Fish Store Experiences from a Customer's View

[Europhyllia]

Was just reading Ichthy's post in the sponsor forum and thought it was nice she was so detailed about what she liked in a fish store and what she didn't like.
Since it was in a specific sponsor's forum and mentioned another sponsor store I didn't want to respond there and clutter up the sponsor forum with it.
So I put it here!

positive stuff:
I liked it when Reefs2U super employee clone drilled my sump for me on the spot even though it meant he had to stay a little late. That was AWESOME! Definitely not something I would expect though.

negative stuff:
It really aggravates me when I contact somebody -especially in an emergency situation- and don't get a call/email back. Makes me feel like I am just a credit card with legs. Just fake some interest please... lol. It also lowers my willingness to spend more money at those unresponsive stores in the future...

maybe Ichthy can repost and like-it and hate-it list here too.
Add yours too!
IMPORTANT: no need to name names when you post the stuff you don't like. I just wanted us customers to have an outlet to let store owner's know what's important to us. So if you got something nice to say about a specific store, you can. But if it's something negative just keep it general.
My purpose with this thread was really to create something constructive, not damaging.

[allan]

To me the most important factor is customer service. I don't want to be followed around the store but being greeted when I walk in and attentive to when I'm ready to pick something out is a huge plus.

Also, really like it when the store dudes take the time to explain stuff like what a skimmer is and how is it different from a Par.

Cleaniness is another factor although I will always be a fan of the "hole in the wall" stores... some of the best food I've ever had was out of a closet that had a streetside entrance in downtown Qatar.

Variety.

Dry goods selection.

Tall doorways.

[Europhyllia]

I got some more likes too:

* I am okay with people admitting they don't know it all. I once inquired about a specific critter and the employee wasn't sure so she looked it up with me in a book. That was very reassuring.

* a willingness to fix problems. I once complained about a purchase (without naming store names) on here and an employee of that store recognized me/my purchase, contacted me and sent me a refund. That was awesome! I live in the sticks and don't want to make a huge round trip to return stuff

dislike:
*like allan I just want to come and shop - not get the urge to bring my shop vac the next time I stop by. I am sure very healthy fish can live in pretty dirty stores but it's more appealing to shop in clean stores.

[RayAllen]

Here is my 2 cents.

Customer Service is number one even over cheaper/less esxpensive prices.

I like to walk into a store and be greeted. Ive walked into certain stores where the associates look at you and not say a word or dont even look your way at all.

I like a store thats willing to help. For example, if they dont have a certain fish or product in stock or not even usually have it at all, but they go out of their way to order it. Also helping out in a emegency situation- Tank leak, sick fish etc.....

A clean store with nice displays help, but not so nice that it raises the cost on products. Im going to a store not a city aquarium.

[Third Coast Tropical]

Here is my 2 cents.



I like to walk into a store and be greeted. Ive walked into certain stores where the associates look at you and not say a word or dont even look your way at all.

.

We may have been to the same store. I am a little particular, in that I want to be acknowledged..primarily by a greeting or head nod, but that is about it. I don't like to be followed around and asked over and over if I need help or have questions. I know what I am in there for about 90% of the time. If I need something, I'll ask.

My number one issue with stores is if they do not remove dead organisms from their display, or even sick/injured ones. I have never understood this, but yet I see it time and again at a few places. I don't go there anymore needless to say. It pains me a little too, because sometimes they do carry some nice molluscs.

Never had an issue with Gabe's. I like AD as well. They always have nice product, but at times they can be overwhelming with the customer service.

[Europhyllia]

oh yes. removal of dead and treatment of sick animals in an out of sight area would be highly preferable.
I am all for giving ailing fish a chance. But it would be great if they could have some kind of treatment tank in the office or something.
Of course once they dissolve it's time to just fish them out and dump them. Sorry :(

[Ichthy]

what i like specifically about Reefs2u: the different fish & corals and without even knowing i was going to walk in, a door was opened for me.

[clone]

I like a store that has the corals I like. A place that has the type of dry goods I use. a nice look to the store, almost like if it was a homely feel to it.A place where the employees know they're stuff. A place that will help with pros and cons. Where they know about the latest drygoods (skimmers,reflector,pumps,powerheads). DOESNT charge an arm and a leg to special order. Being able to hang out and talk bout fish stuff and other non-related stuff. Place where I know if I go in I will see atleaste one friend.

I HATE when an employee has been told to fallow me around the store just to make sure im not in there to sabotage. Cant walk around with my clear bottle of water. Doesnt try to sale a peice of coral to a person that doesnt have the right equipment. Charges more on a peice of equipment than what it would cost to order it with same day air. When I do ask a question I get a snobby responce. I HATE SUCKING UP WATER WITH A SHOP VAC.

I know theres more.

[Europhyllia]

I HATE SUCKING UP WATER WITH A SHOP VAC.

Right there with ya! But it beats trying to push it out the door with just a mop...

[clone]

Right there with ya! But it beats trying to push it out the door with just a mop...

HAHA!!! Im guessing you stoped by one time while I was doing that?