to much $$$$ @ the pet stores

[Fractal]

I have 3 LFS's that I frequent and that's it.

The overpricing thing is the reason why I don't go to any other stores.

4" jardini - $120.00 - I hit him below the belt when I said $50.00 and i'll take it off your hands.

I know my fish pricing and if they decide to over charge then I'm going to get dirty on the bargaining side . Just like any part of a good negotiation strategy, set a price range and be prepared to walk away if they don't even come close .

 

[cypher1024]

My LFS had a pair of full-grown oscars for $200

 

[krichardson]

Pet stores are expensive, yeah, but they are businesses. They have huge overheads, there is no money in the pet store business, not if you care about the animals. People (in my town anyways) complain about prices, but when they have a crisis, they come running to us for help. Funny enough, we always end up hearing about how much cheaper we are than Petland. Ordering parts/meds/equipment online is fine, but what happens when you cant wait a few days? What happens when you need something right away, but the lfs went out of business because you bought your stuff online?

It doesn't hurt to support your local economy once in a while.

(that doesn't mean I support over pricing, some places do just charge way too much, but most pet stores can't compete with online pricing)



Edit; on a side note, I agree that most of the fish prices people have been listing here are rediculous. Especially $10 for a convict, we sell them for four bucks.

I understand your points completely but some prices are just outrageous and thats all I think this thread is about,not to beat down on the LFS vs. online.I still think that there are more people who are unwilling to pay the shipping charges that add to the fish price than those who are willing.I used to work in a lfs myself and I remember how customers would react when we would only offer them so much for their trade ins.A lot of them don't realize that stores are not in business to buy fish from customers..it's almost a courtesy to take them.

 

[spaulding]

not a fish one, but good none the less. a local store around here (now out of buisness) was selling a pair of "sandfire" bearded dragons for $1200. they were run down looking subadults with nearly no color.

 

[phillydog1958]

Pet stores are expensive, yeah, but they are businesses. They have huge overheads, there is no money in the pet store business, not if you care about the animals. People (in my town anyways) complain about prices, but when they have a crisis, they come running to us for help. Funny enough, we always end up hearing about how much cheaper we are than Petland. Ordering parts/meds/equipment online is fine, but what happens when you cant wait a few days? What happens when you need something right away, but the lfs went out of business because you bought your stuff online?

It doesn't hurt to support your local economy once in a while.

(that doesn't mean I support over pricing, some places do just charge way too much, but most pet stores can't compete with online pricing)



Edit; on a side note, I agree that most of the fish prices people have been listing here are rediculous. Especially $10 for a convict, we sell them for four bucks.

There are some truths to your comment, but as Gordon Geko said, "Greed is good . . ." We live in a capitalistic society. People will take advantage of others, should the opportunity present itself.

 

[repticland]

you have to remember you guys are used to the online prices alot of theses pet shop most likely dont go on mfk and see all these great deals

 

[scottswald]

i think the uk must be quite cheap compared to the US!!!! pricey!

 

[BODYDUB]

you have to remember you guys are used to the online prices alot of theses pet shop most likely dont go on mfk and see all these great deals

This is because most MFK members are seasoned hobbyist and know around about what any item would cost about new, or even used. The majority of people are ignorant and just don't know any better which is why they'll buy something from their LPS. Either because it's close to their house or it looks nice regardless of price. Just look through our crazy craigslist thread for multiple perfect examples. Craigslist shows just how much LPS take advantage of people. Just look for adds when the owner tries to get what they put into their tank set-up. There is only one LPS that I buy products from.......

 

[fishy12]

my lfs had a electric blue cryfish for sale at 30$ a piece!

 

[shua]

There is an LFS i hit up every time i'm on fish street, and they have an MBU puffer for USD $164, but the poor thing has been sitting in the same divided (guessing around 5G of space) for the last 2-3 months, maybe longer... and this thing is at around 8 - 10inches... so sadly i don't think hes ever going to move...

yeah there is one here too thats 2 or 300 for one thats 8" in a 55g tank