Equipment Purchase LFS or Internet?

Come on up guys, I know a location I just need some start up capital and a few knowledgeable folks to help it get going.

 

UGH

Don't do this. I've done it and trust me, it was a pain. I was the knowledge person, the business person, and the labor person. R and S were the money people. When they left me alone, I made a lot of money for all 3 of us. My wholesale division even supplied equipment, dry goods, and livestock to other LFS's in the Midwest. Unfortunately, because they were "the money people" they were allowed to do things too. Most of which were HORRIBLE IDEAS that lost money. They managed to drive the very profitable LFS and the Wholesale company out of business within 12 months of me leaving.

 

I always give my LFS first shot at dry goods, often they match or come very close to online retailers and i would rather support the LFS so they are there when I need them.

The LFS will order anything I need if they don't have it in stock and on some things like long T5 or VHO light bulbs they get better shipping rates so its actually cheaper. I found LED lighting to be the same price locally as online since all the manufacturers have MAP pricing and will not let vendors cut the price. Frozen foods are always cheaper locally and for corals we have several local groups, not really organized clubs which sell, action or barter much cheaper than ordering online.

 

I was just joking, lol. ;D I am totally happy keeping my career and hobby separate. Even though I would love a local place to purchase frags and livestock from. That is a bummer on the biz going under. As a restaurant guy I see tons of folks that start their own restaurant and think "I can do that!" It isn't that easy folks...thanks for sharing your story.

 

I'm with you desertrat. I try to buy everything I need at my LFS. I just really think its good to support local businesses like that, especially fish stores. I have a lot of respect for people who open up their own stores. All the time and devotion envolved... It's such a gamble now a days ya know. Most LFS owners really do appreciate your business, and if you become a regular (as I'm sure most of us are at LFS) they're more than willing to get whatever you need. Although, there are definitely some things that aren't in stores, and I end up ordering.

 

Thanks everyone for the different perspectives. I am still trying to feel out my LFS to get comfortable with them and determining what they prefer and if they are open to other options. I think I would like to find a LFS described above that is willing to order off the internet. I have one more store to check out and we'll see how that goes.

I still think I'll lean toward getting some items from the LFS, but we'll see. I am looking forward to starting my tank build thread.

Again, Thanks

Scott