Aquadigital Products Discussion

[Aqua-Digital]

Hiya

Good points and I am more than willing to be fully open on this.

First the history - We Only bring in products we do not have to worry about having lost sleep over, a family business that does not bring in any old product just to make a fast buck! I respect that life has given me this option to pick and choose.

About 5 years ago I contacted Jabao in regards to all their product line, was sent samples etc etc, none came close to what we had hoped, one was an micro tank.

I was contacted again when the WP came out but I simply could not put my company name to a company that blatantly copied another design switched names etc, as i said above we are not a company that is out just to make a fast buck, support, client care, and ethics run very high. Jabao was getting so much bad press I really did not want to be associated with it, I also did not feel I could assure its quality.

It also was not a company we could have any exclusive over they would sell to anyone including end users. This makes distribution on all fronts a nightmare, for example investing $25k in a shipment only to find a basement op buying 10 and selling at 10% margin. Distribution is not free So the risks were just too great with the product putting aside the ethical points.

Did we lose out? Maybe, but I can sleep happy with my choice and happy to have my reputation associated with some of the largest and most respected names in the industry.

After sales and client care are 100% important to us before anything else (ask people who have dealt with us), I personally work 7 days a week supporting end users by email and phone no one goes waiting more than a few hours, we are always on hand, I dont know a single other distributor with that level of care. So we have to be careful what products we carry so we are not bogged down.. We are responsible for what we import so if something feels off we will not go down that road, we do not want you the end user hit. Sometimes we miss out yes, but I can live with that.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Aqua-Digital

About 5 years ago I contacted Jebao in regards to all their product line, was sent samples etc etc, none came close to what we had hoped, one was an micro tank.

I was contacted again when the WP came out but I simply could not put my company name to a company that blatantly copied another design switched names etc, as i said above we are not a company that is out just to make a fast buck, support, client care, and ethics run very high. Jabao was getting so much bad press I really did not want to be associated with it, I also did not feel I could assure its quality.

It also was not a company we could have any exclusive over they would sell to anyone including end users. This makes distribution on all fronts a nightmare, for example investing $25k in a shipment only to find a basement op buying 10 and selling at 10% margin. Distribution is not free So the risks were just too great with the product putting aside the ethical points.

Did we lose out? Maybe, but I can sleep happy with my choice and happy to have my reputation associated with some of the largest and most respected names in the industry.

OK, thanks, for responding. I understand your points about not having exclusivity. But don't you need a foot in the door, before you can ask for that? And isn't some business better than none? With your overall volume and contacts with the retailers, I would think that you are in the best position to build up those sales. And with that comes vol discounts and rebates,... I am sure you know the game.

As for ethics and legalities, I will leave that to the govt and the companies involved. There are laws, patent provisions and remedies that are available to anyone that wants to protect their rightfully proprietary assets. If Jebao or any other company flaunts that, they could be liable. On the other hand, just talk or threats do not make a case.

But you can't deny that Jebao has become popular (and has evolved) to become a major player in our business. And from a reefer's perspective they are very welcome. As you well know, keeping saltwater aquariums is very costly. The more we can reduce and keep those costs down, the better it will be for everyone, incl the vendors.

[Aqua-Digital]

Hi
In regards to foot in the door etc, as I said above we did not want to carry the product. It was not for us.

I agree also it has become popular that there is no doubt and many dealers are buying them direct which was another large reason for not investing in a company that sells to anyone. We then have multiple warranty issues, being asked to support products we had not originally sold, pricing issues, potential devalued stock. It simply was not worth it.

But I think for those that want this option they are well covered for supply.

Our main company focus is on companies like GHL and Ecotech where we can support the hobbyist fully. We even help ecotech clients out that have not purchased through one of our dealers, yes we will see if they can get assistance first through that point of sale but if not we will always step in to help out.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Aqua-Digital

Our main company focus is on companies like GHL and Ecotech where we can support the hobbyist fully. We even help ecotech clients out that have not purchased through one of our dealers, yes we will see if they can get assistance first through that point of sale but if not we will always step in to help out.

OK, fair enough, that is your choice and I understand your reasons.

So, if you provide full support for Ecotech, does that mean now that I can get my Radion Gen 1 upgraded to a Gen 3 without having to send it to the US and deal directly with Ecotech? I purchased all my Radions in Canada. And because I got the Gen 1's early, I paid through the nose, too... I was OK with that, though, as I was led to believe that any upgrades would be more than feasible and easy. So did I pay for just an empty promise?

[Aqua-Digital]

This is Ecotechs policy not ours, they do not supply us with G1 to G3 kits. I do understand the reasons though. The G1 had many variants and needs multiple parts, so for them to know what it needs for us to send you the parts without seeing it is very hard.

The upgrade option is there so it is feasible and easy, the unit just needs to go back to Ecotech. (which of course to some is not feasable or easy)

I could look into a rental program to get people by but then that just adds to the cost of getting the lamp upgraded.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Aqua-Digital

This is Ecotechs policy not ours, they do not supply us with G1 to G3 kits, if they did I would be more than willing to help.

I did ask Ecotech again recently and it was the same response. I do understand the reasons though. The G1 had many variants and needs multiple parts, so for them to know what it needs for us to send you the parts without seeing it is very hard.

The upgrade option is there so it is feasible and easy, the unit just needs to go back to Ecotech. (which of course to some is not feasable or easy)

I could look into a rental program to get people by but then that just adds to the cost of getting the lamp upgraded.

Yup, that is what I was told before. But it does not support your narrative of providing full support for Ecotech, and why you chose to only deal with premium manufacturers and suppliers. In light of that, perhaps you should tone down your promotion of some of these suppliers. Paying more does not always mean getting better service and support.

I can say that without hesitation, because even with my cheap Jebao, I was able to quickly get a replacement when I had a problem. Heck, even with the hated brand Coralife I got a quick replacement on a pump without having to even pay shipping. These are certainly a lot cheaper brands, but I don't seem to be getting any less service and support from them.

[Aqua-Digital]

I personally think Ecotech offer the best support out of all brands.

I will make contact for you tomorrow i will see if we can find a solution, send me your serial number.