Why do some LFS survive and some don't? What do we want to see in a good LFS?

[barmby]

I used to go there almost everyday from 1980~1990. I will pop in there whenever I go "downstairs" to buy food/cigarette (for my dad)/small single item grocery/tubifex worm. Marlboro soft pack was $2.20 then. haaa... I stay in AMK Ave 4 Blk 170. I was cruel then. I always scoop one glass shrimp and throw it into those yellow or blue cichlids tanks and see them hunt and tear up the shrimp like almost resident evil style. they were small but very lethal. Of cos, i only do that when auntie is around only. uncle toh quite fierce to me.

[edw7636]

Mine I guess will be location and wide variety of items and lastly price although price might be cheaper be a few dollar so not really important compared to the lesser 2.

[bluebubbles]

I would think the following 3 factors are important in ranking:-

First - Variety of stocks

This will create a complete one-shop-everything experience. Even if the location is not convenient, it will not deter people who own cars. Those who don't may well make some efford to patronise the store if they can.

2nd - Service

Friendly, knowledgeable and flexible. Shortage of any of it will kill the customer shopping experience.

3rd - location

Thought it is ranked 3rd, it certainly help to draw crowds from all walks of life whether they are people who keep aquarium or not. If property can fetch high prices build on convenient transport/central area, same logic apply to shop owners.

If the above 3 can be met, rest assured the lfs will thrive or at least sustained their business. So far, I think C328 managed the above 3 pretty well.

[takaco]

To me
its price,location,stocks they have,customer service

[RonWill]

its price,location,stocks they have,customer service

...then you're probably amongst the new generation of hobbyists who'll do best with online shopping for the lowest prices, where the only form of customer service is just prompt response and shipping.

[stormhawk]

Even with online shopping, what you get may not be what you paid for.

[RonWill]

so... now, we need to see, touch and fiddle with the actual product one wanted, and still at the lowest price???

[mincedmeat]

Customers these days are price sensitive and may not want to pay extra for something they can get elsewhere, though sometimes I would think they are penny wise pound foolish - especially if they have to go the distance to get something at a cheaper price. I recently started on the hobby of bettas and aquascaping so I was on the look out for convenient places with good stock of fauna/flora and equipment that are reasonably price. By means of reasonable price means within budget. I have been to C328, Y618, Y934 Aquastar, Seaview, Green Chapter and I must say they each have their own specialties. I don't particularly like Y934 (no offense to the shop owner here), but the materials and livestock they carry don't appeal to me. They don't maximise their floor space either and things are all over the place, yet people still visit and buy things from them. I was just there yesterday to get an item (the others around were closed for CNY, so there's wasn't much of a choice for me) and it really confirmed my suspicion that the owner is more of a hobbyist than a businessman.

Nonetheless, I do think convenience tops my list, and then the variety of items. Customer service would take 3rd spot because most people would already have known what they need/want and just need some sort of assurance from an experience hand to assure them.

[stormhawk]

Penny wise pound foolish is an apt description of the majority of hobbyists. They fret over the smallest price difference, but spend 5-10 times more on transport options, be it with their own transport or with public transport.

[armourshrimp36]

C328 is my best place too buy my stuff.. They got lots of staff.. And boss will give discount sometime.. I stay at east, i drive a cab.. So.. Many place i can exp.. And y618 is good too

[Mystikboy]

i am currently a student, thinking of entering into the LFS market
i think a 'USP' or unique selling proposition is difficult to introduce into such a saturated market.
Moreover, it is difficult to profit from targeting a specific interest group, or a specific area of aquaria, isn't it?
seems like diversifying is the only way to make ends meet.

[youdontknowme]

more beautiful discus is what i would like to seee

[sabre09]

I think the reputation is another key for survival.. when I first started the hobby.. I asked around for good LFS.. which one sells the cheapest equipment.. which one sells the cheapest livestock.. which one offers the best variety etc.. I don't go directory to search for them.. I ask ppl... I think it's the ppl to ppl introduction that is vital.. so when more ppl got to know abt the LFS.. they share them via forums like AQ.. also most of the LFS don't advertise.. so how did hobbyist get to know them?? through ppl.. forums..?

What we wanna see in them really depends on what we are looking for... like I mentioned.. each LFS has their "specialized area of interest".

[dddolphin]

every store has its own strength and weakness. i personally visit C328 very often, but most of the time just buying feeders and replacement equipment (eheim media, pump) and find their pricing very competitive. however, when it comes to livestock like arowana, i still like to go to specialist as their stocks are more appealing. we have to admit that no lfs has best of all.

[Jenson]

to me, healthy livestock is the most important, followed by competitive pricing

cheers

Just want to highlight for some LFS, though they might have cheaper pricing but that doesn't mean their livestock are healthy, and I noticed some always lelong their livestock as even feeder fishes or just to clear the stock usually have unhealthy livestock

[Jenson]

...and to be honest I personally also find that Y618 better than Y934. And I guess most ppl only visit Y418 for their feeders? Sorry no offense to any LFS owners here, just to share so that they can explore more to improve business and sustain in the local market

[mincedmeat]

It's also because Y934 owners don't keep the place clean so people don't fancy going there as compared to Y618 where there's better management of goods and livestocks, at least in my opinion.

Not forgetting also that Y618 allows for NETS payment for purchases so I don't need to worry if I don't have enough cash with me.

[David]

@dkk08.....you starting one?.....

[Jenson]

@dkk08.....you starting one?.....

I will support too

[Jenson]

It's also because Y934 owners don't keep the place clean so people don't fancy going there as compared to Y618 where there's better management of goods and livestocks, at least in my opinion.

Not forgetting also that Y618 allows for NETS payment for purchases so I don't need to worry if I don't have enough cash with me.

Not to mention their pricing (Y61 is very reasonable and I even saw a lot of customers at night. They open until very late! Saw somewhere stated 10.30am - 10.30pm daily

I also noted they accept American Express?