The worst lfs ever.. [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

OC CJ

02/01/2007, 11:33 PM

and didn't even have to open the thread to know what fish store you were talking about.

i went there to pick up a cleaner shrimp since they are only 10 bucks the other day... i know i should have never gone.

Saw some guy bring in an add from the website for a cheap coral. Owner said no, that's not the price. guy says, it says right here and showed him the advertisement. owner denied it and asked if the man read the "fine print".

Another guy bought a medium size fire shrimp, owner told the kid working there it was a large and priced it wrong, long story short, there were several size shrimp in the tank, all of which were "large" size. both of the guys walked out along with me.

Don't know why i ever thought about going there again.

Onesaltydawg

02/01/2007, 11:46 PM

Out of curiousity has anyone pursued "bait and Switch" against these people? As far as the ad goes it is misleading and when you do call it is the same price till I guess you get to the store.

wakeupdrowzy

02/02/2007, 12:13 AM

it's a wonder how they stay in business

All Delight

02/02/2007, 12:38 AM

Yah Atlantic is bad, but I never bought anything from there so I don't have a transaction experience.

My worst experience is Jeff's Exotic in Orange. I bought a purple tang from them, told them to hold it. Came back and the kid in the back said they sold it because they weren't sure when I was coming back. The older guy running the place said he doesn't know exactly what happened to it. What I love about it was on the little cubicle it was in they marked "sold".

Great job Jeff's.

I will forever never go back there. I don't care if they're giving things away.

dattack

02/02/2007, 12:54 AM

Yes the Jeff's store in Orange has horrible, lying service. I was about to buy an anenome from there a few months ago and the girl that work there quoted me $75. Was about to go the register and the older guy , probably owner, then tells me it's actually $95. I wanted it bad, so I ask him how about meet halfway and I will pay $85 for it since there seems to be two different quotes.
The older guy gets on the phone with Jeff's at Gardena and Jeff tells him its on hold for another client and but if I really wanted it I can have it for $150.
I was ready to make a scene but it wasn't worth arguing over a stupid store. It's best not just to buy anything from their store again.

mr_timluu

02/02/2007, 01:50 AM

wow, the stories, its almost unbelievable, yet its true.

billr

02/02/2007, 01:52 AM

Hmmmmm

xtm

02/02/2007, 02:42 AM

I would have to say ReefHotSpot. I think the guy should rename his store to "Drool Wet Spot" because you will drool for hours staring at the corals ready to swipe your card but there's literally NO ONE in the "store". LOL :lol: The guy has reallly good selection of corals but as far as service.... forget it

There's no prices too. So once you get his attention, make sure you ask in a rapid fire fashion or else he'll get bored and leave :lol:

02/02/2007, 09:42 AM

i cant wait to visit all these stores that i have never been to!!! looks like my saturday is gonna be full!

phishx

02/02/2007, 10:18 AM

cant say for sure... but it sounds to me like one of those businesses that stays open STRICTLY for TAX reasons... the owners are prolly some Drug Under Boss and uses the business to write off money over the year... i wouldnt be surprised if there was a Meth Lab in the back...
Hey, anything is possible, i seen it happen PERSONALLY with a crappy 1/2 @ss restaurant before.

02/02/2007, 10:22 AM

well at least they would get good prices on metal halides AND have a legit reason to have a high electric bill. i think you are onto something.

phishx

02/02/2007, 10:28 AM

clayspst

02/02/2007, 10:30 AM

we have a store up here in the bay area great prices on coral and they all look good. but the fish are half way dead. i think they would do better on the sidewalk the fish that is.

phishx

02/02/2007, 11:10 AM

wow... that must suck... think about all the terrible LFS's out there... must really suck for the fish n livestock... with everyone on these forums, im sure we couldnt even cover 1/2 the bad LFS's

snslarison

02/02/2007, 11:37 AM

Strictly Fish in Long Beach is the worst for customer service. Jeffs in Orange is weak in selection and the older dude in there kinda creeps me out. Dattack that story is awsome BTW lol.

Tongs in FV prices can be high but their selction is the best I've found and you find a good deal from time to time.

ReefHotSpot

02/02/2007, 01:37 PM

Well "drool wet spot" :) here. Just want to let everyone know that we at reefhotspot.com read these posts and will adjust our service level. We are hiring new staff tomorrow.

Like many lfs guys, I plead guilty to being a hobbyist first and a store owner second. My initial focus was on getting our suppliers and systems together. Now that we have those items rocking and rolling I will turn our attention to the issues that you guys have brought to my attention and find a solution that allows us to serve reefers better.

Best Regards,
Max
reefhotspot.com

snslarison

02/02/2007, 01:46 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9142435#post9142435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redrunblue
Well "drool wet spot" :) here. Just want to let everyone know that we at reefhotspot.com read these posts and will adjust our service level. We are hiring new staff tomorrow.

Like many lfs guys, I plead guilty to being a hobbyist first and a store owner second. My initial focus was on getting our suppliers and systems together. Now that we have those items rocking and rolling I will turn our attention to the issues that you guys have brought to my attention and find a solution that allows us to serve reefers better.

Best Regards,
Max
reefhotspot.com

Impressive. I havent been to your store but I will go now.

firerock

02/02/2007, 01:47 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9140749#post9140749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjb81speed
well at least they would get good prices on metal halides AND have a legit reason to have a high electric bill. i think you are onto something.

:lol:

Seriously, there was a news in Taiwan just weeks ago. A guy rented a whole building (don't remember how many floors it was) in the capital city of Taipei, and was growing marijuana indoors on all floors utilizing state of the art technology, MH lighting. It finally caught the official's attention due to outrages electricity bills resulted from the operation.

The news escalated, and through the guy's cell phone bills, the officials further tracked down his customers and found out that several high profile actors, actresses, TV hosts, etc. in the entertainment industry have had regular dealings with him. 6 of them were drug-tested, and 4 were guilty. Now they are tracking down even more people, rumors says probably 20 or more, and are all well known in the entertainment industry. Crazy....:eek2:

Foogoo

02/02/2007, 01:52 PM

snslarison

02/02/2007, 01:56 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9142571#post9142571 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Foogoo
Courtesy and LA is a rare pair!

You got that right.

opTIMus702

02/02/2007, 02:03 PM

i went to reefhotspot a couple of times and both times i thought customer service was great!

firerock

02/02/2007, 02:06 PM

I have always wanted to check out the store, but have never gotten a chance to.

Dropped by once, and it was closed during its regular hours. It was during the holiday season last year, but FWIW there was a guy feeding the fish inside the store with a bulldog, so I don't know why it was not open. A notice was posted on the door, but not on the website. I think it'll help to post such info on the site for us locals...JMO.

Also the hours of your store are pretty short, which is a bit inconvenient and the major reason why I have not visited you again, but then I don't live in the area so it takes a bit of drive.

Good to see the owner actually cares about what's said on the forum and will definitely visit your store when I can free up more time. :thumbsup:

Onesaltydawg

02/02/2007, 03:32 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9142435#post9142435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redrunblue
Well "drool wet spot" :) here. Just want to let everyone know that we at reefhotspot.com read these posts and will adjust our service level. We are hiring new staff tomorrow.

Like many lfs guys, I plead guilty to being a hobbyist first and a store owner second. My initial focus was on getting our suppliers and systems together. Now that we have those items rocking and rolling I will turn our attention to the issues that you guys have brought to my attention and find a solution that allows us to serve reefers better.

Best Regards,
Max
reefhotspot.com
After reading your post I was impressed that you are considering our imput. I have not been to your store yet however maybe I should pay it a visit. Thing is that if you are serious about changes and do them we will see it. If not then everyone here at RC will see our comments fell on deaf ears. What city and address is store?

Frankysreef

02/02/2007, 03:39 PM

my majestic angel that I got at reef hot spot is still doing great, along with a green w pink tip acro that Igot there too.. already fragged it a few times to get my money back.

Bergovoy

02/02/2007, 03:52 PM

I am curious about ATA Fish? I heard they moved, or were moving.

I heard they had a 2000 gallon display tank, but that was not good enough for them, so they got a 5000 gall shark tank...

Again, I know that they have the reputation they deserve, some of which I confirmed, some of which I do not.

But obviously, they are doing something right...

Also, they are now inviting customers of new tanks to go down and see how thier tanks is being made. First Hand!!!

Anyways, I would say just about anything to see thier setups.

phender

02/02/2007, 04:04 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9142520#post9142520 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firerock
:lol:

Seriously, there was a news in Taiwan just weeks ago. A guy rented a whole building (don't remember how many floors it was) in the capital city of Taipei, and was growing marijuana indoors on all floors utilizing state of the art technology, MH lighting. It finally caught the official's attention due to outrages electricity bills resulted from the operation. ....

Some of the old time reef tank owners used to tell stories of visits from the FBI after purchasing their 400 watt Metal Halides. :D

02/02/2007, 05:15 PM

i tried to give a little advice to a stubborn LFS and told them if they stocked frags they would get more attention from the reefers online. SHE laughed and told me that she doesnt want to waste her time selling $5-$15 dollar sales. she would rather sell $500 at a time. then i just told her that is the reason alot of people talk bad about her.....she actually agreed with me!!

codybug

02/02/2007, 07:53 PM

Reefhotspot is a great store. Prices are excellent. Max the owner is a cool dude and really knows his stuff. He was kind enough to host a SCMAS event at his store. My Firetail Damsel is still doing good. Thanks Max!

roxy25

02/02/2007, 10:06 PM

http://www.recycler.com/animals/detail.classified?id=RCY-196-11362527&search_zip=

join the club

wishntoboutside

02/03/2007, 12:13 AM

roxy great link.. i have never seen a clown fish with that much ich. i did not know it was possible.. can someone call PETA on this. that fish does not have a chance.

dwake

02/03/2007, 12:19 AM

Let's not forget about Aquatic Outlet in Inglewood. Diseased fish for extraordinary prices.... not to mention their great customer service....:rolleyes:

cthetoy

02/03/2007, 12:26 AM

I usually dont even ask questions or advice from any LFS. I learn more from searching reefcentral and taking advice from fellow reefers.

roxy25

02/03/2007, 01:39 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9147309#post9147309 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wishntoboutside
roxy great link.. i have never seen a clown fish with that much ich. i did not know it was possible.. can someone call PETA on this. that fish does not have a chance.

you would never want to call PETA for anything they are bunch of wackos if they saw how we had aquariums they would try to band them just like they do with everything else.

I dont know if the animal control would do much I wonder is that poor fish in the store????????

BigElephant

02/03/2007, 02:24 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9143482#post9143482 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bergovoy
I am curious about ATA Fish? I heard they moved, or were moving.

I heard they had a 2000 gallon display tank, but that was not good enough for them, so they got a 5000 gall shark tank...

I stopped by beginning of January and saw the tank. It was very nice. I also see another huge tank (I guess the 5000 Gallon one), there were nothing yet at that time.

Other than that, I can't say much about the service since I didn't buy anything from them.

Onesaltydawg

02/03/2007, 02:54 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9146404#post9146404 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roxy25
http://www.recycler.com/animals/detail.classified?id=RCY-196-11362527&search_zip=

join the club

that poor baby has the measels or chicken pox :D

xtm

02/03/2007, 08:12 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9142435#post9142435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redrunblue
Well "drool wet spot" :) here. Just want to let everyone know that we at reefhotspot.com read these posts and will adjust our service level. We are hiring new staff tomorrow.

Like many lfs guys, I plead guilty to being a hobbyist first and a store owner second. My initial focus was on getting our suppliers and systems together. Now that we have those items rocking and rolling I will turn our attention to the issues that you guys have brought to my attention and find a solution that allows us to serve reefers better.

Best Regards,
Max
reefhotspot.com

Thank you Max! I posted here because I know you frequent the SoCal forum and it'll get your attention. The addition of personnel will help tremendously! :thumbsup:

bobafet1

02/03/2007, 08:53 AM

Is ATA that place that has awesome prices on the recycler then when you go down there it doubles? I believe it might be. Yeah, they suck...

Bergovoy

02/03/2007, 11:41 AM

For the record, I bought 180 gallon from them and the price did not double, it did not increase a penny. I got it for exactly what they offered it for.

The tank looks nice, they did exactly like they said they would do.

the only comment I have is that they dont volunteer anything, by that I mean, that they do not schmoooze. They dont small talk, they dont seem to have time for questions or answers.

If you know what you want and are ready to do business, they will probably get you what you want and probably do it for cheaper then anyone else.

I heard they sell instant ocean salt for less then ten bucks a bag. (I actually heard $7 and change, but can not verify that at this time.

It is kinda hard to justify spending almost double for the same bag of salt if all you get out of the deal is a smile and 'Hows it going, (fill in your name here)? ... "

cthetoy

02/05/2007, 01:08 PM

Went by their store again yesterday because wife had to shop at the market next door. When I went in there was a lot of commotion going on between the staff. Found out that their entire LIVE power strip fell into their 2000g tank. I saw the power strip 1 foot deep underwater. Amazingly he pulled it out of the water without getting shocked! He was surprised that the circuit breaker did not trip.

Other than that fish quality was a hit and miss still and prices were low compared to other LFS. I had no ads with me and asked about the golden butterfly which were 2 for $100 (1/2 of the LFS). Too bad one of them had ich and none of them were eating. He said they ate 2 hours ago but the fish were full now. I laughed because I knew any fish would still eat still even after 1/2 hour. The 5 Asfurs in that same tank ate but only 1 was healthy.

Another weird scene: On the floor were 2 giant styrophone boxes with some airstones in it filled with 50+ fish in each box with damsels, clowns, large blue tangs, an adult blueface angel,etc. The fish were for sale because someone asked inquired a fish that was in it. I didn't know if this was a permament setup or perhaps they just received a shipment in and they opened all their bags and dumped it into one styrophone box. The water had a green tint to it so maybe they thought this would prevent an ich outbreak?

ReefHotSpot

02/05/2007, 04:02 PM

Interceptor,

Thanks for the feedback. It is important for me to hear because my goal is to run a top notch shop (warehouse). At our current location, we're never going to be the prettiest spot to shop. My first focus will always be on maintaining top quality livestock. In our everquest to bring on new suppliers and get the web operations going smoothly, I knew that we had some service issues with regard to local customers but if a customer can't get served then that is an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. Thank you, again, for brining it to my attention.

Please be kind as I am devoting attention to this matter and will be consistently making changes to provide better service. That said, it isn't the kind of thing that can be changed overnight. We've just hired new staff whom we are training and will be hiring more quality individuals over the next month.

Best Regards,
Max
reefhotspot.com