Aquarium Designs

[350gt]

So in conclusion to this thread, http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?69588-Don-t-you-hate

where I never named a person or store I stopped back in today to pick up a few items, well I tried to.


I was looking on scooping up a T5 ballast, clips, ati bulb and a reflector. Figured while I was there, I could get some salt and spotted a wave point led that I have been eyeing for awhile at another store for my fuge..

So I walk in, got some weird looks, didnt think anything of it and continued to browse..... The first guy asked what I was looking for but he couldnt think of what it was and said to ask jason.....
So I continued to look, as this store has alot of stuff..... Then the owner asks if I need anything, I told him what it was i was after and he began to show me what ballasts he had and asked a guy too pull one kit from behind the counter...

As he does, he tells me about how didnt appreciate me talking about him or the store on the forum.... I said I dont appreciate how he tried to lie to me to clear his inventory.

He said he was misinformed, and I GIVE HIM that, maybe he was.........

He then asked me to just leave the store, I asked you serious, he said yes get out......


I wasnt upset, just in WOW..... I thought to myself thats cool cause maybe the thread was going to far....

I texted a few ppl when I leave and they reminded me, I never mentioned him or the stores name in the thread..... even while being asked just to post it..... So why should he be upset if I never named them (till now) or there store?

I also find out that he has been waiting to do this too me.......:thumbs_down:

[350gt]

And if ppl feel I am just throwing them under the bus...... I am not.... just posting my experience...

and I have gave them credit in the past for being helpful

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?68744-Big-thanks-to-JT-and-Jason

[350gt]

If any MOD feels I have gone to far, feel free to remove it or I can leave the site....

[350gt]

like I said the shop has been helpful in the past and I am sure alot of folks still get what they need from there...... I was even about to with the past incident, cause they have what you need in stock and I dont care for marked up prices.....

But to hold a personal grudge over a thread where they were never mentioned.... is down right petty.

[reefreak]

wow thats crazy

[350gt]

wow thats crazy


it is man... i almost didnt want to make this thread to not drag it on......

I mean, I'm over it.... any other shop would be glad to take my coin, so no harm done on my end..... his personal agenda lost the store a few pennies though.

[reefreak]

But I don't get why he held a grudge you didn't Mention any names in the last thread

[350gt]

But I don't get why he held a grudge you didn't Mention any names in the last thread


And that's the only reason I posted this..... If he is going to hold a grudge over 4 months, that's just beyond me.

I understand about business.... Which is why I respected his in the other thread.

[chunkymonkey]

Wow...you tried to hold their name back and they still burn you....I'd have no hesitation fully disclosing every detail to include the shop's name and any employee i dealt with. Shame.........if I was the store, I'd simply try harder to fix prior mistake, then I'd STILL get your money, LOL.

[tebstan]

That is odd, and kinda sad. It's possible there's more to the story you don't know, other people could have instigated without you even saying anything, don't take it personal. (Though it sounds like you didn't :thumbs_up:)

Even if you didn't mention the name, others did, so it got pretty tangled. It happens...



That other thread, I thought it was ironic that a few different people mentioned different stores. I thought of a few stores that fit the bill, and neither was the stores others had mentioned!

It happens everywhere. Mistakes happen, like being misinformed. But customers are more savvy now, and there is nothing wrong with saying "I don't know" as long as its followed by "let me find out for you."

[KING]

hey dose Jason know your 350gt on this site>? or you think some one told him about the old post an added more>?

[Big_Pun]

I guess he prob waiting for me too!! lol. dang that's crazy you go in ready to buy something and instead of talking about what happen and squashing it he makes his business look bad again! guess it wasn't a misunderstanding, don't feel bad your not the first to get the boot

[350gt]

hey dose Jason know your 350gt on this site>? or you think some one told him about the old post an added more>?


Leroy, idk or dont care...

Business is business, he don't want mine so that's cool.

[Bill S]

Well, it's been a while. A LONG while. But I had the same thing happen to me.

I was buying salt from Louis, when he was running a different store. Louis was having problems, and therefore I was having problems getting salt. Mind you, I was using a bucket every 2 weeks or so back then. Plus everything else that goes with running a 300 gallon system. He matched Louis' price. Then he went up a bit. Then some more. And so on. Finally, I was up to full retail, after Louis circled the drain. So I said "fine - I'll find another source". Next time I went in, he was most unfriendly - like I'd crossed him somehow. Whoa. A couple of more unfriendly visits, and I quit going.

It's been at least 2 years - maybe 3. Does he miss my $200+ a month habit? Dunno.

[Janus]

Wow....just wow. The initial situation aside, the response of the business owner was extremely unprofessional. When I was working in a store and had posts like this come up, and I did, I always took them for what they were, a respectful complaint. Even if I KNEW that 90% of the people reading it knew the post was about my store, I still saw the fact that the poster still had enough respect for us not to simply bash us for a bad experience.

[Zack]

Wow....just wow. The initial situation aside, the response of the business owner was extremely unprofessional.

Gotta agree alot with this statement. These days it's hard for small businesses trying to out compete online stores that offer free shipping and no taxes on most products but for me, I like to spend my money in town where a) it will maybe help keep a fish store open and b) will keep someone employed however when I called AD earlier this week I got a general vibe that they didn't want to help me out. Of course, it could have been just the one person on the phone but I called a few other Maast sponsors and I feel that I got treated with much more respect and much more willingness to help me find the product I was looking for.

[Scutterborn]

I've gotta say that I've not had a bad experience at AD before. I know I'm still new but, they've always been helpful. Especially Jason. He has always been helpful when I've had equipment failures and such. Maybe it was other things stressing him and he was just having a rough day. We all have days where we do things that we don't necessarily mean out of general stress and frustration. I believe every story has two sides and this thread seems one sided. Just trying to provide a different perspective. Take it as you will. I'll continue to take my cash there.

[Big_Pun]

looks like he's had a lot of bad days. but as a business you don't take it out on a customer, the customer is always right...... even when they are wrong.

[alton]

Good store and good people. Most of the time I just go in to talk. Maybe we can get our President* to get you two to sit down at a picnic table, drink a beer, straighten things out?
*President Kristy that is

[ErikH]

I like going to Jason's store, although we only make it about once or twice a year. He ribs me, and says stuff like, "I can only take you in small doses, so once a year is good" but it's all in jest. He's very sarcastic, and his humor is dry. A lot of people don't get it, and take it personally. It happens here too, trust me, I've wanted to go postal on a few people here in the past! They're gone though, now.

As I get older, I realize that arguments are all petty. So now I go for the water of a duck's back approach. Most arguments start from a misunderstanding, so I try to leave it at that. I have a Texas temper, short fuse, loud bang, then it's over.

Next time you go there, just grow a full beard, wear some unibomber sunglasses, and a hoodie. You'll be ight. :)

[350gt]

I'm not trying to get everybody against the store.....


Like I said in a previous post, "I'm sure alot of ppl on here still go there to get what they need" and that's cool. I use to really like that store, when JT and that one girl(I forget her name) were working there they were great at helping and very honest.
But the first incident I brushed off as like I said "business is business", and I tried to still continue my business there but wasn't allowed to. And that again I am okay with....


The fact that he held a grudge for months and told ppl that he is waiting till I go just to throw me out is what I find messed up.. And again, I'm cool with that, like I said before no harm done...... My business will be welcomed some where else.

[350gt]

Good store and good people. Most of the time I just go in to talk. Maybe we can get our President* to get you two to sit down at a picnic table, drink a beer, straighten things out?
*President Kristy that is

Alton, I understand your intentions are good.

But in the coming days, the thread will blow over and everything will be forgotten on my end. I dont hold grudges against anyone, that alone will kill a person from the inside. But I don't see that happening as 1 I don't drink beer, and 2 if the first thread I made where I never mentioned him or the store ****ed him off. This one should really get him going.

[grouch]

I think you guys should realize how hard it is now to run a small buisness and compete with large corporations and internet pricing and stuff for sale on maast. I personnally have had good service at all the LFS that I visit (AD, ELEGANT used to be GABES) but you have to be an informed buyer before you get there. If the LFS shows you what you need and it's cheaper elsewhere ask them to match price. Elegant GABES and A.D. all did this for me. AD did this for a light fixture I was wanting and it wasn't small change either ($130) difference. If there is a problems just say thank you and walk away it's not worth feuding about it. Now I don't go to LFS every week like some more like once a month or less, but money is tight nowadays not only for the consumer but for small buisness trying to survive. Would you rather these LFS close and a petsmart or whatever open up and that be your only choice. I don't think so. Believe me these LFS are not getting rich, they have a lot of overhead with livestock, no job benefits like a corporate job, work longer hours than most, and have to pay double on social security and taxes for wages. I am not defending anybody and I'm sure I've probably P#ssed of a lot of people myself in my life, but life is too short and anger is not heathy, so anymore I just remove myself from those emotions and get on with my life. Remember it's your dollar you can spend it where you like, if you don't like the prices somewhere just say thank you and walk away and spend it somewhere else.

Just my 2 cents worth...

[350gt]

Your exactly right....


I held no grudge and went back to buy what I needed, but was denied.

[Bill S]

I think you guys should realize how hard it is now to run a small buisness and compete with large corporations and internet pricing and stuff for sale on maast. I personnally have had good service at all the LFS that I visit (AD, ELEGANT used to be GABES) but you have to be an informed buyer before you get there. If the LFS shows you what you need and it's cheaper elsewhere ask them to match price. Elegant GABES and A.D. all did this for me. AD did this for a light fixture I was wanting and it wasn't small change either ($130) difference. If there is a problems just say thank you and walk away it's not worth feuding about it. Now I don't go to LFS every week like some more like once a month or less, but money is tight nowadays not only for the consumer but for small buisness trying to survive. Would you rather these LFS close and a petsmart or whatever open up and that be your only choice. I don't think so. Believe me these LFS are not getting rich, they have a lot of overhead with livestock, no job benefits like a corporate job, work longer hours than most, and have to pay double on social security and taxes for wages. I am not defending anybody and I'm sure I've probably P#ssed of a lot of people myself in my life, but life is too short and anger is not heathy, so anymore I just remove myself from those emotions and get on with my life. Remember it's your dollar you can spend it where you like, if you don't like the prices somewhere just say thank you and walk away and spend it somewhere else.

Just my 2 cents worth...

Absolutely right on. Running a small business today is just a nightmare. We wonder what has happened to small businesses, this is it.

I also remember that it takes 20X as much money to recruit a new customer as it takes to keep an old one. Running a what you perceive is a bad customer off is not good business.

[grouch]

Your exactly right....


I held no grudge and went back to buy what I needed, but was denied.


The post was not intended for anyone in particular but everyone on both sides of the fence.

[350gt]

The post was not intended for anyone in particular but everyone on both sides of the fence.

I got you.

I understand when it comes to small business cause my family had there own for well over 30 years. I remember my dad saying you don't want this life, I never knew what he meant till a few years ago when we got our own going...... It's a pita.

I have stresses like anyone else when I come to work but I never take it out on the customers nor do I hold grudges for when they come back..... That is not the way to conduct business, especially if you want to stay open..... I have customers like KinG (jk bro) that I want to throw out and tell never to come back but I don't I smile ask how they are doing and tell them to have a good day as they walk out....

Its called good business. Some of the ppl that got under my skin awhile back are actually good ppl to talk to....

[rrasco]

This is a forum where we should be able to share experiences, good or bad, sponsor or not. You can bet on it that if I get thrown out of an LFS you all will hear about it. FWIW, I thought the original post was about a different LFS. I've never been to the store in question.

[350gt]

Okay I am trying hard to leave this thread alone....

But I get word a minute ago that I am being called a liar. That I was supposedly told, " to go and run like a girl an make a thread about it"....... By the owner.


First off, the way I posted it, is what exactly what was said. I put that on my son.

Secondly, idk if it's true but if it is... I welcome the owner to come on here and defend his actions or atleast speak up instead of calling ppl I know to try and get under my skin...... Which it takes alot to do nowadays, I have too many responsibilities...

[rrasco]

That's just bad business.

I don't think him coming on here would be very constructive. It would be entertaining though; for me at least.

[Europhyllia]

but life is too short and anger is not heathy, so anymore I just remove myself from those emotions and get on with my life.

I think that's some really good advice right there.

Who cares what he said/ if he said it. You got better stuff to do than worry about some fish store owner.

Let it go. It's not worth your time/ energy/ etc.
:)

[350gt]

What I don't get, is I can post about the same store with a good experience and don't get one response from anyone....

This section is for vendor/ product experience..... Just thought I would share.

[ErikH]

What I don't get, is I can post about the same store with a good experience and don't get one response from anyone....

This section is for vendor/ product experience..... Just thought I would share.

People thrive on drama! :)

[350gt]

People thrive on drama! :)


Lol it's all good.

I am laughing cause I am being extremely nice to customers today.

I am not phased by any of this, I should have avoided the store yesterday.... But I certainly didn't expect to be thrown out.

I am loving the maast community right now, those that have pm'd me with offers to help me get what I was looking for...

[SoLiD]

It's been sometime, but when I visited AD many years ago Jason was always eager to help.

Things happen and sometimes people just have off days. Let's hope this was the case. :ph34r:

I'm sure this won't be the last time you hear something regarding this thread; none the less, I hope that you (350gt) just let it roll off your back like Erik said, and just move on with your $$$money$$$. Someone else will gladly take it. :)

[rrasco]

I'll take it. Oh wait, you want something in return? That might not work out so well. For you I mean. LOL

[350gt]

Solid, no worries... As I said its no biggie, just putting my experience out there.

He was eager to help but also wanted to make it known that he didn't like my first thread 4 months ago that no mention of his name or store.. Then asked me to leave his store.... No biggie again.

But to find out he was planning to do this was just childish.... But I hear that's the way he works....

Like I've heard from others, that store would be way better with a different manager...

[blupez]

I used to go to AD but I just never got the good comfy feeling there anymore so I quit going. I never had any bad experinces and still stop by every few months to check out the store and see if there's anything there to waste my money on though. I think it's important to establish a good relationship with your customers because you want them to return. I own three small businesses and it's important to me that customers are treated in such a way that they want to come back. I think it's very good to post bad experiences as much as good. Shops might find other similiar experiences and establish unhealthy trends allowing them the opportunity to correct those issues. Maybe even ask for advice from their customers. Sometimes bad experiences can end on a bad foot but a meduim like this is a good way to readdress that and hope to regain a customer's trust. I truly hope your issue can be resolved. It's unfortunate you felt the need to post about it here but probably the best way to address the problem.

[350gt]

Just when I thought this thread was buried.... Lol

All good though...

In all honesty I wasnt going to post about this incident until I found out the owner or whatever he is was waiting to do this to me.... He seriously waited months till I went back to just throw me out....

But like I said, it's all good... I still got what I needed from somewhere else(online)..i was willing to pay for his over priced stuff as I am very impatient..

[ladeensmallknees]

hi my name is lauren and aquarium designs is hands down my go-to LFS. they are close to my house and jason is a super friendly, helpful, and intelligent owner so i dunno why people are bashin on him or the store. the prices are legit and their livestock is impressive.

[KING]

hi my name is lauren and aquarium designs is hands down my go-to LFS. they are close to my house and jason is a super friendly, helpful, and intelligent owner so i dunno why people are bashin on him or the store. the prices are legit and their livestock is impressive.

Maybe you should go back an read this from the start..
Many times my guy says he had good business with them in the pass an was cool.The only thing that made him post was the fact that he heard the man has been waiting to kick him out for some time..An its not as far as bashin him or his store.. an this was all started off of an other thread that im sure some one miss read..but im sure you didnt read that ether...

[350gt]

hi my name is lauren and aquarium designs is hands down my go-to LFS. they are close to my house and jason is a super friendly, helpful, and intelligent owner so i dunno why people are bashin on him or the store. the prices are legit and their livestock is impressive.


Without a doubt the store is legit..... Prices are fair as he has it in stock which most don't.. I never had a problem until this incident..

I even went back after the incident that I first posted about, without posting him or his shops name... The thing is I got thrown out 4 months later, cause he was waiting to do it... I then called him out on it cause it was childish what he contemplated and waited 4 months to do...

You can shop there and love it but it was nice to know I wasn't the only one this has happened too and that a few others had other type of incidents too.....

[Big_Pun]

hi my name is lauren and aquarium designs is hands down my go-to LFS. they are close to my house and jason is a super friendly, helpful, and intelligent owner so i dunno why people are bashin on him or the store. the prices are legit and their livestock is impressive.

wow the first post you make is in this thread hmm doesn't seem too "legit"

[350gt]

Lol Chris.... I noticed the same thing but hey you never know.

[SoLiD]

hi my name is lauren and aquarium designs is hands down my go-to LFS. they are close to my house and jason is a super friendly, helpful, and intelligent owner so i dunno why people are bashin on him or the store. the prices are legit and their livestock is impressive.

This is your first post!!! Really?!?!?!?!?!

http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/127740/919427.jpg

[Big_Pun]

lmao solid !!

[beareef19]

lock this thread...... you can only beat a dead horse for so long before its really dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Big_Pun]

lock this thread...... you can only beat a dead horse for so long before its really dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!

as you can see people keep reviving the "horse"

[SoLiD]

Nah... I say keep it open. Maybe the Aquarium Designs will respond, but more than likely not. Either way, whats the point of locking a thread that no one is posting in... except for us.

[alton]

lock this thread...... you can only beat a dead horse for so long before its really dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree especially if we are going to bash someone for posting their opinion. The person posting something positive joined back in March, if she waits till July to post what is the problem? I always believe in free speech and the right to complain that is why this post has remained open because I guess the moderators feel the same. If you bash someone for posting why would they post again? Or why would they remain on MAAST?

[Flyride95]

Im a no one I am sure, but I agree we should lock it. Even if they do post, it will just fuel more.

[Kristy]

Thanks for the input guys. This thread ran its course and then some. When we start attacking new folks for offering a different perspective, it's time to move on and post something constructive somewhere else.