Buying Direct
- Thread starter clowns101
- Start date
jd474
New member
In short, I wouldn't transship at all. We tried it for a few months doing orders for an LFS, and it was a waste of money. The cost of the fish is really enticing, but there is such a high DOA rate, and shipping is ridiculously expensive, it really isn't worth it, IMO. Maybe we just had bad suppliers, but seems to be the case with others I've talked with, also.
clowns101
Active member
Ya I thought the same thing.But afer seeing those cheap Morish Idols...I didnt know what to think.
This is what he said after I asked about DOA:
"Well...When you buy your fish so cheap you are able to recover from the SMALL die off that occurs.The fish will arive stressed but will GENERALLY live."
To me thats what had me asking questions.Also wants me to spend 10,000 to get these prices!
Does anyone have details to support this "fact"???
This is what he said after I asked about DOA:
"Well...When you buy your fish so cheap you are able to recover from the SMALL die off that occurs.The fish will arive stressed but will GENERALLY live."
To me thats what had me asking questions.Also wants me to spend 10,000 to get these prices!
Does anyone have details to support this "fact"???
flameangel88
New member
The price on the price list is ridiculously low but after you tag the shipping cost, DOA & DAA then you will realize why lfs charge so much. Last year I'd the opportunity to stop by one of the lfs when their shipment comes in and it's pretty sad to see how the fish comes in and many are DOA. Collection point is also a big factor. Also, they get fish they didn't ordered, ordering small and they end up getting 2 large in a box which drives up shipping cost, and their fish name is not the same as the book. Unless you've a lot of money to test out different wholesalers otherwise it's really not worth it. I think some require minimum 10 boxes.
criccio
Premium Member
If bringing in fish is anything like corals, don't bother. You'll get a bunch of fish you didn't order and any DOA's will be credited towards your next order of which you will never place because you'll be so PO'd over the first crappy order. Again, that's with corals though, fish dealers may actually be credible.
I had thought about this too but never heard anyone say it was worth while.
Amoore311
New member
You'd be lucky to get even a credit.
A buddy of mine trans ships corals every couple months. He isn't covered at all for DOA livestock.
You also can end up getting charged up to twice the amount you though you were going to pay.
For instance:
Let's say aussie orange torches are going for $50 a head on Tuesday. You place the order for a bunch of torches and many other things. The order total is about $3,000 since you typically need a high $ purchase to get them to ship anyways.
If the price changes before your items ship, you are forced to pay the higher price. If you don't pay it, they will not ship your entire order and you get nothing.
They will also just send our what they have in stock, and cancel any back ordered items. Lets say you order 25 zoa colonies, at the time of shipment only 10 is in stock. They will just ship out the 10, and most times won't even tell you. The only way to know ahead of time is to check your credit card statement, since you won't be charged for the 15 missing colonies.
A buddy of mine trans ships corals every couple months. He isn't covered at all for DOA livestock.
You also can end up getting charged up to twice the amount you though you were going to pay.
For instance:
Let's say aussie orange torches are going for $50 a head on Tuesday. You place the order for a bunch of torches and many other things. The order total is about $3,000 since you typically need a high $ purchase to get them to ship anyways.
If the price changes before your items ship, you are forced to pay the higher price. If you don't pay it, they will not ship your entire order and you get nothing.
They will also just send our what they have in stock, and cancel any back ordered items. Lets say you order 25 zoa colonies, at the time of shipment only 10 is in stock. They will just ship out the 10, and most times won't even tell you. The only way to know ahead of time is to check your credit card statement, since you won't be charged for the 15 missing colonies.
Tell him to prove it with a sample order.
Bret61081
Active member
Where are you looking to tranship from? We used to all the time when I ran a LFS. on average you loose 2-3 fish per box. Some were better some worse. All depends on the shipping. We had boxes where we never lost a fish and some that came in almost completely dead. Anemones are very hard shippers. Carpet anemones are the worst! Most are shipped with very little to no water so they don't expel waste during the shipment. Also you have to remember you can order 500 fish and you only get what they have in at that time! I used to always do large orders and would only get about half of what I ordered.
Over all it sounds like a waste of time. At one time I Did alot of research and had several contacts. Luckily it proved to be a waste and I never tried. Are u running a shop or have a huge tank?
