so you see a coral for $50 and the guy at the till rings it up at $25,
do you
pay the price and laugh all the way to the car or tell them the real price and pay the $50?
be honest people, everyone i know with marine tanks walks around that shop oohhhin and ahhhin cos its all so expensive
Quite honestly I'd ask if they had made a mistake and have them double check the price. I've done it several times as I know what going rates are for livestock, live rock and pretty much anything else in my area. And I find out they are running a deal etc. Do I take advantage of the punch card I have that gives me 10% off after purchasing a hundred bucks worth of dry goods. You bet, but its something the owner of the store is offering. Have I had the store owner (not employee) offer me items at a reduced rate because I'm a frequent shopper, absolutely. But you know what I've even told him, "You don't have to I shop here because I like the employees that you have and the environment you've developed." I went into this hobby knowing full well I was going to pay for what I couldn't DIY. Do I trade other services among my fellow reefers for trades in corals.. Absolutely.
To outright steal from someone, not since I was 5 and took a box of Cheerios from the corner grocer and my mother dragged me back with a sore behind and made me ask for their forgiveness and admit what I had done.
I don't want this to be a cheap hobby. If it were cheap, there would be nothing left in the oceans.
Very good point. I agree whole heartedly.