what makes a good lfs ?

[StirCrazy]

one big point would be for the store to admit freely when they have a problem such as red bugs. this alone is a slight inconvenience as you have to treat the new corals in a small tank be for you put them in to yours but it is nothing that should stop a sale if the coral is nice.

not pointing out a problem is totally irresponsible and dishonest weather it be flat worms, red bugs or what ever.

having a staff that actually has a clue or at least knows how to find your answer would be another bonus. Have the staff read recent books as well as older ones so they are current with different setups and methods, also the requirements for them.

not selling stuff that isn't needed for the sake of a sale. One way to help with this is do not have commissioned sales persons.

not selling fish/whatever to some one with a tank that is to small for it.

educate people who say "I will just get a bigger tank when the fish gets to big" that it will take more than the cost of a new tank, other possibilities like rock, sand, new skimmers, ect that may be needed along with the work required to change all that over.

you don't need to have every employ a salt water guru, but have at least one on at any given time you are open so the less experienced ones can ask advice when needed, also make sure that the staff isn't scared to say"I am not positive about that sir/Mame but "Tom" know quite a bit about that so let me get him over here so we can answer your question". then have both staff members stay for the discussion so the first can learn also.

Steve