Only one retailer in Houston?

[d2mini]

Correct me if I'm wrong, and if I am I apologize in advance, but since I personally know some of the local retailers, doing business with them for years, i heard that there was only one retailer in Houston given the rights to sell GHL products. Unfortunately it seems to be the one that most informed people would rather not do business with for various reasons. As seen on our local club forum... the same subject comes up periodically

http://www.marsh-reef.org/all-about-fish/

The only reason I bring it up is because I'm a fan of your products, and a fan of the online retailers I've purchased from. But I'm also glad to see GHL branching out into more USA retailer locations just for the fact that the more GHL products out there in people's faces, the larger the user base becomes, increasing support, development, etc. I just wish they were available in a store(s) that was more well respected. And more centrally located but that's my problem for choosing to live way out west of town. But seriously, if I needed a small component quickly, I would make the drive to anywhere in town to get it... but not there.

If there are any other shops around Houston that actually stock GHL products, I'd love to know who. I didn't see a list on the ghlna website.

 

[rosco1234]

I agree. I went there specifically to look at the light in action and determine if it was what I wanted to replace my T5s with. After having to find it on my own (sort of in the back and not a very prominent place), I could get little out of the Owner except "yep it's a pretty good light". Needless to say I left with nothing more than when I went in with and have not purchased any replacements for my T5s.

IMO, I don't think GHL will generate a lot of sales in the Houston area if this is it for this area. Too bad, it seems to be a great light from what I read.

 

[sunilp]

I got introduced to Kevin at all about fish when I looked for the GHL product line. I never knew he existed there before. I have purchased all my GHL products from him and he is a very knowledgeable person in the reef arena. Yes he is out of the way for me but worth the drive. He explained all the differences between the Metras lights and competetion also. Perhaps it's just his personality. I suggest you ask a few questions and I am sure he would be able to answer them all. I purchased some coral from him today and even had him service my reef tank once. ALso, he won't sell you something you don't need. That's a pretty stand up guy IMO

 

[AQD_ottawa]

There is a good reason why we do not put more than one dealer in a City, its called "price wars"

Clients want a dealer that knows the product, is willing to invest significant amount in always on hand stock and has the time to provide after sales support.

All About Fish offers all the above, has probably THE largest investment in GHL from the whole of the USA.

If a dealer is going to support the product to that extent when the product is a high end expensive product to stock, we will put all our support and weight behind them, including protecting their sales arena.

We have also found that many clients do not like ordering from their local LFS because they have to pay tax where as online they dont. I find this quite sad there is a loophole that stops locals supporting local businesses.

 

[sunilp]

There is a good reason why we do not put more than one dealer in a City, its called "price wars"

Clients want a dealer that knows the product, is willing to invest significant amount in always on hand stock and has the time to provide after sales support.

All About Fish offers all the above, has probably THE largest investment in GHL from the whole of the USA.

If a dealer is going to support the product to that extent when the product is a high end expensive product to stock, we will put all our support and weight behind them, including protecting their sales arena.

We have also found that many clients do not like ordering from their local LFS because they have to pay tax where as online they dont. I find this quite sad there is a loophole that stops locals supporting local businesses.

I too own a small business and agree with above. I have found Kevin at All About fish usually has the entire GHL product line in stock always. I was very surprised.

 

[rosco1234]

Wow, no where in the response did I see "what can we do to change your mind (and buy our product)".

I find it sad when a supplier gets defensive and it's more about them than about me as a customer. Although I don't have my own business, I have been in many businesses for many years and have seen time and time again businesses fail when they lose sight of what's most important, the customer.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Hi
I am sorry, your post was about the retailer experience I thought, not the product, I was not aware you had concerns or needed convincing about the product.

So I apologize this was not conveyed, and how can we now assist?

In regards to another dealer for Houston- Due to a VERY long standing relationship with 3rd Coast Corals in Houston which Kevin was made VERY aware of at the start, Brian also had an option on stocking Mitras as he has stocked GHL for some years just not in any real quantity and as yet neither the Mitras, however yesterday they requested a demo unit for the store.

 

[rosco1234]

Thank you, I would need to purchase 3, so for me, that represents a significant investment. I just want see the light in action, at a place I feel like I'm not intruding and with someone who I feel will help me if/when I should need help. That is very encouraging news about 3CC, they are one of my favorite stores. I will check out the demo unit when they have it up and running. Thanks again!

 

[d2mini]

Good to hear about 3CC!
I understand the reasoning behind the exclusive sales agreement. I was just curious if anyone else was selling GHL products since I won't go to AAF anymore. There are also some other terrific stores in town like TNT Fish & Reef, City Pets or FJW Aquarium that seem to great reputations with their customers. We are lucky that there are lots of choices in Houston! Like I said earlier, glad to see GHL branching out into more local stores.

 

[OceansX]

All About Fish - my experience

All About Fish - my experience

Long time lurker, but local Houston reefers will know me from our local club meetings.

I have been to All About About Fish maybe 5 times. More recently to look at the Mitras light. Kevin the owner comes off to me as a quiet, keeps to himself, kind of an introverted guy. I guess he has a personality that is off-putting to some.

I originally came to the store to look at the Mitras, because I seemed to have missed it at MACNA. I told Kevin why I had driven an hour to his store, to see the Mitras, and he demonstrated the unit to me, no pressure. I am NOT a "flash" kind of person - just jeans and tee shirt, 10-yr old Corolla driving guy.

I swung by again when I was in that part of town another 2 times or so. Once on their day off, but I didn't know then and they just happened to be there; we talked some more about the Mitras, GHL, reefs, etc....

Later, I placed an order with him for 2 Mitrases and a ProFilux, more money than I have ever spent at one time, and ending up paying more to support a local store. I told him to make it worthwhile by helping me with local support. I was skeptical.

However, after I got my order, I called Kevin and was on the phone with him for nearly 30 minutes, for help connecting to the Mitras through the control center; and another time, another ~30 minutes with the ProfiLux. He didn't laser-beam me right to the problem, but he was there talking with me and we brain-stormed through and found the problem. (Virtual Com port number was being shared.)

Anyways, he may have a personality or way that is off-putting to some, and he should work on that; but he does financially support the local reef club, MARSH, and is he courteous, and as helpful as the other typical reef stores, I think so. Does he have a bit of a cool/cold personality? Yeah probably, but I'd still do business with him