So today, I decided to go coral shopping since my tank was finally stable. So I drove one hour to one of our sponsor LFS'. After being greeted and after browsing for about ten minutes, the owner asks me what I'm looking for. So I tell him "aquacultured sps, stuff known to thrive," my kind of stuff. I ask if he has any of his "named pieces" at the store and says he doesn't keep it here. So I asked if they were at another store, and he says no. He then informs me they're in the back, but that he doesn't sell his pieces to just anyone. He added he only had pieces $250 and up in the back. After realizing where this conversation was heading, I politely nodded and stood silent, continuing to look at the frag tank. He then asked me what I was looking for and asked for me to name some of his pieces. I responded with, "I'm just looking for something that looks nice." I refused to name drop because the pieces at the top of my head weren't ones I was looking for. After my response, he asked for names again and I refused to give any. After that, I just left. Some people might say I should have been more persistent if I wanted to see his stuff, but let me tell you, I will never beg to anyone to take my money. If you want my business, then don't treat me like a second class citizen and earn it.
I really dislike the fact that I have to show some people the contents of my wallet to be taken seriously. I understand that the high end game isn't for everyone, but you tend to lose a few customers with that kind of approach. I shouldn't have to prove myself of anything to see anyone's "exclusive" stash. And I know a lot of people are going to say that there are too many people who ask to see expensive stuff and then don't buy any, and I agree. But you're taking a big chance by refusing service to potential customers like that. And most importantly, if you're into the business of selling corals (or selling anything), why would you hide them in a back room inaccessible for other customers to see?
There's a big reason that I don't advertise where I'm from (SCR) or who I am (I'm nobody) or what I do for a living. I want to see how owners generally treat customers without knowing who they are. If you treat me well, then I'll be a customer for life. If you give me bad customer service, then I'll take my money elsewhere. In this case, that's what I did.
I don't really care to expose this sponsor because I don't care enough to deal with drama or flame wars. I guess I'm a little bitter about wasting half a tank of gas for nothing, though.
/rant
I really dislike the fact that I have to show some people the contents of my wallet to be taken seriously. I understand that the high end game isn't for everyone, but you tend to lose a few customers with that kind of approach. I shouldn't have to prove myself of anything to see anyone's "exclusive" stash. And I know a lot of people are going to say that there are too many people who ask to see expensive stuff and then don't buy any, and I agree. But you're taking a big chance by refusing service to potential customers like that. And most importantly, if you're into the business of selling corals (or selling anything), why would you hide them in a back room inaccessible for other customers to see?
There's a big reason that I don't advertise where I'm from (SCR) or who I am (I'm nobody) or what I do for a living. I want to see how owners generally treat customers without knowing who they are. If you treat me well, then I'll be a customer for life. If you give me bad customer service, then I'll take my money elsewhere. In this case, that's what I did.
I don't really care to expose this sponsor because I don't care enough to deal with drama or flame wars. I guess I'm a little bitter about wasting half a tank of gas for nothing, though.
/rant
