I find myself buying less and less at my LFS...

[Grouper]

I realized the other day just how little I was buying at my LFS, and how much more I was buying online.

I'm all for supporting our LFSs, but the reality is that you can find the same dry goods for substantially less over the net. I have seen differences from anywhere between $5 to over $50 on just a single item!

I'm not sure if this is because the LFSs are gouging us or if their cost is really that much higher. Either way it's very hard to ignore these savings in the name of "supporting our LFSs", especially when the possibility exists that our LFSs are gouging their customers.

The internet is not going away. IMO, either LFSs are going to have to try and compete or else we'll be seeing less and less of them.

[tendar]

I work at a LFS.
Most LFS dont buy direct for the manufactures for most dry goods thus having to go through a supplier. The suppliers cost almost as much as what you can get it on the internet for. So after mark up to cover costs and over head it looks like they are gouging you but actually just trying to stay in bussiness.
You will be seeing alot more LFS going out of bussiness as people keep going to the internet for stuff. Soon youll have to get everything from the net even your fish and when you have an emergecy and need a pump or something and your lfs has closed then youll have to wait a week for it come from the internet.
Dont get me wrong I buy stuff from the net now and then when I cant get what I want locally but I still but all my livestock and and over half of equipment at LFS stores.

[icemark]

My LFS is hurting as well, But I buy my salt and generally most of the livestock/ food/ chemicals from them. Even though I can go a little further down the street and buy them from the big chain stores a little cheaper.

Somethings I just wont buy from them or the chains, because the price online is so much cheaper: Pumps, heaters, MH or PC bulbs, Sand. Even a Sea Clone skimmer is $125 at the LFS vs $80 with shipping on-line (Not that I bought a Sea Clone BTW). Southdown equivlent if and when in stock is $2.25 a lb yet I can get it from Scott here at reefland for close to half that with shipping. I know they are just trying to stay solvent, but... 100% mark up over whats available on the net is too much.

Tendar said:.

and when you have an emergecy and need a pump or something and your lfs has closed then youll have to wait a week for it come from the internet

But overnight shipping is always available... Now you might have to pay LFS store prices when you include overnight shipping...

So I support my LFS on what I can afford too, but when it costs 25%+ more, sorry my money is too hard to earn to throw away

[mrok12]

My LFS will actually beat most prices even if it means they take a loss. We bought an ecosystem setup from them for 350.00 that listed for 499.99 from the manufacturer and the best deal I found on line was 459.00 plus shipping. I think they do it because they realize that if we save money now we will continue to spend lots of money through the long term. I have been happy with them so far. Hey I got a hamilton reto that would have cost me 760.00 through hamilton with shipping for 590 out the door. But I also agree that online offers a lot more choices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! esp on coral frags.

Christmas anyone?
MROK12;;

[Jack G]

My LFS seems to be doing fine. Many of his customers do not buy from the internet. I rarely buy from him now-his selection(corals) is poor, and he has little stock in dry goods, and his prices are twice those on the internet. Throw in inconvenient hours...
Jack