There's basically 1 place I get all my stuff from, and I have not seen any reason to go elsewhere. I check the prices online for dry goods and he's pretty good about matching or coming as close as he can for most stuff or if I'm buying in quantity. Fish are top quality as well. The big thing I like is that if he's not got a bunch of other people in the store, he will take the time to shoot the **** and answer my questions.

Selection mostly, some things on the island are very limited and can take ages to get in special order.

Plus going over to Vancouver is always an adventure :wink:

Oh price is always a bigger consideration...

Of course the local 'inexpensive' store never seems to have the livestock I'm looking for... The 'expensive' store has a very crummy survival rate... And rarely do any of them carry those funky little gobies that I'm usually looking for.

One of the two new stores has gotten my buisness, one (out in the NW) is 50/50 on survival right now - the other, well haven't decided whether I'm willing to shop there - since in its previous incarnation I had problems with one of their salesmen who seems to price whatever I'm looking for way higher than it should be.

I like a little respect from the employees.Quality of livestock,price is my last concern.The store I shop at has all 3.

Price is of little concern if I know the fish is healthy. I am about 90% Gold's and only ever go elsewhere if something rare pops up.

Where else will they hold a fish for you until they are sure it is eating and healthy?

So I guess for me it is customer sevice and quality of livestock.

Quality of livestock.
I like it when they offer to feed a fish before I ask them to.
I like it when they tell me the fish is not eating when I show and interest in it.

Some stores get miffed if you ask them to feed the fish or tell you it was just fed. Avoid these stores.

Good thread. Thanks

+1

I love it when the staff tells you a fish is not eating yet etc. They instantly gain my trust. Why lie to get a quick sale when all you are doing is losing a customer if the fish dies.

I don't have a lot of choice, just whoever sells online :sad: . One of the pet stores here is getting into saltwater fish but unfortunately he has no idea what he is doing.

I will gladly pay more at a store that has good quality livestock and good customer service. There is a place in the Lower Mainland that has very good prices but the worst service and (as far as I am concerned) not the best quality of livestock...I'll go to OA and pay as much as they want just for their service and high quality of livestock. They actually care about customers.

Price is paramount, but I'll trade price for great service and/or unique selection. Often enough though, the best service and selection is also where the best prices are... go figure!