Well being someone who has just been in the hobby for a few months, I can tell you what would have made my life easier and bought my loyalty.
When looking to get in this hobby I found nothing but conflicting information, even from the LFS. What would have made me want to buy from 1 LFS instead of searching the net for an alternative is the following.
1. The LFS should be upfront about all costs and potential costs when someone looking to get in asks. (The 2 LFS I went to for info both neglected to tell me about items)
2. Be willing to spend a great deal of time with customers who would like answers to questions. If the store is busy offer to set up a time to go over all questions without being rushed.
3. I would have paid to have some one come help me set up my tank for the first time. This would have given me piece of mind that my investment was off to the right start, and allowed me the oppertunity to ask questions to understand why hings needed to be the way they were. (I fully understand that everyone has different ideas, but it would gives us a good solid starting point)
4. If asked a question, please say I am not sure or you do not know, if you do not. I am putting alot of trust in the people I buy from, once again if I am new to the hobby it is not possible to walk in informed, with all the conflicting information out there.
eg.
I was told tha my tank could cycle in less than a week.
5. If you have an item in your tanks that is not healthy please be up front about it. I give Ocean Aquatics full marks for this. I was in there one day and Jack told a customer that a coral was not doing well and not to buy it until was back to health. He lost the sale that day but in my books will be a place to buy from.
Sorry for the long winded post
Robert