Any idea why local planted LFS can't thrive???

[aquarius]

I couldn't agree more.
People have to start paying for QUALITY and SERVICE. The kind we got over there. Other places don't even know what they're selling or that "Badis badis" is not an island... Can't believe this guy told me "Want to see fish from badis island?" #%&%^#^&*$!!

I totally agree with you! It's really sad to see good concept shops like gratiola close down cos when you ask for advise in such places, you can be quite sure the advise given is backed by sound knowledge. I've come across Ah Beng lfs aerating their planted tank whilst having CO2 injected into the tank! I also overheard them advising blur blur customers on how to setup a planted tank and offering planted tank setup services!!

[xxdivinityxx]

Precisely..
Like Colourful Aquarium's
"MINI MORR, TAIWAN MORR, SINKARPOR MORR"

But most still patronise such ah beng shops.. WHY?
Because these fellas slash their prices.

Its exactly what you've just mentioned.
You walk into Gratiola or places like such to ask for advice, then leave for the ah beng shops to get what you need.
Sometimes i wonder if they should charge a consultancy fee to deter such actions..

[plumboy21]

I stay in clementi for many years. Back then, there used to be at least 6 or so lfs. Throughout the yrs, only C328 survives. Why so? I think cos they hv a good stock of almost everything, with good replenishment. Auntie dont bother with u even if u stay there for hrs. She is as busy as a bee... some lfs owners juz sit around & talk cock sing song... one look u know their stocks are not well managed. Price is also another factor. C328 price is reasonable for most stock, i wont say all are cheap though.

Btw, there is another lfs in sunset way, does any1 know? Hv not been there for a long time, but they hv healthy fishes though not in varieties. Think the owner won thropies for his fishes in competitions somemore. More gold fishes & Koi there.

[XnSdVd]

I've come across Ah Beng lfs aerating their planted tank whilst having CO2 injected into the tank! I also overheard them advising blur blur customers on how to setup a planted tank and offering planted tank setup services!!

Are you talking about the one in the bedok wet market?! That's the same place the guy told me about "badis island" Seriously wanted to push his face into the tubifex tray... Q#W%#$%#@!$!!!

[kniveswood]

Like Colourful Aquarium's
"MINI MORR, TAIWAN MORR, SINKARPOR MORR"

HAHAHAHA!

I agree that Gratiola makes one feel very comfortable and at home. Maybe they could have made it into an aquarist pub hehe.

[gregorsamsa]

Anyway,

i do buy most of my plants from Colourful tropical aquarium mainly because he

1. has regular hours unlike most other planted LFS
2. Is better stocked and will take order for other plants
3. Plus its near NA and my place

That said, its really very hard to find knowledgeable planted shop owners (or that they are dying/died) because given the market size and nature, such a person is better off as a Hobbyist or professional Scaper.

Aquatic plants that are expensive and beautiful have either low demand, or do not thrive in shop conditions.

Unless anyone can think of a new marketing paradigm for aquatic plants, there will always be those same few LFS, for better or worse.

[vinz]

Frankly, IMO, Colourful Aquarium will not be able to survive as a planted tank LFS in not for NA being next door.

[xxdivinityxx]

Yes i agree Vinz,

and speaking to him, it seems he may leave the planted scene to undertake on others if the market carries on this way..

Seems typical of a LFS, riding the trends.

Btw, C328 survives for a host of other reasons. One being they MAY (don't quote me here) be a supplier/distributor so the shop is just a front.

Plus by buying in bulk they can slash prices. so cheap that they're the safest place in singapore you can go without fearing ur getting Jibbed.

[Justikanz]

Yes i agree Vinz,

and speaking to him, it seems he may leave the planted scene to undertake on others if the market carries on this way..

Seems typical of a LFS, riding the trends.

Btw, C328 survives for a host of other reasons. One being they MAY (don't quote me here) be a supplier/distributor so the shop is just a front.

Plus by buying in bulk they can slash prices. so cheap that they're the safest place in singapore you can go without fearing ur getting Jibbed.

Heard he used to do LHs!!! But changed to plants after the bubble burst...

If C328 is a supplier/distributer, think we should be getting a cheaper price... Keke... Too bad dun think Aunty has the time to do so! Keke...

[BFG]

I believe C328 is using the 'old school' method of doing lfs retail. Provide ample selection for hobbyist and provide to them at a cheaper rate and keep it constant. That's how I see it. They do follow the trend but not sticking to them. They know trend may change. People from all walks of life can relate with C328 style.

[XnSdVd]

Stupid question but what's the address for C328?

[vinz]

Block 328, Clementi Ave 2. A few hundred meters from Clementi MRT. There are 3 LFS there: Polyart 328, Clementi Florist and Aquarium and another small LFS.

The original C328 is Clementi Florist and Aquarium.

[aquarius]

Are you talking about the one in the bedok wet market?! That's the same place the guy told me about "badis island" Seriously wanted to push his face into the tubifex tray... Q#W%#$%#@!$!!!

HA HA HA..... I'm not refering to the one at bedok. There are a few which i came across and one of them is at the same block as Biotope. This fella talk like he expert but is full of CRAP!!! Now the fella no more liao.

Most of the things sold by most lfs are about the same price. I'll normally buy big ticket items like eheim filters, lights or some expensive brand of substrates from shops that give the cheapest price. Reason being :
1. these are very expensive items
2. usually it's a one time investment
The price for eg eheim filters in most shops are about the same. There are very few shops that sells it much cheaper and we're talking about a difference of about $20. If you go to the right shop the difference is $5 or more on top of the $20 difference!!

Things like fish food, nets, light tubes, filter sponges etc etc i won't bother about the price cos even if there is a difference it's not much. If i'm at a particular lfs and i need some stuff i'll just buy it even when i know it's a bit more expensive cos the time, money and trouble of going to another place is just not worth it. C328 is a GREAT place cos it's a one stop shop to get everything you need and the things are reasonably priced. If a particular item i wanna buy at C328 happens to be cheaper than elsewhere, to me it's a bonus if not it's no big deal.

As for fishes (i'm refering to the usual planted tank fishes), the prices are also about the same for most lfs. Even if there's a difference, it's very little. To me the health and quality is very important!! A good example would be Biotope. I don't normally go there but when i do, i'm always amazed at how healthy the fishes look!! And the best part is you have a very friendly staff or boss there. Just wonder how biotope keeps their fishes in such good condition especially in an air-conditioned environment. (white spots???) Maybe the fishes at other lfs kana heatstroke that's why not so healthy.

So.... it's not always about the price.

[andrewtyr]

then what about TB Ben, Chong Sua and Kingfisher? These are also simple fish shops which lasted very long. IMO, it is about sticking to just one type of business and concentrate at it, in the above cases, it's about retailing.

And it's not just about simple retailing. Much of it encampasses a well-connected business reputation, and able to sustain long enough to ride out the early hard years.

One reason I thought Gratiola closed was because they diversified too much in their early years. Aquascaping, retailing, sourcing for products and fishes are too much stuff. Also, as businesses, owners often fall too much in love with the hobby or new stuff that they neglect or do not put enough effort into the actual business.

[aquarius]

And it's not just about simple retailing. Much of it encampasses a well-connected business reputation, and able to sustain long enough to ride out the early hard years.

Also, as businesses, owners often fall too much in love with the hobby or new stuff that they neglect or do not put enough effort into the actual business.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you. I used to think if you have a passion for what you do and in this case fish business you'll very likely succeed, but i guess in business it takes more than passion to succeed.

[Biotopeshop]

Many thanks to aquarius for his nice comments. It is true that running a shop should not be the natural extension of the hobby. There are so much more conditions to be met.

I had dreamed about managing my hobby commercially and I took a bold step, then fell into a big hole Everything is about hard work and long working hours. Our family must give full moral support, we are used to reaching home after midnight where everything we see are sleeping: the wife, the kids, the plants and the fish.

Besides, we always have to be ready for financial issues, keeping stocks, importing, paying bills, rental. All in cash.

However, the satisfaction that we derive is so rewarding. Eg, when fellow hobbyists drops by to say hi, praising us for the nice specimen or happy with a nice setup that we have done for them.
To me, I have learnt so much and made so many new friends along the way, local supliers such Green Chapter and Dennerle, others such as Forum Moderators and Forum Members, as well as Overseas suppliers and Local Wholesalers.

A lot of other factors have been said earlier. I do feel that Knowledge, Luck, Relationship Management skills (suppliers, competitors, customers, staff) will help to prolong the chance of survival.