I buy more online than my LFS. I only have 1 LFS near me. I do go there and occasionally buy from him. A BIG PROBLEM with the owner of the LFS is that he is continually bragging that he has absolutely the best of everything. And that everyone elses stuff is junk. However, the stuff that is "junk" is what he was proclaiming as the "best" 2 weeks earlier. His bragging is the way he talks. He has a TERRIBLE PROBLEM of listening to customers. He constantly interrupts almost every conversation. Many of us from our local club agree that it would be VERY EASY to out compete him because of this problem. I guess a long made story short. I will continually support online stores because of this.
Support your LFS
- Thread starter O'l Salty
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ca1ore
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Reef Tank 365
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LOL. I think for all intents and purposes they did that years ago .....
ca1ore
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I've nothing against the LFS, I just think it's an inferior model. I buy 100% of my dry-goods and equipment online because the prices are better and it's more convenient. I suppose in theory there may be an emergency that requires quickly getting something, but in practice I keep urgent spares on hand for anything that cannot wait for two day prime - so that argument is moot. I now buy 90% of my livestock online also; mostly because of better selection, live guarantees and equivalent survival rates. I do occasionally buys something at the LFS, but almost always on impulse. Of the six LFS I would frequent, three are now closed including the one I had used since 1988.
Agreed entirely. I buy everything online. The B&M LFS model just doesnt work for this hobby and I dont see how it can survive.
Even for a small purchase like a couple of pppermint shrimp, I can literally buy them online, pay for shipping, and STILL save money relative to the LFS. For abig purchase, theres no comparison, I may save half or more of the cost by going online.
Plus online retailers have guarantees. I know of zero LFS that offer any kind of guarantee.
Not the mention the inherent superiority of buying everything online. Clicking a button on my computer while in my pajamas >> dealing with people and lines and cashiers.
When I buy online, they dont quiz me "what kind of tank do you have?"
I am honestly surprised the stores have survived this long. I wish them the best but cant imagine theyre long for the world.
Even for a small purchase like a couple of pppermint shrimp, I can literally buy them online, pay for shipping, and STILL save money relative to the LFS. For abig purchase, theres no comparison, I may save half or more of the cost by going online.
Plus online retailers have guarantees. I know of zero LFS that offer any kind of guarantee.
Not the mention the inherent superiority of buying everything online. Clicking a button on my computer while in my pajamas >> dealing with people and lines and cashiers.
When I buy online, they dont quiz me "what kind of tank do you have?"
I am honestly surprised the stores have survived this long. I wish them the best but cant imagine theyre long for the world.
cracker
5000 Club Member
I buy just about anything I need from the lfs. Things he doesn't carry, I order. Iv'e never ordered livestock & don't plan to. I want to see what I buy 1st. It's to my advantage to help keep the guys doors open.
Yati
Active Member
I personally much rather buy from a LFS than online, one is because when I want something I want it now even if that means road tripping and two I generally have questions and want to do comparison. I live in the sacramento area and travel either 2 hours south to Neptune Aquatics in San Jose or 2 hours north to NorCal Corals to my live stock for any equipment I may need Aquarium Depot in Roseville in Citrus Heights generally have anything I need #shamelessplugs lol
djreef
Active Member
Yes, you’ll feel this way until they’re all gone, and the one great valuable resource (experience) dies along with them.
DJ
U
User1
Guest
I typically don't support LFS's. Supposedly there is a nice store in Roseville, Ca, that caters to corals or high end corals anyway but have never been there. Few other stores used to have decent setups but have since fallen by the way side or closed. Believe it or not there is a larger box pet store near me, PetCo, that keeps super good care on their saltwater fish. Surprised but that owner threw some money into it. Every fish in their saltwater tanks are clean and no sign of duress. I've purchased my lawnmower blenny, coral beauty, and recently 4 lyretail anthias that while on the smaller and thin side went home and are super awesome eating anything that enters the water. They don't care who is around, food hits the water and they strike it with such gusto I don't think I'll be able to feed them enough.
Long story short, I don't. However, there is one source for fish I'll go to from time to time because the employee and owners there really care.
Long story short, I don't. However, there is one source for fish I'll go to from time to time because the employee and owners there really care.
JaimeAdams
2500 Club Member
I fully support the LFS. I work at one 6 days a week as well. I would rather keep my money local. I like being able to see things in person. I like the social aspects of hanging out at the LFS. I like the know that I have access to things that I may need in an emergency.
squampton
Active Member
In a way I am glad we don't have places like live aquaria and the likes in Canada, keeps the fish stores open as they are about the only place to get livestock, some fish stores do ship but your looking at $40 or $50 or more for shipping.
Ascended Reef
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they have fishes in there but no corals or lights on the system yet
Salty.Reefer
Well-Known Member
Awesome ill stop by when I find time. You should come to the coral farmers market on may 5th.
Ascended Reef
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WHAT? A REEFING EVENT AND I DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT? Where is it? i'm a student with no license so I mightttt not be able to make it but. Reefings more important then school.
showmebutterfly
Active Member
I was thinking of stopping by there when I'm in the area next month. Do they have decent coral selections or do they mostly just carry fish? I'm also looking at maybe stopping by Saltwater Paradise in Fairview Heights and Kingdom Aquatics, if they have their new store open by then. Have you been to either one of those?
cracker
5000 Club Member
I do my best to support my local lfs . I admit the live stock looks poor . But I do buy all my dry goods from this shop . It's very convenient foe me to help him keep his door open .
Michael Naegeli
Captainspando
I totally support my Lfs always. I’m very lucky to have Coral Connection and Frag freaks both really close. I’d much rather spend a little more and support local shops. I bought everything, all four systems through my locals. Cash money. I would hate it if either one of them went under. I love to see my Corals in person. Safe ride home. No fed ex trip. I will say I have bought Corals online. Mostly eBay auction, but all chems, tanks, equipment all thru lfs. We should want to support them
Uhohhotdog
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That’s the only place I’ll go but it’s an hour drive plus tolls for me. I got my sixline from there. It’s doing great. Also some snails.
Uhohhotdog
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I just wonder why more fish stores don’t carry other pet supplies. I would think it would be a good extra source of revenue if you could get your dog food as well as fish food as the same store.
I know many carry reptile food but I never seen dog or cat stuff.
I know many carry reptile food but I never seen dog or cat stuff.
