Quote:
Originally Posted by Che
While free beer would definitely have this crowd hanging out at the store from open to close, I don't think that it is necessary... everyday.
One thing that hasn't really been mentioned is cutting edge equipment. I want a real reason not to buy online.
I would love to see some really cool equipment at work, a really cool display tank, and a really clean layout.
|
I think this is a good point. There's a lot of hype about QT procedures, hard to find store, etc, but until I get in there myself I'll withhold judgement. It's probably going to be better than some stores out there, but the ability to get in rare corals doesn't mean much because most anyone can get them if asked
For me, to qualify as a phenomenal store, it needs to meet four qualifiers:
1) Exceedingly good customer service. This means remembering me, what I like to buy, and cutting me a sweet deal once in a while (AT and ToTR have this under control currently). It also means being willing to special order something without bending me over the barrel with cost.
2) A clean layout/feel. I hate going into stores with just rows of unlit tanks to look at the fish -- I want to see what they might look like in my tank. I also hate pallets of crap stashed everywhere on the sales floor. If it won't fit cleanly onto a shelf, keep it in the back.
3) Cutting edge technology/equipment. Even if I can't afford it, I want to be able to see what's out there so I can either DIY it or save my pennies. I want them to be excited for what's happening in the field. However, the correllary to this is I want them to be down to earth when it comes to grad students who are on a budget
I don't want to have someone try and sell me a $400 widget when a $100 widget will fit my needs.
4) Reasonable price structure. I think this is the clincher. If they can give me value for what I'm purchasing, I'm in. This can mean a bargain bin next to the $50 a frag tank, or it can mean excellent QT procedures so I rarely lose a coral or fish purchased from the store. There needs to be some reason I'm spending my money there. It can't be all high-end stuff or I won't even stop in.
Most of the stores around town have at least a couple of these -- I can't think of one that always meets all of them. Maybe this one will be different. We'll see soon enough