Buyer Beware: Big Al's Calgary

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

This is probably one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read. Buying online is almost always cheaper than purchasing locally. You purchase locally for convenience, service and to support local buisness. The service you received sounds more than fair, they did more than they had to by giving you a credit. If you want ma and pa service then shop at a ma and pa store.

Then I don't know what LFS you deal with (actually I probably do, but won't mention any other names here, tired of being beat up by you all). I have spent probably close to $20K on fish stuff over the years (mostly locally) and find my LFS are generally inline with online presences. If you don't see that, then you need to find new LFS's... Any LFS that isn't inline, will usually match prices like JL to get the business... At least for me they do.

I can recommend one in Calgary if you need it... An no, it isn't Big Al's... And before you all bash me on this statement. Shame on me, I should of just ordered it from him. Oh well.

Boy I can see why sponsors like Oceanic Corals left.... comments, attitudes and ignorance like this makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall...

I think I am done here, take my experience as you wish all, have fun... If you choose to buy from Big Al's, again I say DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Boy I can see why sponsors like Oceanic Corals left.... comments, attitudes and ignorance like this makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall...

Are you joking? The only comments, attitudes and ignorance that are out of line here are your own. WOW!

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Are you joking? The only comments, attitudes and ignorance that are out of line here are your own. WOW!

No comment. We have a difference of opinion.

[sphelps]

If your LFS is so great why didn't you purchase the skimmer from them??

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

If your LFS is so great why didn't you purchase the skimmer from them??

K, why you asking this... didn't I already state, shame on me... You just trying to get another post added, or you really trying to be this way. Sorry if I am coming on strong here, but REALLY!!!

It is like I stated prior, it is too easy to pick and choose what you want to read and reply to, in order to fit your needs.

Mods, I think it is time to lock this thread, I myself am very tired and beat up here. Thanks all, really appreciate it!!!

[sphelps]

I'm just curious, I think that perhaps you purchased it from there because it was convenient or perhaps other stores don't stock it. In either case a store in a more convenient location with more stock will clearly have more overhead and therefore higher prices. So yes shame on you, not for buying the skimmer, for raising this ridiculous complaint and attack on one of our local businesses.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I'm just curious, I think that perhaps you purchased it from there because it was convenient or perhaps other stores don't stock it. In either case a store in a more convenient location with more stock will clearly have more overhead and therefore higher prices. So yes shame on you, not for buying the skimmer, for raising this ridiculous complaint and attack on one of our local businesses.

Actually if you want to whole story, I went in to get the Hydor 1000 they had. I have one already and wanted a second unit. But what they had wasn't complete. The price on that was what I paid before, and is inline with the market. So I took a trip to get one skimmer, but couldn't get it. In the past the Big Al's online website has had reasonable, and I would say in-line pricing with most other online or LFS pricing. And I knew the price of the SWC unit on the website. And when I couldn't get the Hydor, I asked if the SWC on the shelf was the same price as online. In the past the store was usually 30-40% higher than their website and others. So because it was the same price, and they told me it would out perform my hyder... Kent even called edmonton, and that is what they said from experience, I bought it.

It wasn't until that evening I found out that that product was inflated. So I tested their price protections and it doesn't work. In finding out this, I researched and found legitamite retailers that have product and will sell to me. So I tried to present everything to Big Als, but they denied the price protection. Again, I am not worried about the money, just want others to make sure they don't get ripped. Money may not be a big deal for me, but it may be to you and others, just trying to help.

Oh well, life goes on.