Another Lfs Bites The Dust, And I Feel Guilty

[Primous]

So I just got back from my lfs who ordered in a gorgeous pair of Apistogramma Trifasciata for me. But during the usual chit chat the owner mentioned that they are facing a very uncertain future and that he may have to call quits soon. This was some what of a shock to me because the store is always busy, but he mentioned that the e-stores are really starting to cut into the viability of his business. They used to have an abundance of plants, now it's just generic and while their stock is always of good quality (extremely rare to see a sickly looking fish in their tanks) I doubt the mark up for fish is that high.

On my drive back I couldn't help but feel guilty. This store has been there for me since fish day (when my cycle was complete) the staff are really knowledgeable (something of a rarity in itself) but I buy the majority of all related products from ebay From dechlor to flakes and everything in between. I used to go there for everything but over time it's become easier for me to get these things delivered to me at work. I even have some crypts which should arrive tomorrow that I bought online but could have ordered in via the lfs.

Is it a case of adapt your business model or die, our double-dip recession laced economy, or me/us exercising our right to choose convenience over loyalty. Perhaps it's a combination of all three?

 

[Cossie1111]

Businesses go down, may sound harsh but thats how it is. You shouldent feel guilty because you buy your supplies off ebay or whatever, its what works for the individual. If it shuts off, thats it, you have to find a new lfs.

 

[CrazyAirborne]

I dont think you should feel guilty, but it is something to keep in mind when you do find a great LFS, they need your business, and by shopping there, you are helping them survive. Kinda like how you would go out of your way (a little) to help a friend of yours, rather than taking the easy route, etc. I personally havent found a LFS yet that would compel me to shop there over all else because they are so great.

OP its not your fault. they probably didnt advertise enough to get their name out there and bring in new customers.

 

[MBOU]

Its not the OPs fault, its everyones. Everyone wantsabargain, everyone is so money orientated that shops are giving up.

How can a shop with all its overheads compete with an internet shop that is likely an office in someones house and a rented warehouse so things can be bought and sold in bulk and much cheaper prices with no overheads.

The way things are going... it will only be a matter of time before you no longer have shops to go look at fish, they will have to be bought online too.

 

[the_lock_man]

Perhaps the LFS in question should have set up an online shop as well as an offline one. Many others have.

 

[Primous]

it will only be a matter of time before you no longer have shops to go look at fish, they will have to be bought online too.

That would be crazy! But with that said I do think some of these lfs should consider expanding into online shopping. This lfs didn't even have a website...

 

[dwarfgourami]

When I have bought online it has always been because the accessible shops have had such poorly maintained tanks. So you end up torn between different moral choices: should I buy locally and encourage poor husbandry, or order online and hasten on the demise of "real" shops. Tough one.

 

[james_fish]

Can't blame yourself for getting supplies from cheaper sources!

James.

 

[MBOU]

Nope, not at all, so long as you appreciate that the premium you pay in a shop is paying the overheads that online shops don't have so that you can walk into a building, browse, look at the products and fish...