Suoer bummed. i just came from fishpros in cotati. They are no longer doing a reef club discount. This, in addition to crazy high prices. Very sad to see this happen. Well see how it works out for that store. Thats a real bummer, stuck with that place through its ups and downs
Fishpros
- Thread starter HomeFrag
- Start date
Dragonvale
New member
I have a hard time with raising prices and disassociation with the local reef club. Oh yeah, its gonna hurt em.
I didn't want to bring that up but rather focus on the positive. You are right. I asked about a browned out birdsnest (something about me love wondering what colors come out from things being browned out) and was hoping for a cheap price since it lost its color. Price was high for a birdsnest on top a browned out one.
I still give them props for going full force on their coral room. Hope they sell frags to make it affordable if the prices are on the higher end.
I agree, I really wasnt trying to be negative, but I was rather suprised given the scenario that played out while I was there which I wont get into. At the end of the day I have been going there quite some time and am rooting for them to get situated. I have had allot of good experiences there with some good folks. Always enjoyed that place being a hop-skip and a jump away 
coralfarmer
Aquarist
Curious, How long have you been part of the reef club?
Reef club member, year + or so. But I have been a customer of that lfs in question for over 15 years.
coralfarmer
Aquarist
What did you ask for a discount on ?
I think the better course of action would be maybe to find out why that is the new policy. Instead of bashing them on Reef Central.
The club is about fostering the relationships between the stores and the local hobbyists.
I can tell you without hesitation that every store that has catered to the reef club has gone out of business, with the exception of Caesars.
That's not a bash on the club its just the reality of the hobby in Sonoma County.
I've talked to the owner and I know that Fish Pros wants a good relationship with the club. and offer a discount. I'm sure if you went in and were going to buy a few corals that they would give you a discount But the club has to take some ownership. How would anyone at Fishpros know that you are an active member of the wine country reefers? Do we have active member ID cards that we can show the local stores?
My suggestion would be for the club as a group approach the store with maybe an updated active member list and talk to the owner/manager about how the club can help the store and how the store could help the club.
Just remember when you sell frags on craigslist or anywhere else, that is direct competition to the Local Fish Stores. I don't know of any type of business that would give its competition a discount.
Thats my two cents.
Support your Local Fish Store
I think the better course of action would be maybe to find out why that is the new policy. Instead of bashing them on Reef Central.
The club is about fostering the relationships between the stores and the local hobbyists.
I can tell you without hesitation that every store that has catered to the reef club has gone out of business, with the exception of Caesars.
That's not a bash on the club its just the reality of the hobby in Sonoma County.
I've talked to the owner and I know that Fish Pros wants a good relationship with the club. and offer a discount. I'm sure if you went in and were going to buy a few corals that they would give you a discount But the club has to take some ownership. How would anyone at Fishpros know that you are an active member of the wine country reefers? Do we have active member ID cards that we can show the local stores?
My suggestion would be for the club as a group approach the store with maybe an updated active member list and talk to the owner/manager about how the club can help the store and how the store could help the club.
Just remember when you sell frags on craigslist or anywhere else, that is direct competition to the Local Fish Stores. I don't know of any type of business that would give its competition a discount.
Thats my two cents.
Support your Local Fish Store
I appreciate and understand your position. Some interesting points. Are you in sonoma county? Affilations? Maybe ive met you and dont know it 
. Richard is the owner and is a very nice guy. Im however more about sharing info than actually blasting them so if it came across wrong ill apologize for that. Also. Wanted to see whatelse other folks know. I want them to be successful as id rather support locally, as I always have to the tune of several thousand dollars. All it was was r/o. Not a big deal. I just wish someone told me instead of it taking me asking why it was higher than usual.
. Richard is the owner and is a very nice guy. Im however more about sharing info than actually blasting them so if it came across wrong ill apologize for that. Also. Wanted to see whatelse other folks know. I want them to be successful as id rather support locally, as I always have to the tune of several thousand dollars. All it was was r/o. Not a big deal. I just wish someone told me instead of it taking me asking why it was higher than usual.On a seperate note. Yea. They all know I am a memeber as well as for other reasons . Not surr i understand the craigslist reference either. Also, as a disclaimer, im just one guy and none of this reflects the reef group, just one guys opinion and I was trying to see if anyone knew anything else. really not that big of a deal...
. Not surr i understand the craigslist reference either. Also, as a disclaimer, im just one guy and none of this reflects the reef group, just one guys opinion and I was trying to see if anyone knew anything else. really not that big of a deal...
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coralfarmer
Aquarist
No it's all cool . Richards trying really hard to turn it around there. He really wants to have the club involved. But he had to put a stop to discounts till he could have a better system in place . That's all. I'm pretty sure that he will have a good system in place for the club . My name is James its nice to meet you . If you go to July's meeting I'll be there .
Keep on Reefin'
Keep on Reefin'
coralfarmer
Aquarist
Yes I'll be there .
James Glad to hear your in town for the meeting.
i owned a restaurant for 18 years. Until you own a business it's nearly inpossible to understand the cost of doing business. Every business has a break even for revenue based on a monthly or yearly basis. most go monthly. If i were to guess this particular business was not meeting their revenue needs or goals and needed to increase prices. All businesses increase prices over time due to rising costs ( inflation). I seriously doubt the pricing structure was changed just so there could be more profit. As James said this is tough market for LFS. I'm guessing that has to do with the population base. It has been my observation LFS's do well in Greater bay Area and Sacramento. Larger population base.
Something I've thought about is any local fish store always seem to be a large retail space. I would think a smaller warehouse location that could have the option for expansion would be more cost effective. Rent and utilities are major expenses, plus employees.
i owned a restaurant for 18 years. Until you own a business it's nearly inpossible to understand the cost of doing business. Every business has a break even for revenue based on a monthly or yearly basis. most go monthly. If i were to guess this particular business was not meeting their revenue needs or goals and needed to increase prices. All businesses increase prices over time due to rising costs ( inflation). I seriously doubt the pricing structure was changed just so there could be more profit. As James said this is tough market for LFS. I'm guessing that has to do with the population base. It has been my observation LFS's do well in Greater bay Area and Sacramento. Larger population base.
Something I've thought about is any local fish store always seem to be a large retail space. I would think a smaller warehouse location that could have the option for expansion would be more cost effective. Rent and utilities are major expenses, plus employees.
frost0fractal
New member
I've been doing this for over 3 years in the area and had no idea there was a club until 6 months ago, and still had no idea there was a discount offered anywhere.
mav3rick478
Premium Member
I'm with frost0fractal and didn't even know there was a discount offered to the club anywhere. Just thought of the club as a group of people sharing knowledge and advice in the same area. Oh well, still going to shop there since we really only have the 3 local options and like to support local shops as much as I can.
Dragonvale
New member
Who remembers when members got Caesar's discount cards. They had their own bar code which was pretty cool to get a discount.
mav3rick478
Premium Member
What happened, I ask because we only have 2 real options in the area? They seem fair and very nice at least every time I've gone.
