We should consider ourselves lucky.

[mbdave]

As I sit here I can think of 5 pretty darn good fish stores in our area. Most of those have sponsored our club meetings at thier expense willingly, and have offered us discounts to boot. What have we done? Do we even spend enough to cover thier time and cost? How much do you spend locally on drygoods and livestock? Do we constantly buy mail order because we think local prices are too high? I have worked at 3 different stores in different parts of the country and know the struggle it is to be a success. I also have lived where there were no stores or poor quality stores. I say the tip jar is a great idea, but how about on non-meeting days throwing some business thier way and showing our appreciation. Consider ourselves licky

[robwsup]

Which LFS paid you to make that post?

[Lageo04]

I believe I've done my best to support, at least Robs. Nothing
wrong with the other lfs stores. I've been to both Atlantis and Bioreef during our meetings and they have great stores. I'm just lucky that I only live half a mile from Robs and anywhere I'd go would have to pass his store.
I'd have to say 90 % of my setup and stock is from Robs. Yes I do at times order off from the internet but as I said 90 % from Rob.
He has helped me set this thing up and I know he would be there if I needed help. How many stores would give you their cell phone number in case you had a problem after hours?

[mbdave]

Not you Rob Not you at all

[Bennihanna]

I can solidly say that the stores are going way further than the club is at this point. That being said, the stores are really not complaining, which is leading them being taken advantage of. Please give them a break they are not getting rich selling cherry corals at a discount. As a former employee of a LFS I can say with perfect certainty that the customers that asked for a discount the least got the best deals. Keep that in mind next time you are haggling with your LFS. As always it is IMO.

[ReefNeck]

Since I got into this hobby I have bought ONE fish online....Just one! And it arrived dead. Sure, I got my money back with no hassle but I wanted the fish.

Now I buy ALL my fish locally. I recently bought a tank, Stand & Lights all from our local stores. 2 different ones. I got great prices on it all.

And if I have a question, One phone call gets an answer. And that call can go to one of 5-6 stores I could name. They are all there to help.

Point is, I will keep buying locally even if I can save $20 online because there is a live person around the corner somewhere that will back up what they sell right now, Not after I send back the broken item or DOA animal and have to wait 2 weeks but right now. That is enough reason right there to keep supporting the people that support us!