1. Knowledge
2. Honesty
3. Good variation of items in stock, live & dry goods.
4. Price (we all want to save a buck!)
5. Location, I know that may sound weird but I don't like to venture to far for stuff.
I think that it.....maybe more as I think about it
Veriann has a good point and one that I ALWAYS use as a tool for "judgement day". I am, self admittedly, a real harsh critic of LFS, or any 'pet' store. It's just me and I won't budge from my stance on the proper set up and care of ANYthing we call a 'charge' or a 'pet'.
Veriann speaks of the "proof in the pudding" displays. This, in my opinion, does say it all. If you see a properly set system, whether for retail or display (and there are differences) then you know you are looking at a good experience ahead. These folks obviously understand the husbandry and therefore could probably be trusted for a) advice, b) healthy specimens and c) an honest relationship whereby you can continue to do more, and better business with them in the future.
Fow what it's worth, I happened upon one such store during my Summer travels. I'm going to defer to Gwen and Kevin or anyone else in that area, to either support or rebut this...but....
THE FISH STORE & MORE on Peachtree Rd. in Atlanta (Buckhead) is a very nice, clean, well run shop. Their displays are beautiful, their retail tanks were set up with both easy catch and basic needs in mind. The staff seemed to be very knowledgeable and honest and to boot, they had an incredible pico system in there that was just "lights out" healthy. That is the kind of place that would get my return business.
The one thing and the only thing I look for is how much they care for the critters, I see that and I know most of the rest is there, I'm very willing to pay a higher price to somebody who cares for the animal as much as I do. As an example the only LFS I deal with has a total of 3 people that work with fish, each of them takes the time to help figure out what kind of tank you want and this is the wierd part ... they share notes.... they not only know me by first name but my fish as well. We have been having a heat wave lately here (100-120 out) and they shut down sales of fish and even live rock just because of the danger to the critters on the ride home.
The one thing and the only thing I look for is how much they care for the critters, I see that and I know most of the rest is there, I'm very willing to pay a higher price to somebody who cares for the animal as much as I do.
Here here. I grew up with 8 cats, 26 birds, a dog, several goldfish, a brother, and a sister and it still drives me insane when people mistreat animals (mammal, reptile, aquatic, sibling, or otherwise). The care that stores give their animals is a huge factor. For fish, if i see dead critters that have obviously been in there for a long time, i am out the door. If they needlessly stress fish, i am out the door. I don't mind clutter in the store, but it better not be a cespool.
As a note, i was in a 'big box' pet store recently looking for a clown loach (freshwater, sorry not marine at this point ). When i asked to see them, the employee reached into the tank and yanked out a large stone the fish were hiding around. I mean she just pulled it out as quick and casual as someone pulling up a weed from the garden . Of course all the fish went scattering in panic. I walked right out of that place. Those employees were not exactly pet smart ( ).
As for a place i dig, i like Premier Fish and Reef in Denver. Lots of stock, well kept, and always willing to take the extra time to help you out (i.e. they don't rush things, perfect for marine fish keeping).
I like a store that will tell you no. "no, I won't sell you that because of A, B & C." Imagine Ocean in Canton, GA is like that.
nuts i was just about to mention this. I agree Gwen. It shows real integrity and concern for their fish when they say no. Although, i prefer it if they help you fix A, B & C rather than just sending you away (in which case i would just log on to TR!)
Rather than repeat the above , I'll just concur with all. But, here's a typical story of a bad LFS. I'm going to name the store because this is first hand information (my personal experience) and people should know of this stores ineptness.
Cindi's pets in Fort Pierce, FL was established a long time ago and developed a good reputation. A number of years ago it was sold and there, as so often happens, went the good reputation. I go into Cindi's not to buy but to check for improvements over time. I've been coming to Ft. Pierce for ten years and now live here. Their saltwater section leaves much to be desired. Soon after getting new stock their fish show signs of listless, stress and disease. I've never bought anything from Cindi's. This story tops the list of things wrong.
A couple of weeks ago I stoped by and there in a large tank was a magnficent adult Atlantic Grey Angel, Pomacanthus arcuatus about 8" total length. It was obviously new to the store because it was healthy, fat and sassy, as they say. On the front glass was a sign announcing the type of fish and the price. It read, Adult French Angel $175 (Pomacanthus paru). I had to call them on this one. I asked the employee nearby, "Where's the French Angel"? He came around and pointed to the Gray and said, "right there". After a bit of frustrating discussion, he was not going to budge on this not being a French Angel because that's what they ordered, I asked if the owner/manager was in. A few minutes later I asked the manager the same question. Got the same reply, "That's a French Angel". My tone of voice changed to one of challanging. I informed him, I've been in this hobby and/or business for 59 years and strictly salt for the last 34 years and that was not a French Angel. He insisted!!! I asked if he had a picture book. He retrived one and handed it to me. I scanned the pages quickly and found the two angels both pictures being adult specimens. I showed him the French Angel first. His response after staring at the picture was, This French Angel (the one in the store) was subadult and therefore not of adult coloration". Then I showed him the Gray Angel picture. His mouth dropped open and he just stood there in disbelief. He said, "but I ordered a French Angel". Of course I had to add, "What you got is a Gray Angel".
I asked the manager if he recognized me as a customer, he replied, yes he'd seen me in the store on numerous occasions. I told him, I come in hoping to find improvements in their saltwater section so I could give them some of my business. But, I haven't seen anything to change my mind and not knowing the difference between an adult French and a Gray Angel is one reason I've never bought anything from Cindi's Pets.
I walked out frustrated as h&**. If you are in a business or hobby as far as that goes, doesn't it behove us to learn as much as possible about our livestock??? I think so. I'm no expert but, I know a little and can carry on a conversation with most people in the hobby. When I meet someone like many of you on TR that can teach me something I keep my mouth shut and listen (At least I try too. ). It's all about learning. I hope the manager and employee learned something from me.
OMG, thanks for letting me rant on about this. I've wanted to tell someone for weeks. As a hobbyist/business person for so many years I learned early on to be professional in my personal and business life. I challange each of you to do the same. (Not to imply that you are not) Your life will change for the better. I know first hand.
OK, I'll get off my soap box now. Next.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
lol, well, nobody can marry personal & company slander in one sentance quite like u Amp! its a shame, u would think they would know what life stock they order rather than the general shape of the species as a verification. but not every owner or store clerk gives a s#$t! as ong as it sell & they keep ontop of the overheads their happy!
hey buddy, can u post me a link for info on the LCDs when u get a chance, my LFS is interested in taking alook! i'll have to give the address or a printable version!
thanks Amp!
I knew I found a great fish store when I went in and inquired about purchasing a Goby. The employee, who I know on a first name basis now, said, "Great, how long have you had you system?" I said, about 3 months. He said "You can't buy a Goby from me yet, you don't have a good enough sandbed yet." I said, you just earned ALL of my business!
USA 
icon under there name and give them Reputation points
V-series Productions 
. Of course all the fish went scattering in panic. I walked right out of that place. Those employees were not exactly pet smart (
). It's all about learning. I hope the manager and employee learned something from me.
