Equipment Purchase LFS or Internet?

Hi,

My researching, I've noticed that a lot of LFS focus more on the consumables and fish and less on equipment. Is this something just unique to my area, Tampa FL, or fairly standard. I'm assuming that the margins and overhead have impacted this and that I am now leaning toward making my first equipment purchases on-line. Thoughts? Any recommend Internet stores with lots of options, reasonable shipping, good support, etc?

Thanks

Scott

 

From an owners point of view, we recommend you buy livestock locally at a good lfs, this way you actually see the exact specimen you're getting, you can observe it, see how it eats, ask questions about it, etc etc. On supplies, wherever you like really. *insert shameless plug* reefplayground.net is pretty decent for things like chillers and lighting systems ;p */shameless plug*

 

I buy all of my specialty products online. Most LFSs will not have everything you are looking for.

 

I agree with this post although I can not vouch for the shameless plug. I would say support 3Reef sponsors first with your online purchases if at all possible.

 

the lfs i work at only sells livestock.

 

My stores have a mix of both, but the majority of them are light on the equipment side (not counting test kits, consumables). I think from a business stand point its a better move. On a regular basis you have to think how many skimmers, UV sertilizers, and stuff they move. At least my area not too many, and usually when people get those items they have a specific model they are looking for so from a storage standpoint unless its a big store or a big area your losing money on storage and space. So its easier to let the big money items walk and make more money moving more quantity in small items.

 

Support your local economy whenever possible! If you can, you should always try to buy local.

 

It is very expensive to maintain a large inventory of expensive equipment. However, I have demo models of many items in use. If a customer wants it, I can have it at their doorstep in 2 days (3 max). That's why we don't stock tons of empty aquariums for sale either. We find out exactly which size/model they want and then we bring it in. It makes it easier for us to keep livestock prices down when we don't have $25,000 in dry goods sitting around.

 

Thanks for the replies.

As someone trying to get started, I tend to want to put my hands on what I'm buying, so I did want to buy locally, but as I've researched i've found that the LFS is not really offering all that I want. I still will likely buy some things locally, but was curious if my perception was consistent with other areas of the country.

Scott

 

I have a pretty simple formula:

If OLSP < LFSP * .85 Then Shop = OLS

In other words, if the online store has a price that beats what can be done locally by 15% then I order online. Otherwise I support my local stores.

Of course, since I've moved to the Bay area I've been thoroughly disappointed with my options in the East Bay. The only place I've found that I really like is Neptune Aquatics, but their big problem (for me) is that they're 45 minutes away (no traffic). As such, I get what I can when I go there, but I end up buying a lot online simply due to convenience.