Trying to support the LFS

[USMA36]

I'm trying to support my LFS. Sometimes they make it so difficult to do. After a few frustrating visits over the last month or so I sent them this. I hope it didn’t come across too Dickish. I removed the store names so I didn’t throw anyone under the bus.

I wanted to offer some un solicited advice and I hope it doesn’t come across the wrong way. I have been talking with a couple of people, all reefers. Your store came up. The consensus is that you guys have the best store around. We have all been to the other “local stores” and to be honest they all pretty much suck. The store out near ........ has an amazing selection of dry goods and live stock but their tanks are gross. Dead fish all over the place. The store in ......... has a fair amount of livestock and really nothing great as far as dry goods. Their livestock is extremely overpriced. To get to the point, I think you guys can be THE place to go. The biggest downfall is that the last 3 times I went to the store you’ve had very little fish or coral and yesterday the store was closed on a Saturday afternoon. I get this is a slow time of year and fish sitting in tanks not selling costs you money. I also get emergencies come up (maybe leave a phone number on the sign so we can see if you’re gonna be back in an hour, or not for 5) I am asking you guys to use Facebook! If you aren’t Facebook fans maybe a weekly newsletter with a stock list. I always check your Facebook page before I come out to make sure you’re open. I (and others) want to support you guys and not buy everything online. You guys were amazing when I was starting out. I asked a million questions and you answered all of them. I live about 45 from your store and my friends about an hour. We have no problem paying a little more compared to online prices because the quality and convenience is there. Nobody wants to waste time and gas if they aren’t gonna come home with a new pet or coral. I hope you guys don’t take this the wrong way I love the store and I want to support it as I am sure others do as well.

 

[Antics]

I'd clean up the language a little and focus more on specific ways that you believe will help the store succeed in communicating to customers. Regardless of circumstances it takes two minutes to write out a sign in sharpie and tape it to the glass door.

Depending on the size of the business and how well sales are going it can be very difficult to maintain a "stocked" live stock area for various reasons. Live inventory is volatile and expensive. It has the potential to die, it requires additional work to care for and maintain, and it has the potential to sit for a long time without being sold while continuously being a time and money resource drain. Everyone on this forum would love to have a LFS with 200 tanks and 300 different species of fish and coral at all times, but its obvious why this isn't really possible in many low volume locations.

I'd suggest you talk to the owners about when they order fish or hand pick it and start giving them a heads up for the kind of stuff you're looking for. Ask if they can get it, or keep an eye out for a specific specimen etc. Most businesses will be willing to help specific requests, but the throw everything at the wall and see what sticks approach is very expensive for a small business and risky.

 

[USMA36]

I get that. They are a small business and it’s not cost effective to keep a ton of livestock on hand. That being said, a simple email blast or a fb post saying stop on by we got a shipment in would be great.

 

[Antics]

I get that. They are a small business and it’s not cost effective to keep a ton of livestock on hand. That being said, a simple email blast or a fb post saying stop on by we got a shipment in would be great.

For sure, and I'd format my comment for the business in that way. It's more likely to be successful if you take any sting/judgment out of it, especially if its a small operation with one or two employees who will take it personally. I don't think its passive aggressive or anything to offer criticism in the constructive form of advice, especially if you're leading with suggestions.

Hey,

I came by the store on Saturday afternoon and was really bummed to see you guys were closed. Maybe you could consider getting a Facebook for the store so that customers can remain informed whenever you guys need to close early? It would be a great way to get information out like when you get deliveries of coral or fish! I’ve been to a few other local fish stores in the area and yours is by far my favorite due to your great selection of dry goods and clean tanks! Unfortunately, the last few times I’ve been it seems like the tanks are kind of empty. Do you know when you’ll be getting new fish and coral in? Really looking forward to stopping by and checking out some new stuff.

Thanks!

Something with this type of tone would be how I'd approach these suggestions because it makes it clear you're trying to spend money and support the business. It also gives the business owner ideas while not being accusatory about the lack of their implementation already.

Worst case scenario they ignore or reject your thoughts, and in that case you are able to make a more informed decision about continued support of the store. Regardless of how you format your thoughts there is the possibility they will be resentful of you offering any type of unsolicited feedback.

Just my two cents.

 

[spiraling]

I dont use facebook - did you try to call the store when they were closed? The communication factor is huge. When a store isn't open during normal hours its a PITA for everyone.

But beyond that, you are trying an unsolicited email to make a store be better. I agree its just better to talk to the owner rather than in email. Emails - including yours - make customers sound angry even when you are trying to help. Let the owner know in person what you are hoping for, and let him do his best. Keep the nasty email out of it. It will accomplish nothing.

 

[USMA36]

I dont use facebook - did you try to call the store when they were closed? The communication factor is huge. When a store isn't open during normal hours its a PITA for everyone.

But beyond that, you are trying an unsolicited email to make a store be better. I agree its just better to talk to the owner rather than in email. Emails - including yours - make customers sound angry even when you are trying to help. Let the owner know in person what you are hoping for, and let him do his best. Keep the nasty email out of it. It will accomplish nothing.

Yes I called the store to see if there was a message or any other info. I really don’t think my email was nasty. I complimented the store and said how much I appreciate them several times.

 

[spiraling]

I really don’t think my email was nasty. I complimented the store and said how much I appreciate them several times.

That kinda my point. IMO emails just come off wrong in these types of situations. I'm sure if you emailed and let them know you would love their store and is it possible to chat with the owner about some ideas to make the store better for you they would be all ears.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Our LFS's use Facebook on new shipments in and sales every week, even pictures of live stock and some prices. But they don't have comprehensive stock lists posted.

I always call in advance to see if they have what I need and I never just stop by just to do that. I'm a very to the point kinda guy.