Crystal Dynamics (similar to past Leemar) selling directly to hobbyists

[maddhugan]

While it is a very good news for the hobbyists, it might be a bad news for retailers. I was very surprised to find out today that crystal dynamics is selling tanks, stands etc directly to hobbyists. They used to sell their products only to retailers but now they decided to sell to the hobbyists directly through their website . I think most affected by this move would be the LFS located around southern California. It is a huge change in the business model of Crystal Dynamics.

You order it on their website, and then it gets delivered to your house. As simple as that.
REQUEST a quote directly from Crystal Dynamics and they will quote you immediately.

check out this: http://www.shopcdaquarium.com/

I'm sure some LFS may still carry Crystal Dynamics Tanks, and Custom Order tanks for their clients, but they won't be able to make the same money what they used to make.

Again very surprised by this crystal dynamics' business move.

 

[D-Nak]

They've been doing this for a while now. It's been this way since at least November of last year when I was shopping for my new set up. And I don't think it's hurting the LFS one bit.

Not sure if you noticed this -- there's a disclaimer on their site for certain items. For example:

"Crystal Dynamic stands are sold either through tropical fish stores or, in the event the consumer resides outside of the areas covered by our dealers, shipped directly to the consumer."

I also think you're assuming that they're undercutting the LFS, but they're not. The prices are the site appear to be retail prices. I was quoted a better price for my custom tank through the LFS. It was about the same price as one of their stock tanks on the site. I also didn't have to pay an additional crate fee, because my set up was part of a multi-tank delivery.

Don't worry, I think the LFS will be fine.

 

[scuzy]

they sell @ MSRP dealers get it at wholesale it's how it usually work. Just like all the ecotech pumps/ lights they sell on their own website. I'm sure dealers gets it at a better price.

 

[maddhugan]

understood

understood

They've been doing this for a while now. It's been this way since at least November of last year when I was shopping for my new set up. And I don't think it's hurting the LFS one bit.

Not sure if you noticed this -- there's a disclaimer on their site for certain items. For example:

"Crystal Dynamic stands are sold either through tropical fish stores or, in the event the consumer resides outside of the areas covered by our dealers, shipped directly to the consumer."

I also think you're assuming that they're undercutting the LFS, but they're not. The prices are the site appear to be retail prices. I was quoted a better price for my custom tank through the LFS. It was about the same price as one of their stock tanks on the site. I also didn't have to pay an additional crate fee, because my set up was part of a multi-tank delivery.

Don't worry, I think the LFS will be fine.

understood, but what I meant was that "the price is fixed within a specific range now," when they only sold to retailers it wasn't. That's my whole point. hope this explains. Leemar never sold to customers directly which empowered the retailers.

 

[scuzy]

There's difference between MAP and MSRP prices though.


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[DivingTheWorld]

I stopped by Neptunes on my way back from CFM and they had a Crystal Dynamics tank with their new low profile overflow. Super nice. I wish I had that on my LeeMar!


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[scuzy]

CD coast to coast overflow are cooler.


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[maddhugan]

low profile overflow

low profile overflow

I stopped by Neptunes on my way back from CFM and they had a Crystal Dynamics tank with their new low profile overflow. Super nice. I wish I had that on my LeeMar!


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No worries Divingtheworld, that low profile came only recently. we all made the mistake of having the bulky overflow and lost lot of real estate. only in the recent years people are using the low profile overflow boxes such as Modular Marine, Synergy overflow etc so don't feel bad.

So what they are doing now is getting the tank alone built with holes from CD and then get the slim profile overflow.

I like the modular marine better than the synergy one.

 

[Centurio]

I sent in a request for a quote this morning before I headed to the Coral Market. When I got home they had already replied with a price. Excellent service, but unfortunately the quoted amount was significantly higher than I'd gotten through Diablo Corals.