The Order Is Here..inverts Are In The Building(updated stock list)

[Matt]

Without disrespect, and with a distinct feeling of IBTL, they have overhead in Richmond, Burnaby and Calgary, too, to mention three places I've been recently where I can find significantly lower prices at retail than I can here in Edmonton. Pricing is complicated, and "overhead" is a simplistic rejoinder.

[mwarf]

Whoa! wait a sec on that one. Richmond, Burnaby, Calgary? I think population density and the economic mix support many more hobbyists than Edmonton (just MHO).

Having run a retail operation in the past, and currently running my own service-based shop now (with employees and expenses) I understand how hard it can be to compete on price with others with lower overhead or bigger markets.

There is a pretty wide spectrum on pricing in Edmonton however, AI & BA seem to be the most out to lunch when I've comparison shopped. Sometimes it's ok to pay a bit more knowing you'll get a certain level of service in return.

Discussions with retailers provided the advice for me to enter this hobby, and without support - we'd be left to our own devices.

Anyhoo, that's my 2 cents.

[RicePaddy]

I have only been into the hobby for 4 weeks now and I am already seeing a lot of the things people are saying about the retail stores in this city. How is it that I can buy 50lbs of Jakarta, which is not a bulk order by any means, from Vancouver, have it sent by westjet and in my hands within five hours for under $7.00 per lb when I have seen it as high as $10.00lb in the city. Now when I actually do buy fish, I will consider the quarantine facilities and service of the local shops. But from what I understand there is no guarantee on any fish and I may want to take a chance to save up to 50% on livestock. Even if one does kick off before it gets here I can still try one more time and have spent the same amount of money.

I want to support local business. However for example, when I have to go on a local shops website to get the same chain to match the $100 + difference on lights, then there is something seriously wrong.

Well that is my two cents.

[howdy20012002]

now with updated stock and prices
thanks
Neal

[Richy44]

Woooahhhhh..Holy hijack..

[Matt]

Pricing is complicated, Supply/demand is a facile argument, no better than "overhead". We don't run these businesses, pricing is a business model/business policy decision, and (here's where market forces come in) people either buy or they don't. If someone is "eating your lunch" then you have to: grow the market, cede the market, accept lower share, or adjust your model. Complaining that people don't understand doesn't work at any level. Educating the customers about why they should accept your model and prices MAY work, if the argument is good. My main point in jumping in on this wasn't to complain about prices - they are what they are. It is important input to the retailers to understand that they are losing some business to price-conscious consumers. It doesn't mean they have to change.

I'm sorry to Neal for participating in this hijack. We now return you to your previously-scheduled programming.

[Medicdude]

You can't compare a port city (Richmond, Burnaby) to the Edmonton Market. Everything coming into the country from overseas goes through Vancouver. To get the product from Vancouver to Edmonton there are additional shipping and handling charges so of course things will be cheaper there. Nor is it a valid comparison to when comparing a retail store to online ordering IMO but that's another topic on an open forum....

[fishguyxd]

Yes they maybe cheaper there but why can I order something (same as you) from Vancouver with shipping cost it still works out cheaper for me in the end.
I like to support local but I don't like to be burned either. So It's buyers choice, shop where you want. I have bought from Neal and no problems and I know if there was one it is dealt with properly. some stores say give me your cash and don't let the door hit you as you leave I sometimes feel from these local retail stores there laughing as I leave because they just made all this extra money vs what they paid for it. but we will see who's doors are open in the end.

one thing people forget is if a individial has bad experience with a store that "word of mouth" experience gets around fast.

remember the customer is what keeps your doors open

there is always potential in one customer knowing more business for you so don't judge the cover.

[hawk]

Originally Posted by Matt

and with a distinct feeling of IBTL, .

What is IBTL?

[GMGQ]

Economics 101: Supply vs Demand.

Originally Posted by Matt

Without disrespect, and with a distinct feeling of IBTL, they have overhead in Richmond, Burnaby and Calgary, too, to mention three places I've been recently where I can find significantly lower prices at retail than I can here in Edmonton. Pricing is complicated, and "overhead" is a simplistic rejoinder.