LFS Stories (Good or Bad)

[Ominous]

I've been browsing this site every day since I joined and reading basically all of the posts in the general discussion area. I found that people have a variety of opinions about their LFS and was curious as to some of the good or bad experiences all of you have had with yours and what you feel makes an LFS either "good" or "bad". I personally try to buy as little as possible at the two LFS in my area. One of them has horrible prices, and the other once gave me a hard time about buying things online. However, when I did explain to him that I wasn't about to pay 100 dollars more for a light fixture at his store when I found them cheaper online, he cut me a deal. It's not that I don't want to promote local stores, because they are always there when I need them and play an important role in my hobby (which many people often forget). But I don't like getting ripped off either. Any thoughts or stories of your own?

[volitansman]

I think this link will answer at least part of your question.

[Ominous]

Thanks for the quick reply. That definitely answered my questions as to what people consider a good or bad fish store. I was also interested in some excellent customer service stories though, or possibly some horror stories from some of the LFS in your respective areas. For example, I recall distinctly mentioning to an employee at one of my LFS that this 150 dollar fish had about an hour or two left and was laying almost lifeless on the bottom of the tank. The employee's reply: "yeah, I'll make sure to let someone know." Yeah, I bet they did.... When I went in the next morning the fish had already been disposed of.

[pnkpanther]

Well, i dont often shop at LFS often

one closest to me, the guy never once remembered who i was, despite me buying all my equipment from him (i've since upgraded everything he sold me, basically wasited about 300) his stock was low, he recommended fish that i later learned shouldnt be kept (spotted sweetlips), and prices high. i can handle high prices if i get good service.

I've found a few closer that are pretty good. But i rarely go there either

BUt i found someone who sells to me cheap, great service, and knowledgable

[JennM]

I'm glad to see that cheap price isn't at the top of everyone's list (in that other thread).

I laugh to myself sometimes - everybody wants PhD-type knowledge in LFS staff, but bargain basement prices... they don't always go hand in hand, ya know!

If fish X is one price in one shop, and way more in another - ask about the origin of the fish. Many species are collected in different parts of the world. Some of those cheaper fish may come from areas where cyanide is still used to catch fish. The more expensive ones may come from net-caught only countries.

I'd rather pay $5-10 more at retail for a Coral Beauty from Tonga, than one from the Phillippines or Indonesia for that very reason.

Remember: the most expensive fish is a dead fish.... if it's cheaper but doomed to die from poor handling or poor capture method, is it really a bargain?

Many (but not all) etailers are just order-takers for wholesale outfits. They don't actually tank the fish themselves, your orders are forwarded to the wholesaler where your order is picked, packed and shipped. This does not just apply to dry goods - it also applies to livestock.

Nobody can find fault in somebody saving money buying hardware online (although I'm thankful for those who don't!) but livestock is best seen before purchased, IMO.

Good input in the other thread -hopefully you'll see good input in this one too.

FWIW my tanks are grubby on a good day, but the water is clear, and the fish healthy. I could always forgive a bit of algae if the livestock looked good. I try to keep the place reasonably tidy -- but a bit of clutter means the store is busy (or the people way lazier than I am!) and that can be a good sign. Again, common sense prevails on that one... take it all in before making an assessment.

Jenn

[lokie]

Originally Posted by JennM

I'm glad to see that cheap price isn't at the top of everyone's list (in that other thread).

I laugh to myself sometimes - everybody wants PhD-type knowledge in LFS staff, but bargain basement prices... they don't always go hand in hand, ya know!

If fish X is one price in one shop, and way more in another - ask about the origin of the fish. Many species are collected in different parts of the world. Some of those cheaper fish may come from areas where cyanide is still used to catch fish. The more expensive ones may come from net-caught only countries.

I'd rather pay $5-10 more at retail for a Coral Beauty from Tonga, than one from the Phillippines or Indonesia for that very reason.

Remember: the most expensive fish is a dead fish.... if it's cheaper but doomed to die from poor handling or poor capture method, is it really a bargain?

Many (but not all) etailers are just order-takers for wholesale outfits. They don't actually tank the fish themselves, your orders are forwarded to the wholesaler where your order is picked, packed and shipped. This does not just apply to dry goods - it also applies to livestock.

Nobody can find fault in somebody saving money buying hardware online (although I'm thankful for those who don't!) but livestock is best seen before purchased, IMO.

Good input in the other thread -hopefully you'll see good input in this one too.

FWIW my tanks are grubby on a good day, but the water is clear, and the fish healthy. I could always forgive a bit of algae if the livestock looked good. I try to keep the place reasonably tidy -- but a bit of clutter means the store is busy (or the people way lazier than I am!) and that can be a good sign. Again, common sense prevails on that one... take it all in before making an assessment.

Jenn

I have kept fish for 35 years in numerous states. LFSs vary as much as people, some are great, others you wonder why they are still alive. If you find a great LFS do what you can to support them.

Way back in 1963 I bought my first tank. The MA & PA LFS were wonderful. I will never forget them. They are the ones that taught me that fish keepers have a serious responsibility to the living creatures in their care.

It is a risky bussiness, the non-chain great ones can not compete 100% with on line venders. They still have to eat, pay rent and send their kids to college. If you trust them, they are your in town ally. In my area we had 4 LFSs. Next month we will be down to one. My least favorite. They have the best prices, worst livestock & dirty tanks (dead fish & smelly water).

PS- I have never owned or worked in a LFS.

[yardboy]

It bears repeating that there are good lfs's and bad ones. And if you are stuck with only a bad one near you your only options if you want to stay in this hobby are online, travel to a distant fs, or find local people with good livestock. Frankly, I'e never seen a fish store with as good of water quality and livestock as a local reefer, though some come real close. As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I got off vacation and stopped at a great store on the way home, but it was 6 hours away from my house, not exactly local.

[VWD]

The only thing I can say is You don't have to visit or buy from any store. I have found great ones in the past and some that are no so great. but sometimes i may be expecting two much from them. i don't know. We have one here that said sometimes it feels like they have to babysit the customers they have. I can see what they mean. the ones that do no reserch on things before they buy. and they cry when thing don't work out.

[reefBoyDc]

My lame advice is to never trust what someone tells you in a LFS. Always ask here for a second opinion. (Sometimes, that requires carrying a mobile device with internet access, in case you really gotta get that Moorish idol)