Are they all like this?

I know small local lfs are usually more pricey, since they cant really keep up with corporations like petsmart and whatever.. But if its a massive shop, youd think it would be as bad..

I'd think it's just like any local mom & pop store vs. the big chain. The larger chains can get discounts for bulk buying, but tend to have lower quality customer service. I like supporting the local stores for some things (ie my LFS has excellent quality fish that are well-cared for, and will likely special-order for customers) but I will choose to buy other items at a chain for a better price.

mishi8

Wal-Mart, PetsMart can get away with lower prices cause they have multiple stores and buy in bulk.

Your local fish store doesn't do that but the fish at the LFS are usually better in my opinion and the staff loves and talks fish.

Of course there are exceptions .

There are several LFS stores I go to and yes I also go to the big chain pet stores on occasion since I don't have a lot of money to burn.

However I almost always buy my fish from stores that deal mostly in fish or I catch them myself.

We are currently a one income family. I shop online for the best prices. What you are seeing price wise is typical of local fish stores. I can order a 50 watt Tronic heater online for 16 bucks or buy one from the LFS for 40 bucks. Hmmm wonder where I'll buy it from

The lfs that I go to is ALWAYS a lot cheaper than all the other pet stores in my area. It's owned and operated by a family and they are all really wonderful people with lots of great info that they love to share. The only animal that they sell are fish, although they do house part of the Save our Strays adoption center (for cats) and an adoption center for rabbits, so all of their fish are always in top shape. I do have to admit that there have been days when a few fish haven't looked that great, but I think that was just because the hadn't gotten a new shipment in awhile or something...They're still the best IMO!