Measures of a quality LFS?

[Nu2SW]

Yet a typical response from someone who doesnt have kids.

First off. I NEVER stated they were the stores responsibility, Yes they are mine. But its called Customer service, convenience and having a family friendly store. Incase you didnt notice, LOTS of places are Family Oriented now-a-days.

If i dont like them screaming in my ear while i shop, then dont take them with me. Its not like I can leave them at home with the Family Dog to watch them. That is Ridiculous you would make such a comment.

Well, I never said I didnt like them screaming or did for that fact. Im stating that it WOULD be NICE if a Store had something like that.

This post is about what people would like and me and other people said that would be a cool little idea.

The post isnt about you not liking kids in stores that scream.

Your in a Fish store. There are bound to be kids, wanting there first "Nemo" So Deal with it. You dont have to be rude about it.

And YES I did make the CHOICE to have kids and I love that choice.

So be like Reef and Keep your Negative Comments to yourself, They are not welcome NOR needed Here.

 

[pepe.king.prawn]

I think some valid points have been made, but why do you have to stereotype LFS workers as "teenagers"? I used to work at a fish store as some of you know, and while I'm a teen I still consider myself quite knowledgeable about the trade and about keeping reef aquariums. That said, I think it's any employee's responsibility to try to sell you something. If stores were only there to offer you advice, they'd be out of business. A good businessman cannot be entirely honest and tell you that you that your problem is most easily solved by water changes that earn them next to zero profit. However, a smart businessman would realize that there's more than a water change to creating the optimal environment in your tank.

I think the best thing with fish stores is that there are SO MANY to chose from. Every single one runs a little bit differently, which allows us (the consumers) to chose which (if any) they'd like to support. As an example, there has been a lot of hype over John's opening of a retail store in conjunction with his website. I'm excited too, but even he will have losses, might have to hire a "teenager", and all in all needs to turn a profit.

In my opinion, the single most valuable thing with a LFS is their desire to do business with me. Be it customer service, prices, ethicacy, it all ends in whether or not they want my business. Eliminating the mystery and boundary between LFS's and the hobby itself will help gain trust, which I think is also important.

 

[fatsuki]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7006112#post7006112 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nu2SW
Yet a typical response from someone who doesnt have kids.

Comment: Inflamitory, to say the least.

First off. I NEVER stated they were the stores responsibility, Yes they are mine. But its called Customer service, convenience and having a family friendly store. Incase you didnt notice, LOTS of places are Family Oriented now-a-days.

Comment: Since when does "Family Oriented" mean dumping your kids off for someone else to watch? I grew up in a Family Oriented family...you know, where my parents watched me when they took me out in public?

If i dont like them screaming in my ear while i shop, then dont take them with me. Its not like I can leave them at home with the Family Dog to watch them. That is Ridiculous you would make such a comment.

Comment: Having trouble seeing the forest through the trees?

Well, I never said I didnt like them screaming or did for that fact. Im stating that it WOULD be NICE if a Store had something like that.

This post is about what people would like and me and other people said that would be a cool little idea.

You're right, your opinion was that it would be cool. My opinion is that it wouldn't be cool. We are both entitled to an opinion even if they are the opposite of one another, right?

The post isnt about you not liking kids in stores that scream.

Comment: Where did my liking or disliking kids come into this rant? I like kids just fine...well, maybe not so much when they're screaming in my ear.

Your in a Fish store. There are bound to be kids, wanting there first "Nemo" So Deal with it. You dont have to be rude about it.

Comment: Your "So Deal with it" attitude is what's rude.

And YES I did make the CHOICE to have kids and I love that choice.

Comment: Are you sure? Because all I heard was you complaining about them screaming.

So be like Reef and Keep your Negative Comments to yourself, They are not welcome NOR needed Here.

Comment: Noted, and likewise for you.

 

[Izsabelle]

Whoa.. Lets take a deep breath.

First of all, a kids area would be great, but it's not necessary. I can see many reasons why a LFS would not have one and I think the major one would be liability.

I do have a child, and I as a parent, do not like screaming kids either. I'm sure the majority of parents out there feel as I do. If my kid is having a tantrum, then I remove him from the area. Not only to be courteous to other adults, but to give my son a chance to calm down. Little kids can be overwhelmed easily and since they aren't capable of expressing themselves in a helpful manner they cry till their needs are met.

I know there are parents out there that just say FU and let their kids cry in non-child friendly areas. I don't think they are in the majority, but you know how it is, one rotten apple ruins the bunch.

Why don't we just get back on track and talk about LFS's instead of our little precious screamers, biters and poopers?

 

[thereefgeek]

Since we're on the subject of screaming (and doing a little of it ourselves behind the keyboard), did anyone else notice it going on at the meeting last Friday?

Liz, I've noticed yours is well behaved nearly every time I've been around him (club meetings and functions), and in the off chance he has a fit I've also noticed you take him out untill he settles down. Thank you for that

BTW, no offense to teenagers. I was merely using it as an example of what I've experienced so many times in the past at the LFS. I've actually received some good advice from them as well.

 

[Nu2SW]

What i noticed at the last meeting was a little girl spinning in circles and playing, keeping her self occupied. Witha little bit of talking atloud, but what do you expect from a toddler or a baby at that fact? As long as they are not screaming I dont see an issue with it. besides for an occasional cry or outburst.

So are the meetings not kid friendly also? If so Id like to know now, So I dont join and spend my $25?

And I also do the same thing, If my daughters throw a fit I take them out.

I was stating a fact, not complaining, that it would be nice so they wont be screaming. Im sorry you consider that complaining.

A so deal with it attitude is not rude. If you dont like you then you deal with it in a manner you choose ie: go to another store, come back at another time, or stay and just go along with your day. There are children in the world and we have to deal with it, We cant make them go away. That is what I was trying to imply by that comment.

 

[MandM]

OK, now I'm chiming in since I invited you to join MARS and attend the meeting.
I sat with you at the meeting and enjoyed your company. There were, however, a few times that the baby really should have been taken outside because she was disrupting the speaker. The club does pay for these speakers and a lot of people with limited free time were there to hear him, not a baby. The meetings are certainly kid friendly, but the parents are expected to be meeting friendly as well. A kid will occasionally giggle or squeal and be met with smiles. One that is disruptive needs to be taken outside to calm down or left at home with a babysitter or one parent.
As for daycare areas in stores, I don't think it's a good idea either. In a LFS, floor space is usually very limited. The liability alone would prevent such a space. While you are looking at corals, who is making sure your kid is not hurt or taken? Who is putting their hands in that play area after digging in the live rock or handling toxic corals and chemicals? Capital Aquarium is a great place to take kids (in your arms) to see the pretty fish and chances are slim you would run into any MARS members there. Most LFS are not a suitable place to take little ones for their own safety.

 

[Nu2SW]

Well IM Then I know my place, and its not with Mars. Ive gotten great advice here and i wish to continue it. But if a 9month old baby makes a couple of crys,sounds,noise's and thats not OK, Then im not OK with that. If My child "or for that fact any other child" was screaming at the top of there lungs, then that would be a different thing AND I " or the other parent" should take them out. But it was not to the point where Not a single person could not hear him over the PA system. Because, I know people are referring to Kids screaming, and that was not happening.

Then I thank you for my time and your. I will learn on my own thru my trials and errors. Becuase My family goes everywhere with me.

 

[Unarce]

 

[MandM]

That's a shame, there is a lot of benefit to attending the meetings, they are just not set up for little ones. Hopefully, you will still persue the online resources here at RC and elsewhere. I wish you well.

 

[snowroach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7006288#post7006288 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pepe.king.prawn
I think some valid points have been made, but why do you have to stereotype LFS workers as "teenagers"? I used to work at a fish store as some of you know, and while I'm a teen I still consider myself quite knowledgeable about the trade and about keeping reef aquariums. That said, I think it's any employee's responsibility to try to sell you something. If stores were only there to offer you advice, they'd be out of business. A good businessman cannot be entirely honest and tell you that you that your problem is most easily solved by water changes that earn them next to zero profit. However, a smart businessman would realize that there's more than a water change to creating the optimal environment in your tank.

I think the best thing with fish stores is that there are SO MANY to chose from. Every single one runs a little bit differently, which allows us (the consumers) to chose which (if any) they'd like to support. As an example, there has been a lot of hype over John's opening of a retail store in conjunction with his website. I'm excited too, but even he will have losses, might have to hire a "teenager", and all in all needs to turn a profit.

In my opinion, the single most valuable thing with a LFS is their desire to do business with me. Be it customer service, prices, ethicacy, it all ends in whether or not they want my business. Eliminating the mystery and boundary between LFS's and the hobby itself will help gain trust, which I think is also important.

Alright, please stay on topic. enough with the kid stuff... Anyway, pepe.king, you make a good point. The most important thing is that if a LFS truely wants your business then they will do what ever it takes to earn it.

 

[TotalKhaos]

no one wants to hear my BS.... nm.

 

[Izsabelle]

TK, of course we want to hear what you have to say.

Rich, thanks, Jason and I do try our best to keep our little rugrat inline. LOL But, I think he's a pretty mellow kid so our job is a little easier.

Nu2SW, you should give the club a chance. Kids are definately welcome because my little guy went to every meeting with me till he was a year. My husband and I took turns taking him out when he became too excited, but by the time he turned a year we knew a 2 hour meeting wasn't good for him or our nerves. We both felt that it wasn't fair to expect him to be quiet for so long. He doesn't attend the meetings anymore, but he does attend frag swaps with us. This group is family friendly and if you give it a chance, I'm sure you'll agree with me.

When is John's place opening and what's the address?

 

[MandM]

OK, back on topic.
I think most of all, honesty in dealing with customers.
If you don't know the answer to my question, don't make one up.
Don't tell me that a dragonet will eat hair algae or a crinoid will eat frozen brine shrimp.

I am willing to pay more at a LFS for the convienence of seeing my purchase and taking it home with me. A discount for MARS members is appreciated and influences my future purchases.

Don't stock or sell animals that are surely destined to die. Aquaworld is one store that will try to ensure you know what is required to keep a fish that they sell and makes a real effort to stock healthy, viable livestock.

Clearly marked, correctly identified, reasonable prices on coral. Sections for species based on light/feeding requirements would make things easier.

Hopefully when John opens his new store we will finally have all of these in one location.

As customers, we need to let the owners know when they do or don't meet expectations. We can't expect reef experts to work for under $7/hr but they should make an effort to help us find what we need.

 

[little_d]

Since we're on the subject of screaming (and doing a little of it ourselves behind the keyboard), did anyone else notice it going on at the meeting last Friday?

We didn't (it wasn't because we didn't pay attention ) because the atmosphere of the meetings were always relaxed and this is the way we like it. Long story short, kids are just that, if they knew better this subject would not have been brought up.

****************************************************
Back on the subject,

As some of the members already mentioned, selections, knowledge and competitive are some of the things we like to see in a fish store

Selections: after a while into the hobby we tend to run out of real estate or like to try out harder, more expensive and something different, having a lfs with many selections is a good thing.

Knowledge is important, getting a good recommendation for what you're after can establish a relationship that will bring you business many years down the road. Not one that enables you to make the sale that day and careless of the customer would comeback or not.

Competitive: collect comments from your customers and get an idea what they think or would like to see change. This is why a lot of us posted here to ask questions on things we don't know how to do or if what we're doing is the right thing.

A quick comment on family oriented fish store:

Why do you want any member that come with you to a lfs watch cartoon? Take them with you and show them the real things, teach them what you know about the fish/animals, to me it's more fun and educational than watching nemo.

 

[snowroach]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7008111#post7008111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Izsabelle


When is John's place opening and what's the address?

John is opening his store 99.99999% for sure now on March 31st @ 11pm (ribbon cutting @10, but time could change). The address is 199 Cirby way, Roseville, CA 95678. I don't remember the suite number but it's not hard o find once you are in the shopping center, just look for the big "Aquarium" sign.

 

[Izsabelle]

Thanks! I'll try to be there.

 

[Reefugee]

Ok - why is John doing a grand opening on Friday? Doesn't he know we have to work? I am really looking forward to his store!

 

[Nu2SW]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7008111#post7008111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Izsabelle


Nu2SW, you should give the club a chance. Kids are definately welcome because my little guy went to every meeting with me till he was a year. My husband and I took turns taking him out when he became too excited, but by the time he turned a year we knew a 2 hour meeting wasn't good for him or our nerves. We both felt that it wasn't fair to expect him to be quiet for so long. He doesn't attend the meetings anymore, but he does attend frag swaps with us. This group is family friendly and if you give it a chance, I'm sure you'll agree with me.

I would if people understood that a 9 month old baby has no other way to express it's needs without being vocal, They dont speak english.

And YES if my Daughter was screaming and crying then she would of been takin out, She was being vocal to let us know she was hungry and we were waiting for our pizza. Which inbetween we were playing and ginving her crackers to snack on.

And another thing, People without children could learn an important lessons from babies by learning a little patience goes a long way.

We all came for the same reason to listen to the speaker., some people have kids and have to bring them Others dont. If i left my children with my wife then she would miss out as well, And no we dont use babysitters, Becuase we want our children to learn to love and like fish. They love to see them.

I would join the club If knowing that my children are welcome with me and my wife. I started this hobby for my children and I, To show them the wonders of what lies beneath the waters of this world.

 

[TotalKhaos]

Thank you Liz! lol

Nu2SW- Come to the meeting bring the family, bring the baby's sip cup and snacks and be prepared to take turns with your wife sitting out for a few when the baby gets fussy and I dont think anybody will be bothered. Possibly do what I do when I want to come to meetings without the kids and ask grandma to watch the kids for a couple hours. I know my toddling brats (2 and 4 yo) pretty well and they would reak havoc on a meeting no matter what I did so I plan ahead. As much as I love my Kids I really love the meetings because it gives me a good excuse to pawn them off on someone else for a few hours, you are a new parent so you might not be to that point yet, but trust me one day soon you will be looking forward to a few hours with adult company minus the kids.

ON TOPIC:

Seems to me we are expecting prefection from Johns new store. I'd like to just point out that even tho I have no doubt Johns Store will be THE place to shop, there will be things that are not perfect for everyones taste.

So everyone just remember that, and have patience while John attempts to perfect the art of making every reefer happy all at once.