Would you buy from an LFS that dodges questions?...****** Apology*******

[sphelps]

Really you do have to remember a LFS is a business and therefore profits are important. If you want to think that this hobby has a positive influence on the wild that's fine but realistically it simply isn't the case. I've read studies that say over 90% of all important livestock dies within a year which isn't a good number but it's probably true. Also the way I look at it is as soon as something is taken from the wild the damage is done unless you plan on returning it which obviously isn't the case. Then you also have to consider perception, there is a line between what can and can't be kept but everyone has their own lines and it's not fair for one person to come in and say their line or opinion is the right one.

To be honest if someone off the street came in and tried to tell me how to do my job or how to run my business I wouldn't respond much differently. Quite frankly if you don't like it go elsewhere, you're not being a hero you're just being annoying and disruptive. Maybe it was just a question but I see it as more than that. But that's just how I see it and I don't mean any offense.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by sphelps

To be honest if someone off the street came in and tried to tell me how to do my job or how to run my business I wouldn't respond much differently. Quite frankly if you don't like it go elsewhere, you're not being a hero you're just being annoying and disruptive. Maybe it was just a question but I see it as more than that. But that's just how I see it and I don't mean any offense.

Wanting a direct answer is disruptive?

It had nothing to do with what your comment says. It asked for clarification to which the retailer made a snide comment.

Too bad more people are not concerned about the oceans.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by paddyob

Too bad more people are not concerned about the oceans.

This one always gets me. If more people were concerned, wouldn't there be a lot less tanks around? Removing a wild animal from it's environment and putting it in a cage is not showing great concern
Let's be honest, we're all a bit selfish in this hobby.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

This one always gets me. If more people were concerned, wouldn't there be a lot less tanks around? Removing a wild animal from it's environment and putting it in a cage is not showing great concern
Let's be honest, we're all a bit selfish in this hobby.

I agree with your comment, to a point. It is more, I guess, about the lack of openness by a retailer when asked about "specific" animals.

We all know most fish are ok. But why support the purchase of specimens that are not aquarium suitable? Many Mandarins die to the inexperienced. Copperbands, Parrotfish, etc. A lot of people do not know about the special requirements some possess and some retailers do not educate.

There are many, MANY knowledgeable people in this hobby. BUT, there are also many who know nothing. There are also retailers who fall into both categories. If a retailer cannot be open about legitimate questions, then they probably also do not educate the less knowledgable of us.

I do my best to research the proper animals for my system and will personally never buy one I know has high mortality or one I am not advanced enough to support. So when I ask a retailer... it is BECAUSE I do not have the answer and expect they should. If they do not want to answer, or answer with ignorant comments.... wow. That is my point.

My only real concern... Factual and fair advice and answers from the retailer or lack there of.

[Aquattro]

I guess the difficulty here is you removed all your comments and we can only see the replies, which skews the context of the conversation. The "too much time" comment was probably out of line, but without the background, we can't tell.
As for the LFS, it's their job to sell stuff, it's our job to research it. In fact, I would never ask a question at the LFS that I didn't already have the answer to.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I guess the difficulty here is you removed all your comments and we can only see the replies, which skews the context of the conversation. The "too much time" comment was probably out of line, but without the background, we can't tell.
As for the LFS, it's their job to sell stuff, it's our job to research it. In fact, I would never ask a question at the LFS that I didn't already have the answer to.

I removed my comments as I do not want to be part of that conversation any longer.

Based on his manner of replies... I do not want any association to him.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by paddyob

I removed my comments as I do not want to be part of that conversation any longer.

Based on his manner of replies... I do not want any association to him.

Fair enough, but without both parts, it's hard to tell where to draw the line.

In general, I would expect that a vendor would sell a fish only if he thought there was a reasonable chance someone could keep it alive. Depending on how the topic was approached would dictate the type of answer returned. I've actually gone to the LFS and had the manager tell me I'm nuts. And he was right, and I'd rather he told me that than just smiled and agreed with me.

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I guess the difficulty here is you removed all your comments and we can only see the replies, which skews the context of the conversation. The "too much time" comment was probably out of line, but without the background, we can't tell.
As for the LFS, it's their job to sell stuff, it's our job to research it. In fact, I would never ask a question at the LFS that I didn't already have the answer to.

This is my EXACT OPINION and I can be very opinionated and very vocal. As a business owner I feel it is my job to know all about the things I do and services I provide. But as a SW hobbyist I try to research everything I want to add to my tank as much as possible. It is not up to us as hobbyist to question what LFS do or bring in because they are in business to make money.

BUT if I have a problem with a certain shop I WILL NOT RETURN to that store and I do have my favorites and I will say that RED CORAL Calgary and BLUE WORLD in Edmonton are my favorite to visit. I don't expect to them to know everything but if they don't know and I don't know then it is research time for both. There are a few questionable shop out there one being here in Red Deer ( opps there I go again ) and a few with questionable pricing but who are we to tell them what to do. I just say don't go back if there is an issue.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

This is my EXACT OPINION and I can be very opinionated and very vocal. As a business owner I feel it is my job to know all about the things I do and services I provide. But as a SW hobbyist I try to research everything I want to add to my tank as much as possible. It is not up to us as hobbyist to question what LFS do or bring in because they are in business to make money.

BUT if I have a problem with a certain shop I WILL NOT RETURN to that store and I do have my favorites and I will say that RED CORAL Calgary and BLUE WATER in Edmonton are my favorite to visit. I don't expect to them to know everything but if they don't know and I don't know then it is research time for both. There are a few questionable shop out there one being here in Red Deer ( opps there I go again ) and a few with questionable pricing but who are we to tell them what to do. I just say don't go back if there is an issue.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Agree they will make money. They say the easiest money is made dishonestly ha ha!

Blue Water = Blue World I assume.

What I like, as Ken BW mentioned earlier... as a retailer he does not know it all and will not claim to... but he will find out.

Whether or not the retailer likes your questions, they should be respectful and just answer. Again I feel I need to reiterate... It is not about telling the retailer what to do or what to order.... it is about the lack of willingness to be straight up and simply answer direct questions.

If a retailer will not answer... then they MUST be hiding something.

And yes... I will not frequent stores that have a closed door policy or provide poor information or service.