Who's the Boss???

[Michael Weismann]

How much say should a LFS have in who can buy what livestock? If you want to buy a demanding species such as a Moorish Idol, should the LFS be allowed to question you to determine if you have the right set-up and/or knowledge to care for it and should they be allowed to say no? Should a species like the Moorish Idol even be kept in stock or only brought in on a special order basis? Just using the MI as an example. I know it's the subject of endless debate.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I think a responsible fish store should question your set up and readiness for a difficult fish. Even some normal ones I would hope they ask for at least a quick overview of your experience. Just to see whether you are some freshwater person trying to buy a saltie or a new reef keeper with a 2 month old 40g tank wanting a naso tang or something.

Can they prevent you from buying it, probably not. Could they refuse to order, I say why not? Someone else will always get it for them. I actually appreciate concern when buying from a person. I mean, we would not be able to go into a shelter and grab a dog and take it home. They make you do paperwork and sometimes home visits and all kinds of stuff.

They should at least advise you on proper care and express concerns. I have seen too many fish stores just sell the animal and it dies and the reef keeper gets mad at the store or themselves and it is what sometimes gives this hobby a bad rap. People have less concern about the animals proper care.

 

[DancingShark]

I love lfs that ask customers questions about their tanks. I think a lot of people blame the lfs for their own ignorance or lack of research. As a customer I would love advice to defer me from buying a product or livestock because of genuine concerns from the store in my long term happiness with it.

It just shows they care more than just getting a quick sale and in the same action trying to keep a customer longer than one sale and having them angry at them online or in their store.