What would the perfect lfs have?

[travis89]

I would probably drive up to 40-50 if you had something I really wanted for a good price, but 30 is probably about right for an average trip. Also display tanks make a store look good too, my LFS has between FW and SW 2 half circles, 1 365 SW, 1 150 SW, 1 75, FW, and 1 36 SW, and they are all kept clean, the 365 is where they put there show pieces for sale.

 

[fishgeek01]

Originally Posted by Travis89
I would probably drive up to 40-50 if you had something I really wanted for a good price, but 30 is probably about right for an average trip. Also display tanks make a store look good too, my LFS has between FW and SW 2 half circles, 1 365 SW, 1 150 SW, 1 75, FW, and 1 36 SW, and they are all kept clean, the 365 is where they put there show pieces for sale.
show tanks are a must, thanks for the input keep it coming

 

[travis89]

The customer database would be a good idea until people started telling you the have things they don't. Also the lighting chart and compatabilty chart would be nice so people can see for them selves what corals they can have and what fish will be ok together.

 

[fishgeek01]

Originally Posted by Travis89
The customer database would be a good idea until people started telling you the have things they don't. Also the lighting chart and compatabilty chart would be nice so people can see for them selves what corals they can have and what fish will be ok together.
ture, maybe it should be a data base of what they have purchased from me in the past thanks travis 89

 

[fishgeek01]

also would you guys think that an aquatics only store and a maintanence service should go hand in hand, and offer discounts to people that are my customers at my lfs rather than just being a maintanence customer?

 

[travis89]

That would be good, my LFS also does maintenceand set-up for business's.

 

[jam1e]

check out this thread and make sure none of your employees say anything on here .. haha .. no j/k .. I know you wouldn't .. but hey .. make sure all your tanks are clean .. I don't know why but if the tanks are dirty I won't buy fish from them ..
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172374

 

[rs1831]

Huge selection. I hate going to a lfs and only being able to see 2 kinds of protein skimmers or lights. I like having choices.

 

[fishgeek01]

i dont have a store just yet, but i will be checking up on my employees, making sure they know their stuff, probably will send in people posing as customers to ask questions, to see responses that i get, i want to make sure no bs is swimming out my door so to speak

 

[fishgeek01]

Originally Posted by rs1831
Huge selection. I hate going to a lfs and only being able to see 2 kinds of protein skimmers or lights. I like having choices.
me too

 

[rs1831]

So do we get a discount once you're up and going for helping you out.

 

[fishgeek01]

if everything pans out, my swf.com peeps will be my most taken care of customers

 

[reefstar22]

Originally Posted by Fishgeek01
what if the lfs had the best reputation, i am talking about building a dynasty of a lfs, with the best of the best, for everything, prices, knowledge, livestock, selection, everything, would it be worth 60 miles, i drive 35 to my lfs and then 35 back...

If they had the BEST lifestock, the product was QT'd for 3 weeks before it was placed for sale... corals were in the correct light, and have already been adjusted to the proper light...If i knew the corals were being dipped ...(parasites) ...and the sales people were knowledgeable... and they had punch cards...
I would drive 35 miles there and 35 back.. Yes I would.... But how likely is that?
I personally have to have a QT tank set up because of this very reason
But your idea does make me ponder the possiblities! :thinking:

 

[fishgeek01]

Originally Posted by Reefstar22
If they had the BEST lifestock, the product was QT'd for 3 weeks before it was placed for sale... corals were in the correct light, and have already been adjusted to the proper light...If i knew the corals were being dipped ...(parasites) ...and the sales people were knowledgeable... and they had punch cards...
I would drive 35 miles there and 35 back.. Yes I would.... But how likely is that?
I personally have to have a QT tank set up because of this very reason
But your idea does make me ponder the possiblities! :thinking:
i am a fellow reefer who is tired of the run around and the horrible service, the outrageous prices, i want to change the industry by making it affordable and easy to do, i want everything to be as close to perfect as it can be for my customers

 

[rs1831]

Originally Posted by Fishgeek01
if everything pans out, my swf.com peeps will be my most taken care of customers

 

[fishgeek01]

making sure i knew what i wrote there rs1831?

 

[reefstar22]

Also where I live we have three LFS
1. Mini Critters... Great fish, HORRIBLE Corals...
2. Safari Petland.. Horrible fish, Horrible corals... JUNK store...its like a garage sale.. every once and awhile you find something worth buying.
3. Oceans of the Midwest. Amazing Store...best livestock and corals i've ever seen... only problem is its run out of a guys house ..and he is never available and never returns my messages. Even though his product is outstanding he will go out of business because if he is burning other customers like he is me....he will build up a bad rep..and people will not buy from him.

Make sure if you open a store you take care of your customers...even if it is just a follow up call...those types of things mean alot to people... I know myself... if I leave someone a message requesting a product or a service...I expect a call back...If i dont get it back within a reasonable amount of time...I'll take my business else where...
Sometimes business now days forget that the customer is ALWAYS right...and believe there service...is a gift to the customer...when in reality its the other way around.

 

[travis89]

Originally Posted by Reefstar22
If they had the BEST lifestock, the product was QT'd for 3 weeks before it was placed for sale... corals were in the correct light, and have already been adjusted to the proper light...If i knew the corals were being dipped ...(parasites) ...and the sales people were knowledgeable... and they had punch cards...
I would drive 35 miles there and 35 back.. Yes I would.... But how likely is that?
I personally have to have a QT tank set up because of this very reason
But your idea does make me ponder the possiblities! :thinking:
You just did a perfect description of my LFS.

 

[rs1831]

Make sure that people can find with an internet search. If my girlfriend and I plan any trips I do a search to see what lfs are in that area.

 

[fishgeek01]

i was actually thinking of doing internet sales as well, how do you guys feel about that