I have noticed that my lfs has much higher prices than big box retail stores and is that so they can make a profit for their business?>>
My LFS
- Thread starter FishKeeper-16
- Start date
FishKeeper-16 said:
Probably. The big boys usually get volume discounts. The advantage of the LFS is usually selection. The big boys gets lots of a few fish that sell quick where your LFS has a wider variety of fish that may take longer to sell. They have to charge more to cover keeping those fish longer. Depending on your LFS I like knowing that the people remember me and my setup. They also usually ask how the so and so fish I got is doing.
They may not be making much profit.
My local WalMart tells me they LOSE money on fish.
They sell them cheap so they can get people to buy tanks and accessories, which is where they make their profits.
A mom & pop lfs can't compete with the big chains on tank prices, so they probably choose to try and make some profit on everything, rather than take a loss on fish.
Just a guess.
My local WalMart tells me they LOSE money on fish.
They sell them cheap so they can get people to buy tanks and accessories, which is where they make their profits.
A mom & pop lfs can't compete with the big chains on tank prices, so they probably choose to try and make some profit on everything, rather than take a loss on fish.
Just a guess.
There is only 2 places in my county that sell fish and my lfs is called Bert's Pet Center and I have a Wal*Mart and I always buy fish at my lfs no matter what the price is because they have excellent quality fish, guarantees on freshwater fish, huge selection of fish suppplies and a very educated staff and they have been in business since 1958 so I guess they know there pets and they also have a large variety of different species. The only problem is there are no guarantees on saltwater fish. I only buy hard to find things at my lfs such as special foods, medicine, and test kits that Wal*Mart does not carry.
Yeah my lfs knows me pretty well because I am there every week and they also ask how I am doing and how my fish are doing.
I would only buy fish from a large chain if they had a garuntee. I like Petsmart's 14 day garuntee. Walmart is good for filters, heaters and your basic hardware. But don't expect anyone to help you there. You will be lucky to find someone knowledgeable.
If you have questions, ask here or at pet store specializing in fish.
Smaller pet stores do have sales too. One of the pet stores here just had a 50% off sale on fish for their grand opening.
Generally, the better looking the inside of the store, the more expensive the products are. Its a good idea to check the price before you get to the counter ;-)
Another thing to look for is when a pet store goes out of business. Its sad to see them leave, but you can often find awesome deals on fish and used tanks. I got a pleco that was over a foot for 5 bucks to go in my cichlid tank. It takes forever to grow them. The same place also had a clown load that was seven inches for 7 dollars. the fish were in good condition too. They just needed to sell them.
If you have questions, ask here or at pet store specializing in fish.
Smaller pet stores do have sales too. One of the pet stores here just had a 50% off sale on fish for their grand opening.
Generally, the better looking the inside of the store, the more expensive the products are. Its a good idea to check the price before you get to the counter ;-)
Another thing to look for is when a pet store goes out of business. Its sad to see them leave, but you can often find awesome deals on fish and used tanks. I got a pleco that was over a foot for 5 bucks to go in my cichlid tank. It takes forever to grow them. The same place also had a clown load that was seven inches for 7 dollars. the fish were in good condition too. They just needed to sell them.
I personally would never, ever buy a fish from WalMart. I've heard so many horror stories about buying a fish from them, and the fish ends up infesting the tank with some disease. I swear by my LFS and personally wouldn't buy a fish anywhere else. I also agree that the LFS has a bigger and more diverse selection of fish. On the other hand, I DO ALWAYS buy my filters and some food from Wal Mart, they have GREAT priced on filters (sometimes 1/2 the cost!)
Fishkeeper, if you like your LFS consider negotiating with them on items you find cheaper at Wal Mart. If you're a regular they may very well cut a deal with you on things like filters and other expensive items. It likely won;t be the same deal as Wally's but you'll be supporting that shop that has the good fish and the people who take care of you.
Of course, I understand money is an issue so even when they drop the price it still might not be low enough for you but its worth a try.
T
Of course, I understand money is an issue so even when they drop the price it still might not be low enough for you but its worth a try.
T
Never buy fish there
I once got an Angel fish there, and it brought in a disease that killed most
of my other Angels, even through I had quarantined it. I think their water
runs through all the tanks, not good. It's a good place to buy food, etc but certainly not fish. Our Wally store only sells Whisper heaters, which I don't care for at all. FosterSmith is a good place to buy equipment.
I once got an Angel fish there, and it brought in a disease that killed most
of my other Angels, even through I had quarantined it. I think their water
runs through all the tanks, not good. It's a good place to buy food, etc but certainly not fish. Our Wally store only sells Whisper heaters, which I don't care for at all. FosterSmith is a good place to buy equipment.