Coral Prices Question

I am struggling how to ask this question. To be clear, I mean no disrespect to any sponsor or supplier. I am just curious.

An individual coral frag... let's say 3/4" square. Some cost $20. Some cost $400. Why is that??

Supply and Demand?? Some species are rare or hard to acquire thus supply is low and demand is high driving the price up.

Supplier profit margin?? Some suppliers are simply charging more?

Tank raised versus natural??

I am new to all of this. I see some beautiful stuff that is $20 and some that is $400. Just wonder what drives the price up to such a large variation.

I intentionally left supplier names off because I don't want to offend with specific examples.

Mark

 

What frag was $400. Ive only seen a couple of colonies that are that much.I have considered doing an online frag business but I wouldnt charge $400.I have alot available to me in this area of florida.

 

Ok just found what you are talking about.Yup thats insane.Bet ya I can find it much cheaper.

 

my opinion for what its worth

if they never sell any - then it was to expensive
if they sell less then they hoped for - price might need looking at
if they sell all they have - over a period of time, price was perfect
if they sell out to quickly - they missed out on a great business opportunity called profit IMHO

a fair price is a price your willing to pay for something you want
if the price is to high, then you dont want it badly enough IMO


Steve

 

All of the above. I particularly liked Steve's answer. There's also a couple of other factors.

Some species of coral can be fragged and sold within an hour or two. Other species have to recover for weeks/months before they have recovered enough to be sold. Other corals require a water cooled, diamond coated, band saw which cost a pretty penny. Some species can only be fragged by experts. Otherwise, you risk killing the mother colony.

 

wetthumbs, a 3reef sponsor, has several. Don't want to be negative, but that is what caused my question.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/wet-thumb-frags/ultimate-color-insane-flame-chalice-82589.html
The color of this chalice is insane in person. Just Extremely bright with full array of color!
Frag size approx 3/4" , all healed, ready to go!! . $ 350 shipped.

 

Both your and Steve's answers make sense. In familiarizing myself with the "Coral Market Place", it is taking a while to determine what is a "good value". $200 for ricordea frag would be a lot but for a Chalice might be a great deal. Size and many other factors play in. I am just trying to get a picture of a "fair price" on various things as I stock my tank.

M

 

but that chalice is like an acid trip dude! that thing is amazing! look at all the colors. dont see them like that much!

 

Agree completely.... but $400 for 3/4" is a lot. I don't think I could get my wife to understand that one....

 

you dont have to someone already bought it ;D