Caveat emptor

[red deacon]

Caveat emptor/ˌkævɛɑːt ˈɛmptɔːr/ is Latin for "Let the buyer beware"

Yesterday I went past a few of the LFS and to be honest was amazed at the difference in prices on livestock. Now I get it that prices vary and factors like size come into play, but when prices on "common" species like Chromis vary by 200%, then clearly people are being ripped. I wont even comment on pricing on things like Regal Tangs and the like whose prices have doubled in the last 2 months.

My advice is do your homework before spending your cash. You will save a fortune.

 

[DOHCTOR]

I went to a few shops with the wife after a long time. I know we always get the Rand Dollar story and also the Mac approved or whatever approved.
Things that caught my eye the most

Blonde Naso (M)
Shop 1 - R 350
Shop 2 - R 1200

True Purple Tang - R 2800

Orange Shoulder
Shop 1 R295
Shop 2 R 695

Blue Green Chromis
Shop 1 R50
Shop 2 R150

Damsels
Shop 1 R80
Shop 2 R135

Just to name a few and I have seen people buy bags and bags

 

[red deacon]

Yup I experienced something very similar yesterday.

 

[NJH]

I am looking for an orange shoulder. Which shops have one?

 

[DOHCTOR]

I am looking for an orange shoulder. Which shops have one?

I saw them in CT which area you in

 

[NJH]

Wont help. I am in Gauteng.

 

[Esmond]

Caveat emptor/ˌkævɛɑːt ˈɛmptɔːr/ is Latin for "Let the buyer beware"

Yesterday I went past a few of the LFS and to be honest was amazed at the difference in prices on livestock. Now I get it that prices vary and factors like size come into play, but when prices on "common" species like Chromis vary by 200%, then clearly people are being ripped. I wont even comment on pricing on things like Regal Tangs and the like whose prices have doubled in the last 2 months.

My advice is do your homework before spending your cash. You will save a fortune.

Agree 100% 1 lfs wanted to sell me a 3cm chromis for R190-00

 

[EFJ]

@NJH I think Idol Marine has one.

 

[NJH]

Thanks. What size?

 

[red pepper]

Controversial subject and I see not many comments.
Been through this, rescued fish and seen why prices may differ and suffered consequences of taking chances on just landed, impatient and impulsive buying.
Some observations I have seen in my short time in the hobby:
1. Exchange rate fluctuations
2. Different packaging/transport modes - Some fish arrive in single big bags plenty water. Water heavy extra transport cost(weight factor), but fish normally in better condition
3. How fish are caught - easy way is with toxins eg Cyanide - doubt fish will live long, and they will definitely be cheaper
4. Good idea to arrive at an LFS when a shipment arrives and gets unpacked - how many already dead on arrival, and how many by the next day? - you need to see it, and find out what shipments are good which are bad, and what the genuine reason was.
5. Often see posts of fish not eating - did the individuals care to make sure before they took them that they were eating.
6. Responsible LFS will always make sure the fish eat before selling, others will try and sell as quickly as possible.
7. Marketing opportunity, bulk buying, target marketing etc,etc.

At the end of the day, as hobbyist we are all responsible to ensure the well being of our livestock rests with us, and who and what we support. Unless you know the circumstances of every shipment, where, what, how, and from, its hard to compare prices. I agree if the fish arrives from the exact same shipping agent and there are massive fluctuations, then maybe you have a point. But remember depending on overheads, some might have to mark up more than others, its not a massive industry and especially for the specialist not a massive income generator that its perceived to be, plus the various points that I highlighted above have to be fully considered.

You must try the Koi industry.

 

[oliver]

I have the same proplem here but I understand it ,its a small specialist portion of the market so the price difference between places is to me acceptable.