Campaign to support LFS

[MitchReef]

I really am sad that an attempt to do something good has been reduced to petty haggling over the meaning of irony....Or insulting those of us who have to be "cheap reefers".....Chrisstie was just trying to rally a bit of support for the people, many of whom I call friends, who we all know inthe Local Fish Stores....I wish I hadn't fallen to the current economy, as I would do evcerything I could to support them....within reason....I would still look for a deal on big ticket items, but would do what I could for local business.....

Anyone who has seen the destruction of the family businesses in a small town when a big box store comes to town would probably see the value of a business where you deal with friends, instead of bored CSM's....but that's just my opinion....

Mitch

 

[chrisstie]

Its all good Mitch. Say, you didn't go to see Hellboy 2 today did you? I spotted a person from afar sporting that stylin 'stache of yours but without my glasses couldn't see if it was you!

In any case I like that I have at least gotten people to think. That is what this is about. If you can stop for a second before clicking the buy now button and feel good about yourself and compromise over a few bucks, its win-win. I just don't want to imagine a city thats been so fortunate to have so many unique LFS (you realize there are some who have to travel hours to find one and it may not be the best). . Just don't want to imagine it being without them after crunch time is over. Then you get to cross your fingers your fish + $40 shipping (well, if gas prices keep going its probably 40 or more!) arrives alive and doesn't croak.

One of the most constructive things to come of this I think is the concept of a LFS group buy. I definitely think this is doable. Personally I'm unsure of what I'll be needing in the near future beyond a boost to my cleanup crew. They've gotten a tad thin after.. is it going on 2 years now? 3? I can't count! But maybe some folk who are needing something else will feel motivated to start a group buy. I'm sure our LFS would love to have your business at this time of year with the economy the way it is and would be willing to work something out!

If I can get the go ahead I'd start an invert order in a week or two myself if there was interest.

 

[AquaKnight]

Well I'll add this. Now that I have everything set-up, after buying everything local, either through LFS's or fellow reefers, just left to stocking the tanks. My problem, is I made 'the rounds' today. 6 of them, and guess what, their livestock is just too close. You can tell what fish whatever distributor serves the greater Orlando area, dragon wrasses, square-spot anthais or koran angels... No thanks. To be honest, if you don't want 'run of the mill fish' the best LFS for fish, isn't even an ORCA sponsor. I mean, if I don't order online or through the web, how the heck am I going to get a Blue Line Angel and Lori's Anthias?

 

[chrisstie]

Request them of the LFS?

 

[AquaKnight]

Yep, "I'll check and get back to you...."

 

[JosefDevaty]

Im down for an invert/CUC group buy. Also, why not something like salt? I mean Its something we all need all the time. Im a Tropic Marin fan but have been wanting to try Reef Crystals.... which it seems a lot of people use. I think the tricky part will be deciding which store to do this with. As for rare fish or corals, I would think an LFS around here would have the connections to do a group buy and get something interesting into peoples tanks.
One LFS that I talked to has had a problem selling their acros. Thus they are reluctant to get new ones in when they cant move what they have. Plus they have the best price on ORA frags that I have seen. If they had some guaranteed buyers then I would think doing a group order would befit both the store and us.
Of course I dont know the realities of how or what they order so I may just be taking shots in the dark.

 

[jsl6v8]

There has never been an item that i've requested from my LFS that they didn't get for me. And I know my LFS has comparable if not better prices than online stores. The Koralia PHs for example when they first came out SITC was cheaper than any place I could find online, and actually had them in stock and not on backorder. Thats another thing about ordering online, you place your order then 2 weeks later they send you an email, unfortunately we are out of stock on your current product and have been placed on back order it should ship out in another 2 weeks thanks for you cash good day. Also when I was shopping for a skimmer for my 375 I bought it from my LFS not only was it priced slightly cheaper than the online stores but I found a discrepency between the dimensions of the skimmer and what their website advertised, my LFS owner herself called and talked to the manufacture to make sure that there was not a later model out that had different dimensions. Get that kind of service from an online store. I'll gladly pay the extra 20% markup they may have on some of their items, call it a tip.