothing in this hobby is cheap, so what's an extra 50 bucks. Well tonight I went in and bought my skimmer . It was 20 dollars more than online plus tax. He told me before I bought it I can get it cheaper online. I told him I want to support locally when I can. He told me he appreciated that very much. Then he told me to go to the back of his truck , he had a guy drop 80 lbs of live rock off this afternoon he was going to resell. He told me to take it with me when I left. Now, is it a big deal . Not really . He appreciated the fact that I chose to support his bread and butter vs big chain companies online. That saved me 180 dollars in base rock. I am younger , but still very much appreciate the face to face handshake interactions. Not to mention he can special order literally and livestock or equipment I need. Sorry for the long winded post, but please tell me how many online retailers give you a 180 dollar freebie just because they appreciate your business.
support local when you can
- Thread starter sidneyreefer
- Start date
- Tagged users None
Murrel
Community Member
I totally agree. I shop almost exclusively at Aqua imports in Boulder Colorado. Getting to know and spending your money locally has many benefits to your local economy. The guys at Aqua Imports will order me any thing I need and they always have a fair price. I have become friends with most at the shop and enjoy some of the same benefits you mentioned. I get to try new products out I also get great advice that is specific to my tank. I can only get this from the place that knows exactly what is in my tank and how it is maintained. The benefits of a good LFS in the end will save you money and may keep your tank healthier in the long run. So please do shop local. And make some Friends at your store you will find a whole new avenue of enjoyment and knowledge!
DracoKat
2500 Club Member
I totally agree. there's one LFS that I frequent often.t hey gave me discounts on my new tank because I go to them all the time. become friends with the owner and help each other out!
Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
I've see this with the help/advice in our forums but when it comes goods it's been rare, everyone wants top $$$.
ngvu1
Valuable Member
I really like what you wrote, @sidneyreefer; It sounds very optimistic and encouraging. The world would be a better place if everybody is thinking like you. I have been in this hobby a few years and have lived in this economy/culture/country long enough to see other sides of the pictures you painted. However, let's keep it positive here special on a beautiful Saturday morning 
.
Welcome and you will like it here. Show us your reef.
.Welcome and you will like it here. Show us your reef.
NeuroticAquatics
Valuable Member
I agree. I kinda support my old stomping grounds though. I had 20 years with them. My immediate area has prices that are often 30-50% higher than where I used to live and there is no reason other than they have less competition and they know they can charge more. I do jump on the occasional local deal though. I don't think that any of my aquarium stuff came from more than two hours away.
nitro
Well-Known Member
Hello,
You nailed it, these guys and gals will be there when you really need them. I know that price is the first thing that is looked at, but there is way more to the story. Customer service rings the bell for me, and I had so many questions answered by the LFS in town and those things really matter. I have met a lot of cool people in the LFS that are addicted like me and as much as I love it here on R2R I also like to be face to face.
Nitro
You nailed it, these guys and gals will be there when you really need them. I know that price is the first thing that is looked at, but there is way more to the story. Customer service rings the bell for me, and I had so many questions answered by the LFS in town and those things really matter. I have met a lot of cool people in the LFS that are addicted like me and as much as I love it here on R2R I also like to be face to face.
Nitro
Daeron
Community Member
Agreed...I've done 3 freshwater tanks with my LFS before I went to the salt side. They have always been helpful and throw things my way here and there if they can. They know me by name when I walk in and will always give me their time, even if I'm just over there at lunch to stare at the fish.
