Bit of a Vent

[whosinpower]

As consumers, we expect to see prices dropping because of our strong dollar compared to US when buying american goods. And, because of our strong dollar, we are looking far more aggresively at online shopping vs local.

Having said that, I bought all my saltwater equipment/supplies and livestock from a small local dealer. I did this because I feel quite strongly we should support local business whenever possible being a small business owner myself. And, secondly, the support I get from that local owner goes a long way to giving me a satisfactory experience with the hobby. I never would of attempted a saltwater tank had it not been for the advice, recommendations from this person.

I only mention this because I am a rank beginner and perhaps hobbyists who have been in it for a long while may be braver to take a risk and buy online or elsewhere. It is an expensive hobby. And I would rather go see someone face to face, discuss with that person my wants and needs, rather than spending my money with an unknown entity. I'd rather have someone tell me - nope - your not ready for this coral yet, or your water isn't quite up to keeping this animal rather than jumping in - getting something that perhaps I should of waited on and ended up killing the animal out of ignorance. Will I end up paying more for that coral or animal than elsewhere? Perhaps....but at the end of the day, I think I am still farther ahead financially if I do things right the first time.

[reptile guy]

Hey I'm one of the worst at times for paying top dollar for a high quality animal lol. Sometimes I see something that is really nice and will pay more to get it but also knowing if I do end up parting with it that I'm not likely to get anymore for it when I take it into a pet store than is the going rate so you sometimes just have to take the loss if you do part with it(wow long sentence lol). I have run into a couple pet stores that can be a bit shady at times but howdy didn't seem like he was being that way at all and he seemed willing to try and work it out to your satisfaction but you guys just didn't see eye to eye(happens sometimes).



QUOTE Skimmin;278897]My apologies for the previous post. Just something that had been on my mind for a while now ... So the local business owner vented, and then the local customer vented. I have no problem if I pay top dollar for something that is really nice or out of the ordinary. But all too often I find that the justification for pricing on certain items is poor(not typically fish and corals) I don't care about an extra $50 or $100. I've spent over $10000.00 on this hobby and the majority has been local. So all I was trying to say is go ahead and charge top dollar but also offer top notch service and product quality.[/quote]