ordering fish from an LFS ??

cracker · Nov 12, 2017

Iv'e not ordered any livestock before & want to go thru my LFS. Jason says he will order fish for me.
So how does this work? ' Is there an extra fee? Does one usually pay up front ? Am I obligated to take the fish even if they don't look so hot? I realize he needs to make a profit however is there "usually " some guarantee? I assume he can always sell the fish but don't want to tick him off either.
Should I wait for him to acclimate the fish so I can get a good look at them or take them straight home & do it myself ? This would be less stressful this way. I want 6 anthias all in one batch. Lots of stuff I don't know yet. Thanks for any opinoins.

leahfiish · Nov 12, 2017

It depends on your lfs and some other things. If you have a big lfs that frequently does large orders, you might not have to pay upfront or be obligated to take the fish at all. But if it's a fish that you have never seen before at your lfs, then it's probably something that they wouldn't normally get if you hadn't requested it. So in that case I would probably say you are obligated to take it as long as it looks healthy. But it really is situational.
If it were me I would probably offer a deposit and ask how much they would like, and take the fish straight from the wholesaler bags. I would also probably order like 10 anthias just in case.

Doclight · Nov 12, 2017

Agreed. Depends on your store.. My guy orders and keeps them a couple of weeks. Gives me time to check it for disease and make sure its eating well.

Paying up front vs When it arrives depends on the fish. If its a common one, then he just gets them in. If its a special order, or something not everyone wants (like a clownfish or yellow tang) then I pay up front.

leahfiish · Nov 12, 2017

Also most lfs would be happy to talk to you about these questions, I would ask them just to make sure you guys are on the same page.

lion king · Nov 12, 2017

Each lfs is different, and mostly it comes down to your relationship with the lfs. I've had a few different lfs order fish for me, they know I'm not wishy washy and do spend alot of money, so they always gave me the option to pass. They also know I'm pretty picky and demanding, so they made sure the fish was ordered properly with size and condition. If I can I will take it in the bag to limit stress and the complications of multiple acclimations. I've also had to take them after they had been acclimated, but I only do business with lfs that keep their fish at proper reef conditions or fish only no lower than 1.020 sg.; so acclimation to my tanks were seamless. You should always have the option to pass, but also be aware that if you order online it can be a crapshoot, so consider that as well.

cracker · Nov 12, 2017

Thanks Everyone. I plan talking to the guy but wanted some insight 1st before I walked into something. He did agree to get fish for me but we didn't talk specifics. I think some anthias would be a good start . He's had these fish before & I have been a good customer ( spent a lotta $) over the years. Plus I have 100$ gift certificate also ! Thanks for the insight just wanted to be sure I didn't miss something before.

Will_04 · Nov 12, 2017

Most of the LFS in NE Florida charge a 100% markup on what they pay for the fish. Some time this is a lot higher than online vendors other times it is lower. Depends on the season and the type of fish.

Normally when Jason orders fish for you he assumes all the risk and he doesn't make you pay up front. There are a lot of fish he refuses to order so if he offered you should be ok.

cracker · Nov 12, 2017

Thanks Man, So You know him also. That's good news !

DSC reef · Nov 12, 2017

If this is the same jason I know in Brevard he's a straight up guy. Anytime I've ordered from him I paid when the fish arrived. If something came in and I didn't like the condition it was in he understood.

jsker · Nov 12, 2017

As was stated above, it's all about relationship.

cracker · Nov 12, 2017

No DSC this shop, "OPA" is in Orange Park. We are just south of Jax Fl.
Thanks jsker, all I can do is ask right? I have traded fish & frags with him in the past. Also a group of anthias isn't too much to ask I would think & a good way to start. It's not like I'm asking for a Left Handed Frog Fish .