LFS returns?

[Jenns]

OK, so a couple of weeks ago I went to a LFS in my area (just moved and its the closest one with saltwater stock) and on a whim bought a Horseshoe crab (was told it was a good sand sifter that's it) . When I got home my boyfriend started doing some reading and told me I had to take it back to the store 'cause it was just going to die. I resisted, I become very attached to my animals very quickly, but started doing some reading myself and reluctantly agreed with my BF.
So this weekend I found the time to finally get back to that particular store and returned the crab and was told that they would return it this time but they have a no return policy on marine animals. When I said that we were never told that the sales agent said everyone is that way.
Now I have returned fish before when they have died within a week or two of me buying them or they were sick when I bought them and I dont mind doing it for store credit. Has anyone else run into trouble like this? What are the return policies at other LFSs?

 

[Ace25]

Most LFS do not take back livestock for full credit, at most you will usually get 1/3rd credit on healthy animals. Every LFS in my area except one has policies written near the SW tanks stating "All sales are final so pick your specimen wisely". One store will give you a 24 hours guarantee on livestock and if it dies you have to bring the dead animal back along with a sample of your water and if your water isn't within normal parameters your SOL. In the end it is the resposibility of the tank owner to do the research first on what is compatable. We have all been in your position.. I have bought sand sifting stars and horseshoe crabs in the past before having an understanding on what they require to live.. and of course they died in a matter of months in my tank.

 

[fsn77]

Generally, sw livestock comes with no guarantees and there are no returns around here. LFSs will take things on credit, with most of them giving 1/3 of what they would sell it for or even 1/2 of what they'd sell it for at one of the LFSs. Some of them require you to leave your animal you're trading in for credit for a minimum of 24 hours before they'll even consider telling you how much credit they'll give you. It can be rough if you buy the wrong critters for whatever reason, which makes a little bit of time spent researching purchases before buying them well worth it in this hobby.

 

[Jenns]

The LFS store we usually go to will actually tell us no if something is not right for our tank, or to wait if our tank is not ready for it which is great especially for me who doesn't know a lot. But live and learn I guess.

 

[88 hatchback]

there are some LFS stores that will help you achieve the right balance in your tank....

If I were you though, I'd give your BF a big wet one for reading about that animal and helping you make an informed decision before becoming too attached to it.

 

[BucJason]

Depends on the store. Alot of times if it's a small privately owned business, and the employees know you do alot of business there, they will take it back for full credit no problem.

 

[Eddiecorrea]

Ya my LFS will take back stuff and give you all your money back if they know you. They have to be sure that your tank is well cared for and healthy. Thats why they want to know you well. You can tell alot about someones tank by just knowing them.

But Petco on the other hand has a no return policy. Not even if it dies before it gets home. Which has happened to me. It took me 30mins to drive home and the $20 cleaner shrimp I bought was dead before I got home. Needless to say I dont buy any live stock there. Well just feather dusters because they have all lived.