peoples thoughts and opinions on calgary lfs???

[reefwars]

hey guys just looking for some ideas on what you guys feel like calgary needs in a lfs and what some of the problems you think some of the stores have??

please leave names out of this thread , i want everyones opinions on what you want to find when you go to a lfs , what some of the problems you encounter or some of the dislikes... i want to know what the people in calgary want in a lfs?? who knows maybe lfs are watching and taking this in;)

i welcome your thoughts and opinions :)

[Coralgurl]

I'd like to see them here tbh. I hate no knowing when stock comes in. I miss the personal attention received from one store in particular. That said, the stores we do have are obviously successful and do not need the additional promotions as all stores receive comments both good and bad.

[lockrookie]

Dangerous thread... I personally have come to expect nothing and hope for the best although our lfs is getting better . But again our lfs is a multi pet store (not a big chain store) and doesn't have the.... How do I say .... Incentive to focus on just fish alone... But he does try and recently set up a new system. The only thing I would hope for is more of the staff to research and have more knowledge. Not for me as such but newbies coming in. I can't say much for other provinces/ cities other than I'm jealous of the options and availability you guys have over us in Regina. We usually have to tack on a ton of shipping charges to get anything awe inspiring coral wise.

That is all lol good luck with the topic


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

[mrhasan]

Webpage! Only one LFS in Calgary got an webpage and updates regularly about the new arrivals! That would save a lot of time and disappointment of going to LFS and finding nothing new; particularly for people like me who have to use public transport and lets be honest, Calgary's transit have lots and lots of scope of improvement.

[reefwars]

Webpage! Only one LFS in Calgary got an webpage and updates regularly about the new arrivals! That would save a lot of time and disappointment of going to LFS and finding nothing new; particularly for people like me who have to use public transport and lets be honest, Calgary's transit have lots and lots of scope of improvement.


i noticed that as well:)

[Aquattro]

Problem I see with a website is that if I announce everything new in each week, you're not likely to drop in if I don't have what you want. I'd announce new shipments, but you need to come in to see what's arrived. And buy some food, and putty, and frag plugs. Oh, and you need a new heater while you're here... :)

[albert_dao]

Problem I see with a website is that if I announce everything new in each week, you're not likely to drop in if I don't have what you want. I'd announce new shipments, but you need to come in to see what's arrived. And buy some food, and putty, and frag plugs. Oh, and you need a new heater while you're here... :)

No, no heaters. NEVER new heaters. I'll stick with my 17 year old green Ebo Jager....

[Aquattro]

No, no heaters. NEVER new heaters. I'll stick with my 17 year old green Ebo Jager....

Well ya, me too, just as an example :)

[reefwars]

not gonna lie one for me is being cramped, clutter and dirt......its one thing to work in a small space its another to make that space practically non functional....i hate having to wait in line for someone else to watch stuff when i looking to pass by....


thats mine lol

[reefwars]

why not im on a roll...



price!!!!


i hate not knowing the darn prices of stuff..

i hate even more when a price is just thrown off the top of someones head...and more than likely is different the next day lol

seriously...mark the prices!!

[reefwars]

Dangerous thread


not at all....informational!! :biggrin:

[mrhasan]

why not im on a roll...



price!!!!


i hate not knowing the darn prices of stuff..

i hate even more when a price is just thrown off the top of someones head...and more than likely is different the next day lol

seriously...mark the prices!!

+1!!!

It also kind of embarrassing to ask price of each livestock one by one and its even more embarrassing when the price is way out of the league of the wallet and one have to say "oh well I will pass". Its always better its have the price posted on so that one can silently pass along with something like "oh well, maybe next month!".

Like once I had to hear "man, you are cheap" when I kept on asking price and kept passing on :P

[Delphinus]

I miss having a store that wasn't a 45+ minute drive from the south side of the city.

[Reef_Geek]

I grew up lugging buckets in my family's LFS in Halifax for 10 years before getting into marine ornamental aquaculture production/sales/export/management in Florida/Puerto Rico. I'm no longer in the fish business, but rather enjoy it now as a local hobbyist. Nice thing about Calgary (for hobbyists) is that there are a lot of choices in marine LFS... more so in terms of store to people population ratio than most other cities.

Without naming names:

One LFS I like because their prices are the best around, and fortunately, I don't really rely on LFS for guidance... some of their advice is quite unbalanced. Their prices are so low that it's hard to find fish left for sale there because everyone buys them up and keeps them on hold in their tanks until they're ready to go, so you're going in and drooling over someone else's paid fish. They are also willing to frag their big pieces. On top of that, they are friendly.

Another one, has some nice displays to look at, good variety of fish, but I don't always trust their livestock health. Also, their price is a bit high on livestock and non-sale hardware. There's no question that this big box store has a strategy of getting hobbyists from their 2 gallon gold fish bowl phase all the way through to the infancy of their marine keeping phase, and leave the experienced hobbyist with their dry goods specials or really hard to find marine fish (to be quarantined DIY).

Another one has livestock that's not always the best prices nor best health, but hardware is consistent with what I know is MSRP instead of stretching for a bigger margins. Sometimes sales here gives good deals on dry goods. Another all-rounded shop targeting hobbyists from fish bowls through to moderate experience reef keeping phase.

Another one is a good in between... livestock prices are reasonable, the guy is friendly, I feel good giving him my business even though it's not the cheapest around. Even though at first he didn't know I was experienced, his advice has always been consistent, solid, and fair. For example, he wouldn't try to convince me that I NEED all kinds of different additives for a reef tank. This shop's strategy is obviously to do different from big box stores with whom he cannot compete with, so he has no freshwater, no tanks for sale, only marine fish & corals, some basic hard goods... picking up moderate to experienced hobbyists nut at reasonable prices... does not bother with entry level marine livestock (softies/leathers/condylactis/flame scallops etc... for example).

Another one has really really nice stuff at prices that I know are really really exorbitant (coming from the marine livestock wholesale/export/retail business, I am still on wholesale supplier lists). His stuff is nice because they stay around for a while. I don't mind buying some items that are reasonably priced (compared to fair market value and local big box stores, given a small premium in price for good health), but there are stuff I don't even bother asking the price tag on... in truth, most days I don't even bother stopping here unless I am hunting for something that the other guys don't have in stock at the moment. PS-the guy is consistently very grumpy. Not sure this guy is a better businessman than hobbyist... as you have to be in the service business if you are retail. Reminds me of professors who are strong scientists but shouldn't be teachers.

Another one I hear is great but has not been open since I got back into the hobby and having moved to Calgary, a niche high end livestock place offering reasonable prices by having low overhead... perhaps too low overhead of an area lacking a security system?

Another one I hear is interesting but have yet to visit.

in my experience dealing with independent LFS accounts throughout the US, my advice is:

You have to be aware of who you're playing with and against. Who you're playing with are your customers... are they people in the neighbourhood (like your local Petland)? or are they people that seek and find you (then, what do most of them seek? $300 corals or $50 corals?)? Who you're playing against are big box stores, online operators, home fraggers/farmers. Choose a strategy to compete with big box stores/online shops/hobbyist fragging (you can't do it on hard goods, you don't have floor space for tanks). That will leave you to choose between high quality quarantined livestock or high volume sales based on price.
-online forums and hobbyist producers can go either way, for you or against you. Accordingly, most try to stay out of this game. Consider a program to absorb their production for store credits. That said, you should have an attractive offer in trade and not take advantage of their position of limited outlet... or they will find their own outlet online. By the time that their production product no longer fetches sales for your store, same will apply should they try to sell online (eg. red montipora, GSP), which then is time that the producer has to smarten up and produce something else.
-give better service and advice than the big box stores, as they strive for lower operational costs to offset their higher overhead, they tend to have higher staff turnovers. This limits their knowledge build and consistency in advice, but not their friendliness (if applicable).
-try different wholesaler/suppliers. Get better survival rates and different stock than your competitors. All LFSs know this, nothing new here.

[reefwars]

I miss having a store that wasn't a 45+ minute drive from the south side of the city.


i know AI in edmonton a few years ago offered to do deliverys on some things, maybe an idea like that could be tweaked:P

[The Grizz]

Decent stock all the time with good variety ( i have 1 1/2 hr drive to any store ) prices clearly marked, list of available stock that can be ordered WITH prices, websites that are updated regularly & fast response to email inquires.

[The Grizz]

I miss having a store that wasn't a 45+ minute drive from the south side of the city.

It could be 1 1/2 hrs. :razz:

[Seth81]

I miss having a store that wasn't a 45+ minute drive from the south side of the city.

+1 !!!!

I live in evergreen..... why are all the LFS stores located in the north!???

[albert_dao]

The store I use to work at in Calgary didn't mark their prices on the tanks due to the sheer variety of animals in each tank (you wouldn't be able to see the livestock through the wall of grease pen), but everyone had a VERY firm grasp on livestock value. Prices didn't change from hour to hour, day to day like one would imagine.

[reefwars]

The store I use to work at in Calgary didn't mark their prices on the tanks due to the sheer variety of animals in each tank (you wouldn't be able to see the livestock through the wall of grease pen), but everyone had a VERY firm grasp on livestock value. Prices didn't change from hour to hour, day to day like one would imagine.


which brings me to the next point of dedicated systems , i personally want to see sps with sps zoos with zoos and corals of the same species etc housed together, not scattered in 15 different locations in the store, to me thats clutter.....if creating a reef is the goal then do a display only .

sometimes i feel like im shopping in the $5 bin of movies at walmart....i never find a movie i like and settle for a cheap laugh i had years ago lol :P

[The Grizz]

The store I use to work at in Calgary didn't mark their prices on the tanks due to the sheer variety of animals in each tank (you wouldn't be able to see the livestock through the wall of grease pen), but everyone had a VERY firm grasp on livestock value. Prices didn't change from hour to hour, day to day like one would imagine.

A small stick at the bottom of the tank with fish name & price would be helpful, I don't really like the whole writing on the tank but it's better then nothing. Prices do change on a regular basis from what I have seen & once when I was at a shop I asked a price of something I really liked & while I was still looking at other stock I heard the store employee tell someone else a different lower price on the exact same thing.

[albert_dao]

which brings me to the next point of dedicated systems , i personally want to see sps with sps zoos with zoos and corals of the same species etc housed together, not scattered in 15 different locations in the store, to me thats clutter.....if creating a reef is the goal then do a display only .

sometimes i feel like im shopping in the $5 bin of movies at walmart....i never find a movie i like and settle for a cheap laugh i had years ago lol :P

Tougher than you think. You gotta remember that when LFS gets shipments, they're generally NOT at a convenient hour like 2-5 PM. They're usually around 11-3 AM and at that point, you REALLY don't want to be sitting around all night rearranging stuffs.

[reefwars]

what about hours of operation i hate going to a place on a weekday(say thursday) and their closed or go all the way to a store at 12 just to realize they dont open untill 2...that just recently happened lol ;)

[reefwars]

They're usually around 11-3 AM and at that point, you REALLY don't want to be sitting around all night rearranging stuffs.


hey a jobs a job lol

no one wants to be doing anything that late but sometimes you got to bite the bullet and put in the late nights early mornings , its def not an easy thing to do but if informing your customers of its products is imortant to your business then the extra hours are worth it.

i mean alot of business get late night deliveries ,alot also do inventory and stock at night.

and its not like the next day everything in the store was sold and there was no time to put names and prices down.

there are about a dozen stores i can think of that do mark their livestock reguarily, just takes some organizing:)

im pro prices lol

[reefwars]

i mean i doubt walmart would get very far if they loaded their shelves with mystery price products lol

[albert_dao]

hey a jobs a job lol

no one wants to be doing anything that late but sometimes you got to bite the bullet and put in the late nights early mornings , its def not an easy thing to do but if informing your customers of its products is imortant to your business then the extra hours are worth it.

i mean alot of business get late night deliveries ,alot also do inventory and stock at night.

and its not like the next day everything in the store was sold and there was no time to put names and prices down.

there are about a dozen stores i can think of that do mark their livestock reguarily, just takes some organizing:)

im pro prices lol

I disagree! But I like sleeping, lol. Besides, who needs prices when helpful employees are around to quote them to you? Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeez man!

[Coleus]

i wish there is no lfs at all so I can count my money and have more time to do stuff :-D

but then i have to find another hobby.

[Enigma]

not gonna lie one for me is being cramped, clutter and dirt......its one thing to work in a small space its another to make that space practically non functional....

X2.

In addition to that . . . Open tanks and exposed plumbing at the perfect height for curious toddlers and preschoolers to get into trouble. Combine that with the cramped conditions and poor sight lines, and it is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Proteus]

Problem I see with a website is that if I announce everything new in each week, you're not likely to drop in if I don't have what you want. I'd announce new shipments, but you need to come in to see what's arrived. And buy some food, and putty, and frag plugs. Oh, and you need a new heater while you're here... :)

In Edmonton we have three stores that announce there shimpents dates what they got and upcoming arrivals. There always busy and sold out if you wait.
All three are sponsors on here and do quite well

And places that are a hour drive on the other side of town would get me in at all if I didn't know their or part of their inventory

[cuz]

which brings me to the next point of dedicated systems , i personally want to see sps with sps zoos with zoos and corals of the same species etc housed together, not scattered in 15 different locations in the store, to me thats clutter.....if creating a reef is the goal then do a display only .

sometimes i feel like im shopping in the $5 bin of movies at walmart....i never find a movie i like and settle for a cheap laugh i had years ago lol :P

they could call it the "bonzia sale tank" !! :twised::lol:

[kien]

1. My favourite LFS in town is nice because it has great livestock and tanks. However, I find it terrible for stocking equipment like pumps, lights, skimmers, reactors, controllers, etc.

2. My second favourite is nice because the prices on everything are quite reasonable. However, they do not tend to have a large selection of livestock (fish and/or corals). They do seem to have a decent selection of hardware though and misc dry goods though.

3. My third favourite store has a nicely balanced selection of livestock and dry goods but is the most expensive of the three stores. Price could be better but hey, if I want that scoly or need that pump ill buy it.

4. As for the rest of the traditional stores, I will visit them for their MASSIVE selection of dried goods and for their convenient, consistent and predictable store hours. Again, prices are on the high side but hey, if I need a bucket of salt or a heater at 8:45pm on a week day I know where to go.

5. There are some "non-traditional" stores in the city and they are great on the wallet but not so great for impulse shoppers like me. LOL. With these stores you have to plan out and schedule your visit. This is fine but some of us have chaotic schedules that change hourly. Sometimes my visits to the LFS happens during a miraculous hour that suddenly appears in my weekend when the rest of my family decides they want to take a nap. Or the opposite can happen. I can plan to go visit a store at a particular time only to have that time taken away from me at the last minute. Anyway, I digress..

I'll just finish off by saying that my former favourite LFS (before it shut down) in my opinion and while not perfect, had the best combination of factors that makes a great LFS for me.




______
Sent from the future on my iPhone 10 using Tapatalk

[fishoholic]

why not im on a roll...



price!!!!


i hate not knowing the darn prices of stuff..

i hate even more when a price is just thrown off the top of someones head...and more than likely is different the next day lol

seriously...mark the prices!!

100% agree. I know of one store in Calgary that in particular is really bad for that. It really ****es me off! Especially when he tells one person he doesn't know that it's an $80 coral and 10min's later tells someone he knows it's $40 for the same coral. I know people who are frequent buyers and are close to the owners get discounts and ok fine, but usually the owner will give 10-20% off, not come up with a totally different price all together! To consistently quote totally different prices to different people (that sometimes are almost half the price or less of what he quoted one person to the next) is frustrating and annoying and IMO no way to run a business. Prices should be shown (and yes sometimes depending on how much shipment prices cost the prices will change) but regardless they should be written on the tanks for everyone to see and not be some sort of secret.

[Coralgurl]

100% agree. I know of one store in Calgary that in particular is really bad for that. It really ****es me off! Especially when he tells one person he doesn't know that it's an $80 coral and 10min's later tells someone he knows it's $40 for the same coral. I know people who are frequent buyers and are close to the owners get discounts and ok fine, but usually the owner will give 10-20% off, not come up with a totally different price all together! To consistently quote totally different prices to different people (that sometimes are almost half the price or less of what he quoted one person to the next) is frustrating and annoying and IMO no way to run a business. Prices should be shown (and yes sometimes depending on how much shipment prices cost the prices will change) but regardless they should be written on the tanks for everyone to see and not be some sort of secret.

This is what irritates me the most. If you work at a buddy relationship with the stores, they will offer you better pricing. This is not fair as I don't always have time. I'd like to walk in and see pricing. Store owners and staff can be busy with others and I would like to be able to price out my interests on my own.

I do think we have a great selection of stores here run by great people and appreciate their time when I do stop in. I wish more offered more frags, it's hard to buy an $80 coral only to have it not work out in your tank, a smaller piece at lower cost is easier to cope with.

[Reef_Geek]

I'm not sure that it's the 'buddies' that get the better prices, I have tested several different stores for consistencies on their price quotes. What I like to do often, just like everyone else, is ask, 'how much is that?' and I often don't buy because either the price point isn't a great deal, or I don't really want it that bad, or I'm not on my way home. Anyway, I ask several different staff, sometimes a week or two go by in between I re-test the price of something... if it's still around maybe the shopkeeper wants it out his door. The finding has been pretty consistent.

Having said that, there is room to negotiate. What you can negotiate and get for how much depends. There are 3 variables to negotiating according to Herb Cohen: time, information, power.

Time--who ever has more time wins. For example, you know a fish has been in the store for quite some time, you like it, but only want it if it's a good deal. Week after week, it's still there and each time you ask about it but are prepared to walk away from the deal if the price isn't right. In time, shopkeeper will think about his price vs ongoing maintenance & risk of fish getting sick. Conversely, a fish at a good price that you don't buy but someone else will buy in a heartbeat... you don't have time, buy it if it's a fair price.

Info--know the fair market value of goods... otherwise you'll be taken advantage of. Know what you're buying and its frequency of availability or likelihood of coming up again for sale, know where to get stuff used/fragged online...

Power--shopkeeper is in position to offer things, get you things, give you advice, provide you with a friendly ongoing place of getting cool stuff, keep him happy and don't blow this relationship. Conversely, you are in position to choose another offer, to bring your money, to drop $X today if the deal is right vs $Y if not, to tell your friends, to choose to come back, to walk away and wait for a better deal etc.

[reefwars]

i can say without a doubt they do their prices better for people they know then new comers to their store...they all do but the big box ones.

imo price should be a solid thing decided when the item was put up for sale)

[Reef_Geek]

having worked in a LFS for a decade...

"people they know" should be replaced with "customers with strong prospects of continued spending power"

so it's not really unfair, but it's volume-adjusted pricing.

If the people they know became reluctant to make further purchases and have reached their point of diminishing returns (tank full, not up sizing or getting another tank, have everything they need, just comes in and tries to beat down prices on the few things they need)... then I suspect the degree of discounts offered will likely change.

[Enigma]

i can say without a doubt they do their prices better for people they know then new comers to their store...they all do but the big box ones.

imo price should be a solid thing decided when the item was put up for sale)

Asked the gent in one local shop how much a single head of ricordia cost. $80! I said "Oh," turned around, and walked out. I won't be back. I don't need a "buddy discount." I just want to be treated fairly and not exploited.

If he had stretched the cost a little bit I may still have shopped in his store, as it was very pretty. Not $80 pretty, though.

[Proteus]

Personally I shop at two stores. I have given these stores 95% of my bussinuss and never asked for a discount but have bartered with them. I ussually get a fair price and even discount for multiple purchases. This is what kept me coming back along with great staff. Even though I don't buy fish anymore I check in regularly to see what frags or hardware is avalible.

[Proteus]

Asked the gent in one local shop how much a single head of ricordia cost. $80! I said "Oh," turned around, and walked out. I won't be back. I don't need a "buddy discount." I just want to be treated fairly and not exploited.

If he had stretched the cost a little bit I may still have shopped in his store, as it was very pretty. Not $80 pretty, though.

I've seen ultra rica at 90$. It could have been a fair price but u could always barter

[mrhasan]

i can say without a doubt they do their prices better for people they know then new comers to their store...they all do but the big box ones.

imo price should be a solid thing decided when the item was put up for sale)

Big box ones do too ;) But only on the livestock.

[mrhasan]

Asked the gent in one local shop how much a single head of ricordia cost. $80! I said "Oh," turned around, and walked out. I won't be back. I don't need a "buddy discount." I just want to be treated fairly and not exploited.

If he had stretched the cost a little bit I may still have shopped in his store, as it was very pretty. Not $80 pretty, though.

Yah saw that $80 ric too. And when I was like HUUUH, he was kind enough to explain that its some kind of rare or something and hence he is charging high. It was on hold too :P

[Reef_Geek]

Asked the gent in one local shop how much a single head of ricordia cost. $80! I said "Oh," turned around, and walked out. I won't be back. I don't need a "buddy discount." I just want to be treated fairly and not exploited.

If he had stretched the cost a little bit I may still have shopped in his store, as it was very pretty. Not $80 pretty, though.

I think I know the one you're talking about. Regardless, one shop tries to have ultra high end stuff where prices are super high. I believe the guy is a bit mislead... because he needs to think of his customers as groups (marketing calls segments). He's got stuff that sells to maybe 10% of the reef hobbyists out there... If Calgary is 1.2M people... there may be 10K people with aquariums... and maybe 10% (=1K) people with marine set ups. Maybe a few hundred people are actively buying stuff for their tanks... and the fraction that seeks and affords ultra high end stuff is dozens... it's a tough business model to have a client base of dozens of people in the discretionary spending category.

Then the rest of us, feel insulted at the pricing. He once tried to sell me a 3" diameter hollywood stunner chalice for $300, with the logic that 1/2" frags of it sell for $25 on eBay... that logic works if it weren't so readily available locally and you fetch $25 a frag on a good day. He's got to let go of his margin.

Many LFS get stuck with 'the formula' in their head. To account for losses, labor, shipping etc... I'll simply take my cost and multiply it by X factor. Well, you can't do that on an item that cost you $100... you have to be happier with a slimmer margin to move it consistently out the door and cultivate return customers on the high end stuff.

[reefwars]

keep the feedback coming guys , tell me what you like and dont like , what a lfs should do or not do and what makes you shop at a store and ultimately buy something in the end??

do you guys feel lfs caters to anyone in particular??

what kinds of products do you think every lfs should carry?

what are some of the things that make you not want to come back or visit regeuarily???

on the opposite side what makes you keep coming back??

any and all information is welcome!!





cheers!!

[reefwars]

is anyone else like me and hate seeing "sold " or "on hold " or " nfs " written on the tanks , imo if somethings sold or on hold it should go in a holding tank thats not viewable by customers.

[albert_dao]

is anyone else like me and hate seeing "sold " or "on hold " or " nfs " written on the tanks , imo if somethings sold or on hold it should go in a holding tank thats not viewable by customers.

:/

Not all stores are big enough to have the sort of space to do that. Also, when you move fish around, you never know when they're just going to kill each other (e.g. Angels and tangs)..

Besides, it's that or sell fish that haven't been long-term acclimated.

Personally, I appreciate it when a store is willing assume the risk and hold onto a fish for me, treat it for disease and make sure it's eating before I take it home.

[reefwars]

:/

Not all stores are big enough to have the sort of space to do that. Also, when you move fish around, you never know when they're just going to kill each other (e.g. Angels and tangs)..

Besides, it's that or sell fish that haven't been long-term acclimated.

Personally, I appreciate it when a store is willing assume the risk and hold onto a fish for me, treat it for disease and make sure it's eating before I take it home.


i do too in fact i think it should be something every fish store is willing to do although not in the for sale or display tanks they should be moved to a private tank, sure not all strores are gonna have that room but fact is if you plan to buy a building/fishstore with no where to work or do business besides that one room then you really set it up on yourself , its not the customers fault a store doesnt have enough room.

i guess it goes back to when the lease was signed and how much thought was put into expanding and operations.

i dont feel any sympathy for those running stores with everything in the same aisle, fact is its a business :)

every business has operations and things to do that are not in the best interest of customers to be viewing.

since im on the walmart band wagon what if walmart started holding things for peopke in the isles , you mean to tell me you wouldnt get frustrated picking between whats for sale and whats not for sale??

i would expect walmart to have a place to hold lay away items and overstock goods just the same as i would a fishstore or any business that sells multile products.

but i do know what your saying yes an established business may not have enough room or ability to do so. the fishstore next to my house is a prime example i sometimes have to wait 15 mins for someone to get out of the isle so i can walk down it and view...and more times then not theres either someone mopping , some mom and her kids viewing , 2 people just having a reef chat or a employee serving a customer......either way its cramped and i feel like i need to wait for someone to announce " now serving customer 213" i hate going there for that reason and i know others that do as well. great very friendly people and nice stuff but too small a business location.

[11purewater]

I wish my LFS would have various sources for livestock.Also they could do a group buy on popular or rare corals,so if ten people want a "one eyed,three legged,rainbow with a limp coral" Buy it ,frag it, and it's out the door,everybody's happy.have a menu at the front counter and a suggestion box:lol:

[Reef_Geek]

keep the feedback coming guys , tell me what you like and dont like , what a lfs should do or not do and what makes you shop at a store and ultimately buy something in the end??

do you guys feel lfs caters to anyone in particular??

what kinds of products do you think every lfs should carry?

what are some of the things that make you not want to come back or visit regeuarily???

on the opposite side what makes you keep coming back??

any and all information is welcome!!





cheers!!

I guess one thing that sticks out as peculiar to me... is we have 2 shops that are strictly marine. Looking at the size of the shop, I can understand why... but this is very atypical. My first thought was... huh, there must be enough hobbyist demand in this town to support such specialized businesses.

If I were to have a LFS (which I'm not), my preference would be to offer freshwater and general dry goods as well. True, without the purchasing power of the big box and online specialists, an independent LFS would not get supplier discounts to offer those deep sales. However, offering some hardware at MSRP does 1) keep people coming back when they are seeking something, and 2) grows/develops customers. For example, carrying 10 gal to 30 gal tanks makes you a viable place for hobbyists entering the hobby... into freshwater. There's good margins on freshwater fish & plants... at some point, a portion of hobbyists will gravitate towards more challenging set ups and rare imports like Apistogrammas, Discus, Aponogetons, etc... and a portion of hobbyists will become interested in how easy it is to convert to a marine tank. Marine hobbyists on the learning curve starting with softies and smaller tanks also buy livestock at good margins... It is the lifetime value of customers that matters more so than the individual transactional value of a purchase. The value proposition would then be friendly service, solid advice, fair pricing, and quality goods/livestock. Where big box stores falls short is consistency in advice and quality livestock.

In Calgary, IMO it seems that different stores fit different phases of the hobbyist learning/development journey.

[Seriak]

My opinions are: (In no particular order)

1) Prices - In the name of all that is .... Please but prices on everything. The store I frequent has great staff and if I ask about a price, they provide it pretty quick and the price is usually pretty good; however, someone is not always available and I end up looking at a few items and leaving without even asking for a price as I don't want the items enough to wait until the staff are available to talk. Missed opportunity for the store.

2) I also find "aisle" stores a pretty big pain. You end up feeling like you're in an zoo aquarium where you have to quickly look and move on as someone else needs to get by, or look at the tank and there is only room for one person and you don't want to hold up the line. That is why I try to go during the week in the afternoon so less people are in the store.

3)Equipment? I really only buy my equipment from one local store who has the same prices or better than the major online stores and if he doesn't have it in stock I just go mail order. I have never once found a price anywhere near online stores at any of the other stores in Calgary. However, to be fair, I have not even asked for equipment pricing from them in years, so I have no idea if they have gotten any better.

4) Location - I also live in the extreme South and I miss having a store close by that I can pop into. However, this probably saves me a lot of money on those impulse buys.

[kien]

On the issue with pricing, I wonder if it is partially a cultural thing? Of the 5 traditional stores that sell marine stuffs, 3 of them are owned and operated by asians and those are the ones that NEVER have prices on their tanks. It is in their nature to expect haggling. From their point of view, is there a point in putting a price up if someone is just going to come along and knock it down ? Also, I think that the cost on livestock fluctuates wildly from shipment to shipment. It is possible that a Blue Tang from one shipment will cost them $40 while on the next shipment will cost them $50. In the meantime, the Blue Tang from both shipments are still hanging out in the same tank. I'm guessing that the store owners kind of want to hide this from the customers. Anyway, I'm not a store owner so I'm just speculating :-)

And on the issue of Preferred Customer pricing. I don't see an issue with this. It is no different than any other business with a Preferred Customer system. I am a "Preferred Customer" with Avis Rent a Car so I get to the front of the line. "Preferred Frequent Flyer's" with Air Canada get special treatment (seat upgrades, meals, perferred boarding, etc). This is normal business practice.

[Reef_Geek]

On the issue with pricing, I wonder if it is partially a cultural thing? Of the 5 traditional stores that sell marine stuffs, 3 of them are owned and operated by asians and those are the ones that NEVER have prices on their tanks. It is in their nature to expect haggling. From their point of view, is there a point in putting a price up if someone is just going to come along and knock it down ? Also, I think that the cost on livestock fluctuates wildly from shipment to shipment. It is possible that a Blue Tang from one shipment will cost them $40 while on the next shipment will cost them $50. In the meantime, the Blue Tang from both shipments are still hanging out in the same tank. I'm guessing that the store owners kind of want to hide this from the customers. Anyway, I'm not a store owner so I'm just speculating :-)

And on the issue of Preferred Customer pricing. I don't see an issue with this. It is no different than any other business with a Preferred Customer system. I am a "Preferred Customer" with Avis Rent a Car so I get to the front of the line. "Preferred Frequent Flyer's" with Air Canada get special treatment (seat upgrades, meals, perferred boarding, etc). This is normal business practice.

There's something less obvious... no not an Asian thing. Two of the shops are spin offs of one of them... I think they learned from the original in their habits and practices. It's quite easy to go to Staples and get a Brother label printer, it's what I used in the family LFS in Halifax. Average cost per label made is about $0.50... if a LFS is unwilling to afford that... you're truly counting pennies while the cows walk out the back door (customers).

[reefwars]

if pricing is so hard for our lfs to do then why does lfs in other citys have no problems doing this??

like nick mentioned the stores in edmonton do this , so do the stores ive visited in ontario and in newfoundland....

thers no reason at all why stores elsewhere can put prices on stuff but ours cant....it has nothing to do with anything but being pure lazy or trying to grease extra coin out of customers....the stores here dont care and want you to have to ask for a price , becuase their price changes customer to customer.

[reefwars]

i went in to one of the lfs a few months ago , i asked about a torch coral, the shop keep said ....... " were having a special on torchs this weekend , he said all torch reardless of heads are $70"

i thought humm maybe i will so i said ok give me a bit to browse still...ten mins later i went looking for the guy but he was gone so i said to the other guy whats the price on the torch coral i wanted again??

he said " were having a special on torchs this weekend all torchs are $50 regardless of heads"

to say the least since that very day i lost respwect for them......

[reefwars]

not to mention i went in to a lfs on a monday to buy a 1/2" bulkhead the price was 12$....seemed high but i needed the bulkhead so bought it....

the next day i decided to put in a second bulkhead and went back for another.....huh guess what the price is now $7


so how does that happen anyone think theres a reasonable reason for this or are we all just pigeons??

[Reef_Geek]

on the topic of laziness... some of my retail management pet peeves

1) Dirty floors that obviously hasn't been attempted to be mopped in months
2) Dusty merchandise that hasn't been wiped for months
3) at the same time, the guy isn't doing anything but standing behind the counter reading newspapers, surfing the web, watching TV, standing at the door and people watching

I have little sympathy for them when business is slow. They are actively choosing to not make their shop more attractive.

[reefwars]

thats one of mine to , coming from a construction background employers dont pay you to sit on your ass , so ok its a slow day why not scrub floors, walls or dust things, reorganize for crying out loud.

ever since i was 12 i learned theres never nothing to do, what makes a good worker or employee is someone who takes the intiative to do things regardless of the task.

i dont expect an 50 yr old man or woman to get on his hands and knees to clean floors but at that age or time maybe its time to pay a young fella to clean a few times a week.

imo general cleanup should be done evenings after the store is closed so customers only see a clean store and should be a main priority.

i know me personally am driven away by mess, how can i expect to buy livestock or goods and put my faith into someones advice when their displays are messy and store looks like it sat closed for 4 yrs...

seriously store owners , we want clean stores its that simple.

if i went to restaurant and they had food left on the floor or bathrooms with grease and rust running down them...ikt would be my last visit..if i even stayed at all....

[reefwars]

just looking at all the replies and attention this thread is getting tells me we are hurting for a change in business in this city from our lfs , we all know it.

red coral was off to a great start , ive always had nothing but great things to say about kevin and the gang, its sad what happened to them but we need a replacement for their store , the few we have are older stores and set in their ways , they are not about to change so we as the public need to demand what we want .

in the end its us who provide the business that these stores get , if it works they are not about to fix it....why right??


its about time we had a place that WANTS to serve the city and WANTS to expand and become part of what this city has to offer.

we have a very large poulation, it is dominated by asian store owners(this is fact) all these stores run in a similiar way and all have stemmed from another lfs who still runs in this fashion.

calgary needs someone willing to change things and make them at par with the rest of the country.


ps.....i actually get along great with all the stores in the city , but fact is there are problems that n eed addressing sooner than later.

[jorjef]

On the issue with pricing, I wonder if it is partially a cultural thing? Of the 5 traditional stores that sell marine stuffs, 3 of them are owned and operated by asians and those are the ones that NEVER have prices on their tanks. It is in their nature to expect haggling. From their point of view, is there a point in putting a price up if someone is just going to come along and knock it down ? Also, I think that the cost on livestock fluctuates wildly from shipment to shipment. It is possible that a Blue Tang from one shipment will cost them $40 while on the next shipment will cost them $50. In the meantime, the Blue Tang from both shipments are still hanging out in the same tank. I'm guessing that the store owners kind of want to hide this from the customers. Anyway, I'm not a store owner so I'm just speculating :-)

And on the issue of Preferred Customer pricing. I don't see an issue with this. It is no different than any other business with a Preferred Customer system. I am a "Preferred Customer" with Avis Rent a Car so I get to the front of the line. "Preferred Frequent Flyer's" with Air Canada get special treatment (seat upgrades, meals, perferred boarding, etc). This is normal business practice.

I have read the last two pages of posts and this is the only one that I find has any merit in reading a second time....Hope others will read again.

Store owners run 'their' stores the way 'they' want. If I was the owner I wouldn't want people telling me how to run my business.

[reefwars]

I have read the last two pages of posts and this is the only one that I find has any merit in reading a second time....Hope others will read again.

Store owners run 'their' stores the way 'they' want. If I was the owner I wouldn't want people telling me how to run my business.

no but if you were a smart business man you would want feedback , if not how do you know your full potential or problems people or your own customers have?? and since when does a business not care about what its customers wants??


i guess sure maybe joes aquarium is happy selling goldfish and half dead corals.....maybe joes aquarium has a clientele and does not care for new business, thats fine but we are customers you cant admit our needs dont matter to them , without us there would be no moneys ...period

still to me that equal lazy , im not trying to change how our current lfs works im trying to find out what this city wants in a lfs and believe me there are things that we dont have and want....why do you think i sell coral?? simply because its lacking in this city..... up untill about a month ago i was the only person selling frags.... now since ive started and word has gotten around one other store has started to make frgas as well.....i can almost guarantee it is from talking with people who come to my house, i think its great that what im doing is catching on to the stores...so mabe theres hope for more turn around no??

cheers ;)

[reefwars]

i guess what im saying is we are forced to shop at these places.... if something better comes along then guess what...they are going to lose their clients for a better store...its that simple, its not marrige so if i dont like the store im not gonna work it out through counselling im just gonna go to the next store.

when this happens the store is going to close...why??

because they were not up to the task of providing the services they origionally intended to do and didnt listen to their customers.

business rule number 1:


always respect your customers wishes and opinions, in the end they make or break your business.

[reefwars]

i would love one of the sponsors or store owners on this site to pls reply and give us your take on customers, running a store and what your goals are.

we are all talking about this from a custoer point of view i would like to see what a business has to say about the comments made and their take on things in this business.

[Enigma]

2) Dusty merchandise that hasn't been wiped for months
.

I'm pretty sure you're referencing the place where I had to stop at a gas station to wash my hands on the way home after leaving the place. I had handled a few items on the shelves, and my hands were filthy when I left! I did ask if they had a sink I could use to wash my hands before I left. "No. Sorry we don't." I haven't been back.

[jorjef]

How long have these shops been in business? I'm guessing quite some time and are set in their ways and still in business. Not saying their systems are perfect but it's the way they want things. I feel your pain about being forced to shop at these places.... Regina has ONE store which I and many people in the city won't buy from unless absolutely necessary, be thankful you have 5 or what ever the count is at. :biggrin:

I made an hour and a half detour to hit a Bayside in Saskatoon on the way home this weekend. Tanks were marked with prices..:lol: Picked up a nice Yellow Candy Hogfish

I admit not having tanks marked with prices is annoying but take it as an opportunity to turn the tables on the shop owner... Low ball an offer on a fish or coral and get the haggling started:twised:

[Reef_Geek]

just looking at all the replies and attention this thread is getting tells me we are hurting for a change in business in this city from our lfs , we all know it.

red coral was off to a great start , ive always had nothing but great things to say about kevin and the gang, its sad what happened to them but we need a replacement for their store , the few we have are older stores and set in their ways , they are not about to change so we as the public need to demand what we want .

in the end its us who provide the business that these stores get , if it works they are not about to fix it....why right??


its about time we had a place that WANTS to serve the city and WANTS to expand and become part of what this city has to offer.

we have a very large poulation, it is dominated by asian store owners(this is fact) all these stores run in a similiar way and all have stemmed from another lfs who still runs in this fashion.

calgary needs someone willing to change things and make them at par with the rest of the country.


ps.....i actually get along great with all the stores in the city , but fact is there are problems that n eed addressing sooner than later.

We need BATfishMAN!

Seriously though, I'm not sure if this one is a little bit of a runaway on passion of the moment (Denny does get fired up!)... don't believe there's anything so far as 'broken' here so much as opportunity for improvement... or direct feedback usable for any given incumbent to take back and raise their level of competitiveness. I would call this market saturated in terms of LFS count to population ratio. This town has money to spend when its economy is in the boom phase... but difficult on discretionary spending when it's flat.


On the issue with pricing, I wonder if it is partially a cultural thing? Of the 5 traditional stores that sell marine stuffs, 3 of them are owned and operated by asians and those are the ones that NEVER have prices on their tanks. It is in their nature to expect haggling. From their point of view, is there a point in putting a price up if someone is just going to come along and knock it down ? Also, I think that the cost on livestock fluctuates wildly from shipment to shipment. It is possible that a Blue Tang from one shipment will cost them $40 while on the next shipment will cost them $50. In the meantime, the Blue Tang from both shipments are still hanging out in the same tank. I'm guessing that the store owners kind of want to hide this from the customers. Anyway, I'm not a store owner so I'm just speculating :-)

And on the issue of Preferred Customer pricing. I don't see an issue with this. It is no different than any other business with a Preferred Customer system. I am a "Preferred Customer" with Avis Rent a Car so I get to the front of the line. "Preferred Frequent Flyer's" with Air Canada get special treatment (seat upgrades, meals, perferred boarding, etc). This is normal business practice.

I don't see the issue. There are 3 prices. 1) the asking/starting price. This can be posted or not posted. Whether it's marked on the tank, priced on the car window, advertised in the newspaper, or the price not written but you ask when viewing a house... it's the asking price. 2) there's the target price. The seller knows they're not always going to get the asking price, whether it's posted or not, it's the price at which the seller would be satisfied. 3) then there's the selling price... the actual price at transaction that is mutually agreed upon. It can be the asking price, it can be at or above the target price... but typically not below the target price as the seller would back out or wait for another buyer.

Net-net, starting price can be, but does not have to be posted. The market is efficient and will work either way. I believe one shop sells at such good prices that their turnover of livestock makes it a pain to price and update all the time... meanwhile the other two have spun off this one and have beliefs that this is the way to go... or likely a mix of laziness and opportunity.

PS-one place has several guys and only one of them has the authority to make the call on lowering the price. You have to know what is not negotiable (ie with the guy that just works there) and who you're negotiating with. I wonder if price discrepancies arose from this.

[kien]

It really boils down to perspective. As this thread suggests, we all have or own ideas of how we would run a fish store. What would seem to make complete sense to one of us can easily sound ridiculous to another. Consider this though, one store in particular that we all love to bitch about has been around for ages without changing their business practices one iota. I'm not trying to defend their practices here. I'm just sayin'. They have managed to stick around and have seen hobbyists come and go. They've out lived much nicer, posher, more updated, more connected to customers, more tech (online) savvy stores that have come and gone. Go figure :biggrin:

[jorjef]

It really boils down to perspective. As this thread suggests, we all have or own ideas of how we would run a fish store. What would seem to make complete sense to one of us can easily sound ridiculous to another. Consider this though, one store in particular that we all love to bitch about has been around for ages without changing their business practices one iota. I'm not trying to defend their practices here. I'm just sayin'. They have managed to stick around and have seen hobbyists come and go. They've out lived much nicer, posher, more updated, more connected to customers, more tech (online) savvy stores that have come and gone. Go figure :biggrin:

EXACTLY...I give this post the 'Wisers slow clap' award.

[fishoholic]

if pricing is so hard for our lfs to do then why does lfs in other citys have no problems doing this??

like nick mentioned the stores in edmonton do this , so do the stores ive visited in ontario and in newfoundland....

thers no reason at all why stores elsewhere can put prices on stuff but ours cant....it has nothing to do with anything but being pure lazy or trying to grease extra coin out of customers....the stores here dont care and want you to have to ask for a price , becuase their price changes customer to customer.

I 1000% agree. Nothing is more annoying then the price changing from one staff quote to the next or for one customer to the next or from day to day especially on dry goods. Yes livestock prices will change week to week depending where the fish was shipped from but dry goods generally stay the same (price wise) and shouldn't be $12 on Monday and $7 Tuesday.

[Reef_Geek]

It really boils down to perspective. As this thread suggests, we all have or own ideas of how we would run a fish store. What would seem to make complete sense to one of us can easily sound ridiculous to another. Consider this though, one store in particular that we all love to bitch about has been around for ages without changing their business practices one iota. I'm not trying to defend their practices here. I'm just sayin'. They have managed to stick around and have seen hobbyists come and go. They've out lived much nicer, posher, more updated, more connected to customers, more tech (online) savvy stores that have come and gone. Go figure :biggrin:

That's very true. Longevity in face of change is a great measure of viability in business model. Could it be better? Probably. Is what they're doing working? Yes it is. Should they be complacent? Probably not. But I don't think they are complacent either... perhaps just a little too busy for their own good? Or, perhaps they should take some of their earnings and focus on growth vs the owner's Porsche Cayenne (does he have two?)? (Retained earnings vs paying out dividends)

[reefwars]

How long have these shops been in business? I'm guessing quite some time and are set in their ways and still in business. Not saying their systems are perfect but it's the way they want things. I feel your pain about being forced to shop at these places.... Regina has ONE store which I and many people in the city won't buy from unless absolutely necessary, be thankful you have 5 or what ever the count is at. :biggrin:

I made an hour and a half detour to hit a Bayside in Saskatoon on the way home this weekend. Tanks were marked with prices..:lol: Picked up a nice Yellow Candy Hogfish

I admit not having tanks marked with prices is annoying but take it as an opportunity to turn the tables on the shop owner... Low ball an offer on a fish or coral and get the haggling started:twised:

these business have been in operation a long time , i know all of them personally and im even trying to help one store do better business, fact is he knows the condition but its scaled out of hand over the years.....ive seen pics from 10yrs ago and the store was immaculate.

im not saying these guys arnt nice people because they are , its not a personal thing its a business thing.



overall we have a bunch of stores ran and owned by hobbysts, we also have quite a few compared to most citys , one store copied the next when it did well and the other copied that one basically.....

red coral was on to their own thing that wasnt copied, they had improved some of the ideas talked about here and look what happened, even after they are closed these same customers give the highest praise.

red coral was able to expand into 3 stores and a new facility...why?? i mean he was getting business right so why expand if your already making good business?? because he wanted so much more for his store then just to do well , he wanted his city to have what it needed and imo still does need and he understood the opportunity that was given and took hold of it. kevin seen the opportunity and knew there was room to exand.

no other lfs in this city has a franchise do they??(not talking big box stores) they probably could have though but they dont have that expectation that drive to succeed....they have settled for what they have.

he asked his customers what they wanted and then provided it to them as best he could...it paid off.....its sad that issues happened lately forcing him to close but he had the right idea.



is there a place in this town to buy a yellow tang??....yes

would i prefer to buy this yellow tang at a store i like??...yes


theres the recipe for success right there....basically provide a product or service and make the customers WANT to come to you for business.



the pizza joint next to my house sells dirt cheap pizza....its gross but ive ordered it in a jam before...

theres a spot a bit of a ways, i pay a bit more but at least i can swallow it.....this place always gets my first order:)

[Coralgurl]

There is not a single Calgary store on this forum. I think there are some great points made but in all honesty, the stores are not asking for this feedback, so why would it matter what a small reefing population on CR has to say about how their stores are operated? There are other reefers in the City that are not on CR, maybe unaware it exists, don't care for the chit chat, whatever. Stores invest their own time and money to run a business. If it wasn't working, they wouldn't be in business, these stores are around and very rarely are there no customers in the stores (I guess depending on time of day). Pricing, cleanliness, ease of access to livestock/product. Great points that all could improve upon. The 2 big box stores could have better trained staff, cleaner systems, but the pricing is there, shelves and floors are generally clean. These 2 stores get bashed all the time for various issues.

Real estate is not cheap. I bet the 3 smaller stores don't care to expand, use the size of stores as best laid out and off they go. Is more real estate going to bring in more money, not likely. Would it make it more appealing to the customer, of course. Are they putting more money in their pockets, obviously. Take the location of the stores and it says alot, they are not located in overly desirable locations, the 2 on 16th ave are not bad, the one on 17th...hmm, but I know rents are alot cheaper than if they were located at South Trail Crossing or Crowfoot or Beacon Hill (sorry for those in the south, not overly familier with shopping centres your way). We all have dumped considerable money in this hobby, if I want an expanded store offering more space, ultimately, I will pay for this as the store needs to recoup this cost somehow - increased pricing on everything. I'm not good at battering on prices, never have been, never will be, so I guess I miss the "buddy pricing".

Regardless - its their business, their risk, their cash and their perogative how and when they operate. We do have a great selection here, take what you like and leave the rest.

[reefwars]

It really boils down to perspective. As this thread suggests, we all have or own ideas of how we would run a fish store. What would seem to make complete sense to one of us can easily sound ridiculous to another. Consider this though, one store in particular that we all love to bitch about has been around for ages without changing their business practices one iota. I'm not trying to defend their practices here. I'm just sayin'. They have managed to stick around and have seen hobbyists come and go. They've out lived much nicer, posher, more updated, more connected to customers, more tech (online) savvy stores that have come and gone. Go figure :biggrin:


while this store has been around for ages you would be surprised to know of some major changes about to happen there...i know this for a fact;)


so while we like to think that they dont care ...some do.

it took sometime but that particular store owner is about to change his whole business around......why??

because times are forcing him to do so or the business goes downhill, years ago you would drop in to see what the store had...now people are ordering stuff online.in order to compete a business either needs to out do the other business in what it sells or improve oon their own business.


business has gone down over the years because of a few things one is the internet, its easier to ship now adays and with the improvements in the hobby and how much easier it is to keep things alive most people are willing to ship and do business online.

its become the norm for alot...

[Reef_Geek]

They should care... because BATfishMAN will make them pay... oh he'll make them pay...

[kien]

Real estate is not cheap. Take the location of the stores and it says alot, they are not located in overly desirable locations, the 2 on 16th ave are not bad, the one on 17th...hmm, but I know rents are alot cheaper than if they were located at South Trail Crossing or Crowfoot or Beacon Hill (sorry for those in the south, not overly familier with shopping centres your way).

This is a very good point that a lot of people don't consider. I live in the south and I would LOVE to have a store in the south. However, there is virtually NO cheap real estate in the south. The locations that are cheap are very sketchy. Take for example Red Coral's previous location. While the store there was awesome, I would personally be concerned to leave my car there for an extended period of time. And even at that location it was still MORE EXPENSIVE than their previous location in the north. Anyway, what this means is that virtually any reasonable location in the south is going to mean that prices will be higher. And well, we all know how we feel about high prices right? :neutral: Take for example the fish store that we used to have right off of MacLeod Trail South. Personally I thought it was a nice store. Great location, nice layout, decent stock. However, I hardly ever saw any foot traffic in that store and even I myself rarely frequented that store due to their high prices. I certainly can not blame them. They have to make ends meet like all the other stores.

[kien]

while this store has been around for ages you would be surprised to know of some major changes about to happen there...i know this for a fact;)

I'm going to hold you to that! :wink:

[reefwars]

ok some more lol


what about kids....people like to bring their kids to the stores and see all the pretty things , whats some of the good things or concerns parents may have when doing the family trip to the store??

[kien]

ok some more lol


what about kids....people like to bring their kids to the stores and see all the pretty things , whats some of the things or concerns parents may have when doing the family trip to the store??

SHARKS! And lots of them! Kids love sharks! Bonus points for sharks with lasers, but not required. Just a nice to have.

[reefwars]

I'm going to hold you to that! :wink:

personally i think this guy is a great man , hes obviously has done great things and his business being around after so many years is proof of that.

but yup the changes have already started, its not something a business can do over night without costing alot but sometimes its the small things that build up to something better.

i wouldnt be surprised if you seen him as a sponsor on canreef in the future;)

[reefwars]

SHARKS! And lots of them! Kids love sharks! Bonus points for sharks with lasers, but not required. Just a nice to have.


we all know that any sharks with lasers are snatched up as soon as they arrive....they make great pets lol

[Enigma]

ok some more lol


what about kids....people like to bring their kids to the stores and see all the pretty things , whats some of the things or concerns parents may have when doing the family trip to the store??

It may not be that people like to bring their children to the store, but are required to. There are plenty of times when hubby is working on the weekend, and I have to bring #2 son with me if I want to go.

Basically, open tanks on the floors (especially with things like stingrays in them) and exposed plumbing, valves, and switches are a big no-no if curious children could be in the store.

[Reef_Geek]

10 years in a LFS, actually I've seen far too many parents when they're not really into the hobby themselves, but wanted something that their kids can look at. Not a big customer segment, and not typically long lived hobbyists either. Hobbyists with kids... you're either a hobbyist who happens to have kids, or you're not a hobbyist and stay that way. It's too bad.

can I suggest... BATfishMAN?

[kien]

Basically, open tanks on the floors (especially with things like stingrays in them) and exposed plumbing, valves, and switches are a big no-no if curious children could be in the store.

This is a VERY, VERY, good point. There is nothing more annoying than to try and shop while at the same time having to watch that your kid doesn't burn or electrocute himself on that metal halide that's sitting on the floor over the salt water tank with salt water on the floor. :neutral:

[Reef_Geek]

My LFS in Halifax used to have gravel by the cup for fish bowl customers... so we had them on buckets on the sales floor. Kids loved it... mixing colours with each other. Of course... who had to clean up? Not BATfishMAN that's for sure, the lowly PetShop boy #3.

[Enigma]

This is a VERY, VERY, good point. There is nothing more annoying than to try and shop while at the same time having to watch that your kid doesn't burn or electrocute himself on that metal halide that's sitting on the floor over the salt water tank with salt water on the floor. :neutral:

I never even really thought about the lights! One more thing to worry about. :(

The only place I could take my little guy was Red Coral. Red Coral was so safe and roomy (with the exception of the live rock tank). It was very easy to browse the livestock and keep an eye on my son at the same time. I even let him wander around the store a little bit: so he could have a look at what he found interesting (under my watchful eye, of course). I have tried to take him into a couple of other places, but it was just far too risky to stay in the stores for any length of time.

[Reef_Geek]

ok some more lol


what about kids....people like to bring their kids to the stores and see all the pretty things , whats some of the good things or concerns parents may have when doing the family trip to the store??

I see you're probably probing for a LFS on ideas for change. That was always top of mind for a LFS... how are we going to get more customers? Can we increase the hobby?

The question is more fundamental than this... idealism thinking. First, improve competitiveness and soundness of business model, have good control of operational costs, find the balance of fair market price and customer market size/propensity to spend. Next, so long as there's earnings, don't get complacent and pocket the profit, return and re-invest back into the business for growth. How to grow? Cultivate and entice new entry hobbyists by having the right offerings (small tanks, lower price point fish & corals), and need to spend to communicate your offers. Go to the mall and set up a kiosk/cart with mini reef complete sets, go to the university student building and set up a table with affordable mini set ups, make a website that is informative and instills curiosity for people to come see your shop, print flyers with coupons (free goldfish coupon sells a lot of fish bowls) and give out locally... etc. And when the customers come to your shop, don't disappoint with insult pricing, lack of fit of products to customers, shop cleanliness. etc

[Zoaelite]

Slightly off topic but has anyone noticed a general increase in the price of live goods throughout Calgary after RC shut down?

Things that would cost $40-$60 are hitting $70+ at the moment.
Maybe its just me, maybe costs are getting more expensive? Even what I would consider the least expensive store in Calgary seems to have higher prices than usual.

A decreased supply with steady demand would theoretically yield a price increase, have our LFS picked up on this?

[Coralgurl]

Denny, you are so passionate about this hobby and those in it! :lol: YOU should open a salty store, you'd be fantastic at it. You have a vision of what it should look like and could set the new standard for others to follow!! Tonka could be your mascot for the store, think of how spoiled he'd be!! LOL

I for one sure appreciate your enthusiasm for the stores and the customers and livestock. I'm excited to see what you come up with for a new concept as you've mentioned and I'm sure it will be a great partnering!!

[cuz]

Denny, you are so passionate about this hobby and those in it! :lol: YOU should open a salty store, you'd be fantastic at it. You have a vision of what it should look like and could set the new standard for others to follow!! Tonka could be your mascot for the store, think of how spoiled he'd be!! LOL

I for one sure appreciate your enthusiasm for the stores and the customers and livestock. I'm excited to see what you come up with for a new concept as you've mentioned and I'm sure it will be a great partnering!!

Ironically worded??

[Coralgurl]

Slightly off topic but has anyone noticed a general increase in the price of live goods throughout Calgary after RC shut down?

Things that would cost $40-$60 are hitting $70+ at the moment.
Maybe its just me, maybe costs are getting more expensive? Even what I would consider the least expensive store in Calgary seems to have higher prices than usual.

A decreased supply with steady demand would theoretically yield a price increase, have our LFS picked up on this?

I'm not at the LFS much anymore since Red Coral closed, noth the same service. Not the same.

[Delphinus]

Well here goes. My thoughts on this..

As I hinted about before - location is important to me. All the stores are clustered in the north. 10 years ago, heck even 5 years ago when Elite Aquatics was still around - it was a possibility for me to do a LFS run in my lunch hour. Today this is simply impossible unless I can afford to be away at my desk for 2-3 hours. And guess what, I can't afford that, I have a job to do and I get in trouble when it doesn't get done. Weekends are worse. Put a family into the mix and your time just isn't there like in the good old days. Let's go to a fish store! Ok, 4 hours later, we're back! ... So yeah, I know people in other places have longer commutes but the fact is if you're OK with it then cool. But I'm not. And guess what? I hardly hit up LFS's anymore because it's just too time consuming. For me the whimsical LFS visit is a thing of the past.

I liked Red Coral because their new location was south-ish. I WAS able to visit there from time to time. But having said that: their location was my favourite feature of the store. Service was great too. But prices and selection were far from ideal. Luckily for them these are/were not huge on my pick-list.

Prices - lower prices are always nice but the truth is that I'm happy to pay a premium for convenience because that matters to me. Within reason, of course - the other fact is that I don't have deep pockets and if something is priced out of reach then I simply won't buy it. It's a hobby, one of many, I don't need to overspend. So lower prices are *appreciated* but far from the most important consideration for me.

In fact, the most important feature for me is cleanliness. More so than location in fact. There is one store that I only check on about once per year these days just to see if anything has changed but everytime I do go in, I am reminded why I never shop there. I will find dead and decomposing fish in several tanks every time. That is disgusting. I see disease there every time. That sickens me. I have been in this hobby a long long time and I know that things happen but this goes beyond that. Things are left to rot in those tanks. You really want to take something home and expose your established livestock to that? Of course you should QT but that goes beyond needing to QT that's more like go straight to the hospital tank. No thanks. The fact that the purveyor of the store isn't the most congenial, doesn't really matter to me. The fact that his prices are consistently the highest out of anywhere else in the city - doesn't help matters but I don't even care because I just won't shop there until I see a reason to.

I like a trip to the huge pet "supermarket" these days because there is always something neat to see - reef related or otherwise - but the 40 km drive in one direction makes it a rare thing for me. Plus the prices are HUGELY up compared to other stores. However, I do shop there from time to time. Plus they have a good selection of FW stuff (I have a planted FW tank as well as my reefs) and they are the only ones I know now who sell those New Era products (tang disks) and I don't know where else to get them - so I go there happily when the opportunity allows for it.

The other "big box" store that's just around the corner from everyone's favourite tank builder - I honestly love this place. Never had an issue with livestock that I've taken home from there. Miss their south store like the DICKENS because it was like 2km from my office, but nothing lasts forever I guess. If I have time I'll poke my head in there and see what's new, sometimes I walk out with something. Usually have a great conversation too with the fish room guys. Bonus points for being next door to a R/C shop too.

There is another store that is dedicated saltwater and I'm always impressed at how clean the tanks are. Drygood selection not huge but I do appreciate the cleanliness more than I think I could ever post about. Kudos to you guys running that store for keeping it clean. I regret that I can't visit more often. Move south, dang it!

There is another store that is cramped but to give credit where credit is due: these guys care a LOT about their fish. I have absolutely no qualms about buying there because I know the guys have done their best to keep their fish healthy. Prices are usually pretty good too though, although this means that nothing stays in the store very long which puts a guy like me who can't visit every day (jeepers bye don't you have a life or a job?) are at a huge buying disadvantage. However, if there's something I want, I'll ask the guys and they do their best to find it for me. Patience is the only required input after that. So that works out well, I find.

And then there's the guy who sells mostly frags out of his basement. Great guy. Great frags. Great times when visiting. And in the south. LOVE. 'Nuff said.

[reefwars]

Denny, you are so passionate about this hobby and those in it! :lol: YOU should open a salty store, you'd be fantastic at it. You have a vision of what it should look like and could set the new standard for others to follow!! Tonka could be your mascot for the store, think of how spoiled he'd be!! LOL

I for one sure appreciate your enthusiasm for the stores and the customers and livestock. I'm excited to see what you come up with for a new concept as you've mentioned and I'm sure it will be a great partnering!!


haha thanks sheena, who knows maybe ill be recruited someday lol untill then...

chive on!!

lol

[reefwars]

thanks everyone for your input so far, its all going in the vault;)


seems like we are all on the same page no?? theres def nothing wrong with the lfs we currently have...per say..... we all have the stores we like for various reasons, its nice to be able to read this and see what everyone likes or dislikes about each store....im even more amazed everyone stuck to the no names request:)

this thread isnt about bashing any store or stores , its simply to see what the public in general wants or likes and hates about their lfs.

[magikof7]

I have been "cruising" a couple of the local Lfs stores for 15 yrs. :)

QUALITY over quantity I think is the key, for me anyway. I can wait for nice corals and fish to come in or ask to be called if they get it in.
you can have several types of corals and plenty to buy but, if they are all brown, stressed gaping and being stung by aptasia in the tanks. no matter how low you price em I aint buyin em.
There is one store I will look at fish but I pass by the coral tanks. it stresses ME out. I'd love to get in there and fix what is easily fixable. it shows a lack of care for these animals and knowledge in reef keeping.
I know aptasia can be a never ending problem but in a fish store is there really any excuse (to that degree) when you have access to all kinds of stock that eat them?

Ethics! I have reconsidered going to (or buying from stores) that carry animals that get HUGE and know darn well it won't live to half its size but will charge 2 g's for it. (a Wobegong shark!) There has to be some kind of responsibility here.

Dry goods that are not expired. was a little shocked by the amount at one store. and up to 4 yrs past the date.

Prices would be nice but I find it gives an oportunity to ask about their opinion on what is in their tanks, what they just got in, and often they point out something I have missed.

I also appreciate Honesty! there is one store that I am rather fond of despite their ups and downs at times. I find him the most Honest. I will keep going back.

If you can not stay in business by being honest about your equipment and why you do or don't stock it some of the problems with it or the company policies that sell it then I don't want to buy from you.

Cleanliness would be nice but cement floors with high traffic and water spillage is very hard to keep clean and after all I'm not buying fish from your floor. I would rather have dirty floors and clean tanks.

Tanks on the floor are Not appealing, nor safe for the fish. a few times I thought I was going to have a stingray in my lap while I looked at a tank above it. :D

Live rock tanks are a different story. it is nice to have it accessable and allows you to see a good portion of it in a glass tank. makes picking easier and you can see the condition it is in. Maybe not on the floor but waist height?

[Reef_Geek]

I'm not letting this one go... after doing some extensive web research (aprox 20 seconds), I have found BATfishMAN exists.

http://rafflesia-arnoldi.deviantart.com/art/Batfishman-273967764



We need BATfishMAN!



just looking at all the replies and attention this thread is getting tells me we are hurting for a change in business in this city from our lfs , we all know it.

red coral was off to a great start , ive always had nothing but great things to say about kevin and the gang, its sad what happened to them but we need a replacement for their store , the few we have are older stores and set in their ways , they are not about to change so we as the public need to demand what we want .

in the end its us who provide the business that these stores get , if it works they are not about to fix it....why right??


its about time we had a place that WANTS to serve the city and WANTS to expand and become part of what this city has to offer.

we have a very large poulation, it is dominated by asian store owners(this is fact) all these stores run in a similiar way and all have stemmed from another lfs who still runs in this fashion.

calgary needs someone willing to change things and make them at par with the rest of the country.


ps.....i actually get along great with all the stores in the city , but fact is there are problems that n eed addressing sooner than later.

[Aquattro]

I have found BATfishMAN exists.



It just came to me, seemed the right thing to do..:)

[reefwars]

It just came to me, seemed the right thing to do..:)


lol :P

[Coralgurl]

:rofl:

[reefwars]

heres one.....i love it when i buy multiple things and im given a styrofoam box or any box really, theres a few spots in town that like to see you leave without the bag popping and offer boxes:)

cheers to that !

[RedCoralEdmonton]

wow just read all the pages.... some good stuff in here.... but Denny you made a thread about LFS in Calgary.... and then want LFS to reply in here.... when you have no Calgary stores on here.... silly newfie....

Anyways I like all the points I hear about in this thread, only wish there was something to be learned, as we here have a) a clean floor everyday (thanks mom), b) clean tanks (refer to a) lol, c) a dedicated childrens play area (with toys!!) and d) prices on all the tanks.... with info on the requirements of the individual fish.....

So my challenge to you is.... I need more ideas that we don't already implement!

Ball is in your corner Denny!

Steve

[lockrookie]

heres one.....i love it when i buy multiple things and im given a styrofoam box or any box really, theres a few spots in town that like to see you leave without the bag popping and offer boxes:)

cheers to that !

Pm sent regarding this comment lol


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

[Proteus]

Cheers to Steve on the play area. It's great that the kids can play while I shop

[Reef_Geek]

heres one.....i love it when i buy multiple things and im given a styrofoam box or any box really, theres a few spots in town that like to see you leave without the bag popping and offer boxes:)

cheers to that !

many of you have seen me with my bucket... I show up to buy your one frag and most of you are like... whoa, you don't need that bucket... I put stuff from your zip lock baggies or fish bags from the LFS into the bucket so it doesn't leak all over my car. Just a 3.5 gal Salinity bucket with lid, lives in my car trunk. Wife always knows I'm up to no good if I'm out the door with 'the bucket'

[reefwars]

wow just read all the pages.... some good stuff in here.... but Denny you made a thread about LFS in Calgary.... and then want LFS to reply in here.... when you have no Calgary stores on here.... silly newfie....

Anyways I like all the points I hear about in this thread, only wish there was something to be learned, as we here have a) a clean floor everyday (thanks mom), b) clean tanks (refer to a) lol, c) a dedicated childrens play area (with toys!!) and d) prices on all the tanks.... with info on the requirements of the individual fish.....

So my challenge to you is.... I need more ideas that we don't already implement!

Ball is in your corner Denny!

Steve


haha , i got to say your another one with the right ideas , i knew it long ago too and knew your store was gonna be different, i enjoy going in there...even if im not buying i like gong there. the tanks are laid out with space and they are clean. the store is kid safe and clean.the animals are healthy. your store is friendly i dont get the feel like im gambling there to spend money on something and i see your store is doing quite well and gets lots of good praise even all the way here in another city...and other citys too!!

thats the kind of stuff that deserves business and better yet repeat business:)



well haha ok since you asked for it :P


not enough advertising , you use to post pics that made me drool practically every week .....when we gonna get some more of that huh ?? :P

[Reef_Geek]

It just came to me, seemed the right thing to do..:)

I'll take it. Looking better than 'member' :biggrin:

[reefwars]

Cheers to Steve on the play area. It's great that the kids can play while I shop


exactly he didnt need to do it , im sure it wasnt cheap and im sure he could have used the space for more tanks but he had an idea in mind for a comfortable area with the couch facing the display and a play area for the kids:)


and its not like he has some warehouse facility he runs a small store front...he just pre planned and utiized the space better.

[Enigma]

c) a dedicated childrens play area (with toys!!)

Do you really have a dedicated play area? OMG. I could actually leisurely browse your store. :eek:

[reefwars]

Do you really have a dedicated play area? OMG. I could actually leisurely browse your store. :eek:


haha he does , and theres a big comfy couch too .

lets face it sometimes in the family were the only ones in the hobby , i know my gf use to make good use of that couch while i talked for hours lol it was much better then her waiting in the car...in which case that wouldnt be had lol

[reefwars]

i also noticed steve you offered fragging seminars a while back and thought hey its nice to see a store offering to educate others.

seems like you want to work with the public, while others are working the public...get it lol ??:P:P

[Enigma]

haha he does , and theres a big comfy couch too .

lets face it sometimes in the family were the only ones in the hobby , i know my gf use to make good use of that couch while i talked for hours lol it was much better then her waiting in the car...in which case that wouldnt be had lol

I have an abundance of quality used toys that I will happily donate to ANY local LFS that wants to set up a playarea.

Can't help in the sofa department, though. Ours are all ratty.

[Reef_Geek]

i also noticed steve you offered fragging seminars a while back and thought hey its nice to see a store offering to educate others.

seems like you want to work with the public, while others are working the public...get it lol ??:P:P


Anyone else here a scuba diver? If so, then you know the system of continuing education at dive shops to keep you engaged, keep you diving, and keep you as an active customer to keep you from dropping out of the hobby. Courses go from Open Water > Advanced Open Water > Rescue Diver > Dive Master > Instructor > > master instructor > coarse director (instructor of instructors)

Always thought that there would be some transfer-ability to aquarium retail.

Imagine, you have an intro to aquarium course, then specialty courses like planted tanks, breeding & rearing angelfish/dwarf cichlids, then intro to marine tanks and reef basics, followed by coral propagation, clownfish/dottyback/goby breeding and rearing, then master aquarist, and instructor... the hardest part is drafting/writing curriculum materials.

[reefwars]

reefschool??


i get %50 of all profits for mentioning it before it was pantended:)

[Reef_Geek]

I've thought about this for a few years... to do this right and go big, you're really talking about being author to a series of books... one set is the instructor version, and the other set the student version with exercises and quizzes... once published, could be adopted/sold/used at any LFS. So really, it's first to author the books and sell the idea to a publisher... which I have no time for... I've been sitting on a draft of my next article for about 4 months now... so someone else run with it!

[kien]

wow just read all the pages.... some good stuff in here.... but Denny you made a thread about LFS in Calgary.... and then want LFS to reply in here.... when you have no Calgary stores on here.... silly newfie....

Anyways I like all the points I hear about in this thread, only wish there was something to be learned, as we here have a) a clean floor everyday (thanks mom), b) clean tanks (refer to a) lol, c) a dedicated childrens play area (with toys!!) and d) prices on all the tanks.... with info on the requirements of the individual fish.....

So my challenge to you is.... I need more ideas that we don't already implement!

Ball is in your corner Denny!

Steve

OMG that play area is brilliant! Also, I tried to sell Kevin on the idea of a big comfy couch too! When will you be expanding the franchise into Calgary?? And also...

http://soshable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg

[RedCoralEdmonton]

<--- advanced diver..... Padi certified in Australia..... Highly recommended

Steve

[fishoholic]

wow just read all the pages.... some good stuff in here.... but Denny you made a thread about LFS in Calgary.... and then want LFS to reply in here.... when you have no Calgary stores on here.... silly newfie....

Anyways I like all the points I hear about in this thread, only wish there was something to be learned, as we here have a) a clean floor everyday (thanks mom), b) clean tanks (refer to a) lol, c) a dedicated childrens play area (with toys!!) and d) prices on all the tanks.... with info on the requirements of the individual fish.....

So my challenge to you is.... I need more ideas that we don't already implement!

Ball is in your corner Denny!

Steve

Steve I think the real problem here is that after Denny seen your store he realized how much the Calgary stores pale in comparison and was so sadden by this he felt the need to start this thread in a desperate attempt that someone in Calgary would follow your lead :wink:

[reefwars]

haha ok its true its true lol:P


alright so how about this then:


what about dislay tanks.

i dont know about you guys but i love to see a store dislay, one of the things i like about one of the box stores here is they always have a nice large dislay......bonus points for showing off your skills!!

[subman]

True its nice to see a great display but..... If the only nice stuff is in the display and nfs minus points

[reefwars]

True its nice to see a great display but..... If the only nice stuff is in the display and nfs minus points


haha i know how that feels lol, yeah i like to see the "professionals" work , same as if i were hiring someone to do work id want to see references and pics or see their work in person is even one better.

if im going to accept advice from a guy or girl who runs a lfs i would think it would be nice to see some of their practises put into play:)

[Delphinus]

So it occurred to me tonight that I seem to have a WAY better idea of when shipments are coming in, what's in a shipment, and the stuff in said shipments are interesting ... for a handful of Edmonton LFS's but not a peep from any Calgary store.

I think the topic was brought up already but I'll just a "+1" to it now. As I look at the livestock list of AI's pending shipment. Must .. not .. be .. jealous of Edmontonians!! :lol:

[JDigital]

The other "big box" store that's just around the corner from everyone's favourite tank builder - I honestly love this place. Never had an issue with livestock that I've taken home from there. Miss their south store like the DICKENS because it was like 2km from my office, but nothing lasts forever I guess. If I have time I'll poke my head in there and see what's new, sometimes I walk out with something. Usually have a great conversation too with the fish room guys. Bonus points for being next door to a R/C shop too.


Very surprised to hear this about that location. Every time I've been in there I have seen rotting fish or fish with some sort of disease. Both of which put me on edge when I'm looking to stock a large tank. Anyways, I digress.


RC really was my go to place and I shopped 99% exclusively there. Now that I'm getting back into the hobby and they are not around (locally), and my favorite tank builder has yet to start selling livestock, I'm going to have to go out of my comfort zone and shop at places I've never been comfortable going to.

[The Grizz]

Very surprised to hear this about that location. Every time I've been in there I have seen rotting fish or fish with some sort of disease. Both of which put me on edge when I'm looking to stock a large tank. Anyways, I digress.


That big box store has gotten much better since Andrew started working there, just wish Ryan was there more often & Megan didn't leave. I have never had any issues there either.

Myself personally I would like to be able to get list of available livestock that I can order & not wait a month to arrive. But most of all I also agree with Tony, I like to see what's coming in on shipments with prices on here or website.

[reefwars]

And my favorite tank builder has yet to start selling livestock


;)

[dave_C]

RC really was my go to place and I shopped 99% exclusively there. Now that I'm getting back into the hobby and they are not around (locally), and my favorite tank builder has yet to start selling livestock, I'm going to have to go out of my comfort zone and shop at places I've never been comfortable going to.[/QUOTE]



Josh that's only because you haven't dropped by for a visit for a while:lol:

Denny aka reefwars has worked hard the last week to get four of our frag tanks up and running last night and the rest we hope to have finish next week or so.

one out of the four frag tanks will be used for a frag trading center and the other units will have stock by the end of next week.

baby steps for now unit we can found a bigger location to move into:wink:
just never believed that we would out grow 1700 sq feet in such a short time:biggrin:

thanks Dave

Ps i guess it's as good as any to announce reefwars is joining our team at Concepts:mrgreen:

[Enigma]

Dave . . . If you want toys for a play area . . . I'll hook you up! :D

[Reef_Geek]

RC really was my go to place and I shopped 99% exclusively there. Now that I'm getting back into the hobby and they are not around (locally), and my favorite tank builder has yet to start selling livestock, I'm going to have to go out of my comfort zone and shop at places I've never been comfortable going to.



Josh that's only because you haven't dropped by for a visit for a while:lol:

Denny aka reefwars has worked hard the last week to get four of our frag tanks up and running last night and the rest we hope to have finish next week or so.

one out of the four frag tanks will be used for a frag trading center and the other units will have stock by the end of next week.

baby steps for now unit we can found a bigger location to move into:wink:
just never believed that we would out grow 1700 sq feet in such a short time:biggrin:

thanks Dave

Ps i guess it's as good as any to announce reefwars is joining our team at Concepts:mrgreen:

and boom goes the dynamite...

[reefwars]

Ps i guess it's as good as any to announce reefwars is joining our team at Concepts:mrgreen:



thanks dave:)


so there it is guys , we are currently working hard to create a space at concept that ...lets face it , we really need in calgary.

this thread i started was for some insight about what we need to do to make this a success.

we all have something in common , we are all hobbyst in the saltwater trade and our wants are all similiar, we want healthy livestock,quality goods at a competetive price and a friendly place to visit and feel welcome.

we dont have alot of space but what we have planned with this space i think everyone will enjoy and there will be something for everyone whether its a light upgrade, livestock purchase or custom aquarium build.

i wont release to much for details yet but thats what is is the works, it has already started and as dave mentioned within the next couple of weeks alot will happen:)


as always thoughts and opinions welcome!!

cheers guys!

[magikof7]

I can't wait for you guys to open! I have a new Reef to fill in. :D
It's a little discouraging when you just can't find nice corals in this city. or Nice coral that are a decent size frag for a decent price.

[Delphinus]

Best of luck with the venture. :)

[kien]

Oooo.. the plot thickens!! So exciting :-)

[Zoaelite]

^^^^^^ Stop messing with your popcorn ratio here Kien. ALL posts requires popcornsss! :popcorn:

I love being in the loop :lol:.

[mrhasan]

WONDERFUL!!!! (Yes I screamed in excitement :D). I was pretty sure that Denny was upto something when he opened up this tread ;)

Now...

http://soshable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/shut-up-and-take-my-money.jpg

[Seriak]

Now I am going to need a bigger tank!

[lockrookie]

I figured it was either that Denny was opening a store or he was trying to help someone. Glad it's with concept. I will be following this progress. Congrats to both Dave and Denny for filling the gap


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

[Coralgurl]

Congrats guys!

What will the hours be? And what kind of livestock will you be bringing in?

[mrhasan]

Congrats guys!

What will the hours be? And what kind of livestock will you be bringing in?

I vote for 24/7 :D

Anyone with me?

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I vote for 24/7 :D

Anyone with me?

I vote you take the graveyard shift :biggrin:

Anyone with me?:bolt:

[Mike-fish]

I knew that something was up when this thread got going. I will have to stop by next time I'm in calgary

[Proteus]

Cool. I'm stoked.

I figured with the amount Denny was fragging he may as well have a store. Good on you Dave and Denny

[reefwars]

Congrats guys!

What will the hours be? And what kind of livestock will you be bringing in?




hours will have to be competitive with the other stores but since we are still a little ways from opening it is still yet to be written in stone.as for livestock i wont go into too much detail just yet as too keep it a surprise, but there will be something for everyone,remember both myself and dave are hobbyst and we get just as excited over new stuff and colorfull things as everyoe else does lol and if you know me i have a keen eye for stuff;)

[JDigital]

Josh that's only because you haven't dropped by for a visit for a while:lol:

Denny aka reefwars has worked hard the last week to get four of our frag tanks up and running last night and the rest we hope to have finish next week or so.

one out of the four frag tanks will be used for a frag trading center and the other units will have stock by the end of next week.

baby steps for now unit we can found a bigger location to move into:wink:
just never believed that we would out grow 1700 sq feet in such a short time:biggrin:

thanks Dave

Ps i guess it's as good as any to announce reefwars is joining our team at Concepts:mrgreen:

That's because everytime I stop by I spend money man! :lol: Nah, life's just been busy, the office tank is in cycle mode, and my home tank is a slow work in progress.

I knew it was coming at some point and I was delighted to see the shop light up like a ........ well, fish tank, when I pulled into the parking lot tonight. :mrgreen:

Really looking forward to your successful adventure with the live side of the business.

[JDigital]

hours will have to be competitive with the other stores but since we are still a little ways from opening it is still yet to be written in stone.as for livestock i wont go into too much detail just yet as too keep it a surprise, but there will be something for everyone,remember both myself and dave are hobbyst and we get just as excited over new stuff and colorfull things as everyoe else does lol and if you know me i have a keen eye for stuff;)

Oh great.. just what the rest of us need... a new "fishytime" cherry pickin the beauties before the rest of us.. :lol: j/k

[The Grizz]

reefwars is joining our team at Concepts:mrgreen:

Thank god I just about could not hold back much longer :twised:

I will be stopping in next time I'm down as well as Denny's place

[reefwars]

Oh great.. just what the rest of us need... a new "fishytime" cherry pickin the beauties before the rest of us.. :lol: j/k


hey man it was a pleasure to meet you finally , haha i doubt that man im just about full as for trank stuff, hell im over full lol i should have stopped collecting frags a long time ago , now when me and the girlfriend move ill just have the upgraded bonsai tree :)

[reefwars]

Thank god I just about could not hold back much longer :twised:

I will be stopping in next time I'm down as well as Denny's place

yeah exactly i needs me a light hangerrrr lol :P

[The Grizz]

yeah exactly i needs me a light hangerrrr lol :P

It's on my list of todo's & did you say GIRLFRIEND? Denny's back in the saddle again :twised:

[kien]

I guess this means you are a forum vendor now? Cool :-). Also, am I the only Calgary reefer who has not met Denny?? :-)

[mrhasan]

I guess this means you are a forum vendor now? Cool :-). Also, am I the only Calgary reefer who has not met Denny?? :-)

Highly probable :lol:

[The Grizz]

Also, am I the only Calgary reefer who has not met Denny?? :-)

yep, that's what happens when you vanish for months.

[reefwars]

I guess this means you are a forum vendor now? Cool :-). Also, am I the only Calgary reefer who has not met Denny?? :-)


i think you maybe are ,but youve been away plotting the next tank so its all good:)

[reefwars]

It's on my list of todo's & did you say GIRLFRIEND? Denny's back in the saddle again :twised:


haha yeah ....ummm reefsafe with caution??

[JDigital]

I guess this means you are a forum vendor now? Cool :-). Also, am I the only Calgary reefer who has not met Denny?? :-)

Don't feel bad Kien, I only just met him tonight, and it was by chance that he was at Concept when I walked in.. otherwise it could have been even longer. :lol:

Was nice meeting you though Denny.. Probably see you tomorrow night.

[lastlight]

Was gonna say I haven't but I'm not currently a reefer lol. Good luck with the new venture guys.

[coolhandgoose]

Another store in the north lol.

I met Dave a couple weeks ago when I was buying new bulbs, looks like a cool set up, especially the frag tank.

I think that's what's been lacking in Calgary at the stores are frags. Sometimes it's nice just to drop 10 or 20 bucks instead of 80, especially if you are new and don't know if you can keep it alive.

[reefwars]

Another store in the north lol.

I met Dave a couple weeks ago when I was buying new bulbs, looks like a cool set up, especially the frag tank.

I think that's what's been lacking in Calgary at the stores are frags. Sometimes it's nice just to drop 10 or 20 bucks instead of 80, especially if you are new and don't know if you can keep it alive.


couldnt agree more , me and dave have some awesome ideas in mind for everyone be it a new reefer or a crazy collector like myself lol :P

[reefwars]

keep the tips and pet peeves coming lol:P

[miuYH]

Good luck to Dave and Denny for doing this. It is certainly great news for all of us here.

Back to the pet peeves... One thing I noticed and hate is the customer service at some of the stores. The level of service I get is also not consistent from visit to visit. On some occasions, its great. While more often than not, its bad. Although most of them are very nice and willing to help, some I find the staff to be a bit condescending.

[miuYH]

Oh and if I may add that knowing denny's level of attention and care, that it won't be a problem :D

[martinmcnally]

The thing i liked the most about a certain LFS in Calgary was the zoa frag tank. $10 zoa is hard to beat. I would usually get 6-7. Dont usually buy full blown corals but frags are great!

[Ross]

keep the tips and pet peeves coming lol:P


My biggest pet peeve is when stores don't give discounts to canreef members. :lol:

[reefwars]

My biggest pet peeve is when stores don't give discounts to canreef members. :lol:



But if we do that then we will have to do reefcentral discounts lol

Ok ill talk with the coach about it for sure:)

I'm also going to see if I can get the concept points thingy rolling again, maybe points with every purchase or something like that;)

[kien]

What's ReefCentral??

[Ross]

What's ReefCentral??

You know, it's that forum you go to if you want excessive off topic ramblings, and to belittled for anything unless you have Dr. in your name.

[reefwars]

wow i just seen a preview of some of the stuff ordered for the store.......if anyone finds my jaw on the floor please pick it up thanks!!lol :P

[reefwars]

The thing i liked the most about a certain LFS in Calgary was the zoa frag tank. $10 zoa is hard to beat. I would usually get 6-7. Dont usually buy full blown corals but frags are great!


im very glad to say that we will have a full line of frags,mini colonie and mature colonies to choose from at affordable prices among many other great ideas we have planned;)

[mrhasan]

A sneak peek perhaps? :)

No spoiler but just an appetizer I guess? :mrgreen:

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

im very glad to say that we will have a full line of frags,mini colonie and mature colonies to choose from at affordable prices among many other great ideas we have planned;)

this is tempting and exciting at the same time,:biggrin:
I will free up some time tomorrow so Denny let Dave know I will be visiting:biggrin:

As most say its always nice to visit LFS and see helpful and experienced staff for whoever needs it.And not only care for making a large sale (preying on the beginners) as I seen this in stores many times over...

[reefwars]

A sneak peek perhaps? :)

No spoiler but just an appetizer I guess? :mrgreen:

maybe more close to the opening date ill get some sneak pics , ill start a new thread for that on concepts forumn when the time comes;)

[mrhasan]

maybe more close to the opening date ill get some sneak pics , ill start a new thread for that on concepts forumn when the time comes;)

Any tentative date? Please dont tell me its around Christmas!!!!! :cry:

[reefwars]

this is tempting and exciting at the same time,:biggrin:
I will free up some time tomorrow so Denny let Dave know I will be visiting:biggrin:

As most say its always nice to visit LFS and see helpful and experienced staff for whoever needs it.And not only care for making a large sale (preying on the beginners) as I seen this in stores many times over...



ah eli you read my mind lol

as most of you know ive built a name for myself that has expanded to just about everyone both new and advanced, and dave has done the same with concept aquatics and their custom tanks, while we want to succeed we know that we dont need to tell or sell people things just to get extra business, we have both built names based on honesty and quality first. one of our goals is to make concept a friendly place to just come and hang out , talk it up and if you see something you like by all means its available and we will do our best to make everyone happy and accomodate everyones needs as best we can

we are going to be working hard to price things fair and we are working on always having a good supply of livestock both on the floor and out in the growtanks;)

if youve dealt with concept before you already know dave always gives the best deal he can , and our livestock will be no different and we look forward to becoming something new and different in calgary:)


eli , im there all day tomorrow as is dave so drop in for a chat eh;)

[reefwars]

Any tentative date? Please dont tell me its around Christmas!!!!! :cry:

much sooner than you think my friend lol i wont go to far into detail but we already have the wheels rolling and....umm.....there is h2o in the air ;PPP


we will release all the info in an appropriate forumn which will explain everything very very soon :)

[mrhasan]

much sooner than you think my friend lol i wont go to far into detail but we already have the wheels rolling and....umm.....there is h2o in the air ;PPP


we will release all the info in an appropriate forumn which will explain everything very very soon :)

You, by no means, is going to let me save money!!!!! First you got me hooked with zoas (got 11 different types in a month time; which I would think is pretty quick for a newby) and now you are dragging me into going to LFS every single day. Atleast make sure a bus goes directly from UofC :mrgreen:

[reefwars]

You, by no means, is going to let me save money!!!!! First you got me hooked with zoas (got 11 different types in a month time; which I would think is pretty quick for a newby) and now you are dragging me into going to LFS every single day. Atleast make sure a bus goes directly from UofC :mrgreen:


route 73 drops you right off at concepts door lol :P

drop in for a sneak peek at whats going on , i know ive talked to alot of people this week who were curious to see whats happening and i got to say we have done alot in the last few weeks.

[mrhasan]

route 73 drops you right off at concepts door lol :P

drop in for a sneak peek at whats going on , i know ive talked to alot of people this week who were curious to see whats happening and i got to say we have done alot in the last few weeks.

Ok now you are tempting me to come to the store -_- FINEEEE! I will come once I am done with my freaking midterm and some pending university craps :twised:

[Coleus]

we should all vist Concept with booze and have a party rolling

[reefwars]

we should all vist Concept with booze and have a party rolling


oh geeze ,where were you sat night lol????


im not drinking again for at least a year lol although....i do enjoy a good coffee hehehe:P:P

drop by conept tomorrow after your off i havent seen ya in a while:)

[Coleus]

oh geeze ,where were you sat night lol????


im not drinking again for at least a year lol although....i do enjoy a good coffee hehehe:P:P

drop by conept tomorrow after your off i havent seen ya in a while:)

Yeah could not make it, by the time i called around 1:00 AM the party is over. Glad you had a good time.

[reefwars]

Yeah could not make it, by the time i called around 1:00 AM the party is over. Glad you had a good time.


no way it was just getting going then lol i had to leave early and was gone at 10 lol :P

[kien]

Did someone say party?! I don't recall getting the invite for that :-(


______
Sent from the future on my iPhone 10 using Tapatalk

[Seriak]

Yeah, What's up with that?

[reefwars]

Did someone say party?! I don't recall getting the invite for that :-(


______
Sent from the future on my iPhone 10 using Tapatalk

Yeah, What's up with that?

blame it on tai lol:P

[Oilers]

Damn, you lucky Calgarians.. another LFS to drool over :mrgreen:

Denny,
When is the opening date? Do you plan to let some Edmontonians in on this? Maybe we can do a little road trip down south to check out the new store. I want more frags :biggrin:

[dave_C]

Did someone say party?! I don't recall getting the invite for that :-(


______
Sent from the future on my iPhone 10 using Tapatalk

i will just say this!!!

if anyone who has a family or a significant other would not want to touch this poker night with a ten foot pole:wink:

there were thing happening not for the faint of heart we will leave it at that :lol:

it was one wild night lol not many guys were able to stand at the end of this one:redface:

Thanks Dave

[reefwars]

Damn, you lucky Calgarians.. another LFS to drool over :mrgreen:

Denny,
When is the opening date? Do you plan to let some Edmontonians in on this? Maybe we can do a little road trip down south to check out the new store. I want more frags :biggrin:

It will be announced once its finalized, wont be long though:)

And absolutely buddy this store is for everyone, we will try our best to make sure those living outside of Calgary has access to an updated website and as always shipping is available and group orders are welcome.

For the record we ship everything from 500g monster tanks to small accessories and livestock right across the country:)

Looks like ill be in Edmonton Saturday if anyone wants to join me at red coral for a coffee;)

[kien]

i will just say this!!!

if anyone who has a family or a significant other would not want to touch this poker night with a ten foot pole:wink:

there were thing happening not for the faint of heart we will leave it at that :lol:

it was one wild night lol not many guys were able to stand at the end of this one:redface:

Thanks Dave

Sounds like my kind of party :cry: Oh well..

*puts his 'Losers Without LED' shirt back on*

[lastlight]

i will just say this!!!

if anyone who has a family or a significant other would not want to touch this poker night with a ten foot pole:wink:

there were thing happening not for the faint of heart we will leave it at that :lol:

it was one wild night lol not many guys were able to stand at the end of this one:redface:

Thanks Dave

So you did get Chippendales in like you'd mentioned to me. How'd they look under the disco lights (LEDs) ?

[Proteus]

Looks like ill be in Edmonton Saturday if anyone wants to join me at red coral for a coffee;)

What time you gunna be around there

[dave_C]

So you did get Chippendales in like you'd mentioned to me. How'd they look under the disco lights (LEDs) ?

lets not go there:redface: somethings need to stay a secret lol

i just say it was a blast and it is something i could handle only once a year :lol: still feeling the effects today:redface: dam i am getting old!!!!!

[cbrine]

why not im on a roll...



price!!!!


i hate not knowing the darn prices of stuff..

i hate even more when a price is just thrown off the top of someones head...and more than likely is different the next day lol

seriously...mark the prices!!

yup agreed...I am pretty new to this as well so not only listing the price but also having a picture would make my life soo much easier.

I hate being lied to (you dont know something, TELL ME! dont pull cr@p out of your @$$ to make yourself look smart), and I also do not do well with attitude! Oh gawd, thanks Denny now Im on a rant.

I also like clean spaces with staff who dont smother, seeing an inch of creep ontop of tanks makes me want to barf (if you cant take basic housekeeping care what makes me think you take care of your livestock..)

OooooOooo oh and being able to bring stuff in is reeeeeeeeally nice! I really dont mind waiting for something if it can be brought in, its also a great way to gain more business cause I know for me I will return cause I know you don thave what I want you will bring it in for me which I totally appreciate!

Clear merching with clearly printed/typed labels also makes me (and especially my OCD) happy.

Speaking of which, I really need to come in and pick your guys brain and see about getting some products.

[BC564]

Ok...so I read all 19 pages of this since I have no life......and then realized its a year old or the date is wrong. Either way its a great thread...no I have not met Denny either so Kien you are not alone however if the date is accurate I am sure you have met him by now. I will have to stop by and see this new store since RC has been out of business I have been laying pretty low. Time to get back into this game and apparently spending money goes along with it. Look forward to the new faces to meet. Oh also....I haven't met Kien either but read countless pages of his room divider build....very nice set up.

[lastlight]

Agreed Kien's absolutely fantastic. Don't even need a pole to determine that.

[kien]

Oh also....I haven't met Kien either but read countless pages of his room divider build....very nice set up.

It's not countless. There are exactly 156 pages :neutral:

Agreed Kien's absolutely fantastic. Don't even need a pole to determine that.

FREE POKAMEEEEEE!! wait.. that's not right.. $#!* hang on..

[Seriak]

Can we turn this into a Kien is great thread? That is way more interesting.

[kien]

Can we turn this into a Kien is great thread? That is way more interesting.

I would rather we talk about something more meaningful, educational and constructive. 'Designer corals from Fragalot grown with LEDs from Zeovit tanks'. Discuss..

[lastlight]

It's not countless. There are exactly 156 pages

see that's the problem with setting my preferences to 40 posts per page. your thread appeared to me to be 39 pages long. all this time i had no idea just how amazing you truly are :biggrin:

[BC564]

Ok.. Correction 156 pages....and growing. I will be stealing that acrylic sheet and plug idea for the new tank.... oh..and call it my own...hahaha....jk

[Seriak]

see that's the problem with setting my preferences to 40 posts per page. your thread appeared to me to be 39 pages long. all this time i had no idea just how amazing you truly are :biggrin:

+1

And I bet that is just the tip of the iceberg.

[kien]

see that's the problem with setting my preferences to 40 posts per page. your thread appeared to me to be 39 pages long. all this time i had no idea just how amazing you truly are :biggrin:

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http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/unfriend_lastlight_zps042153a1.jpg~original

[reefme]

+1!!!

It also kind of embarrassing to ask price of each livestock one by one and its even more embarrassing when the price is way out of the league of the wallet and one have to say "oh well I will pass". Its always better its have the price posted on so that one can silently pass along with something like "oh well, maybe next month!".

Like once I had to hear "man, you are cheap" when I kept on asking price and kept passing on :P

Me too

[hfp75]

It's a consumer world... If you want my cash make it worth my while.

Doesn't bother me to ask and not buy.

[lastlight]

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http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/unfriend_lastlight_zps042153a1.jpg~original

i'm not buying that for a second =)

[lastlight]

also:

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/93/remove.jpg