LFS vs ONLINE

[benzjamin13]

I'm curious to know why so many people order online. I know for some, it's because there's very few choices around, but I'm in SoCal. So I have an abundant of LFS to choice from. I've never ordered fish online.

However, I feel like I see people still ordering fish online from place where there are plenty of LFS. I'm curious to know why? Is it because there's a certain fish that your LFS can't get? Do you feel like online vendors provide better quality over what you can get locally? I can't see it being cheaper with shipping and all.

 

[JK47]

I voted both but honestly I prefer to order online for specific species with collection locale etc.. people like Jeff Rapps have this information and it matters to me.

 

[Gourami Swami]

I like less common cichlids, most stores only carry the usual varieties. And the LFS's that do get rare stuff, usually just get the fish from rapps or another distributer, then jack the price up a lot. So price is usually better on line, only downside is paying for shipping. But I find if I order a bunch of fish at once the shipping doesn't feel so bad.

 

[slipshodman]

I have never bought fish online but frequently get dry goods as i can get a wider variety and usually some quite good prices

I saved over $250 on my FX6 buying at a reputable online store i had dealt with for a couple of years in comparison to the LFS prices

But for me i like to see the fish in person before i buy , i get to watch its behavior etc

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I voted LFS because I don't buy fish that often, it's been 3-4 years I think since my last one. And it's usually a spur of the moment purchase when I see one in the LFS.

I'd probably be willing to give online a shot, the 2-3 importers in the country usually will ship for reasonable costs, but where I live it takes a minimum of 2 days for overnight shipping.

 

[BMG94]

I prefer online only for specifics or fish that I know I can't Buy in my area. Otherwise I would prefer LFS because I like to physically see what I may potentially purchase lol.

 

[Fat Homer]

I chose LFS, mainly coz i have a good relationship with most the stores i visit most of and they are pretty good at helping me find rare fish and plants that i want for very reasonable prices...

 

[tlindsey]

I do both have been fortunate to have lfs special order fish that they don't normally stock. Also like the option of ordering online from reputable vendors that get rare fish species like was stated above.

 

[MrsE88]

I voted lfs. I’ve only ever bought fish food, supplies, snails, and plants from online.
I like to see my fish in person before buying. And since finding a fish store that carries a large variety of fish and is willing to order fish too, I don’t see a need to buy them online. Plus his prices are great.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I usually find fish at local places except if its something that just isnt common. For equipment and food, however, i always order online. Cant beat the prices and you just cant find the high quality, all natural foods at stores.