Slow responses re: tank quotes

Prairie Reef

Prairie Reef

New member
I'm having the experience that with the four or five places I've asked for quotes on a 300 gallon custom tank that I'm getting pretty cool/apathetic responses. Two I've visited in person (local shops) and three have been on line request. Two have said they'd get me quotes by a date and have not. The two that did just sent me a $ amount with a vague list of features and no sketch or questions - and then got really slow answering any follow up questions or getting me actual diagrams. One simply has not responded to my email at all.

My question (NOT vendor experiences) - is this normal and I just need to push this through and stay on top of it? Or is this bad customer service that predicts a poor outcome down the line and I should keep looking elsewhere?

Is there something I need to be saying to show I'm a serious buyer? I'm telling folks I know this will be expensive and that I'm motivated.
 
I had good luck here with local LFS getting quotes back. I did ask who they used. On-line quotes were about a 20% response. Places like AGE will recommend where to get a quote.
After getting quotes, I decided to make my own tank. For 1/3 the price I figured if I messed up the first one i was still way ahead.
 
I've asked for three quotes within the past two weeks. One responded that I should receive quote in 15 days... one said as soon as 'manufacturing' reviews the request... and one no response.
 
I'm shopping right now and have been getting cold/delayed responses as well. This thread makes me feel better knowing that at least it isn't personal.
 
Yeah. I'm finding I just have to drive the bus on the sale. It's strange for a $3-5k purchase. Seems like there's a front end sales opportunity there for an innovating company.
 
Concept Aquariums in Calgary, AB Canada is the best in terms of getting back to you. Have only heard good things about their builds too


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I’ve had good luck with Custom Aquariums here in Wisconsin I’m having a tank being made currently with a 8 week lead time. Not bad in my experience.
 
My post was poorly written. I meant a different tank builder. Sorry about that.


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fftfk said:
My post was poorly written. I meant a different tank builder. Sorry about that.


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Click to expand...

No problem. I have found in this industry things can change dramatically in a short period of time. I've had personal experiences with vendors that have been highly rated only to find out they skipped town after I started to have issues. It happens and I wouldn't want others to fall victim! Glad to hear it's someone else!
 
I work in a field where I outsource a lot of work in a lot of very different fields. There are some industries that are terrible about being prompt to both RFQ and getting work done on time. There are others where quotes are responded to quickly. lt seems like a industry by industry thing.
 
I'm continuing to kinda plow through it. It's going at the pace I can manage for now. I'm getting feedback from a LFS and that's helping with decision making - but I'm still kinda baffled that in the Internet age there isn't a more streamlined approach. But maybe it's the custom tank customers that like to design their creations? Anyway. Things are progressing, super slow, but that's ok with me if it just "œis what it is".
 
As a former Omaha resident I’d be happy to help if possible. I’ve had numerous custom aquariums made in the past 25 years in the hobby and I will be glad to help a fellow Husker! PM if you need more info.
 
Just recently completed a build with James Steele from Envision acrylics in Oregon. He was great to work with and responded within a few days by email in the beginning. Was faster with email and calls during the build. He worked with my rough sketch to build a beautiful 525 gallon 4 side viewable central overflow tank, not finished yet but the build will appear as cycling is finished and stocking is beginning. Got it to me across country ahead of schedule in about 6 weeks. Had contacted coast to coast for a glass tank, and it took a day or two for them to get back, but they were very professional from our conversation as well.
 
jubei2006 said:
Just recently completed a build with James Steele from Envision acrylics in Oregon. He was great to work with and responded within a few days by email in the beginning. Was faster with email and calls during the build. He worked with my rough sketch to build a beautiful 525 gallon 4 side viewable central overflow tank, not finished yet but the build will appear as cycling is finished and stocking is beginning. Got it to me across country ahead of schedule in about 6 weeks. Had contacted coast to coast for a glass tank, and it took a day or two for them to get back, but they were very professional from our conversation as well.
Click to expand...

+1 he built my 625g and would highly recommend
 
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