tropical fish wholesale monopoly

I am not sure if this is true in America or not, but I am fairly certain that the wholesale fish farms are not established as a cartel. From what I know, there is no price collaboration at all. I have seen quite a wide range of wholesale prices, in fact, and production numbers are free to vary without agreement. Again, I know they are not cartel run where I am from, maybe I am wrong in assuming it is the same here- anyone know for sure or work in the wholesale sector?
 
Being a wholesaler myself (in a different industry), I know that if someone other than a retail business approached me I wouldn't do business with them. The wholesaler isn't doing this to protect the retailers... in fact, they're doing this to protect themselves. If a retailer caught wind that their wholesaler circumvented them and sold fish to someone who was suppose to be their customer, they'd dump the wholesaler before you can blink. Wholesalers don't mark up their prices by the huge margins retailers do... so in order to make money, they need to sell large volumes. 500 bucks simply isn't worth the risk.

I know some people will ask "then why in the world do we have retail stores? lets just go wholesale!" Retail stores are around for the service aspect of buying something. Wholesalers are able to keep prices down because they don't have a fancy store, everything is packed away in boxes, and they keep a minimal staff... who's sole purpose is to follow instructions. Only a couple of people within a wholesale business will ever have good complete knowledge of the industry.

-Richer
 
I don't think $40 for a king tiger is horrible price especially when you compare it to the price of tanks and equipment and figure the fish has a life span of >10 years. Also have to figure that shipping fish adds to the price to so for a $15 fish from a wholesaler your talking $20-$25 with shipping and possible losses. No one's stopping you from staring your own "store" so you could order from them, plenty of people do exactly that.

try
http://www.aquaticwholesale.com/aboutus.htm
site says there located in michigan. they only require a $30 dollar membership.

and theres always aquabid
 
Stunt has a point you may not be aware of. You cannot bring any animals or parts of animals across the mexican border into the US. Same goes with most all fruits and vegetables. maybe if you had a boat, you could sneak them across that way, not real firmiliar with coast guard rules. I understand your point but you have to look at the wholesalers and LFS's standpoints. the LFS's are trying to run a business to fund their lives, if the place where they buy their stock from starts undercutting them to their customers, how do you think they'd feel? How would they make a living? The wholesalers know this and therefore would not supply to you. In fact, if you were to open an LFS nearby another LFS and try to buy from their supplier, you'd probably get turned down as well depending on the standing of that LFS with the supplier. As prettymuch everyone else has said, talk with a reputable LFS, they will likely order what you want and give you a substantial discount if you plan to be a good customer. Kyle
 
jd - I know what you mean. The selection here is not nearly as strong as it could be if there was more public interest in the hobby. Aquarium fish do not seem to be ingrained in the social customs of the U.S., and if it is then it is only casually. It can get frustrating, especially if you are outside a major urban area or close to an exceptionally good retailer. I think the prices will stay high for a while, but you never know. Living here, it is very difficult to adjust to not seeing a 100 gallon tank in every shop and every house, as you experience in a lot of other regions. "Also, I would argue that the majority of Lfs in the U.S. are seeking profit rather than pursuing a genuine interest in the hobby." I put that in quotes so it will be easier for people to pick it out and say that i am wrong :) . I wouldnt do the Mexico thing, by the way- border checks are much more difficult than they were 5 years ago. The fines are big, not worth the risk in my opinion.
 
If you are willing to trave that far to collect fish, you might want to consider something a little closer and easier. About every 3 months folks gather at The Fish Store in Evensville, Tennessee. It's going to be on 4/17th & 4/18th. People from as far away as Ohio came in January. I flew into Chattanooga from Florida, and had an absolute blast. You can post what you have for sale or trade, and you also post what you are looking for. There is a lot of swapping going on, and everyone is so happy! Plus you get to meet a lot of really nice people. If you want to ask for anything in particular, post it here, or send me a pm, & I will post it for you. Here's more info!

TN Gathering
 
The problem is not to bring them across the boarder at all. I brought some fish with me from a vacation to Germany prior to 9/11. I properly declared them and had no problems at customs. The problem now is that after 9/11 most air lines won't allow you to put fish in your carry on luggage.
 
Im not so sure- I always hear of people getting busted crossing the border. I am assuming he would be driving anyway, no? Sometimes you can declare wildlife, but most of the time you will not be able to get approved for exotic species.
 
Originally posted by dwf73
From what I know, there is no price collaboration at all.
Click to expand...

price collaboration bewteen corporations/businesses is illegal in america. (and international trade law)
 
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