The Hobby in this Economy
- Thread starter TheRealCramer
- Start date
Well that's pretty much it. Or at least a symptom of a larger problem. Everything in the US has gone up but the aquarium hobby seems to lead the race in everything I buy. Well, except gas. I used to buy extra basic glass floating thermometers because my turtles always broke them for 98 cents at Walmart. Now they are $1.98 at Walmart. And I have a sump. And I don't want to buy mag float scrappers anymore. How can two cheap plastic molds and magnets cost over $10? Guppies are $5, Glofish can be up to $10, 10cent feeder guppies are 40cents. I don't even see where they get these numbers anymore. I can understand the price hike on the foods. The global market for the ingredients went up and it's probably harder for the manufactures to obtain and ship the raw ingredients.
In comparison I have an acrylic folder/ magazine holder that is thick and heavy and needed much more moulding and welding than a $99 overflow box. I got it for less than $10 at retail. Because that's what the cost to make it and demand at market says it costs. We are being ripped off big time.
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While overall the economy has tanked (no pun intended) in many areas the cost of doing business has risen dramatically - which in large part has dictated higher prices for many consumer goods. Think about todays gas prices, electrical, etc, which in most parts of the world are far higher than in 2007. (in some cases more than doubled) These things typically have a large ripple effect, such as higher manufacturer costs, due to the rise in power costs, higher cost of raw materials, and large increases in freight/shipping due to higher costs in fuel. And to add to all of that, with todays economy, most consumers want bargains on everything. Now put yourself in a retailers shoes, and ask yourself what you would do?
Yes - fuel and energy cost increases ripple down to retailers.
While the wholesale cost of a fish might be about the same as it was in 2007 (and it is), the cost of shipping it to you has increased quite a bit (because of fuel prices).
Ever wonder what it costs to keep the lights on in a big LFS? One that has all sorts of special lights for inverts? It's no joke.
Finally, fish are a hobby. It's 100% discretionary income. Fewer people able to afford the hobby means fewer customers for LFS. They've gotta make up the difference somewhere. Most have gone out of business.
The solution: Get involved in your local fish club. I probably trade more fish (or give them away) more than I sell. Equipment and set-ups are always available for cheap. And you get to hang with some fun folks.
Matt
PS I hate Walmart and won't buy anything there, even if it is a little cheaper. They're a cancer on America.
While the wholesale cost of a fish might be about the same as it was in 2007 (and it is), the cost of shipping it to you has increased quite a bit (because of fuel prices).
Ever wonder what it costs to keep the lights on in a big LFS? One that has all sorts of special lights for inverts? It's no joke.
Finally, fish are a hobby. It's 100% discretionary income. Fewer people able to afford the hobby means fewer customers for LFS. They've gotta make up the difference somewhere. Most have gone out of business.
The solution: Get involved in your local fish club. I probably trade more fish (or give them away) more than I sell. Equipment and set-ups are always available for cheap. And you get to hang with some fun folks.
Matt
PS I hate Walmart and won't buy anything there, even if it is a little cheaper. They're a cancer on America.
It's a poor time for this hobby. Not much demand, so most LFS are going under. So we are stuck with PetCo and PSP around here. At the same time, because the supply has gone down, the demand remains, somewhat. Thus, the crappy chain stores can charge a decent amount for livestock and supplies since this is a niche trade.
This is odd to say the least. I'm not a huge fan. My father used to be able to get most of these items for wholesale prices but since being laid off I'm SOL.
As said, even private sales like CL/tagsales/etc have massively overinflated prices for aquarium items. I've seen 20 gallon tanks on CL for $50. It's out of control.
This is odd to say the least. I'm not a huge fan. My father used to be able to get most of these items for wholesale prices but since being laid off I'm SOL.
As said, even private sales like CL/tagsales/etc have massively overinflated prices for aquarium items. I've seen 20 gallon tanks on CL for $50. It's out of control.
