LFS business model? What do you think?

[tcwayne]

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7068089&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Getting alot of play in Tampa Bay.

[snorvich]

The vast majority of LFS do not have a business model that will allow them to last. However, I doubt that this will be enough to keep them afloat. Unless a LFS has a significant maintenance business, it is simply unlikely to survive.

[SunnyX]

I find nothing wrong with the owner charging only $1 to come in the store and look around. Also, if you make a purchase you do get the dollar back.

Not a bad idea...

[Dave VG]

Sign of the times?? Maybe. I guess if the store was worth it it wouldn't be so bad. I would do it but it better have what I want and a very very good selection of everything. If they didn’t I’d ask for a refund.

Edit: good point SunnyX

[Indymann99]

I doubt it will work, but who knows.

I like to stop at 2 different LFS on my way home from work (alternate stores every 2-3 days just to see new livestock and check on specific livestock I am interested in but not willing to purchase in the current condition (Ick, fins, etc).

I would not be willing to pay $1 per trip....

Unless this store has consistantly good -great stock (livestock AND supplies) I doubt customers will pay a buck to enter...sounds like a great way to drive sales to the internet...

Also I would think this would limit new customers getting into the hobby as many/most like to "look around" to get an idea of what is available (fresh /marine, tanks, stands, supplies, etc).

my 0.02

[Wrench]

I'm sure that they're doing this to cover the employees' time that's wasted when customers come in to "kick the tires" and never buy anything. I see it all the time when someone will go to a retailer for advice/suggestions/information, spend time talking with them and then the customer buys it online because it's cheaper. That's not fair to the retailer. His time is worth something. They're not there to give out free advice. That's why things cost a bit more at a LFS.

[tcwayne]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1438415

The local reaction.

[andrewkw]

Paying $1 per trip is crazy. Most local reef stores around here take the time to post several dozen pictures of each shipment.

[downhillbiker]

i think that i would be purchasing a 50 cent air stone every time i went in, maybe i would get crazy and buy a chunk of airline tubing.

really, i think that it is a good idea, if it works, i'm sure it helps, but i dont know if its the answer. there is only 1 LFS here that would be worth paying a buck to go in, the others, i just would stop visiting.

[crvz]

It's great if they've got a stellar reputation, but I imagine the casual shopper would be turned away just at the idea.

[Logzor]

Charging to come into your business is ignorant, unless there are hot babes waiting in there.

The business model for all of main street America is all going in the same direction, big box or online retail stores. It is especially bad for a LFS because they are weighed on heavily by energy costs and it is a very niche market.

This is why we see a lot of people selling online and not out of storefronts. Only the most heavily trafficked areas with lots of people in the hobby can keep a LFS healthy. Even then, it is necessary for the store to do online trade. Phishybusiness is a good example.

I do not see a reason to sell out of a store front, eventually your customers realize it is easier to get most items and livestock online. Again, this is only true for stores that have raised costs so high to meet energy demands, rent, and the lack of traffic (or lack of online sales).

[widmer]

I think charging a dollar is a great idea, although it's not presented too well by the newscast or the owner;

I think we can all agree that we will go into fish stores to see something in person before we go buy it online. In this way, the LFS has provided us a service and we haven't recompensated them for it. And otherwise, I always think of going to my LFS as being like going to the zoo, and yea it's probably ~1 dollars worth of a zoo. I think it's a great small way to support the LFS whereas everyone's individual contribution is small, but the cumulative contributions really help out the LFS.

[snorvich]

Clearly that LFS is on the way out. This will only accelerate the process.

[nwrogers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13026287#post13026287 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snorvich
Clearly that LFS is on the way out. This will only accelerate the process.

I agree

I am guessing the owners degree is in biology not business. Usually stores try to lure you in not dissuade you. However he may be a marketing genius, look at all of the coverage he is getting. Only time will tell...