any advice on setting up an LFS store

[Red Devil]

Just toying with the idea of setting up a little LFS store.. i know location, location is the key to success in most instances.. but there are soooo many things to concider.. just thought it would be nice to hear the negatives and positives to getting started........ for those who have been there, those who are there now.. please give your thoughts.....thanks! All thoughts on the subject are appreciated..

 

[Miguel]

Be honeest, above all, and trusted by your customer base. Receive them well, without hurrying, even if they just come along to chat and/or learn.
Help them feel wellcome and create in them the habit of dropping by.

Have envolved and knowledgeable staff, but one that refrains from flaming.

For me, those are the basics, in short.

We have such a shop in Lisbon. My father took me there as a baby. Still go there, and find other erstwhile babies, with their youngsters.

my 2 cents, Lizz

 

[Red Devil]

Be honeest, above all, and trusted by your customer base. Receive them well, without hurrying, even if they just come along to chat and/or learn.
Help them feel wellcome and create in them the habit of dropping by.

Have envolved and knowledgeable staff, but one that refrains from flaming.

For me, those are the basics, in short.

We have such a shop in Lisbon. My father took me there as a baby. Still go there, and find other erstwhile babies, with their youngsters.

my 2 cents, Lizz

That is great advice Miguel.. very encouraging too.. because that is exactly how i picture it to be.. almost social type setting with awesome monster tanks for everyone to enjoy seeing.. not just little tanks with little fish.. but like a place to go to see and learn.. thanks

 

[vfc]

Its Knowledge, Relationship, and Trust that will make a LFS a success (of course you need good healthy stock).

For example, I pass by three LFS (Including the new Big Als) on a relatively long trip to a relatively dangerous area because of one guy (Jim Hall at World Wide Aquarium Upper Darby). First time I meet him, we talked for three hours straight! (sometimes about fish). While I was talking to him, countless people came in and said hi to him and asked for a quick recommendation. Whatever he said the people would buy; and if they picked out something on their own and Jim didn't think it would work for them, they put it back. This guy is THE reason the store is during so well.

 

[Nic]

wow does a store like that even exist¿?¿ I gotta agree with miguel but have yet to experience a store like that... you make that store liz and I'm on a road trip

 

[Red Devil]

Its Knowledge, Relationship, and Trust that will make a LFS a success (of course you need good healthy stock).

For example, I pass by three LFS (Including the new Big Als) on a relatively long trip to a relatively dangerous area because of one guy (Jim Hall at World Wide Aquarium Upper Darby). First time I meet him, we talked for three hours straight! (sometimes about fish). While I was talking to him, countless people came in and said hi to him and asked for a quick recommendation. Whatever he said the people would buy; and if they picked out something on their own and Jim didn't think it would work for them, they put it back. This guy is THE reason the store is during so well.

definitly... that is the number one reason i go where i go too.. easy to talk to, knowledgeable, always willing to take time with a customer..excellent reason for successful business and enjoyable business,... !!! Thanks !

 

[Red Devil]

wow does a store like that even exist¿?¿ I gotta agree with miguel but have yet to experience a store like that... you make that store liz and I'm on a road trip

oh how sweet NIC!!! I am just toying with the idea now.. but if i did do it... this would be the only way i would really enjoy it.. i want rare, not common fish.. fun for me as well as the customer.. i don't want just what sells, i want the ones you enjoy learning about and seeing ..yet i would be small place but unique and different..easy going relaxed environment is how i see it,

 

[davo]

surround yourself with helpful and knowledgable people and good quality and variable stock. I'm sure a few importers and old LFS workers will try put you off the idea though Liz lol

 

[Red Devil]

surround yourself with helpful and knowledgable people and good quality and variable stock. I'm sure a few importers and old LFS workers will try put you off the idea though Liz lol

well i doubt i would be any competition to them Davo.. i am up in a little tiny town..with no intention of shipping any fish... just a little mom and pop store that is fun, educational and exciting and not just mollys, goldfish, interesting set ups, but thanks for the warning in case... lol

 

[bryan.olsen]

theres one by my place thats how you described...

if i could give any advice, always remember that your not in it to be rich...face it, if you were youd probably be doin somthing else. you are in it for the hobby if you keep that in mind i think that suggestion made by VFC will be more obtainable.
goodluck i think its a dying hope thanks to big box corperate places going up all around the world. we need these little places to fight back