Just Got A Job In My Lfs

mattbond · Apr 1, 2009

any tips for a new guy? what should/shouldnt i do? i keep fish but i imagine selling them has different requirements?

england · Apr 1, 2009

don't give them bad info just for a sale, make sure you wash :lol:

there's some fish shop's locally and some of there staff smell of body odour real bad, make's you retch.....

stang1 · Apr 1, 2009

@ Nelly!
Good advice, good manners and listen to what they have to say.
Check what size tank they have, whether it's filtered, how long it's been set up for and what fish they already own.
If a certain fish they like is unsuitable for their tank, explain why without being patronising.
The fish are your priority, they rely on you to keep them healthy, clean etc. Make sure that you can provide this for them.
Never sell fish from a tank that has dead fish in it, quarantine the tank until they are healthy again.
Know your fish! If you don't know anything about a fish, ask a staff member who does. There's no room for guess work.
Listen, learn, research and provide what's best for the fish and the customer!!

WILDER · Apr 1, 2009

Great advice stang1. Wish all workers at lfs were like you.

stang1 · Apr 1, 2009

Thanks Wilder... :blush:

Forgot to say congratulations, Matt!

fatheadminnow · Apr 1, 2009

Nice at getting a job at a FS.

My only advice is, don't tell people to do a fish-in cycle.

Tell/explain to them what a fishless cycle it and how to go about it.

My LFS just said to run a tank for 2 weeks before adding fish (they said nothing about adding ammonia), and another FS by me told me to add fish right away.

Heck, maybe mention us(this forum) for additional advice...lol.

-FHM

fish are friends.... · Apr 1, 2009

Good advice there by stang. You'll get the hang of it really quick and its easy to get to know the customers and remember what they keep because you usually get regular customers. I always like talking to the customers. Some can be really funny. Although I'll warn you that sometime you do get the odd customer that will have a pop, but just stay calm. (sometimes that can be hard haha). Once had someone who blamed thae shop that we had bad livestock because his clown fish kept dying. When we asked what fish he kept them with he said a silver Shark. He just didnt seem to understand that clownfish are saltwater... hmmm

stang1 · Apr 1, 2009

Forgot to say about explaining the fishless cycle!
Break it down into simple terms as people who are new to the hobby don't want bombarding with science.
Ask them to bring a sample of water in to be tested when they are ready to buy fish. Also, encourage them to buy their own liquid test kit.
Only choose hardy fish for a newly cycled tank.
As fisharefriends said, you get to know regular customers and they rely on you for good advice. The majority of customers are great and want to share their hobby with you. There will always be the od customer who doesn't listen or is rude to you and it can be difficult. Just stay calm, remain polite and try to resolve the problem. (Then go and kick the hell out of a door to vent your anger!)

fish are friends.... · Apr 1, 2009

stang1 said:
(Then go and kick the hell out of a door to vent your anger!)

This is what your break is for

stang1 · Apr 1, 2009

fish are friends.... said:
stang1 said:

(Then go and kick the hell out of a door to vent your anger!)

Click to expand...

This is what your break is for

I'm not allowed that many breaks!!!

fatheadminnow · Apr 1, 2009

stang1 said:
fish are friends.... said:

stang1 said:

(Then go and kick the hell out of a door to vent your anger!)

Click to expand...

This is what your break is for

Click to expand...

I'm not allowed that many breaks!!!