ECC Discount

[Bandsmanc92]

Dropped in on the LFS[THE PET SHANTY] to pick-up a few needed items. Started a conversation with the store manager... "Charlie" I asked if he were a member to any Aquatic Society, he replied that he was not. I then told him about ECC, showed him The card that I'd been given"Thanks Bill" an he gave me a discount and said he'd welcome any and all club Members. As I know from many of the members post, the Pet Shanty is a favorite LFS.

Myself being a Newbie to the Hobby as well as to the ECC, I pose this Question, has any other Member that's visited there done this?
Some of my LFS's are very popular on this site like... the Pet Shanty, the Shark Aquarium, Animal kingdom and Absolutely fish, Have there been any road trips to these Quality stores, if not, what has to be done to sponsor a Road Trip.

All of the above are LFS's that have extensive fish varieties that any true Hobbyist could appreciate. in advance for your feedback

[deadhead]

Charlie is the owner of Pet Shanty and a long time supporter of NJAS. He has been one of our charter pet shop supporters and advertisers for many years. He is a great guy and has a really nice shop. A lot of the local shops will offer discounts to members of clubs. Especially customers like you who vist on a regular basis and purchase products. I wish their were more people like you....The LFS is our greatest friend in this hobby. This is a great post and keep on doing what you do...

[deadhead]

George of shark aquaruim and Pat of absolutley fish are two more great guys and great shops..... i don't know the people at Animal kingdom but do like the store...

[Pete]

On the rare occasion I buy from local stores I don't try to get discounts. I figure paying that little extra is worth it to have a store with the occasional knowledgeable member of staff. If I want a discount I shop online or buy from other hobbyists.

Charlie's definitely a good guy.

[deadhead]

Excellent point Pete.

[Bweb]

One of my LFS owners told me this weekend that he is doing about 11% of his normal sale's and did not know how long he could last his rent is 4 months overdue. He does mostly salt water fish I try and support him but certain items he just wants to much for $22.00 for a #5 sponge filter $6.00 online.

Walmart Kills Again

[AMBUSHPREDATOR]

Originally Posted by Bweb

Walmart Kills Again

Actually the Internet killed the local store. Any time we order over the Internet a local guy doesn't get a sale. It doesn't mean the Internet is evil , It's just that the world changes, and for the pet enthusiast it's better with more information and cheaper prices.

i have to agree though that the internet and big box stores killed the small businessman. The world was easier and better 25 year's ago, when a guy or gal with a dream could open a small store and at least make a living. Those day's are over for the most part and now we have to kiss up to the big boss to survive. The dreamer is dead.

[AlishanAS]

Kevin (Bandsmanc92) and others,

Thanks for your enthusiasm in promoting the site.

A few comments that Bill and I mulled over:

Currently, pet stores are not our sponsors and do not donate to the site so we do not ask for nor expect discounts.

We are a forum for the east coast not just NJ/NY. As it happens most of our active membership are from New England and the mid Atlantic states. We think it would be unfair for some members to get discounts from certain stores that are out of reach from our membership in other states.
Most of these stores do not ship to customers as do our sponsors. The sponsor's fish/dry goods are then available to everyone.

NJAS and other clubs that meet and that have paper or on-line publications do receive a discount from the stores that advertise and contribute to their shows/auctions. We think it's best that people join local aquarium societies to obtain the discounts. Of course, the clubs have a lot more to offer than just discounts, such as speakers, shows, pet shop hops, etc.

We prefer not to have our site's name used for the purpose of obtaining discounts since we (the site owners/admins) do not have a relationship with these various shops.

As the site grows we can revisit the idea of Pet Shop sponsors and discounts.

Thanks.

[Bandsmanc92]

Thank you all for the feedback i appreciate it.
My apologies to any and all I may have unintentionally offended.
I'm Learning and will keep coming. Again Thank You!

[AlishanAS]

Originally Posted by Bandsmanc92

Thank you all for the feedback i appreciate it.
My apologies to any and all I may have unintentionally offended.
I'm Learning and will keep coming. Again Thank You!

No apologies needed Kevin. None of us were offended.

Thanks for thinking of us.