Need Help Overcoming Phobia of Buying Fish Online

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Razor7Music

Razor7Music

Candiru
MFK Member
Dec 18, 2008
440
7
48
Irvine, CA
www.myspace.com
Hello--

I'm a hobbyist that is now focusing only on Lake Malawi mbuna cichlids and have come to the point where none of my LFS sell the ones I want.

I see many, many online cichlid dealers, but I can't get over a few factors where I would be willing to buy online. I thought maybe those of you out there that have been where I am might be able to share some experience that might help.

First, how will I know that I am getting a quality, colorful, healthy fish? When I pick a fish at the LFS, I watch the tank for awhile and check who the alpha male is--most colorful, etc.

Second, I would want to unpack the little sucker ASAP but I work full time and would more than likely not be home when the package arrives.

Last, how much of a hastle is it if the fish arrives dead or dying to get a replacement or refund? I figure some dealers are better than others, but which ones?

Thanks to anyone that can feel my pain and hey, if I'm not a good online fish customer candidate, let me know that too! :grinno:
 
First, how will I know that I am getting a quality, colorful, healthy fish? When I pick a fish at the LFS, I watch the tank for awhile and check who the alpha male is--most colorful, etc.

There are a number of vendors on MFK that I have ordered from without any problems. It always helps to look at their feedback. In terms of an Alpha, you cant really know unless you base it on size and trust the vendors judgement.

Second, I would want to unpack the little sucker ASAP but I work full time and would more than likely not be home when the package arrives.

I usually work out an estimated arrival time and take a half day off of work if it cant be done during my days off. If somebody is home then make sure they know how to acclimate and what they need to do if it arrives DOA.

Last, how much of a hastle is it if the fish arrives dead or dying to get a replacement or refund? I figure some dealers are better than others, but which ones?

Again this depends on the sellers DOA policy. Most fish will have a replacement policy of the exact same fish type OR store credit. If it does arrive dead, they usually want to pic of it in the bag. I also take a pic of the fish by a clock and immediately email and call the seller. Leave a message if they dont answer, emails and voice mails usually have a time stamp as well. The vendor will be able to see the delivery time and email/voice mail time to determine if it does arrive dead. If you are that nervous, start out with a small purchase, good luck!!!
 
bahamaqt00;4171723; said:
^^ Good info gr8! I am too a little nervous about buying online
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well i work for DCT don has shiped fish all over the world for 30 years with no losses just make sure u but from people that know how to ship and if u buy large fish make sure they know how 2 use hipno !!!!
 
There are oodles of good vendors who will ship.Do your research and once you get over the shipping charges you should be able to get what you want.
 
dovii mann;4171748; said:
well i work for DCT don has shiped fish all over the world for 30 years with no losses just make sure u but from people that know how to ship and if u buy large fish make sure they know how 2 use hipno !!!!
Click to expand...

What is hipno? I'm guessing it is putting the fish temporarily to sleep right?
 
The biggest thing I ask of Customers is ASK QUESTIONS. You are the customer and have every right to receive a quality fish as if you hand picked it from your local store. If you can have the fish shipped to your work address if they allow it. THis way you can atleast check the package upon arrival. If you chose overnight the fish will be OK until the end of your shift and the travel home.

Check Feedback, ask others and talk to your vendor (Let them know what you are looking for)

Good luck and take care ( I am not looking for your business, just trying to help and if you use me GREAT if not No problem, there are many quality vendors here at MFK Unfortunately for every good one there seems to be a few bad ones that hurt us)
 
Thanks for all the input. I think my original plan was to get more than something small to help offset the shipping costs and time off work. Maybe the next time I have a vacation planned, I'll look into ordering some to be delivered while I'm home.
 
For what it's worth, I only buy fish online and have never had a specimen arrive dead.
 
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