gauging retaliers

[jim692]

With all the various places to purchase fish, I was wondering if there is anything you look for to gauge the quality, reliability, or service level of those businesses. This would apply to brick and mortar stores as well as on line retailers. I am hoping there are some things to look for that would help sort out the good (or at least fair) from the bad before I get the fish.

[chinoanoah]

Of course check for torn fins, and for ich (looks like salt on the fish).

I always see if there are dead fish in the tanks as well. Also for poor coloration of the fish.

[Strick]

You can usually tell just by looking at the fish. Are they healthy and active? Are they overcrowded in their tanks? Are the tanks clean? Can you spot any fish that have obviously been dead for quite a while? Things like that are good indicators.

A knowledgeable staff is a good sign, too. Want to have some fun? Do some research beforehand and ask a couple of not-too-obvious questions that you already know the answer to.

You'd be surprised (and maybe horrified) at how un-knowledgeable some pet store employees are.

[boogie]

Customer Service second for in store, first being how the tanks look and how the fish look.

Internet - It's all about customer service and if they don't have a phone number, then somethingisfishy!!!! Don't buy from anyone you cannot contact via phone - just my experience......The internet chat makes it too easy for b.s. and rude service...Over the phone, people are usually nice and you can get a feel for the company.

[LawyerFish]

I'm not so sure I'd actually buy live fish from an online store. Tanks and supplies are one thing, but I like to have a look at what I'm buying first.

[TheNamelessPoet]

Originally Posted by LawyerFish

I'm not so sure I'd actually buy live fish from an online store. Tanks and supplies are one thing, but I like to have a look at what I'm buying first.

thats how I have felt about it