LFS and Online Retailers

[Scrambler87]

So today I was over at my favorite lfs. Owner and I are good friends and I am able to get a lot of things cheaper there then I can anywhere else. We got into a discussion about purchasing some things online. Examples: Rare Corals, Things he can’t get or does not carry, rarer fish he has a hard time getting etc.
The topic though quickly went to a discussion over what has been on going with some of his other customers as well as other local shops. They have been questioning where you bought said coral if you bring in frags, and if it was not from a lfs they turn you Away and won’t buy or support you at all. Same goes with buying fish, equipment etc. I understand if you buy a skimmer online and then ask for help setting it up or trouble shooting issues at a LFS but to turn away rarer coral frags they can’t get yet you found?

I have been waiting over a year now on certain fish and corals to be on the order list yet I am still waiting.

Has anyone else found this happening? I know my LFS is a bit old school, everything except simple things such as hydor powerheads, eheim heaters and Aqueon back filters are a special order. Which takes a week to get in normally. So making online buying a lot more appealing. But the ultimate question is have we caused this in the hobby. Going to online buying to save a buck or for the convience of things.

He had some really good points in the discussion now I am curious what others are seeing or thinking on this topic.

 

[norfolkgarden]

We have 6 pretty great LFS to choose from.

I guess you could say I "cheat" on all of them because I buy from all 6.

Some will take store credit on stuff they know I didn't buy from them and others won't even take free rehomes or returns on stuff that they know I bought from them.
It varies...

One of the best is a coral hoarder and "It's in grow out."
is a common phrase.

I dropped off a $60 coral for free because I ordered it online and didn't really like it.
I did get a chance to say "Well if you would sell me what you have I wouldn't have to experiment online."

And "I've done more begging with you than I have with my ex wife. And that's not a compliment."

He is pretty good natured.

Lol, he still hasn't fragged that coral.

 

[Dancingmad]

One of the LFS I frequent here straight up doesn't carry any SPS and just a handful of LPS - He says it simply isn't worth the risk and doesn't sell well. He'd rather sell some zoas, shrooms, and lower risk LPS. Fish are king of course.

Can't lose sight that friend (or family) or not - these folks are trying to make money. At the very least to keep their doors open, and customers stocked with all sorts of critters!

Talking about risk - Something that's been kicking around in my head lately for LFS: I wonder if anyone has considered working with an insurance company to sell customers extended warranties on livestock. I figure if its good enough for rapidly depreciating electronics, cars, tools, and appliances why wouldn't it work for this industry? But shoot - I'm no expert on insurance, so I can't even measure feasibility. I'd pay 20-40% of the price of certain lifestock for an extended guarantee on the value of my investment - just sayin'.