Support your LFS. Too late?

[Cherish]

The only saltwater supplier on this side of the state (other than Petco) is about 75 miles away. While I enjoy visiting him and his store it just isn't a feasible thing to do every time I need something. The only thing allowing me to have this hobby is the internet.

 

[Reef Pets]

I hope that Local Fish Stores are not a thing of the past!! I am getting ready to open one.

 

[condiman]

I know where you all are comming from the reason I got started into SW is from my LFS and now even tho I am competition for them I still sometimes purchase items to help them. But honestly I think the way things are going its going to be basement operations that will be the new thing. That is why I have done it that way and I seem to be doing quite well

 

[marcus50]

I am a true believer in the LFS concept (and in Southern California, I have many to choose from) but they need to understand that they can't mark up prices too much. I am willing to pay a little extra for a piece of coral that I can see up close in person, but some stores really jack up the prices. There's something to be said about building a rapport with the LFS and being able to ask for help when encountering problems (yes, these forums are great for that too!) which is something some LFS have lost sight of. Customer service and a good attitude go a long way in my book. Unfortunately, only a handful of stores offer reasonable prices on livestock with good customer service/great attitudes. How many times have you walked into a LFS and it seem like they can't be bothered to help you? As if you're troubling them to do their job! No thanks, I'll go elsewhere. I once visited a store that had their saltwater section separated by a chain (yes, it was "chained" off). I asked if it was okay to go back there and the owner (confirmed, he WAS the owner) said, "fine, but no shouting or tapping on the glass!" as if I were a 3 year old. Won't ever go back there. When did people lose sight of being friendly, helpful, and courteous? This is where I see the internet based sales taking the upper hand.

 

[N-E CICHLIDS]

We are a LFS in Florida and while it may seem that stores are marking up prices and asking unreasonable prices, if you were allowed to look at their books, you would see that they are not making much. Don't get me wrong, there are shops out their that are just plain out greedy, but the majority of them are just trying to stay a float. In our area, most of us LFS pay anywhere between $5,000-$8,000 a month just in rent. Then you have power, water, advertising, general store maintenance, employee paychecks, bussiness taxes, unemployment rates, workman comp, insurance (if offered), etc... Customers only see the the final product, most do not understand what goes into that product. If I am selling a tang for $80, I most likely paid $30-$40 for it. Then I Qt and treat it with meds. Then if it sits here for 3 weeks, I have to feed it. By the time it sells, I may have $50-$60 invested into it. Selling it for $80 is not making a big profit. A good majority of internet companies do not even house the product you buy. They are the middle man for bigger companies and get a cut of it. That means they have no control of what you get, the quality it is and most importantly they do not pay for it until you buy it.

 

[John7429]

I have really quality LFS's around me. Both livestock and dry goods. Can't complain. I support them as much as I could. Even with price matching services, I always offer to pay a little more because I'm getting my goods faster and more reliably when its local.

 

[Russellaqua]

I tend to buy corals online from sites that are WYSIWYG. Other supplies I get from LFS unless I find a really good deal on a light fixture or something.

 

[Cuda]

Same here.

I only buy frozen food locally, everything else is online... I might get some fish for the new tank through LFSs.

 

[Bignasty]

I try to support mt LFS however with my schedule, the distance and the fact they are only open on the weekends tends to hamper that effort. Also being stuck in front of a computer all day with access to all the online retailers that I can order from and it be waiting for me when I get home doesn't help them much either. And too for the expensive items it is much cheaper to find it online w/ free shipping vs the LFS not having it locally and having to pay taxes.

Don't get me wrong I support them by buying food, salt, additives, fish and some frags from the LFS.

 

[oceanparadise1]

Most local fish stores aren't worth it! There's only two I shop at here. I'm lucky to have a lot to choice from but I stick to the reef shop and ABC pet city because both are owned by great people who are always friendly and always willing to go out of there way! I have had bad experiences with the rest!

 

[reefcrazydude]

i alway shop online but sometime stop by LFS to see if they have something good deal..

 

[tangdiver]

We had over 5 LFS 10 years ago, with Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Pop. 150,000), it was nice. A lot of selection. and was fun. We now have 1, not that good and, but they get new people into the hobby.

It is so hard for them, they get people started and give them lots of advice then, BAM, they go online and buy items to save a little money.

What other line of business is there where information, knowledge and such so important....but you can go online and buy the products from a warehouse with staff with very little knowledge?

Just my thoughts, will stop with the rant and rave...

 

[CoralBandit]

LFS pros - Can get awesome corals for good price mostly because they dont know what the heck they are selling
- Usually have a good variety of corals inverts and fish (1 stop shop)
- can see different equipment in action and decide what you think you need
- Mine have GREAT quality of fish at least FAOIS does even quarantine them before putting for slae and I got an AMAZING mystery wrasse for only 60$ THATS CRAZY good deal. Blue spots for only 75$$ and both are eating

LFS cons- Most are obsolete in todays techno reef world
- Most employees are not up to date with technology, lingo and protocols
- Most give you Bugs (so do hobbyist though)
- Most Over charge on dry goods (not their fault... internet and buying bulk)
- some are too opinionated and not open minded to new methods even when i break down molecularly how it works (BS in molecular bio )


Just my observations over the years and I used to work for a LFS (maintenance) so I would consider myself a reliable source.