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Having run a fish store in the past, the thing that irks me the most is the stock not being marked. If you've taken the time to order the fish and acclimate it to your tanks and feed it every day, one would assume you want to sell it and make some money. This is NOT aimed at any particular store, it seems quite a few do this to some degree, some worse than others. I would think in these economic times, you'd wanna make every buck you could. When I ran a shop, I had the prices calculated and labels made before the fish even arrived. And if you sell outta the fish, please remove the tag, I was dissappointed this last week when a tank was labeled with "electric catfish $15.00". I hadn't seen one in 20 years and always wanted one. Then another place had "figure 8 puffers $7.99", not a one to be found. I wanna get about 6 of these.

So customers, when shopping and you don't something marked, you might wanna mention it to a clerk, maybe they'll get the hint.

that is a very good point, it happens everywhere I've ever been. Usually I see most everything in the tanks and I can tell whether a fish is marked correctly or not but a newbie wouldn't know the difference between what is in the tank and what is marked. Evenso, I do end up missing quite a few fish that are hiding or small and aren't marked. this is a good suggestion to our LFS brethren.. As you said, times are tough and every sale counts. A little extra attention to signage is a good idea.

Also, I know it's a lot of work, but labels with photos will increase sales tremendously, I've proven it. Many of the coolest fish out there don't show up in a store. Rainbows are a perfect example. If people actually knew what a rainbow was going to look like when they got it home, you wouldn't be able to stock enough of them. jewel cichlids are another one... Additionally, many people don't know the difference between fish if there are multiples in the tank. A photo next to the name will help them identify them not only to buy but to research and come back later. This is one of the reasons the chain stores do better with newbies.. Kyle

I was in a local shop last week and wanted to buy the black kuhlii loaches. They couldn't give me a price, saying they just came in-- a week ago-- and the guy responsible for pricing hasn't gotten around to it, yet, and wasn't on duty. I've been planning to go back, but haven't had the time.

Why go back to a store with that kind of service? You just encourage it.

Kevin

Because with the limited number of shops, our hands are tied. But then they don't near as much either.

Limited number of shops? You guys live in Eden compared to me when it comes to shops.

Kevin

No kidding, Kevin. They have a virtual plethora of aquatic opportunities without having to drive an hour.

I agree about the marking. I would think that there would be time when everything else is done and no one is in the shop when a few signs could be made, or written on tanks, or whatever. Doesn't take any time at all. I, for one, won't usually even ask a price when there isn't one posted, unless it is something I really want. Mark it, or I won't buy it.