Non-lame customer moves.

[ewurm]

While working at an LFS can be pain and misery, here's the thread for boasting about those customers that show a genuine desire to learn and to take care of their animals.

The other day I had a guy come in that had polypterus, asked me tons of questions. He loved the Polys as much as I do. Wanted to make sure his tank size was OK, and definitely was looking to provide the proper home for his fish. After asking about different species, I told him to come here and view the amazing fish our members keep and get some expert advice from our poly experts. I hope he signed up.

Also, I had a gentleman in for a water test, he was cycling his tank. Usually these situations are irritating, as the customer usually has the typical "Want it now" attitude and is willing to gamble with fish death to get the the tank stocked. His nitrites were off the chart literally. Our test goes to 33 ppm, and his was beyond. I told him this, and he was very receptive to waiting another week or two and do what's right for the animals.

It's situations like this that make up for those people that should sell their tanks and get the Aquarium DVD.

 

[davo]

Nice to here that there is another side to the story... even if it is far and few between.

 

[Mystix212]

33 ppm Nitrites! Those MFK business cards would really help out now.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Its nice to hear like this instead of the bad stuff.

 

[Death Pony]

Good to hear that people are willing to learn!!! The guys at my LFS always like seing me come in and looking at the fish, then they ask me what they can get for me and I tell them I'm just looking. They always like to see them I'm not buying something that I can't take care of.

I think the coolest thing I've seen with a customer was this kid coming in, and he wanted to get a sea horse, and then went on to ask a lot of questions about how to care for them. The kid had to be 10 years old, it was amazing!!!!!

 

[Nova 8]

The best guy I ever had only just set up his tank and had lost all his fish and didn't know why. I explained about the cycling process so he bought test kit and I taught him how to use it right there and then. that was about 6mths ago and he has since cycled his tank and kept fish successful and has just ventured into discus which are growing extremely fast and look very healthy.

I had a 10yr old bring his father into the store as his father didn't believe him about cycling the tank and kept adding and loosing fish, very impressed with that kid.

 

[john C]

the pet trade is crazy any more i use to work in a pet store for years it was a lot different than it is now. i can only imagine what kind of things you hear. on the other hand me as a customer now and not a employee i cant seem to find any many LFS that are educated beyond beginners level and if it is not on the shelfs there is no such product. the hobby just isn't what it use to be. its good to see someone with some knowledge to help people like me. good story thanks for your help on MFK.

john

 

[Behemoth]

We have a fantastic LFS about 1.5 hours away...but when you live on an island...you have to drive.

The lady will not sell you a fish without a water sample. She is an older lady and has been doing this for years. Her husband handles the saltwater stuff and tanks. She handles all of the freshwater.

If anything dies...she gives you store credit. I know this thread is about good customers but I think the good LFS should be mentioned also.

The LFS 5 minutes from my house tried to sell me ick medicine and stated that most just ran it all the time in their tank. He got a bottle of prime and a bottle ick guard and said, "Run this all the time."

 

[jojo_nature]

It makes me laugh when in my lfs and i hear (usualy a woman) someone asking what and how many fish they can have in thier tank.When asked what size tank they hold out thier hand's and say this big.Being a woman myself i find it very irritating when i go in a new fish shop and am treated like a bit of an idiot because im female.But when i hear some of the stupid question's asked (unfortunatley often by women) i can sort of see why.

 

[twitchynose]

I think the coolest thing I've seen with a customer was this kid coming in, and he wanted to get a sea horse, and then went on to ask a lot of questions about how to care for them. The kid had to be 10 years old, it was amazing!!!!!

Sometimes I think the best customers are kids. I've noticed that their parents are usually the ones who have the impatient "hissy fit", wanting what they want now. Weird.