Is it bad form to call ahead to reserve?

[Europhyllia]

There's nothing like coming up to the display tank only to discover some amazing specimine. And, there's nothing more frustrating than seeing "hold" next to the id/price tag.

As a store owner, I would limit phone reservations. If i knew you had been looking for an item for a while, or had pre-paid before I ordered the item, I'd have no problem holding something for you.

But, if you were to call up on regular intervals, ask my what I have, and then cherry pick everything, I'd limit it. Not fair to the new customers or regulary who just stop by to see what you have. JMHO

Yeah that's what I was wondering about. I do look and see what's coming in. That's how I know when to call ahead! ;)
Maybe online ordering is more my thing until the kids are bigger and it's easier to have them in the car for an hour and a half just to chance it and see if what I want is still there.