Gotta Love Customers

It is possible that I am viewed as one of "those customers". I frequent my local store on a bi-weekly basis. Most of the store is so insanely overpriced, I cannot fathom buying dry goods or livestock. It is a 10,000 Sq/Ft complex that I'm sure costs a pretty penny to operate...thus the reason for high prices ($100 for 1" frags of light brown SPS for example). I try to talk to the staff about certain livestock if something catches my eye, and believe in supporting local small businesses...but the employee turnaround there is bad. I rarely see the same people working from visit to visit, and most tell me things like "it is okay to house a Potter's Wrasse in a 40G bare-bottom frag tank, as they are a very hardy species".

I understand your frustration...because I too have the same frustration, just from the other end. If I had a local store with people like you running it, or at least semi-knowledgeable staff, I would support my LFS whole-heartedly.

 

You use that word. I do not think it means what you think it means

 

Forget the cup, pour it in my hand for a dime.

 

I was hoping that somebody would get the reference

 

You know that's a classic. Besides it not the first time you quoted a movie line. And I'm sure it won't be the last.

 

unfortunately it is the norm in our area. However, I never get the whole taking your water in to get tested for free. On one hand, you would loose some customers if you charge a nominal fee for water testing, however I do believe you are loosing money for testing various aspects of the water. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, SG cheap and easy. Mg, Ca, phos is expensive kits and time consuming and should be charged.

 

There have been some really good ideas on here. I'll add a few ideas, whether they are good is up to others. One approach would be to stop regular testing, but offer an upgraded water analysis (using higher end tests, more rigor, more parameters, etc) at a cost that you forego with a purchase of $20 or more. Another option is as a customer loyalty perk.

To be honest, I understand that everyone in your area gives it away for free. I dont believe there is much to lose bucking the trend though. People who do purchase aren't hurt by the new policy while those that don't are... Well... No loss.

I spend loads on my tank... Lots. I don't say that to impress, I rarely do as well with it as people who spend less... I'm learning. The point though is that I hate going to stores where I have to beg to get help. How much money do stores lose because their expert help and advice is being wasted on people who don't shop.