Support your LFS. Too late?

cloakerpoked · Apr 29, 2009

I go to the LFS for fish and basic drygoods like salt, but for corals I buy almost exclusively from other hobbiests. I'll get some zoas sometimes from the LFS, but acros are like $40 a frag and up from the two places I can get them, so why pay $400 for common corals when you can get some nicer stuff for half that or more. I have gotten some of my nice SPS from a basement operation in Warren OH. We met and I liked the guy, so I've gone back several times.

GrouperGenius · Apr 29, 2009

swaddict said:
Hey Chris...live in Crystal River, about 1 hour North of you and have no place to shop for corals! Can U recommend a few down your way? Shipping has got way out of hand and would rather drive. Looking for some nice higher end zoas and palys...thanks

Not Chris, but, there are several good stores down this way. Unfortunately it's hit or miss on the "high end" zoas. Not sure if it's cool to post them here though.

swaddict · Apr 30, 2009

GrouperGenius said:
Not Chris, but, there are several good stores down this way. Unfortunately it's hit or miss on the "high end" zoas. Not sure if it's cool to post them here though.

Sorry bout the name mix-up! Not sure if the rules here allow U to recommend LFS's-my apologies for that!

Frank · Apr 30, 2009

I do not have a LFS near me. I have to drive an hour and 15 min to the first one near me. So I make a great day of it I hit abourt 4 or 5 of them, it takes about 3 hrs. to the last one. Some times I dont see a thing and other times I cant believe what I have seen or bought. Just a great day out.

ss7 · Apr 30, 2009

I am all about supporting the local economy. Generally, the smaller stores are run by people passionate about what they are selling and they provide great support with friendly staff.

This, however, hasn't been my experience with many LFS. I've overheard many things explained in ignorance, poor advice, below satisfactory maintenance practices, unhealthy inhabitants, and so on. I would love to have a store that I would feel comfortable supporting, but until that is the case.. I'll have to search elsewhere for information and inhabitants.

Having said that, I did have a LFS in the area for a short time that was handled by a true hobbyist, and he did so professionally. If that was still the case, I would be poorer.. and richer.

I strongly desire to one day again be passionate about a LFS!

SS

cloakerpoked · Apr 30, 2009

SS7 said:
I am all about supporting the local economy. Generally, the smaller stores are run by people passionate about what they are selling and they provide great support with friendly staff.

This, however, hasn't been my experience with many LFS. I've overheard many things explained in ignorance, poor advice, below satisfactory maintenance practices, unhealthy inhabitants, and so on. I would love to have a store that I would feel comfortable supporting, but until that is the case.. I'll have to search elsewhere for information and inhabitants.

Having said that, I did have a LFS in the area for a short time that was handled by a true hobbyist, and he did so professionally. If that was still the case, I would be poorer.. and richer. I strongly desire to one day again be passionate about a LFS!

SS

Well put, that pretty much says it all :smile:

gnoles · May 3, 2009

I bought my tank and stand, lights and sand through my LFS. Yes, I probably spent a few hundred more, but when something blows up and I can't beg, borrow, or steal from a friend close by, who do I call upon?

I support my LFS (which for me isn't so local, a 90 min. drive) because they help support me.

GSMguy · May 4, 2009

laskopyre said:
I agree with Junior. In the Eastern Cleveland Ohio area, there aren't very many LFS around. When it comes to coral, you either have to order them online, or get them from other reefers. The LFS around me have next to nothing when it comes to saltwater, and their dry goods are way to expensive. It's unfortunate, since I would love to have something more local to go and get things, instead of having to order everything.

you must be kidding you have Salty critter in Cleveland, they have everything you could ever want and more corals than the live aquaria divers den usually.

if you haven't made the trip out to Salty critter yet you are seriously handicapping yourself:dribble:

yellowslayer13 · May 10, 2009

Tankguy001 said:
\I personally like seeing my fish in person before buying. Sometimes some nice corals do come in.While I do buy/trade corals from friends and online vendors I still think our LFS are needed

+1 for sure

bkv1997 · May 11, 2009

Local stores done right will always succeed, but local stores need to realize what it is they are offering. It is WYSIWYG, speed (want it today take it home today), and most of all service.

Service is the key to it all. Tell someone something will be in on Monday, it better be in on Monday, if not call and let them know prior to them getting to the store. If a customer calls and asks if you have something in.... check just don't assume when someone drives all the way across down and you didn't realize someone else sold it. Don't tell a customer yea its reef safe when its not.... or pass on a coral with pests when you know they are present. These are the things that people eventually figure out and then not only stop going to LFS, but get the negative reputation going.

I'm all for supporting LFS, i'll even pay more (10-15%, not 300%), but I need to be able to justify that somehow and that is service for me. I believe if many LFS would just focus more on the customer service the rest would follow.

Brandon

gnoles · May 11, 2009

Well said, Brandon.

steve99999 · May 13, 2009

sadly its the lfs fault.....we have alot of stores in the md/va/penn area and to be honest most owners are ignorant about corals or how to attract customers.....alot run there coral section like they did 20 years ago....

lvsuckerfish · May 13, 2009

i support local lfs and also some not so local as in socal. as some things I buy I am not able to find locally but I look at it this way if you do not support once in a while atleast they may not be there when you need them in a bind. dry goods I agree online is the best way but some times the lfs may beat the price from online and cut shipping out. atleast I know the stores here in vegas do. they are hungry in this economy now adays fish i have to see my fish in a tank before I buy I will purchase the fish and leave it @ the store for a week or so so I know it is not too stress when i bring him to it's new home and has a half a chance all fish have to eat and of course be diease free. most coral I have in my tank is from lfs in cali and some ppl here in Las vegas. I tend not to trade to much with ppl as I am scared of red bugs and what not.

TM01 · May 16, 2009

I think most everyone starts out in this hobby with a trip to their LFS. Mine has been great to me over the years. The owner is a great guy and the staff he employs is knowledgable and has always been willing to help. They have a wonderfull selection of both live animals and equipment in stock from the high end to the low end too. Their prices may be a higher than what I find online, but after figuring in shipping charges, the wait, plus the risk of damage its typically worth it to buy from them. By doing business there they get to know me and are much more willing to work with me or correct any issues that may come along. I would highly recommend everyone supports there LFS.

bkv1997 · May 21, 2009

gnoles said:
Well said, Brandon.

Thanks

star27624 · May 22, 2009

The local lfs near me doesn't have much selection on anything. If I really want nice corals or dry goods it is either online, or around a 2 hour drive to get to better stores and fellow reefers.

KingRicky · May 26, 2009

In the last year, in Birmingham we have had 2 of our 3 lfs (not chain stores) close. The remaining one has a good selection of the basics and they usually have a good selection of fish. The guys that run it are really nice and seem to be knowledgable.

There is a really good store in Montgomery but I havn't made it down there yet but all the guys in our club have nothing but good things to say about it.

scrapz · Jun 9, 2009

I still try to support them by buying fish & frozen food for them, but they don't carry the drygoods I need. If they do stock the small drygoods, I am willing to pay an extra $3-$5 over online prices

dtpollard · Jun 10, 2009

I don't have a good LFS. Example. While I was in the LFS they told someone they could tell the live rock was good because of all the aiptasia growing on it.

That being said, my goal is to open a LFS in the near future. It will focus on the internet and also serve locals. I think this is the future of the LFS. IMHO You need to do both to really make it profitable.

Mr.Firemouth · Jun 10, 2009

The problem with the 2009 LFS is adaptation to the economy, the web, and the consumer.
Basically to survive the LFS has to be stocked to accommodate supplies for a variety of pets, to have the traffic to turn over inventory so that new stocks are available, and to be able to negotiate/barder prices to make every sale relevant.

Adaptation is the true key. If you want a coral for $90 but only want to pay $20, then the guy should frag the coral and sell pieces for the $20. If people are interested in salt, he should organize a group buy. He should utilize the Web and Email to keep in contact with his customers.(marketing strategies) And most of all he needs to be well versed and his employees too, in the products they sell. The use of a counter top computer to do quick product searches of the manufacturers web pages is a great way to show people why they should use a product, and furthermore the store should use the products themselves also.

Unfortunately, many LFS don't take these steps and quickly close down, or have been around for years but can not adapt and close down. We can say go support so and so, but in the end it needs to be a concerted effort between the LFS and the consumer.