What qualities do you look for in an LFS?

[Ruth]

Here are some that I look for:
-Willing to ship (I don't have a LFS in my town or even close)
-good selection of healthy livestock
-fair prices
-helpful staff - I long ago learned to do my own research and consider myself fairly knowledgeable so am not likely to heed advise that I know is incorrect but I do like it when there is someone there to help me once I do make a decision
-clean, well laid out store
-willingness to work with me - I once had an experience with a LFS in Edmonton that I wanted to hold a clam for me for 2 days while I went to Calgary and back (of course I wanted to pay for the clam immediately) Even though I had spend probably in excess of $10,000 in this store they told me that they would not hold and would only hold for people that had earned the privilage - needless to say this store no longer gets my business.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I've been made to feel stupid at one or two stores since I started into this hobby. If I'm new and already feeling overwhelmed and insecure about asking questions, a snide or belittling comment is not going to do anything to secure my business. And it hasn't.

That said, I've learned more from the people on this forum than I have anywhere else. You're all pretty fantastic.

[Pan]

hmm, changed my mind...yep it's the money tooo

i rather as murminator said get my info from all of you guys

[Murminator]

$$$$$ all about the $$$ I have the web to find my own answers.....I would rather have 1000 people answers than 1 guy at the fish store sooooo for me it's the $

[vanreefer]

info and help without the expectation of a sale... for example telling me I could raise my ALK with baking soda not the latest buffer

[Dave C]

I go to the LFS mainly for live goods so I'm looking for unique stuff that is high quality. I like to think I'm getting a deal but I don't expect to get their best products for nothing. You get what you pay for and they have to stay in business to keep serving me.

[EmilyB]

LFS with it's Local Fish Store definition - I look for ethical stock choices, ease of purchase, pleasurable shopping experience.

I don't want to cram myself into a small space and fight to get a specimen.

I don't want to be prodded into a sale either. So on that note, I usually find ordering my livestock online works best for me.

There is no high end equipment available locally when I want it, so on that end, I look for professional, friendly, and prompt delivery to my doorstep.