HELP: What's missing??

Being able to buy additives in bulk would be a great idea. Especially for those of us who does often or have larger tanks.

^ +1000. If you have the space, make it a lounge-y, fun place to be. Have you thought about setting up a coffee/refreshment area (if you can do the lounge)?

There is one store I know of that has a small library area in the store for aquarium/biology reference books. I'm not sure how much real estate you have available. But I love this idea.

 

He already has a large screen TV with movies for the kids, and a PS3 or xbox hooked up to it. And he has a small bar with stools to just hang out and talk.

We are trying to think of things that will set him apart as far as products and supplements etc.

I told him to look into having different brands of test kits. Most LFS's only carry one or 2 kinds, and frankly some of them are terrible. To actually have Salifert, Elos, Red Sea, Seachem all at one store would be awesome.

I have to visit certain stores for certain things, it would be nice if it were all at one place.

 

Actually stores that stock rare and expert only fish dont get my business and i think the cruelty to the livestock is bad. Just be honest and work hard and treat livestock good and you will make a pile o cash. The chain stores have kids selling fish and they dont know the number two

 

Have you thought about carrying Hanna Checkers too? Those seem to be pretty popular.

 

Hanna will not sell to retailers, only to wholesale. Not it's not really worth it for him to stock them, if he has to mark it up.

 

Morning bump

 

The bulk supply for GFO Carbon and things like that is a good idea and listen dont worry about matching internet prices like everyone is telling you too because for one thing theres always plenty of people out there that want there product right then and there and if you look at internet prices on live stock sure their very inexpensive but then when you add the 30 - 40 dollar shipping and handling well your paying just about the same price as buying from the store.

Heres my opinion if you want to run a successful LFS. Quarantine your live stock before putting on display for sale and let people know you do that real hobbyist would appreciate that. Have employees that are trying to honestly give you what you need for the better interest of your tank and not just trying to make a sale. Real hobbyist pick up on that and appreciate that as well. Oh and having some kick ass display tanks helps a great deal that way people can see that this LFS knows what their doing.

 

Very good points everyone. I appreciate the feedback. Anymore ideas???? Cmon people!

 

Make the storefront have a lounge section. Like the tv displays in nice electronics shops but with there show tanks and some couches. Make it the local hangout for the reef clubs and what not. I have always thought about that. If it becomes the hangout, then those guys will pick up something every time they are in. Reef keepers are very into the hobby and love to talk about it. GIve them a place to hang and you will get there business.


Also a great display tank is a must. Gives you a place to grow out and show off what can be done.

 

Our local LFS does this for GFO\Carbon and other filter media. Not so much with Alk\Mag and Calc since they sell those in the bottle and probably get better perks from being a retailer of those brands.