Howdy,
*How important does the physical and cosmetic looks of the store mean to you?
Not important. The best fish store I know is very basic and functional rather than fancy.
*Even if the store is not fancy, but has a clean appearance, does it still sit well in your book?
*If the tanks have an awesome presentation, ie: fully planted display tanks for every tank, then would that outweigh any thoughts of negativety about the phsycal presentation of the store?
Display tanks are a must. Show the customers that you can live up to what you preach. That's #1
*What kind of fish are you looking for? The oddballs and rare fish, or maybe you like to see a variety of common fish so you have a wide selection.
Oddballs, but I am far enough in the hobby that I've kept most coomon fish at one point or another. I guess for business, you need to offer it all.
*Is it impressive to see that fish sections are seperated by Bio-tope and water paramaters (Soft water vs Hard water)?
YES In my eyes, fish need to be organized at least by continents.
*Do you often finding yourself not purchasing a 'rarer' fish from a LFS, because it is too expensive?
Unfortunately: Yes
*Do you expect to see slightly higher prices from a LFS, but better quality fish?
Definitely. A LFS that has PetsMart prices makes me suspicious. Quality has its price.
*Would it be enticing to find a LFS which carries similiar prices to a corprorate pet store, but has the quality and knowledge to go along with each species?
That's hard to achieve (i.e. I've never seen that). As said above, I'd be highly suspicious.
*Being greeted is often nice, but it dosn't mean you will always get help, nor proper advice. Do you expect a LFS to have 'above average' customer service?
No, I want to be left alone as long as I just look around. I often visit a LFS 3-5 times before I buy fish, just looking at the overall quality over time. I don't want to interact. I want to windowshop. When it's time to buy, I approach people. They should be nearby, though.
*Would it be a positive thing if the LFS employee begins to ask you questions about the fish you keep, the tank you have, and get a 'general idea' of what level of fishkeeping you are at?
Once I have approach him: Yes. That shows that they don't sell piranhas for a 10 gal tank. It's a positive mark!
*If the LFS employees remember your current set-up and tankmates every time you enter the store, does that make becoming a repeat customer more viable?
I guess if they remember all that, I already am a regular there
But I certainly don't expect it.
*Would it help to have the LFS employee show you references which back their statements and 'education' of fish, basically a 'go-to-guy' if you have any questions or problems.
No references unless asked. Because that looks cocky. A specialist: Yes!
*Does the thought of a LFS employee admitting 'I don't know' to you scare you, or let you know that they are honest? Would it be a big bonus if they were to write down the situation in question, and 'research' the topic for you?
I expect them to know their fish, but not to bs. At least one guy in the store should be knowledgable. If in doubt, an expert should be a call away, so that the matter gets resolved while I'm still there.
*Do you purchase your hard goods (ie: filtration, pumps, lighting) from a Local Fish Store or do you purchase it at a much lower value from a major corporation?
Internet. As sad as it is. When I bought my tank & supplies, I told the LFS that I'd buy the filter etc. from them if they get within 20% of the internet price, but they couldn't. That's my threshold. I love to support my LFS, but above 20% they're out of the game.
*Do you expect a LFS to have higher prices on hard goods then a chain store?
Not beyond 10% more.
*Would you be more appreciative if your LFS spent less time trying to compete with corporations, and more time focusing on the special needs of the dedicated hobbyist?
That's what the LFS is for: customer service. And I will pay 300% the price on fish and 110% the price on hardware to get that.
*Do you expect a 'LFS' to have a wider variety of hard goods and supplies, or would it not be a big differential because most people purchase their supplies 'elsewhere' anyways?
A wide variety in a catalogue and 1-2 days away is fine.
*Would the ability to mail-order supplies directly from the LFS at a lower cost than the local chain store, be appealing to you? ie: We reccomend some products, then call BigAl's for you!
okay, but not a big deal for me. Regarding hardware I seldom take advice from sales persons. I do my own research.
*Most serious hobbyist would appreciate a wide selection of Live Foods, which ones do you think are most needed? (Black Worms, Ghost Shrimp, Feeders, Fry Foods, Red Wigglers)
insects & larvae. fruit flies that
really don't have wings
*Do you think majority of people don't feed live foods because they are not commonly available, or they simply do not know they exist?
It's because flakes are easier. life food requires a trip to the store every so often.
*Quarantined Live Feeder Fish(Molly,Guppy,Rosey), other then Goldfish, could be a big bonus to predatory fish keepers.. Would you be willing to pay a little extra for an alternative to goldfish?
probably (I don't have the need for feeder fish right now)
HarleyK
