WWYD - LFS or Online?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by hanginten, May 31, 2009.

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  1. hanginten

    hanginten Astrea Snail

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    Was looking to buy a new powerhead and my favorite LFS has the one i want in stock, problem is its about $35-40 more than any other online source.
    So what whould you do?

    This particular store gets most of my business, I guess either way they will be getting the money from me. I'd just rather spend that money on a new coral or something ...
     
    hanginten, May 31, 2009
    hanginten, May 31, 2009
    #1

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  2. mscottring

    mscottring Fire Shrimp

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    They might be willing to bargain a little bit. But stuff is almost always cheaper on the net. I split up my buys, supporting my LFS and getting some deals on the internet.
     
    mscottring, May 31, 2009
    mscottring, May 31, 2009
    #2
  3. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    Be honest with your LFS. Tell them you can get the product they're selling for $X.XX at XX.com. If they want your business badly enough, they'll lower their price or maybe even meet that internet price. Times are tough. They should appreciate you giving them first right of refusal.
     
    ReefSparky, May 31, 2009
    ReefSparky, May 31, 2009
    #3
  4. psiclone

    psiclone Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I think its mostly livestock-LFS and equipment-online imho. But see if they are willing to match the price.
     
    psiclone, May 31, 2009
    psiclone, May 31, 2009
    #4
  5. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    my LFS has matched the online price many times on dry goods for me. Give them a chance first.
     
    scenario1313, May 31, 2009
    scenario1313, May 31, 2009
    #5
  6. z.vernon

    z.vernon Bristle Worm

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    I usually purchase my stuff online, because the only good LFS in my town went under when petco came into town. the closest good LFS is 1.5 hours away from me.
     
    z.vernon, May 31, 2009
    z.vernon, May 31, 2009
    #6

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  7. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    I am usually split. I love supporting the local guy, but the difference is to much. I will normally buy hardware online, and get all my livestock local.
     
    jonjonwells, May 31, 2009
    jonjonwells, May 31, 2009
    #7
  8. hanginten

    hanginten Astrea Snail

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    Great, thanks for the replies. I'll see if they can go any lower on the powerhead. 8)
     
    hanginten, May 31, 2009
    hanginten, May 31, 2009
    #8
  9. duhlsusional

    duhlsusional Flamingo Tongue

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    San Diego, California
    see here is the problem. It may be cheaper online but you don't see what exactly you're getting. (damages etc.) Your LFS gives you the products and they let you see it and talk about how it works. But if you want to go cheaper then online is best.
     
    duhlsusional, May 31, 2009
    duhlsusional, May 31, 2009
    #9
  10. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    I have bought items offline that arrived defective either due to the manufacture or because of shipping. The problem was alleviated immediately at no cost to me. If you deal with a reputable online seller, there should be a guarantee of some sort. I prefer to buy livestock from my lfs as I know what I am getting, but I usually buy equipment, salt, elements, etc. offline.
     
    GuitarMan89, May 31, 2009
    GuitarMan89, May 31, 2009
    #10
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