local fish stores
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Gimplar
New member
Well, everyone's gotta start an account some time, right? so before you start posting hasty generalizations, maybe should also consider that there are new people to the boards. As far as the guarantee, I suppose it's really how you look at it, everything i've bought from Petmart has been doing good and I do admit, most things i buy from someplaces have lived, but the bottom line is that the guarantee reinforces the fact that they have good live stock and are willing to put a better guarantee then other stores. And before you guys start hating on Petmart, maybe you should post your opinion on local fish stores rather than bashing the one you dont like.
So are you saying you rather have a fishstore that sells you livestock with no guarantee, because they think their livestock is so flawless that it wont die within a months period? That kinda sounds obnoxious and arrogant to me. Guarantees act as more of insurance than anything...
Hrrm, well you could be right, but the research i did with other local fishstores came to the conclusion that Petmart is moderately priced on days except saturday, where they hae their 40% off sale, and i can safely say that with the 40% everything is cheaper then other stores. And the WoM points also act as store credit which also adds up.
angelsil
New member
I take a different view of this, actually. Whether it be PetMart or any store. PetMart is different from most of the stores locally in that they offer saltwater livestock as well as freshwater livestock, non-aquatic supplies and livestock, etc. What I see is that PetMart, more than other stores, can afford to take the hit if a salesperson sells a fish to a customer who can't properly take care of it and that fish dies. Or, vice-versa, if a hobbyist buys that clown trigger for his 10 gallon nano and it doesn't live. PetMart only relies on saltwater for a small part of their revenue. More specialized stores depend on quality suppliers, knowledgable employees, and proper quarantine procedures to minimize store and hobbyist loses.
I'm curious - has anyone here tried to hold them to their guarantee? Given the trouble we had getting a return sorted out for a powerhead they sold us that was in the box and priced as new that turned out to be USED and missing parts, I gotta wonder what hoops they require you to jump through to get back your money.
Having worked in both situations (aquatic only and general pet store), when it comes to livestock I prefer to shop at stores that specialize in the reef hobby - or at least in the aquatic end of the hobby - as opposed to general stores that try to meet everyone's needs. It's very unusual to find a mass-market LFS that has quality employees and livestock and PetMart is not that exception in my opinion.
I'm not weighing on one way or another in terms of stores, the people that know me know where I will and won't shop.
But I would like some clarification here...
My take on this is that you're saying 50% of the livestock you purchase from them dies and you get your money back? Is that an accurate statement? Do you consider that good?
But I would like some clarification here...
My take on this is that you're saying 50% of the livestock you purchase from them dies and you get your money back? Is that an accurate statement? Do you consider that good?
Gimplar
New member
Hrrm, very well spoken angelsil. I can definetly understand where you are coming from and i do admit some employees may not understand a great deal about saltwater, but I've now know who are the more experienced employees, but i usually do a little bit of research before i buy livestock, due to the fact that alot of people have different opinions on certain things. I was actually in there earlier today and their employees were quite knowledgable. All you have to do is ask to speak with someone who knows alot about corals fish, ect. But i think their main revenue is aquatics, because 50% of their store is aqautics, 10% are birds, hamsters, and other small animals, 10% is reptiles and the other 30% is dry goods, such as food. And I've lost a fish due to bad water quality, when i was a newbie, but they held up their end of the deal even though my water was bad, they just asked for a sample of the water, the dead fish, and a receipt. I didn't hav ethe reciept, but they looked me up on their computer and gave me my money back. As far as your pump, thats really unfortunate and ill make sure to watch out for things like that...
Gimplar
New member
Heh, my mistake that is a little misleading. I've talked to the manager about that and they said if it dies within 24-48 hours they'd most likely give me a complete return. (assuming my water quality is ok) But I did ask a while ago why they didnt do 100% and they said 50% ensures the store as well, that the customer is willing and commited to buying and taking care of the fish, rather then buying it witht he knowledge that the livestock will die.
angelsil
New member
Gimplar - it's commonly known that the bulk of any pet store's revenue comes from dry goods. The losses incurred on livestock (be they hamsters or whatever), the cost to feed and maintain them until sale, and in this case the extremely high rate of shipping charged for saltwater (imported) livestock leaves a very thin margin for profit. I wouldn't at all be suprised if PetMart takes a loss on their big 'sales' to draw people into the store with hopes they will buy dry goods. Now the bulk of their profit may be from aquatic *dry goods* but it'd be extremely unusual for them to making a large profit on livestock and still remain competitive.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about the specifics of PetMart so perhaps you could enlighten us if they are indeed the exception.
I would like to see their employees place less emphasis on the sale and more emphasis on matching the correct animal(s) with the user's system and skill level. I hold the hobbyist accountable for doing their research but to have that backed up (and not refuted) by store staff is common sense. For example, selling a mandarin to a person who has a 29 gallon tank with very little live rock is not good for the animal OR the hobby, but this is what I have seen there - or similar things - pretty much everytime I've gone in. The Busch Blvd store could also use a serious makeover. It's dark, dirty, and downright unsafe.
You seem to be very knowledgeable about the specifics of PetMart so perhaps you could enlighten us if they are indeed the exception.
I would like to see their employees place less emphasis on the sale and more emphasis on matching the correct animal(s) with the user's system and skill level. I hold the hobbyist accountable for doing their research but to have that backed up (and not refuted) by store staff is common sense. For example, selling a mandarin to a person who has a 29 gallon tank with very little live rock is not good for the animal OR the hobby, but this is what I have seen there - or similar things - pretty much everytime I've gone in. The Busch Blvd store could also use a serious makeover. It's dark, dirty, and downright unsafe.
Just reading this thread. If you get into central Fl by chance of getting lost or whatever you need to try a place called "The Aquarium" Place is virtually a warehouse for the reefer. They got huge tanks full of all sorts of good stuff. Fish room is like a mall. Guys been in business for along time. located in Altamonte Springs off 436. Outside looks rundown but inside will stagger you upon your first three steps indoors.
Me No Nemo
Premium Member
I know many other lfs owners, and I don't know ANY that simply flush sick fish...that would make no sense consciensely or financially as many can be gotten healthy with a few days of good nutrition or medication. A good store will quarantine their fish before selling...what good is 50 or 100% refund if that fish infects your whole tank? Although highly recommended, most people don't use quarantine tanks and therefore each fish placed in the tank has the potential to cause serious problems. I can't vouch for the other stores in the Tampa area, but I did recently visit Fish and Other Ichthy Stuff and was extremely impressed with the cleanliness, the health of all creatures and the knowledge of the owner and his staff. I am not affiliated with the store in any way, but was duly impressed enough with his store to feel confident recommending it highly. HTH, Marcye
triggerfish1976
New member
Here is my take on PetMart and their guarantee:
As I have said in other posts PetMart caters more to the general pet consumer just like Petco and Petsmart who may decide to buy a fish tank because they are pretty while they are buying a 40lb bag of dog food. The sales staff make no attempt to sway these people from getting into the hobby because there main goal is the SALE. I mean how many of you have ever been into a fish store that pays their people commisions for sales.
I know that everyone on here started out from scratch and probably have made some mistakes along the line resulting in the loss of their fish or corals but I just feel like they do not take the time to educate their customers on proper husbandry techniques because most of the salespeople are in fact new to the hobby as well.
I have been in the marketing and management industry for 10 years and in my experience guarantees are generally implemented when a product or service is inferior to others or new to the market and are used to get a foot in the door so to speak or to keep up with the competition. I personally look for companies that offer better customer service and deliver on it, then ones that offer better guarantees. Generally the cost to offer money back guarantees are cheaper in the long run because most people do not want to hassle with returning an item or the profit margin on the items being sold is so high the business can afford to refund 50% from time to time. On the other hand paying higher wages for better people is very costly but in the case of more specialized businesses like FAOIS it is works better business wise.
As I have said in other posts PetMart caters more to the general pet consumer just like Petco and Petsmart who may decide to buy a fish tank because they are pretty while they are buying a 40lb bag of dog food. The sales staff make no attempt to sway these people from getting into the hobby because there main goal is the SALE. I mean how many of you have ever been into a fish store that pays their people commisions for sales.
I know that everyone on here started out from scratch and probably have made some mistakes along the line resulting in the loss of their fish or corals but I just feel like they do not take the time to educate their customers on proper husbandry techniques because most of the salespeople are in fact new to the hobby as well.
I have been in the marketing and management industry for 10 years and in my experience guarantees are generally implemented when a product or service is inferior to others or new to the market and are used to get a foot in the door so to speak or to keep up with the competition. I personally look for companies that offer better customer service and deliver on it, then ones that offer better guarantees. Generally the cost to offer money back guarantees are cheaper in the long run because most people do not want to hassle with returning an item or the profit margin on the items being sold is so high the business can afford to refund 50% from time to time. On the other hand paying higher wages for better people is very costly but in the case of more specialized businesses like FAOIS it is works better business wise.
poknsnok
New member
I didnt want to get caught up in this again, but I enjoy it sooooooooo much. How can you have much faith in an establishment that sells 2 part B-ionic... separately... for 20.00 per gallon. Ok, I know it can be used separately but show me any other place that does that. can you guess what place?
the overwhelming majority of hobbyists with any kind of experience and ability know which store is best. and the ones like me with none of either also know.
the overwhelming majority of hobbyists with any kind of experience and ability know which store is best. and the ones like me with none of either also know.
TAMike97
New member
I said that I do shop at pet mart and I do like it... Also that there are countless dead fish and unknowledgable staff(some)... But that does not mean that I only go to one store all the time.. some stores get fish/corals that others dont...
I posted that because I thought it was funny... Kinda like having this discussion is kinda funny because everyone and their mother already knows that pet mart is dirty and the owner doesnt sell much of anything.. Still I go... it doesnt matter to me... Every store has their UPS and DOWNS. Except for John's.
Hey John can I have the discount now??????? lol j/k
I posted that because I thought it was funny... Kinda like having this discussion is kinda funny because everyone and their mother already knows that pet mart is dirty and the owner doesnt sell much of anything.. Still I go... it doesnt matter to me... Every store has their UPS and DOWNS. Except for John's.
Hey John can I have the discount now??????? lol j/k
Me No Nemo
Premium Member
"Having worked in both situations (aquatic only and general pet store), when it comes to livestock I prefer to shop at stores that specialize in the reef hobby - or at least in the aquatic end of the hobby - as opposed to general stores that try to meet everyone's needs. It's very unusual to find a mass-market LFS that has quality employees and livestock and PetMart is not that exception in my opinion."
Thanks for making that point (above)...I read on here all the time how customers want better educated people as salespeople...cleaner stores, better and healthier stock...but then gripe when those places aren't the cheapest around. Please remember, you do indeed get what you pay for. Give those of us a chance to do things right AND stay in business. If a store does right by you...be faithful to them as there really are some of us who do want to do it right.
Thanks for making that point (above)...I read on here all the time how customers want better educated people as salespeople...cleaner stores, better and healthier stock...but then gripe when those places aren't the cheapest around. Please remember, you do indeed get what you pay for. Give those of us a chance to do things right AND stay in business. If a store does right by you...be faithful to them as there really are some of us who do want to do it right.
Was not an attack just a question? I cant believe your guys are going to keep trashing threads and bringing this board to level that serves no good at all. If you do not care for a store then don’t shop at that store. Pet Mart has been in business for over 20 years now. Must be doing something right if you ask me.
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