I had to post a reply to this. I've been into reefing since halides were a concept, and VHO ruled the industry. Yea, I've been doing this for quite some time. I grew up near Age, and have seen many shops come and go in that area, to include OC and LA. I'm not one to fluff, or degrade a shop, for everywhere has their ups and downs. I remember James when he was part of 7 Seas, and that was THE shop to go to in the local area, as well as Strictly Fish, and Circle Pet. Iirc, age was only a service then. Shortly after my first couple of years in college I left the state/country for the military, and came back in 09. I wanted to build a tank, and good old 7 Seas in Lakewood was gone, as well as Circle Pet, until fairly recent times. Now you want to talk about bad service, try going to Strictly, and see if anyone greets you. I stumbled across Age, while saying hi to a few friends I grew up with. I saw Big Rob whom now works at chance, I remembered him from when he worked at Strictly. He didn't remember me, but was cordial, along with Dan, and James. I saw the prices and was flabbergasted. Great stock, but pricey. I started talking with everyone, all quick to help get me up to speed with what was new, and compatible to my times running VHO. Yes I ran halide/VHO combos in my tanks when I was in the service. But new skimmers, etc, wow, much nicer than the CPR products I was dealing with, and I must say Jason, the McGuyver of aquariums, was the man that helped me build that system. Shortly after, I met Brian, knowledge is overwhelming, even for a guy that looks like the spawn of Gallagher...hahaha I also learned a lot from JW, the King of DIY. Kevin is great as well. I've befriended all of these guys, and after hanging out at the shop, I've learned what all they do, and why prices were what they are. Ask them what their dipping and QT procedures are. I bet you won't find ANY LFS that does any of their regimen to that level. You'll be lucky if the shop does a revive dip, once for SPS. Because of this, it's no wonder this place is the go-to for the region. The only gripe I have with the shop is they are a bit understaffed with knowledgable employees. Three people who are regularly there, with their knowledge and expertise. JW doesn't work the floor, he is busy in the cave out back, dipping, fragging and maintaining the QT and fish systems, by himself. That leaves Brian and Kevin to fend off the customers. James is a freshwater guy. Jason does maintenance, and the rest of the staff are a bit too new to go over pricing things, such as dry goods. I'll give em time.
I live 25 miles away, my choices are Tongs and a few other places, all of which can't even keep a zoa alive. As for the pricing on that yellow tang, have you not heard of the extremely limited collecting going on in Hawaii right now? What was $20/tang is now $40. You have to roll with the times.
Age is a great store, for beginners to the most advanced hobbyist. If the place is dead, and nobody greets you, speak up, they'll apologize and drop what they're doing. But being a twat for one bad experience and blasting them on a silly forum for it, please, you should grow up.