What are your red flags for LFS'??

[chunkylovah]

I have been in the hobby for just about a year now. Before I got into it I was living in reef forums and studying up. I heard a lot about how you should support your LFS'. So I tried to do just that, but it has quickly become clear that many LFS' make it really hard to support them. I have had a few bad experiences, but just wanted to know what are some of your red flags for a new LFS? Anything specific that you look for that might give you a hint that the LFS may not deserve your business?

One thing I have recently learned is if I have to ask the price on every single thing because there are no prices up, they are usually trying to take advantage of their customers.

 

[nicodim55]

Agree with the no pricing BS

 

[AquaVaj]

-excessive markup
-dead livestock not being removed
-dimly lit store
-lying or giving out blatantly false information
-poor selection or livestock in bad living conditions

 

[solitude127]

Dead livestock.

 

[reefes pieces]

more than seeing dead fish is seeing sick fish. I can understand that a couple of fish just didn't make the trip from overseas to the LFS and dying when the rest of the livestock looks good but seeing a single sick looking fish does not make me want to buy anything in the same system. Also, fish with ich in the frag tank. That's just asking for disaster

 

[djam]

is the store clean? that's my first clue. Ask people what they recommend and why. I also try to figure out what days they get deliveries /pickups so I can get the fish before they spend too much time in the system. I also HATE stores that put the fish in the little 6" boxes, I refuse to do business with them, I call them prison stores.