doing trades and sales at LFS

[shilo_1]

Danny,

If thats a reason for not returning to a store, I would never go back to O Street, Capitol or many other places ! lol
I practically had to beg the guy at O Str to help me two weeks ago....but I've come to expect that kind of treatment from them, and take it for what it is.
I may not like it, but there aren't all that many stores to choose from when it comes to picking out livestock and corals in person.

I think its rather harsh to judge the CRS on one visit.

 

[Pico1]

I want to appologize for causing any bad feelings or grief. I had honestly thought this type of trading at LFS was a common practice. But, I can see both sides of the issue - both sides have merit.
In the future I will just sell away from any LFS.
I wish all the LFS success.
Thanks for the advise everyone.

 

[funman1]

Whenever I have done transactions with other members at YourReef, I always meet them in the parking lot do the transaction, and then go into the store (and usually buy something else)
I would feel really weird doing it inside the store.

I felt really weird when a customer was asking John for s certain kind of xenia, and he said he almost never gets it in, so I struck up a conversation with the couple, and after talking a bit told them that I had the xenia there were looking for. It just felt weird though to me to swap phone numbers IN the store.

Now,
I really like the new store and will like it more when they get tiny frag tanks (I was their first customer after all), but the jab at age was simply uncalled for.

I agree with Mihn, we need to post a list on our website of stores that we have gotten the ok from, and stores that have given the ixnay to this.

Also I think the new store owner needs to get involved with us, give away some stuff at our meetings, sponsor part of the club like others do (not mentioning any names), and embrace us as a group, rather then tick each member off one at a time, and have to come into this arena to defend their actions.

So far the customer service I have received at the store has been superb, but when I hear horror stories, and other things that could have been dealt with better, it does reflect on what I think of a place even if it didn't happen directly to me. It's like how your feelings change when a friend has a bad experience, and you weren't even there.

I'm not taking any sides on this one, but I wish the new store would take care of us all as a whole group, better and I think people would like the new place a lot more.

IMO: It seems to takes 10 or more good stories to patch up a bad story around here.

~Steve~

 

[Marc Daniels]

Doing the deed in the store wasn't a good idea. They also have a fairly small parking area, and it wouldn't take too many cars to fill it.

As far as meeting at a LFS when people are trading, selling, etc. If I were an LFS owner I would welcome it...in the parking lot. One of the reasons why these groups meet at an LFS versus a Raleys is that they can shop the LFS while they are already there. O Street, the CRS, Capitol and others are central to the Sacramento area, and they become a natural meeting point.

I know that Mr. Ward, or possibly Brian will be reading this. If you wish to step in with some comments/ground rules for this sort of thing it would be welcome.

As a side note, since we are discussing this new establishment. I have said some very negative things about Brian Ward, and also in reference to the new store. Sometimes I live in a very black & white world, and things that I deem as unethical and shady may not be such a big deal to the next person. I had my opinion and I stated it very clearly, but it was only my opinion. Please let your own experience with the Wards and their new store be your guiding influence, and not some of my rants. From the pictures the store looked very nice, and maybe one day I'll get over my problem and pay them a visit.

Marc

 

[tfp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7635794#post7635794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefugee
...I guess all of us who have done transaction in front of the store are "a little naive." You know who you are... *cough* tim *cough* Rich *cough* Karl *cough* me... :lol: ...

Minh

ROTFLMAO! dang minh...you nailed us! jordan, its ok man...chalk it up as a learning experience. the coral reef store owner did have the right to be peeved under the circumstances.

i've been meeting up with people at O St. for years and Yourreef for weeks but have a pretty established rapport with the owners. even so, i tcob outside the store to discourage any customers from prying. also, i try to spend some $$$ at the store we meet at whenever possible to show my support. if its johns place, i'll sometimes bring him some nice frags for his personal tank at ridiculously low trade value

heck, if i know i'm pressed for time and not window shopping, i've met people at Starbucks, Labou or elsewhere.

hth,
tim

 

[yoshiod9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7635974#post7635974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shilo_1
Danny,

If thats a reason for not returning to a store, I would never go back to O Street, Capitol or many other places ! lol
I practically had to beg the guy at O Str to help me two weeks ago....but I've come to expect that kind of treatment from them, and take it for what it is.
I may not like it, but there aren't all that many stores to choose from when it comes to picking out livestock and corals in person.

I think its rather harsh to judge the CRS on one visit.

shilo- personally, if i'm not greeted by an employee (be it a head nod, smile, them asking if i need help-- whatever) i'm immediately turned off by that store. i guess it's a matter of luck that i was treated well the first time i went to exotic, ostreet, capitol, aqualife and your reef, huh?

you might think that it is harsh to judge a store on one visit but i don't. i'm not going to waste my time and money at any store where the employees aren't friendly and where they carry 'run-of-the-mill' corals. i guess that i'm just spoiled by the bay area stores that carry NICE corals and have decent employees.

i've worked in retail for years and think that a little common courtesy goes a long way in making long-term customers. if you want my business, all you have to do is be friendly and say hello or welcome-- not too much to ask for, i think. :shrug:

btw, why the heck are you coming up to the sacto stores, shilo?! when i was back home in vacaville, i'd much rather go to the bay area stores-- better selection and better prices, hands down. i honestly feel that the only store in our area that is remotely as good as any of the bay area stores in john's store (good prices and a decent selection of fish/coral).

 

[fishsoldseprtly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7635977#post7635977 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1

Also I think the new store owner needs to get involved with us, give away some stuff at our meetings, sponsor part of the club like others do (not mentioning any names), and embrace us as a group, rather then tick each member off one at a time, and have to come into this arena to defend their actions.


~Steve~

I was actually talking about this with a buddy on RC a few weeks ago.. my honest opinion, I dont think a store needs to do anything as far as giving away stuff, etc.. to earn your loyalty as a customer. I dont think the owner was trying to tick anyone as a group.. if it was my store I would think it would be a dis-respect for you to do your business at my store as well.
Its kind of funny how everyone talks soo much crap about every store in the city, and that everyone here thinks that a store is not going to make it w/o your business or support. Most of these stores have been here for years and RC members are a tiny % of where there business comes from.. there are hundreds and thousands of other supporters, clientals and foot traffic that provide there business. So I dont think a store should kiss our butts just to lure us to shop at their store. JMO! (you can bash me now)

 

[Reefugee]

:thumbsup:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7636317#post7636317 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishsoldseprtly
I was actually talking about this with a buddy on RC a few weeks ago.. my honest opinion, I dont think a store needs to do anything as far as giving away stuff, etc.. to earn your loyalty as a customer. I dont think the owner was trying to tick anyone as a group.. if it was my store I would think it would be a dis-respect for you to do your business at my store as well.
Its kind of funny how everyone talks soo much crap about every store in the city, and that everyone here thinks that a store is not going to make it w/o your business or support. Most of these stores have been here for years and RC members are a tiny % of where there business comes from.. there are hundreds and thousands of other supporters, clientals and foot traffic that provide there business. So I dont think a store should kiss our butts just to lure us to shop at their store. JMO! (you can bash me now)

 

[thereefgeek]

Not that I haven't witnessed other types of "deals" giong down in broad daylight near O-Street , but as a rule I personally try to avoid coral transactions in front of a fish store. I'd rather pick up in a neutral zone or at the persons house, and likewise have people pick up at my place or the club meetings.

Even though you're only selling a couple frags, and will most likely spend that newfound cash at the store you're selling in front of, most owners don't see it that way. It takes a bit of tact, and large gatherings in a boiling hot parking lot aren't the funnest place to meet other people anyway.

I know of someone who was selling the very same product (comercially packaged) out in front of O-Street that they carried inside the store! Needless to say, I received a less-than-happy phonecall from Peggy. Very poor form if you ask me, and we as a club nearly lost our 10% member discount!

I'm not saying you shouldn't sell livestock from time to time. Most of my best corals came from frags of other members (Tim ). Just think about the rendezvous point, and how it may appear to the store owners. It greatly affects how we are perceived as a club to those that offer us a member discount.

 

[shilo_1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7636269#post7636269 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yoshiod9
you might think that it is harsh to judge a store on one visit but i don't. i'm not going to waste my time and money at any store where the employees aren't friendly and where they carry 'run-of-the-mill' corals. i guess that i'm just spoiled by the bay area stores that carry NICE corals and have decent employees.

i've worked in retail for years and think that a little common courtesy goes a long way in making long-term customers. if you want my business, all you have to do is be friendly and say hello or welcome-- not too much to ask for, i think. :shrug:

I totally agree with you, but all of my experiences (at least 99%) have been like pulling teeth, with the exception of Your Reef.
All I'm saying is that if I was to adopt your theory and go on initial greetings from staff/first impressions....I would never return to these stores. lol
Sometimes its nice to just go into a store and browse...even if no one wants to answer a question, or you don't get a "hello" when you walk in, or if you have to wait for a private conversation to finish before you can give them your money. I guess maybe I'm too nice to these stores.

I don't like to have to sit in traffic for an hour and a half either way to go down to the city and then not have a clue where I'm going, just to find that the store I'm going to doesn't have what I want, etc. Sac takes an hour, roughly, so its more convenient.

 

[Nu2SW]

Sorry for that, Yeah I know who they are talking about I was just saying that when I go to johns thats where i have done it, but it has been outside and then I go in and end up buying stuff....

I see everyones point and rich's wow thats just not OK. Selling a packaged good for cheaper then the store... yikes....

But, I could see where mr. ward got a lil upset about being indoors. But if its done outdoors and they come inside, I would hope that they would not have a problem. It is there business thought and we must respect their wishes.

 

[FishGuy5]

Ken and Brian are great people to deal with. They care about their customers and want to continue a positive relationship w/ them. They've gone above and beyond to help me out many times. Pico definately make a rookie mistake. I don't blame Ken at all for his reaction.

 

[brianblack72]

I stopped by the CRS today on my way home from work while they were unloading corals and asked Brian about what happened. He said that his 11 year old daughter alerted him that the employee at another store was collecting a large amount of cash right in front of the register, right in front of other customers and handing out frags. He didn't have any prior communication with this person and was in shock by what was happening. He said that he didn't really know how to react to the situation and simply asked Jordan "aren't you john's son," "why are you selling your corals here" which was replied with "its near my house." Brian said "oh, ok" and stepped back to the counter (apparently still not realizing how he should react to what was happening in the store). He did say that he had a concerned look on his face which is probably why the parties involved (and other customers in the store?) interpreted his posture as "rude." He did also mention that a certain individual was at the same time asking questions about a product and seemed to be throwing him curve balls.

Brian seems like a nice person and did say that it was a bizarre and uncomfortable situation for all.

He also mentioned that John visited his store on their grand opening day and did not introduce himself, and that is the reason for not making his identity known when visiting johns store. Apparently there has been a lot of negative energy directed toward Brian through MARS affiliation and he didn't think that john would have accepted his friendship, which could explain the slight paranoia.

BTW, looks like some really nice corals came in, particularly a red gonipora (I've never seen a red gonipora!) and some deep purple and fluorescent red mushrooms.

 

[Marc Daniels]

brianblack72-
You have 4 posts at RC, and every single one is in support of the Coral Reef Shop. Makes one say hmmmmmmm.

 

[Underwaterparadise]

WOW I did not realize this happened in the store. Bad judgement call on your end! I may have wigged out on you as well!

 

[Underwaterparadise]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7641452#post7641452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brianblack72


He also mentioned that John visited his store on their grand opening day and did not introduce himself, and that is the reason for not making his identity known when visiting johns store. Apparently there has been a lot of negative energy directed toward Brian through MARS affiliation and he didn't think that john would have accepted his friendship, which could explain the slight paranoia.

Sorry but that is another lie to add on to the pile! John has Never been in your store..........err Brians store. :rolleye1:

 

[Pico1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7641452#post7641452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brianblack72
was collecting a large amount of cash right in front of the register, right in front of other customers and handing out frags.

We actually made the transactions near the drygoods, it was not a large amount of cash and half of it was trades, and the only customers who saw it were other MARS members I was meeting there. John has mentioned to me that he has never been in there. I didn't know what I was doing was wrong, I hear of people trading/selling at LFS all the time and thought that it was normal to meet inside. I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable or upset and I've learned from this experence that what I did was wrong. This will not happen again on my part and I apologize to anyone who I've made uncomfortable or unhappy.

 

[Dakan]

Hi Brian and or brianblack72,
Sorry, but you must have me confused with some one else. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit your store. If I have the chance to stop by I will be sure to introduce myself.

 

[loup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7641452#post7641452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brianblack72
He did also mention that a certain individual was at the same time asking questions about a product and seemed to be throwing him curve balls.

I don't know if that individual you are pointing out is me because I was seriously wanting to buy some artic pod and I saw he had one in the freezer. I wasn't trying to throw any "curve ball". I was also seriously looking to buy a PBT and the trigger too to complete my reef.

In all honesty, I didn't know that the deal was going to take place in the LFS, I thought it would be handle outside as I've always done transaction outside. An akward situation for all involve for sure. It was my first time at CRS, overall they (the owner who were there) were nice to me and the place is really clean.

 

[Nu2SW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7641914#post7641914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JMDAKAN
Hi Brian and or brianblack72,
Sorry, but you must have me confused with some one else. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit your store. If I have the chance to stop by I will be sure to introduce myself.

Ive been here for 3-4 months and Ive never seen john post....

OK minh I think you need to put up the GIF of the baseball bat and the donkey....

Everyone has said there "I'm Sorry" and people now know not to do this at CRS.

Time to let it die people....