I overheard at an LFS

[Khemul]

They are in business to make money and if they were smart business people they'd want their new customers to have success keeping their fish instead of selling them stock thats half dead or the destination tank isn't capable of supporting. Then they'd get repeat business instead of a lost customer because that customer got frustrated and gave up the hobby.

Oh it's also called doing business in good faith. You know, where you try to help the customer make the better choice rather than what's just good for a one time sale?

Ideally, yes. All of that is true.

The problem, for the stores is two-fold though. Well, I guess three, but the online-competition seems to hit in a different way then here.

First is that, successful, long-term customers, don't necessarily make the store the most money. Successful tanks don't need lots of new fish and don't need magical potions to fix problems. They simply need food and maybe the occasional addition. A trouble tank requires a constant supply of new fish and products to fix whatever problem is popping up. Yes, eventually the customer will give up and walk away, but not before they've spent MUCH more then the successful tank owner has. Remember, this forum's population are the minority. They are not what the store is making money off of. Often the worst thing for a store is a very knowledgeable customer.

The second problem is simple retail natural selection. For decades the customer has been told they are always right. That the stores owes them service and that they should get whatever they want, when they want. Which means, good luck arguing that what the customer wants isn't in their best interest. It MAY work. More likely they'll just go to another business that will give them whatever they want and shop there instead. So all those good morals and business practices basically work against the store owner. The store that tries to talk its customers out of a sure sale (which is often doing the customer a huge favor) risks losing those customers and the money they would have brought in. The store that assures the customer that whatever they want will work out great (which is effectively ripping off the customer, but good luck convincing the average retailer of that) thrives. And so, over time, natural selection weeds out the stores with good faith, in favor of stores that'll nod and smile while the customer happily hands over their money thinking they've won.




Working in retail is just about enough to destroy one's hope in the future of humanity as a species. :lolspin:
Don't get me wrong. I don't entirely agree, or like the way a lot of stores do business. I avoid a few stores around here because they are just about useless when it comes to healthy fish. I can understand why they do it though, even if I do disagree with it.

 

[D-Nak]

It would be nice if stores could post a "People love us on Reef Central" sticker like the Yelp stickers. Granted, there are some idiots who post on Yelp (and this never happens here on RC) but at least it'll encourage customers to read up on the hobby.

 

[ebacon]

I don't for a minute advise anyone to get themselves into a situation like mine, in Aus if you are asked to leave a premises and refuse the store must call the police - they can not physically touch you to remove you. Once the police arrive the owner etc must repeat the request in front of the police at which time if you refuse you are now trespassing and can be arrested. I left the store when it got to this ridiculous point rather than wasting police time - they do have much more important things to do than removing me from a LFS and i had no intention of refusing to leave if they were present.
What i did achieved nothing when all is said and done........

Same rules apply in US, only exception is if they have documented proof in writing that you are not allowed and you go anyway.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

Ideally, yes. All of that is true.

The problem, for the stores is two-fold though. Well, I guess three, but the online-competition seems to hit in a different way then here.

First is that, successful, long-term customers, don't necessarily make the store the most money. Successful tanks don't need lots of new fish and don't need magical potions to fix problems. They simply need food and maybe the occasional addition. A trouble tank requires a constant supply of new fish and products to fix whatever problem is popping up. Yes, eventually the customer will give up and walk away, but not before they've spent MUCH more then the successful tank owner has. Remember, this forum's population are the minority. They are not what the store is making money off of. Often the worst thing for a store is a very knowledgeable customer.

The second problem is simple retail natural selection. For decades the customer has been told they are always right. That the stores owes them service and that they should get whatever they want, when they want. Which means, good luck arguing that what the customer wants isn't in their best interest. It MAY work. More likely they'll just go to another business that will give them whatever they want and shop there instead. So all those good morals and business practices basically work against the store owner. The store that tries to talk its customers out of a sure sale (which is often doing the customer a huge favor) risks losing those customers and the money they would have brought in. The store that assures the customer that whatever they want will work out great (which is effectively ripping off the customer, but good luck convincing the average retailer of that) thrives. And so, over time, natural selection weeds out the stores with good faith, in favor of stores that'll nod and smile while the customer happily hands over their money thinking they've won.




Working in retail is just about enough to destroy one's hope in the future of humanity as a species. :lolspin:
Don't get me wrong. I don't entirely agree, or like the way a lot of stores do business. I avoid a few stores around here because they are just about useless when it comes to healthy fish. I can understand why they do it though, even if I do disagree with it.

Good perspective. I frequently think my lfs doesn't make much off me for the reasons you describe.

 

[MrClam]

I am finding it hard to support one of my LFS because every time I go in the system with all of their larger fish such as angels, tangs ect is riddled with disease. The system is a series of five largeish tanks that share water. Every single time I have gone into the store there has been at least one dead fish in the system. This past time three fish clearly had velvet and there were four dead fish. This isnt a Petco or anything so I have been disappointed by their lack of quality. So I recently decided to stop waiting and just buy my fish online so I can get them in QT.

 

[eyesinthedrk]

what are the results for you online only guys with tangs. ive ordered two, a naso from LA and a powder brown from Blue zoo and neither have lasted long

 

[KafudaFish]

A few years ago:

Customer: So what makes it a saltwater tank?
LFSE: The salt.
Customer: Ok so how many clownfish can I add to my tank? 2?
LFSE: Oh no you could add at least 20 to a tank this size easily.
Customer: Really? I saw some dwarf angels I really liked too. They were called flame angels.
LFSE: You could but you would have to remove a few of the clowns but at least 4 would work.
Customer: Ok I guess that is what I will do.
LFSE: So which tank did you pick?
Customer: That one the biocube.
LFSE: Great choice. I will pull one out of stock, bag your fish, and get your water. If you will come with me please I will get the front to ring you up.


A few months ago:
LFSE: Now these fish aren't all going in the same tank together?
Me: No the goldfish are going in a 5 year old 55 and the cory cats are going in a 38.
LFSE: Good because goldfish are very aggressive and will hunt down and kill other fish if you aren't careful.
Me: Oh thanks for the information. I guess that is why my two oscars never bothered my calico fancy goldfish. They were scared they were going to be killed by Ben. He always enjoyed a good tickle when I cleaned the tank.
LFSE: When did you do this?
Me: Um 1987 I think. They lived together until 93 when we had a power out for 3 days and the tank crashed.


Yep.

 

[kabe87]

Goldfish are aggresive?

 

[sirreal63]

Goldfish are aggresive?

They are in a reef setting.

 

[kabe87]

They are in a reef setting.

Now im even more confused:fun5:

 

[MrTuskfish]

what are the results for you online only guys with tangs. ive ordered two, a naso from LA and a powder brown from Blue zoo and neither have lasted long

I have more than 10 tangs from LA all for at least 5yrs and all are thriving.

 

[Megatrev62]

I have to relate this one. Back in the day I was at a lfs (closed now) and a young fellow was picking up some piranha and was asking about the one that had only one eye. The owner said that's nothing to worry about, "it will grow back". Unbelieveable but true story!!!

 

[jrp1588]

I've seen fish regrow whole fins, but an eye is just dumb. Wish I had millions so I could OP Penn my own store and not care if I pull a profit our not

 

[eyesinthedrk]

Wait... fish are wet?

Not the one i fund on my carpet the other morning