Consider the facts:
1) We go into a retail store and sap as much knowledge as possible from the owner/staff, only to go purchase the item(s) on Amazon or
eBay.
=>>>>Unfortunately, this happens to many other kinds of stores, not JUST LFS.
2) We complain when a store owner earns a mere 15% markup on items he inventories, on his shelve he had to buy & assemble, in a store has to pay a lease on, etc.
=>>>> It is not 15% on all the inventories, maybe Tanks or chillers...the high end items only.
3) We organize and conduct group buys so as to bypass the retailer entirely, even knowingly forfeiting all rights to warranty, just to save a couple of dollars
=>>>>I even saw the store owners doing this, not just members.........WTH?
4) We form clubs to demand group discounts and Free donations to our raffles, but do you think we could so much as put up a banner on our website for the store? (not a chance)
=>>>>Did not know we demand such things. I thought the vendor like Hydor, Tunze,... donate those raffle items to gain popularity...
5) We slam them on public forums for even the slightest litttle infraction, but mention good deads only when it's so epic a gesture that we feel compelled to show it off.
=>>>>hahaha. Disagree with " but mention good deads ONLY when it's so epic a gesture "
Given these conditions, just how long do you think it will take before the "Fish Store" business model becomes entirely extinct???
=>>>> Have you ever seen the show called "The last comic standing"?
Points to Ponder, is all.
I like many LFS, but like you said, they won't be all around for ever.....We make friends and sometimes we lose some ....It is hard out there in this business I agree!