Living Sea

[unclemuskie]

Anyone out there get along with Mike and Jan from Living Sea.I have to give them credit,their store is clean and well organized,but they seem real arrogant when it comes to real good help and other questions unless you are buying something.

 

[Caillou]

They're all right. You're right about your comments though. Can't figure it out. I pretty much deal with Nicole over there, She's been there forever and is extremely helpful!

 

[Pufferpunk]

They both literally laughed in my face, when I complained about a guy buying dozens of bettas for fighting. The sales person bagging them said the guy comes by weekly for that many & he fights them. I turned them into the Dept of Ag. They only sell 1 betta/customer now. I've boycotted them ever since then.

 

[RSWrestler]

I see it both ways. With the huge amount of traffic that passes through there, they have their hands full with paying customers. Many of the people there are just on a site-seeing tour. It only makes sense to take care of the people buying things before they take care of people wanting to shoot the bull.

HOWEVER, you're not going to bring in any new clientel if you are not willing to spend the time to answer their questions. On a plus side, I was asked twice if I needed anything today.

Say what you will about the people, the place is amazing...they must be doing something right over there, huh?

 

[unclemuskie]

Like I said the store and products are top notch.Just don't care for the people or the prices.Very high prices compared to some other shops.IMO

 

[RSWrestler]

you're right on the prices--they have some kind of gimmic going on right now where everything is 20% off. That's great and all, but when things are twice the price of what they are supposed to be, that still sucks. By the way, not to pry (but I am) what do you have to extend credit to them for?

 

[Pesce]

I agree with Calillou. Nicole is buy far the best to deal with there. She's very knowledgeable and willing to share it.

Prices are the highest I've seen though!

 

[jmicky41]

One of my favorite stores. Prices are outta sight, but usually they have some kind of offer going to save money: fish club, sales ect. They are still the only place I know of that sells Kent Marine salt buckets. Everything I have ever bought there has thrived, also with a water sample they give a 7 day gaurantee.

 

[Vamp75]

I agree, Nicole is the best.

As far as Mike & Jan, when your spending money their your best friend. When something goes wrong though, don't expect any help!!!

When I first started out they were great, now I refuse to even set foot in there!

 

[FiberLux]

It's an awesome store, but I won't buy anything from them!

I went in to buy because of their online ad. Nicole was most helpful, but refused to honor the prices from the website.

When I complained on the website, I never got a response. When I called, they acted as though I was wrong for bothering them. :mad2:

But, no problem for me. I'll visit and look and enjoy their diasplays. I'll even get some great ideas on what to do with my display. But, I'll buy my reef goods elsewhere!

 

[Sullyman]

One of the worst stores, IMO, but if you like it, enjoy!

 

[Pufferpunk]

One of the last times I was there, I bought a FW puffer from them
that needed small snails to keep it's teeth trimmed. Generally, these "pond" snails usually come in on live plants & are considered pests to any shop. Any store I've ever been to has given as many as I can pick out for free. I found a tank that was infested w/them & asked if I could have them. The fellow working there said he'd have to ask the manager. After waiting 10 minutes, he was helping other folks & finally told told me they'd be no charge but said he was too busy to pick out the snails, I'd have to wait for her. I asked him to ask her if I could get them out myself (there were no fish in there). She finally came over & told me they'd be $.25 each (this is after waiting around for 1/2 hour, for an answer). Keep in mind, these snails are as large as a sesame seed. Needless to say, I walked out w/o any snails.

I have seen them selling juvie dogface puffers as BW puffers, along w/other SW puffers & BW puffers as FW (larger customer base that way).

It's all about the almighty $$$ to them.

 

[criccio]

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[dolt]

I agree - I have reall grown to dislike this place - the staff has frequently been rude or unhelpful and their prices have always been high but lately have become insane - the highest I have seen anywhere EVER - the want 40$ for cleaner shrimp - their dry goods are through the roof as well - I used to think that olde town was expensive (but at least they have a reason - they are in a very high rent area) but this place has by far eclipsed them (and with no reason other than greed)

 

[FiberLux]

Living Sea

When I started planning for my 180 gl eight months ago, I went in to see the store and was quite impressed by everything. I spent some time with one of their people and put together a list of everything I wanted to do.

When I received the quote, it was over twice what I had been quoted from Matt in Mundelein. When I questioned the total, they offered a 5% reduction.

I'm sure that there are people willing to pay those prices, but I'm not willing to.

 

[Dobejazz]

I received poor livestock advice from them and paid 50 bucks for a fire shrimp I shop at Oceans Floor now

 

[Pufferpunk]

I got a 10 polyp frag of lime green zoos at Ocean Design today for $8!

 

[unclemuskie]

I like ocean design ,Tony,Jamie they are cool.

 

[LUCKY42032]

Where is Ocean Design located?

 

[Pufferpunk]

Irving Park Rd & Narraganset, in Chicago. He's got some really great stuff in there, tanks are always immaculate & all his SW fish are QTed for 3 weeks.