Jeff Rapps closing down TUIC after 25 years

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I was literally on his site Monday night contemplating my first order. I’m sorry I missed the opportunity.
I can't help but wonder what will become of his remaining stock.
 
I thought the same thing. The stock list is still listed under the notification. I’m sure he is being bombarded with emails right now so I may check in a couple of days.
Good idea,he's got something on his list that I have been contemplating ordering.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matteus
This is sad news. I've gotten some of the best wild stock from Jeff over the last decade or more. There's really no one who can hold a candle to him in the US when it comes to rare New World cichlids. I wish him luck in his future endeavors and hope he enjoys his retirement. I'm sure after 20+ years it takes a lot out of you, even if it's your passion.
 
I can't help but wonder what will become of his remaining stock.

Seems to be open to negotiation still or is trying to work that out. At the end of his announcement it had this:

"On that note, some of you may want to know if there will be a new owner or successor who may, using the existing or a similar business model, continue to provide my extensive customer base access to the many rare and often exclusively imported species that I have made available to you.

I am currently communicating with a fellow entrepreneur who is highly capable, extensively experienced, motivated, and knowledgeable. If and when this may result in a formal business transaction, I will be sure to send all contacts in my email this information.

If, upon reading this announcement, an individual or similar business with serious interest and resources has the desire to further inquire of this business opportunity, I will still be monitoring my email for some time and can properly address inquiries."

 
  • Like
Reactions: Matteus
Seems to be open to negotiation still or is trying to work that out. At the end of his announcement it had this:

"On that note, some of you may want to know if there will be a new owner or successor who may, using the existing or a similar business model, continue to provide my extensive customer base access to the many rare and often exclusively imported species that I have made available to you.

I am currently communicating with a fellow entrepreneur who is highly capable, extensively experienced, motivated, and knowledgeable. If and when this may result in a formal business transaction, I will be sure to send all contacts in my email this information.

If, upon reading this announcement, an individual or similar business with serious interest and resources has the desire to further inquire of this business opportunity, I will still be monitoring my email for some time and can properly address inquiries."

Yeah saw that but it doesn't tell me much as a customer looking to buy a fish or two.
 
That is sad. I got my two vulture catfish from him and they are beautiful fish. Much better looking than any I’ve seen at my LFS’s.
 
I'm thinking he will transfer his stock to somebody, that's what I take from the end of that message. This is sad, Jeff was a great vendor and is a nice guy. But at least nowadays there are a few more sources out there for new world cichlids. 10-15 years ago if he had closed up shop we would have all been screwed!
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com