Seeking Your Opinion on Selling Stock

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M

Mel O

Gambusia
MFK Member
Nov 26, 2009
179
7
18
Seattle
As some of you may know I post videos of my Cichlids now and then. Seems like every time I post one I get the same question over and over again. Will I sell fish?
Up until now I have always said no, but lately I have had a ton of requests and am now thinking about testing the waters. Also I am buried in fry and sub adults. So I am wondering from those of you who have done much selling from home (for me it will be locale pick up only - at least at first) what unseen issues have you run into? Does it turn into more of a hassle then it is worth or is it rewarding in terms of meeting new Cichlid nuts? I do not expect to turn a profit but I would like to at least help defray some of the costs of fish keeping. Any thoughts appreciated.
 
I've always posted pictures of the actual fish for sale online and then met up with people in a neutral public place to give them away. I feel odd about inviting people I don't know into my home. There isn't a strong presence in my area for the fish hobby (for instance, I don't know of a local fish club or association like there seem to be up in the northeast) so I don't have many outlets to sell fish other than the internet. Meeting in person, I've not run into any issues.

My only issue with selling fish is getting rid of fry, especially online. I've posted pictures and videos several times in the past and people always say, "Put me on the list for fry!" Then when I have hundreds of fry to sell, no one wants them. I ended up culling a bunch of Heros notatus and Heros severus 2" juvies because I couldn't even give them away for the cost of $12 Priority shipping. So I'd say my only issue is finding homes for fish once I breed them and raise them.
 
I agree with Ryan, that posting online is a great way to go. i have responded to numerous online ads for fish for sale. i have traveled from Centralia to Seattle to Shelton ( i live in Tacoma.... sorry for the WA geography for those of you not from here) to get fry or sub adults over the past couple of years. it has always been a pleasure, as everyone i have met that does cichlids have been really friendly, so I wouldn't worry about that.
I have also sold fry / adults a couple of times online, with local pickup, and have had good results with that too. I find that the local forum i also belong to is a great place to buy/sell/trade fish! I hope you decide to sell some of your beauties...... i think it will be a great experience.
good luck


BTW, i'd love to travel north to get some of your fry...... just to help you get a feel for the waters
 
What do you plan on selling? And how many will also determine plan of attack. The marketplace here on Mfk works pretty well. And so does word of mouth. As you may not want to ship, I'm sure I can beg a couple Washington locals to ship for me;) lol


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I forgot to mention that yes it can be a hassle. Maybe set up certain days for selling/shipping fish. That will greatly reduce the headaches;) also you can expect your emails and texts to increase lol for me it's all about prioritizing people, fish, shipping, etc. but it is rewarding to know that people want to buy your fish and to see others growing them out and posting pics:) I say go for and enjoy it while you can.


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Selling fish can be a hassle to say the least, BUT with you being you and as popular and legendary as some of your fish are and the high quality they are people out there WILL want them as I have in the past and traveled 80 miles to Kevin's store to get fish that came from you multiple times. Shipping fry is the best and easiest option as they are hardy and ship economically and don't require overnight services if packed properly. I think if you do decide to ship be prepared for more than a few people wanting some of those dovii fry or whatever else you sell. selling fish for PU only is IMO a gamble due top the flaky nature of most people. Aquabid.com is a great site as well as the marketplace on here to post fish up for sale that I have had success with in the past. Good luck and I'll keep an eye out to see what you have available. BTW if you do ship USPS is the worst option and UPS and FedEx are the best carriers to go through.
 
Mel, I'm sure all your current cichlids friends all "secretly" want your fish already, so you would really just have to put the word out and have us come scoop everything up. :D


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I'm fortunate to have a pretty active fish club in the area, so I mostly deal with folks in the club or folks from other clubs at events.

I've gotten away from selling fish as it's more of PITA than it's worth, especially if shipping's involved.

Matt
 
fishman09 said:
........ Good luck and I'll keep an eye out to see what you have available. BTW if you do ship USPS is the worst option and UPS and FedEx are the best carriers to go through.
Click to expand...

I really dont know what your background is on selling fish or purchasing fish online. When you make a statement like this you need to back it up with info otherwise its useless.

I do not work for USPS but have primarily used they're services since 2006. In that time I have learned cutoff dates to ship priority/ express, temperatures limits, and how to pack so that my fish arrive alive. The majority of my shipments have been great. We are always at the mercy of people that handle your package regardless of the company hat they wear.
 
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