Buying drygoods online vs. LFS

sammy33 · 09-03-2003, 07:57 PM

Just wondering what the general preference is for buying drygoods.

Online or LFS?

Take into consideration price, selection and availability.

salt creepette · 09-03-2003, 08:04 PM

i always like to buy at a store cuz i wanna see exactly what im gonna get. If I can go see it in a store and find it online cheaper, tho, including shipping, i will order online. just depends.

thefatman · 09-03-2003, 08:36 PM

i prefer to buy live stuff locally so i can see it.

when it comes to dry goods. i'll buy wherever is cheaper.. hey i'm a red blooded american male and want to keep every penny i can

though i've only had one online purchase, being my cls pump from lise at www.underwatercreations.com and she was at least 40 bucks less than my lfs could have gotten the smae pump for. even after factoring in shipping.

that's where to watch out, is shipping. sometimes an online order may be cheaper, but end up costing more after factoring in the shipping costs.

Buzz_Hog · 09-03-2003, 09:07 PM

I'm with Jay.... I like the immediate gratification of having it my hands when I pay for it... Also, with shipping included, my LFS's prices are equivelent for the most part to online order places..

Phantom Phish · 09-03-2003, 09:48 PM

If the LFS has the particular item I'm interested in, instock and at a reasonable price (figuring in taxes at the LFS and shipping by MO), then yes I buy drygoods from one of my local LFSs. However, most of the time, the LFSs don't keep in stock the particular makes or models I'm looking for, at least when it comes to the higher end items (lighting, ballasts, pH controllers, calcium reactors, etc..) so I end up mail ordering those. I understand why an LFS can't keep in stock a large selection of these higher end items, as they take up floor space and don't move so quickly, tieing up the stores money in inventory. And they will usually offer to order it for you. But they usually then want to add a surcharge to the item cost and shipping, for them to make some profit on the deal (which I understand). So bottom line is I've usually found it cheaper to deal with the mailorder supplier directly.

Imaexpat2 · 09-03-2003, 10:09 PM

I would perfer to make my purchases at my LFS. However...My LFS is usually considerably higher than On-Line Suppliers even after FedEx delivery is factored into the equation. As such 90% of my purchases are through On-Line Dealers.

As far as Live stock goes, its about 50/50. I am really picky about getting live stock, and very much desire to see first hand exactly the "one" I am getting. But again, if my LFS cant at least come somewhat close to being competitive with On-Line Dealers, then I wont hesitate to go on line! I would definitely buy less from my LFS if it werent for the fact that I supply a good portion of his feeder rats for store credit(I have 2 Gayana Red Tail Boas and started raising my own rats cuase his were about double in price of what it was costing me in San Diego, San Francisco and DFW Tx). They do occasionaly have some good deals, but its the exception, not the rule.

So much for my thoughts on this.

ereefic · 09-03-2003, 10:32 PM

when my lfs marks up 150%, i'm going on-line!

ReefDave · 09-03-2003, 10:50 PM

Major purchases take place online...Ballasts, bulbs, skimmer, CR, pumps etc. Drygoods, usually at an LFS because I'm a bad planner and I tend to wait until I really really need something before I buy, meaning I have to go get it today, not wait for shipping.

ibizman · 09-03-2003, 10:54 PM

I find that if I go online and can get a better deal, the owner of my LFS will try to match the online price if he has the item in stock. I'm not afraid to ask for a break on the price. The LFS folks know there are other options and will most likely try to remiain your suppler of choice if they can.

I suppose this depends on te size of the store and your relationship with the managers/owner, but I think asking for a better deal is always worth a try. They would rather move some inventory than see you walk out the door.

Worked for me. Just a thought.

Jason

jas · 09-03-2003, 10:54 PM

i like to support my local town shops so i buy there, even if it is a few bucks more. (btw my wife is making fun of me because icant type fast)

RWD · 09-03-2003, 11:37 PM

I don't mind paying a few $ more at the lfs but some prices are way to high. For example a 50 gal bag of salt is $17 + tax. Online I ordered 2-200 gal buckets @ $29 each with $5 shipping. I know that the lfs store needs to make a living but there has got to be a middle ground. Another example is a large container of Formula 2 flake food. The lfs wants $14 but online I buy it for $9. Same thing with carbon.
Livestock I buy locally for the most part. I only ordered once online. It was a good experience but I do like to see what I'm getting. I do like the WYSIWYG sites out there.
Bob

Stang69 · 09-04-2003, 12:53 AM

I have said it time and time again " If you want it local buy it local" meaning support your LFS.

Yes some things are crazy priced but................most of the online stores sell it for what the LFS can buy it for from wholesalers. This is beacuse some online stores buy thousands of the same thing and get a break on prices.

JMO

Jeff

Rob_Reef_Keeper · 09-04-2003, 10:07 AM

I like the idea of going down the street to have it in my hands when I buy it. I hate waiting. (No patience).

BUT.....

When the LFS jacks up the price 130% they are forcing me to go online.

Ex. MAG9 pump LFS - $149 Online $49. You chose. I see it as $100 more for more goodies.

yardboy · 09-04-2003, 10:21 AM

I buy a large percentage of my stuff online, due to poor selection and high price. And because the online dealers often have a better return policy if something dies or is broken. Now I'd rather buy from an lfs, but just can't tolerate their attitude or prices.

RWD · 09-04-2003, 10:43 AM

I got to agree with you there Yardboy. I once bought a powerhead from the lfs and I paid $30-40 more but what the heck, support the little guy. Two weeks later it was making a noise so loud you can hear it 30' away. I go back to the store and he won't exchange it. Says I have to return it to the manufacturer. I explained to the owner that I spend about $50-60 a month in his store and all I get is a shrug. Last time I shoped there.
Another completely different experience with an online store. One of my MH ballasts went out after 8 months so I called Premium, the place where I ordered them. Jason overnighted a new ballast to me before I returned the bad one. Now that's service!

The example I used in my first post about the salt needs a little more explaination. My local Petsmart sells a 200 gal bucket for $54 plus tax. Online Petsmart was selling it for $29. I told this to the manager and he said sorry, can't help you. Now I know they are making a profit at $29 so when the local store wants $25 MORE, almost twice the price, I have to draw the line.