LFS shoot themselves in the foot

JohnM99 · #1 12-23-2005, 12:05 AM

I bought a lot of my equipment online, since much of what I wanted was not available in the local shops. I do feel I want to support the LFS though - but geez they make it difficult.

I wanted to get a new heater for replacement water. I let my old one go dry and it died.

I checked a couple of online prices - Ebo Jager 100 W is about $16 US at Premium Aquatics - or $24.65 at J&L. A bit high at J&L I thought, since the $16 US is less than 19 CN now.

But, I thought this is something I should buy locally - so I went to the LFS - how much COULD it be? Maybe 30 or 40 bucks?

But no........ they were asking $54.95. I just about choked.

This amount of markup is just going to guarantee I will not bother buying locally - I don't mind paying more - but that amount is just insulting.

Imagine if other businesses tried to do that - buying a TV or a fridge or a car - would you pay $60,000 for a Honda Civic. Sheesh.

Thanks. I feel better now.

AC33 · #2 12-23-2005, 12:11 AM

Yeah, a lot of LFS and local pet stores do seem to charge 2X-3X more on many items as compared to the US. But you have to remember, as in the case of J&L aquatics, is that they do have to pay shipping costs and duties to get items shipped across the border, so $24.65 seems very reasonable.

RonPeter · #3 12-23-2005, 03:15 AM

I buy 90% of my stuff from J&L, the LFS in Vernon is so out to lunch on his prices it's rediculous! Even if I have to pay shipping charges I save at least 40% on an order. Example....Coralife SupperSkimmer was $185.00 at J&L and my LFS wanted $395.00 for the exact same one!!! I priced a Flame Hawk I wanted it was $119.99 at the LFS and it cost me $65.00 to my door from J&L!!!! Corals there are also ALL ridiculously marked up the same way...I guess you get away with it when you are the only Salt water provider in town.

dirtyreefer · #4 12-23-2005, 05:27 AM

I was at Total Pet in Kelowna during the holidays and I remember a bag of IO salt (for 50g) was $45. What a joke

RonPeter · #5 12-23-2005, 06:01 PM

I know...AJ's In Vernon sells 160G IO for $99.99 and when I ask about their high price there reply is "we are doing you a favor selling it that cheap!" I now by it from Pet City in Kelowna for $69.99 a pail. I guess they can get away with it as they are the only Salt LFS in Vernon.

DanG · #6 12-23-2005, 06:14 PM

I don't work for a LFS, but I do know the difference in pricing when it comes to buying power. The prices can be drastically different when it comes to buying 20 vs buying 2000. I can definately see paying a premium from the LFS, but more than double is way out of line.