reynolds03;4040163; said:
Thanks for your feedback. I am sure there are more with the same opinion, they just won't see this thread.
Who works at an LFS and how do you do it?
- Thread starter JK47
- Start date
Thanks for your feedback. I am sure there are more with the same opinion, they just won't see this thread.
Worked at a LFS for a while and I can tell you employees and owners do get burnt out. More the frustration though, I think the industry and the very complicated market here in Aus is the driving force.
The internet has also taken a large chunk of revenue away from LFS making it hard to compete hence the frustration. You also see alot of joe blow's coming into the market with some cheap stuff that they managed to get through a supplier in China then they realise they can't sell enough to make it worth while and stop but this kills the LFS as once one wannabe-merchant goes another comes and the cycle repeats - the LFS just can't compete with those prices and with a store they are left to feel the aftermath.
Plus there are strict import regulations here and the only way to come about rare fish is through the net. Less and less feel the need for advice and the presence of LFS's.
I still keep fish - and loved working at the LFS.
The internet has also taken a large chunk of revenue away from LFS making it hard to compete hence the frustration. You also see alot of joe blow's coming into the market with some cheap stuff that they managed to get through a supplier in China then they realise they can't sell enough to make it worth while and stop but this kills the LFS as once one wannabe-merchant goes another comes and the cycle repeats - the LFS just can't compete with those prices and with a store they are left to feel the aftermath.
Plus there are strict import regulations here and the only way to come about rare fish is through the net. Less and less feel the need for advice and the presence of LFS's.
I still keep fish - and loved working at the LFS.
I am in Oz too, I worked in one and now supply 5, I will bash the chains for the singleminded sales target attitude. Incorrect info, lies, cheeting all just to make that $2000/day sales target. I left because I couldnt fight the system with the facts they just don't care, 20 losses a day are standard 50 are tollerated....on my days on losses dropped to below 5 then back up to 20+ on my days off. I saw incorrect feeding, sales of low range ph kits to tanganyikan owners with the advice just guess the colour.....
I only supply stores that while being dedicated to bussiness activities are highly obsesive about the quality of their fish and information and product knowledge.
BBF
I only supply stores that while being dedicated to bussiness activities are highly obsesive about the quality of their fish and information and product knowledge.
BBF
I worked in a store for a about a year a few years ago.It was a part time job which supported my hobby at the time as I took home very little of the money that I'd earned for hours worked.I learned a good bit about different types of fish and other pet animals while there because the store had a good selection of books and I read them during the slow periods throughout the day.I really enjoyed working there and would go and work at another store if the conditions met my schedule.....I think if that if I were the owner of a store things would be a little different but not much.There would be the obvious pressures of running a business and staying afloat but I doubt it would affect me as a hobbyist.
well I own now two stores. Just opened a second one about five months ago. Having second thoughts of doing it?
I'm a rare breed in the business that is surviving & expanded.
You have to be different & sometimes reinvent the wheel or sometimes leave well enough alone.
I'm going on 19 years owning & a total about 26 years working in the business. Started when I was 15. Its addiction like the hobby. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I do what I like & I still keep about 20 tanks plus some ponds at home. Hobbyist by blood. BUT I do & have been feeling a burned out lately. Like many businesses employees causing headaches, suppliers screwing up a lot, bills, taxes etc... get to ya. Getting good help & trusting them is at times tough. I say most that have worked for me last 3-4 years before they go down the tubes. They get sick of stupid customers & cleaning tanks every day etc.. I know the signs to look for when it happens because I know from experience.
IMO this is not a business to get rich but to make a living what you like to do. I also think LFS could make a comeback if done right at the right time & location. Internet is the worse enemy to most businesses & more. Fish clubs, libraries etc... that have affected membership & employment. You have to adapt to change to survive.
My new (2nd) store is across the street from PetsMart & one of the best things I did as far as location. They send a good amount of business to us daily. They do not carry Discus, exotic plecos, & african cichlids like us. Plus specialty foods not carried by the chains etc..
my 1 cent.
I'm a rare breed in the business that is surviving & expanded.
You have to be different & sometimes reinvent the wheel or sometimes leave well enough alone.
I'm going on 19 years owning & a total about 26 years working in the business. Started when I was 15. Its addiction like the hobby. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I do what I like & I still keep about 20 tanks plus some ponds at home. Hobbyist by blood. BUT I do & have been feeling a burned out lately. Like many businesses employees causing headaches, suppliers screwing up a lot, bills, taxes etc... get to ya. Getting good help & trusting them is at times tough. I say most that have worked for me last 3-4 years before they go down the tubes. They get sick of stupid customers & cleaning tanks every day etc.. I know the signs to look for when it happens because I know from experience.
IMO this is not a business to get rich but to make a living what you like to do. I also think LFS could make a comeback if done right at the right time & location. Internet is the worse enemy to most businesses & more. Fish clubs, libraries etc... that have affected membership & employment. You have to adapt to change to survive.
My new (2nd) store is across the street from PetsMart & one of the best things I did as far as location. They send a good amount of business to us daily. They do not carry Discus, exotic plecos, & african cichlids like us. Plus specialty foods not carried by the chains etc..
my 1 cent.
Somethingfishyinc.net;4041317; said:My new (2nd) store is across the street from PetsMart & one of the best things I did as far as location. They send a good amount of business to us daily. They do not carry Discus, exotic plecos, & african cichlids like us. Plus specialty foods not carried by the chains etc..
my 1 cent.
Good for you and I wish you were in this town.We used to have a lot of good stores here but most of them have closed.
Thank you. I even feel a little bad when I have seen some LFS in my area close even if they were competitors.
It amazes me to see someone jump in the business but really does not have a clue what is all involved. Its not just about the fish either.
It amazes me to see someone jump in the business but really does not have a clue what is all involved. Its not just about the fish either.
That sounds like a store here that has been around for at least twenty years now.The original owner had been wanting to get out of the business for some time now and one of the employees was able to purchase it recently.I dont know how good or bad things are with the new owner but the place always seems empty when I go and I rarely see any new livestock.
