Why I don't frequent local (or chain) fish stores

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I like to support my lfs but its hard when the prices are nearly triple of what you can pay somewhere else.

I like lfs fish but NEVER equipment or food because that is usually very overpriced.
 
Id prefer to buy from a lfs. My 65 I did cus they price matched the online store. If im buying food, the only store near me that stocks Massivore wants $60 (the smaller bag not the 2.2 which we can't get in uk- supply and demand issue) I can get it online for a little over half that. Nobody near me sells nls so there is no option but online. Its the same with fish. Ive been asking for ages for someone to try and get me a flagtail. No joy, so if I want one I have to get it online.

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piranhaman00 said:
I like to support my lfs but its hard when the prices are nearly triple of what you can pay somewhere else.

I like lfs fish but NEVER equipment or food because that is usually very overpriced.
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I think everyone is missing my point, i do not mean arbitrally pay triple for something, that is ludicrous. But what you can buy local buy local. Strollo has been out at LFS with me and he knows i negotiate on everything. If it is a small mom and pop store talk to them , tell them what something costs online, give them a chance to compete at that price or at least close... if they dont want to then screw them, but at least they had a chance at your dollars

Ian21777 said:
Id prefer to buy from a lfs. My 65 I did cus they price matched the online store. If im buying food, the only store near me that stocks Massivore wants $60 (the smaller bag not the 2.2 which we can't get in uk- supply and demand issue) I can get it online for a little over half that. Nobody near me sells nls so there is no option but online. Its the same with fish. Ive been asking for ages for someone to try and get me a flagtail. No joy, so if I want one I have to get it online.

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If the lfs can not get what you need then find another one... like I said earlier my lfs gets first shot if he can not get a fish or compete on price then it gets shipped to me.
 
I see it from both sides, as I run an online business. As a musician, Ive dealt with the computer eroding cd sales for decades and artists are forced to change their business templates in order to survive. There's no shortage or people "wanting" music.....they just prefer a different delivery system....downloads, legal or otherwise are completely shutting down the business of making records/cd's and selling them. Record stores are disappearing about the same rate as LFS...... Even folks wanting to legally buy our latest physical cd, can get it for $2 cheaper online with free next day shipping. While the computer/online element makes it a challenge to do business the old way of the recording industry, it has also given us a remarkably powerful tool to expose our band/brand to the entire whole all via a Facebook page and a website or whatever social media we chose to use. We as an industry had a choice....quit, or embrace the computer and learn to adapt and use it to our needs.

Shipping is easy. We have USPS, Fedx options that pick up several days a week. Insured or uninsured. I totally understand the upside and cost effectiveness of the online world. My house is my house regardless of me running a business out of it, but it requires very little extra overhead to run that business. If anything, I get the tax break so I kinda come out a little ahead.

Unfortunately, I see the computer doing much the same for the fishkeeping hobby. Last guy I bought a tank from , runs an online salt supply store locally. I talked to him about the LFS situation and he sees it pretty much the same. He has a website and a warehouse and runs the business from home. He has no interest in a physical store. From a cost perspective, I dont blame him.

Evolution is funny sometimes. Seems like the only ones that will survive are the ones with and online presence. Even then it's no guarantee.
 
UnstoppableJayD said:
I think everyone is missing my point, i do not mean arbitrally pay triple for something, that is ludicrous. But what you can buy local buy local. Strollo has been out at LFS with me and he knows i negotiate on everything. If it is a small mom and pop store talk to them , tell them what something costs online, give them a chance to compete at that price or at least close... if they dont want to then screw them, but at least they had a chance at your dollars




If the lfs can not get what you need then find another one... like I said earlier my lfs gets first shot if he can not get a fish or compete on price then it gets shipped to me.
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Oh and I agree. If you can buy local I do and I have a strong stance on doing this.
 
SharptoothBass said:
Donr wear panties ill leave that to u as far as tanks ive seen more than a few in my time and when i was with the humane society i saw some set ups i couldn't believe outdoor and indoor heated ponds also.
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Didn't answer my questions.
 
i buy everything used, i'm cheap

some of my lfs charge more for used then they do brand new though lol
 
I guess i personally like to keep a good relationship with the LFS store owners i know coz it definitely has its perks...

Want a fish i cant find, if i ask them they will try their best to locate it for me...

Have an emergency and need help, drop them a line and they'll head over if its a leak...

They let you keep your fish there if you need to while on long holidays...

And the list goes on... At least for me...




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for the LFS to survive its all about costumer service and knowledge. online will never replace discussing and talking fish and building s relationship with your local LFS, if there attitude is buy or leave then they are doomed, and there fault. if they take the time to talk to you about what you have, what you are looking for, and chit chat about it, I will pay the extra buck for something and you find in return they will cut you pricing. buy local fish store i mean a mom and pops, not a chain outlet.
 
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