anyone bargain down or try to get a deal at the LFS?

[geaux xman]

i've bought a ton of fish, but have never tried bargaining down or tried to get a 2 for whatever price deal.

i know one time i asked the guy how much this huge bluejaw trigger was, and he said $100. a week later, he tells me he would sell it to me for $120! i didnt buy it nor did i say anything

its really the idea of getting a good deal excites me more than the money saved..

 

[GrendelPrime76]

only time i ever tried to bargain fish price was if the fish wasent in good shape at all so instead of them eating the cost at least they would break even

 

[chimmike]

if I'm buying multiple fish at once, I'll definitely ask for a discount.

And I know what you mean by price quotes. Went into one local LFS, they quoted me $12/each for small cleaner shrimp.

3 days later go in, the owner is there, and he offers to sell me the pair for $44. I laughed at him.

 

[Recty]

I pretty much always ask what kind of a deal the owner can give me at the LFS, and he always gives me 10-15%, sometimes better. The thing is, I spend a LOT of money there so I dont feel bad asking for it. If I only ever went in there once a year, I wouldnt do it.

 

[Wichers]

Ive only asked a couple times but Ive been dealing with the same guy at the LFS for 16 years so usually he knocks about 25% off without me asking., sometimes as much as 50.

 

[ssavader]

Fish stores are in the business of selling fish and a good customer is priceless. I always ask "what's the best they can do" and I always get 10% off at least. This can surely add up. Be recognized, be courteous, be a good customer, and you will most likely be treated so. If not, establish a relationship with another store. Also, if a really special fish comes in and you have got to have it, don't be unwilling to pay full price, so that there is no resentment that builds up over "always expecting special treatment".

 

[Wolverine]

For stores I have a good relationship with, I have no problems bargaining, especially if I'm getting a bunch of stuff at once.

 

[mchud]

I always get a good price at my lfs. I have a good relationship with them. They know what i want and they know i always pay cash for any large purchase. But again i have been dealing with the same places for years.

 

[albano]

If you don't ask, you don't receive!
With the right attitude (& line of BS) you should be able to get a discount just about anywhere...including online vendors!

 

[fish77]

I only try to get a lower price if the fish is in bad shape, example is teared fins or if the price it wayyy to high.

 

[d-man]

was at reefapoolza and they had purple tangs for $75. But there was one for $60 that was 1/2" smaller (2" instead of 2.5"). I had pruchased some flatworm exit a few hrs earlier so i found the same guy and asked if he sell me the small PT for $0 since i got the FE earlier. He looked around for the owner to make sure he wasnt around and said sure. Bagged him up quickly and sent me on my way. Best PT ever too. He is 3" now, not aggressive yet and eats HAIR ALGAE!

 

[Recty]

Wow, a purple tang for $0 just because you bought some flatworm killer is a crazy deal.

 

[FlammySnake]

+1 to ssavader
I work at a lfs, and that's the attitude needed to get a good deal. Always be willing to pay full price and you will get far better deals in the long run. Make sure employees know your name, what your tank is all about and they will treat you well.

 

[jbax]

i have a good relationship with my LFS. i have never asked for a deal and never will. the prices there are very fair and the fish are always pretty healthy. i am a loyal customer and have spent a pretty penny in that store. and in return have been treated very well. :thumbsup:

 

[Adam S]

Me and my dad made friends with the workers that work at the lfs on sundays so they always give me some good deals on anything i buy...plus it helps ive been going there for 6 years.

 

[jyxie]

was at reefapoolza and they had purple tangs for $75. But there was one for $60 that was 1/2" smaller (2" instead of 2.5"). I had pruchased some flatworm exit a few hrs earlier so i found the same guy and asked if he sell me the small PT for $0 since i got the FE earlier. He looked around for the owner to make sure he wasnt around and said sure. Bagged him up quickly and sent me on my way. Best PT ever too. He is 3" now, not aggressive yet and eats HAIR ALGAE!

wow that sounds unreal. how much was the flatworm exit?

 

[d-man]

sorry i thought i hit the 4. It was $40

 

[geaux xman]

i dont even see how my LFS guy stays in business, so i'm not about to ask him to cut me 10-20 bucks on a fish.

 

[Eric the half-bee]

I usually ask for a deal if the fish(es) have been in the store for a while. The LFS I frequent in town regularly prices their animals fairly.

 

[Bonvivant]

Ask and you shall receive! I spend a good amount of money in my LFS and they know it. I don't always ask for discounts but when I do they are very good at giving me some form of discount. It also doesn't hurt mentioning how I've seen the same thing at a different, newer LFS!