How can we aford to stay in this hobbie

TheRock wrote on 5/12/2006 9:31 PM:
I understand what you are saying W.
So what is the typical markup on a coral that costs $25 mail order ?
It just seems that my guy down in FL can get me more for
the dollar versus the guy that's 20 minutes away.


The typical markup on corals that most pet stores use is
around 100%. Keep in mind also that the store takes a risk
when bying livestock.

It's frustrating because I do believe in supporting local business but
within reason. I think $60 for a colony of zoo's or $35 for a 2" frag
is to much.

Yea that's too much, unless there's something special
about them, like they are rare type or something.

Here in Florida I have an advantage in that I drive down
to the wholesaler and pick the stuff out. Those not close
to such a wholesaler, has to have them shipped.

Also with frags, most wholesalers want too much for frags,
and if a store buys frags from a wholsaler, and gives a
typical markup, then they will sell for around $30.00. Pet
stores should not buy frags at this rediculous price, but
should purchase whole corals, and frag them out, and then
sell them for about $15.00, depending on the coral. Some
species will demand a higher price for frags.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets




Sorry just venting : )
I am more interested to hear what others do to get $1000's of dollars worth
of corals without spending that much...or do you in the end spend that much
?


"Wayne Sallee" wrote in message
...
A good pet store will spend time with the customer explaining how to take
care of the aquarium. Pet stores often have to pay almost as much for the
product as one can get mail order. Imagine if you had a pet store, and it
took you 15 minutes to help a customer decide which $2.00 fish they wanted.
Now imagine trying to pay rent with that. Mail order businesses spend very
little time with the customer, and have much lower rent, in fact customers
will often ask for advice at the local pet store, and then use that advice
for purchasing mail order. Most pet stores are not ripping people off with
the price, but most pet stores *are* ripping people off with dishonesty.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



TheRock wrote on 5/12/2006 5:38 PM:
As you can all see by the last post: $400+ dollars for dead rock.

I'm having a dilemma right now. My tank is looking pretty sweet right
now.
However I would like to get more diversity in the tank
by buying different corals...color and form.

WHY DO THE LOCAL FISH SHOPS SELL LITTLE PIECE OF
CRAP CORALS THAT ARE MOSTLY BROWN FOR $60+ DOLLARS.
EBay is getting ridiculous as well...$10 for the coral and $50 to ship.

Don't think I expect to pay $10 for little coral frags all the time
but where does a guy like me look for good deal ?

I feel like these pet shop guys are taking advantage of us more and more
everyday.

Example: Purple up LFS $19
Bigalsonline.com $12

Filters...$60+ dollars
Online ...SAME FILTER NEW...$25

What's up and where do we turn ?

Thanks