HELP! need reef etiquette expert advice

Hi All: Well, I have a LFS that I go to pretty regularly. I have really wanted to get a flame hawk and asked the guy to order one for me (it's a one man owned and operated shop - it's not his only business though). Well, about a month later, I still hadn't received one and so I called a competitor (a nice shop that I've got to a couple of times) and they were able to get one in for me the next day.

Well, I get an email today that my LFS got one delivered. I replied that I had already gotten one but what is the correct thing to do in this situation? The one that I visit very regularly (about every weekend) has made a lot of money off of me so is it just, sorry - I couldn't wait?? I meant to email him this week letting him know I got one and thought it was kind of forgotten about - but of course, I get the email today.

Any feeback on this for me? What is the correct etiquette in this situation?

 

I would thank him for ordering you one, then I would tell him a flame hawk became available and you took the opportunity to purchase it.

Personally I do not feel an apology to your regular LFS is necessary, he'll be able to sell the fish. There is no wrong and no right, your LFS got busy or forgot. You'll still give them your business and as you stated you're a regular customer.

If the LFS is offended be honest, you saw the fish yesterday and bought it because you were uncertain if you would have another opportunity to acquire the fish in a timely manner.

 

Sounds like my kind of luck. lol

"That order was placed a month ago. Believing it had been forgotten or dismissed, I've acquired one elsewhere. Sorry for any inconvenience."

Oh, and don't let him BS you... he can sell it.

EDIT: Cheryl posted while I was trying to think and type at the same time...

 

My LFS owner once told me that he only buys "ordered" fish if they're high quality because he has to be able to sell it if the person backs out (for any reason). Which can sometimes cause the delay or lack of success in finding the fish.

IMO it's parts of the business, and unless you paid for it upfront there is no obligation.

 

I've run into this several times. So far I've been "lucky" and not ended up in your situation; my stores never got around to getting the fish before I told them not to bother.

Thing is I really like several LFS and I appreciate their hard work. I want to give them the business. If I just wanted to fish, I'd get it off the internet. I'm willing to be patient if they can offer a timeline and stand by it, but a month is too long to leave you waiting.

I think you do what Corailline said and feel no further remorse.

 

I have to think he can sell it. They are so cool looking and the three stores I visit have had every type of hawkfish except a flame. Thanks for the replies....I figured it was a very long time to wait and he makes a lot of money off of me for other things

 

It will sell to someone else and they aren't that expensive anyway.

 

I asked a lfs to order me a Potters angelfish. Will about 4-6months went by and after asking multiple times I moved on and got a flame angel from another store. Well about a week after I got the flame i got a phonecall, Just letting you know we got about 3 Potter angels in!!

 

i always seem to decide on fish that are out of season and not available anywhere I look even really common ones like yellow watchman. When I finally make up my mind, no where to be found

 

Make sure you have a top for your tank. Mine jumped while I was at work today....