Are you still buying in the USA? Why?

[Reef Pilot]

I live in south Langley, and the Pac Hwy border crossing is only 15 min for me. That's way closer than J&L. I use a freight forwarding whse in Blaine to pick up my online purchases. I choose my times to cross, so line-ups are not a problem.

Having said that, I still buy locally or online in Canada whenever possible and if the price is not too far out of line. In fact, I have found that J&L prices are sometimes equal or better than online from the US, incl BRS. Most times I buy online from the US, is when something isn't available locally, and then while I am at it, I usually stock up on a few other items.

To keep customers local, LFS's should offer to bring in special purchases at close to or equal US online prices, even if they don't make a profit. That way they will keep the customer coming back, and buying other stuff, that otherwise would have been lost sales.

[daplatapus]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

To keep customers local, LFS's should offer to bring in special purchases at close to or equal US online prices, even if they don't make a profit. That way they will keep the customer coming back, and buying other stuff, that otherwise would have been lost sales.

I agree. While I understand this won't make a LFS rich, it will keep customers. I don't mind paying 10-15% more to have it local, heck for some things, even 20% but when things cost 100-200% more, sorry.

[daplatapus]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

I agree. While I understand this won't make a LFS rich, it will keep customers. I don't mind paying 10-15% more to have it local, heck for some things, even 20% but when things cost 100-200% more, sorry.

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

I think I've just been called a fool. Just kidding

[Reef Supplies]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

I think I've just been called a fool. Just kidding

heh

Actualy we are the fools casue we will price match anyway, heh!

[Aquattro]

I guess for me, having a LFS is a luxury. If an item costs $120 locally, I can go pick it up right now, I'd rather do that than order online for $100.
It's just the way I shop...

[tim the toolman]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I guess for me, having a LFS is a luxury. If an item costs $120 locally, I can go pick it up right now, I'd rather do that than order online for $100.
It's just the way I shop...

Agreed. I am very impatient lol

[Reef Supplies]

Heading off to Sunday lunch...will be back later. I look forward to reading more!

Ray

[Mike-fish]

i try to shop local but i wont pay double or even triple the price of what i can get it out of the states for and that's the after shipping costs per unit

[lockrookie]

our local fish store in regina is very pricey here is an example eheim compact 5000 is 259.00 koralia 1050 69.00... 41.00 US and io salt 75.00 per pail. luckily at this time petsmart sells salt at 49.00 per pait 39 onsale so i buy that locally but when it comes to equiptment i have no choice but to search online. i will search canadian companies first then US. i look at shipping costs. and overall where ever is the cheapest gets my money. i have no choice i refuse to pay 259.00 for a pump i can get for 189.00 shipped. if its an emergency i have no choice ill buy it but id rather spend that 60 bucks on something else than throw it away.

one last example of lfs pricing verses say ebay given this ebay company is canadian. i recently purchased from another reefer a de mh light fixture he sent me spare bulbs he had one box had the price of 69.00/bulb. i looked on ebay.ca and found a place that sold said bulbs 3 for 68.00 when they showed up to my surprise they where in the exact same packaging.

now i know saltwater is a limited market and a tough to pay rent and other expenses if your giving the product away. and not getting profit for staff and bills. so i understand your frustrations with ppl trying to get lower prices out of you just cause they saw it cheaper online. i personally dont try to barter price with companies thier price is thier price . it is my job as the buyer to do my research and buy smart. the lfs has a reason for the cost of thier product. the reasons may be due to costs to getting it landed to thier shop.. staffing costs.. or thier yearly/monthly trip to some warm and sunny place.

it is what it is.... and if you happen to be the lucky one with the right price at the right time of my need/want or desire. your welcome. and if your costomer service shines maybe ill buy more next time.

ps. i dont mean to come off as a snot this is not my intention.. it can be frustrating in this hobby when you live in the middle of nowhere and limited options locally. lfs has saved and helped me alot and i still support when i can. just not pocket friendly at times.

[daplatapus]

Well here's one of the biggest items I use that gets my shorts in a knot about buying things for my tank. A 1L bottle of dkh Plus from my LFS costs me $34.99. I dose 50 ml per day so I need to buy 1 bottle every 20 days. I have never been in there yet when they've had the 1 gallon jug because it's too expensive to keep it on the shelf and for some reason most times they can't get it regularly. At BRS, I buy the 7 lbs tub that makes 7-8 gallons for $17.99. For me to purchase 7 gallons of my LFS product it would cost me around $900. I just can't afford to shop local (if an hour's drive is considered local).