Caryl Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 I usually buy my fish from one very small shop in ChCh. I have no idea how their prices compare as I go there because the tanks and shop are always spotless (unless wilson has recently visited :lol: ), the fish are in excellent condition, the range is better than the chain stores, and the advice is accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 yes but everyone seems to hate the chain stores that provide more employment, pay more taxes, feed more families and provide more of a stimulus to the local economy than any other little shop. Contribute to the economy; yes. Contribute to the hobby; no. Stores like the new Animates in Lunn Ave* which have half a dozen tanks and take the easy sales selling the common fish take money away from more specialist stores who take the risks stocking the rare/expensive/delicate fish, wider ranges of food and equipment and knowledgeable staff. That combined with tight "hobbyists" buying all their equipment from parallel importers on trademe who can undercut shop prices because they don't have the overheads of staff, a retail premises and all the costs associated with livestock (and then moaning because of the poor selection of fish or customer service at their lfs) will lead to a reduction in specialist stores, which will only be bad for the hobby. Its not just the aquarium hobby either, same thing happens in all the other hobbys I'm involved with. People buy bike parts from online websites (local and over-seas) and only visit their local bike shop to get their bike serviced, then moan when the shop goes out of business. People need to realise that there is more important things that price when deciding where to spend their money. I'm in the same boat as Caryl, I hardly ever compare prices and usually just go straight to HFF, they've looked after me for 10+ years and I want to make sure they're still in business in 10 years time. * not specifically taking a dig at animates, just using it as an example of a large store with minimal aquarium stocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northland chic Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I buy locally. I know they are more expensive but it is our only shop for about a 2hour drive, if they closed I would be lost. If I want something special I might seek it out elsewhere or if their prices are shocking ($50+ higher than anyone else). Would rather buy fish I can see if they are expensive than order some. I find our lfs don't get the nicest quality fish, maybe they don't order enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 ive met people in petshops that more than do there fair share for the hobby. seems a lot of generilsation going on above, jmo its a waste of time been negative. Think positive and the shops are great. I just dont go to them because i want to buy things :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycnlo Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 I usually buy my fish from one very small shop in ChCh. I have no idea how their prices compare as I go there because the tanks and shop are always spotless (unless wilson has recently visited :lol: ), the fish are in excellent condition, the range is better than the chain stores, and the advice is accurate. what shops this caryl?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Organism Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycnlo Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 wheres that? i never heard of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Little green shop on the corner of Clyde and Ilam Rds. At the right time of year they also have a great supply of carnivorous plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycnlo Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 oh random... ive heard of a good shop around there that must be it def will have to do a detour one day after work for a peep cheers for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trace&steve Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 yep they have quite alot nice wee shop :bounce: :bounce: friendly guy his names john...oh random... ive heard of a good shop around there that must be it def will have to do a detour one day after work for a peep cheers for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flosty Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 yes petmart sell livestock at there richmond store im not sure if they ship them though, also from what i remember their fish were no cheaper than an ordinary lfs. i guess its fairer to think of them as an lfs and an online store but when something is half the price for an identical item(postage included) its a no brainer They do sell livestock,and in general they are a little steeper in price than most But they do have some great prices on aqua one products and I generally buy small stuff like airstones and food from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilbitfishey Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 Just another example of all this is. I went to Ballantynes today to buy a Shiseido product and i got a free makeover as well. If i was to go to Farmers or a chemist etc.. to buy this I would not have recieved the makeover or the great customer service Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmossman Posted October 8, 2009 Report Share Posted October 8, 2009 hey i live in richmond nelson and have got all my fish from her they are a very highly recomended store i talk to the owner nearly everyday and 80% of there sales are from there website they carry a great range of livestock and she guarantees her fish even going out of her own pocket to help out her customers i had a huge nitrate problem a couple of months ago and as a result lost a huge amount of fish she restocked my tank free of charge with everything i had to begin with i think thats ausome service Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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