Myself and a friend of mine are thinking about opening a lfs. This is just a idea and we're just brainstorming. Upstate where I am located there are no lfs besides your petco and petsmart. For dry goods we/you can always go to the reliable Russ at saltwater critters, but for livestock you have to travel at least a hour to max reefs in Yonkers or 45 minutes to fishtown in Paramus nj. Now we all know for a good deal people will travel. I am a living example of that. I travel all around the city for good deals and rare finds. Not that I want to put wear and tear on my car, or be away from my family for periods of time while I'm stuck in NYC traffic but I am a hobbyist and I love this hobby so that's what I do. Being the fact this is just a thought I am looking for feedback, advice, personal knowledge, etc. I have never owned a business before so I have no knowledge whatsoever. I did study accounting in school so I am great with numbers. I know it can't be as easy as finding a location, setting tanks up, buying some fish and then waa lah. There has to be start up costs, insurance, electricity, water, shipping, death. Just things that need to be taken in consideration. Thanks for your help and suggestions. This is not a dream. It can be done if chosen to do. This is more of should we or shouldn't we. I would hate to lose love for this hobby just on a idea
Thinking about opening a lfs
- Thread starter b-ridge
- Start date
With forums like this one and online vendors I wonder if the demand for lfs is fading. Def a few still making it happen, and they are always actively advertising on sites to promote business. Tough call IMO, but if really nothing in your area for livestock it could be worthwhile to consider. I'd have no idea the startup costs, I don't thinkni kept track of my own build bc I would have stopped a long time ago from sticker shock
Maybe talk Russ into getting some tanks by him and start that way
Best of both worlds
Maybe talk Russ into getting some tanks by him and start that way
Best of both worlds
- Location
- Queens, NY
Well let's look at one of the worst lfs around, Fishtown usa. ....I still go in there from time to time when I am in a pinch and that place is never empty. In fact, it's still booming which is beyond me.....I'm sure if you are the only store within 45 minutes dealing in saltwater you will survive...
- Location
- Long island
This is not a half bad idea especially if they are not around you. Petco and etc are not designated saltwater stores so you may have a lot of buisness. It depends who around you is in the hobby and etc. If it's not a big hobby by you idk if it's worth the chance. However with that being said if you are serious start looking at something's cost wise and figure out how much it would be to open up something small for now. It's not a bad idea to inquire at a LFS either especially if you've been a customer for years. Just ask some questions that would help you decide if you want to do it or not. Good luck with whatever you do!
I can't say if it's a big hobby or not in my area but I can tell you there are quite a few people in my area that travel quite a distance just for fish. A lot of people got discouraged and just gave up due to not being anything around. This area is a thriving area. We have the casinos coming, stores popping up everywhere, businesses coming in and capitalizing. This is also a tourist area where people travel every weekend including a bunch of people on here. It makes me laugh when I go to petco and I look at there fish and see so many people buying fish from there with there outrageous prices and known history. Then when you conversate with these people they will tell you they feel they have no choice. You look at the equipment there buying and I think wow what a waste of money. I speak with them but I try to do it in a way as to where I am not disrespecting petco. I have told a many people about this site and the great people and deals they could find in here. Even directed a few to some fish spots if they didn't mine traveling and they thanked me.
Nothing is set in stone as there are many things to take into consideration. Rent, losses,electricity, start up, wholesales/suppliers. Just trying to get a idea of start up and what not. They say a rule in business is not to see a profit for a year. If it was so easy and so much money being made we would all be opening stores and warehouses. Of course the rent up here would be no where near what the rent is in NYC. You guys pays over a $1000 for a 1 bedroom apt. We pay $1000 for houses with back yards and pools. There's a big difference. You pay $4 a gallon for gas. We pay $3.73, cheaper if we drive 15 minutes into jersey. Y'all have to deal with the dreaded con Edison. Notice I said CON. Takes you guys 1 hour to go 5 blocks. I get speeding tickets all day cause I'm running 80 in a 65. Just foo for thought. I am going to have tomget in touch with Russ and see why he stopped selling livestock. I know the money isn't made with the fish it's mostly made through equipment amd dry goods in which I woukd have to find vendors at wholesale.
Nothing is set in stone as there are many things to take into consideration. Rent, losses,electricity, start up, wholesales/suppliers. Just trying to get a idea of start up and what not. They say a rule in business is not to see a profit for a year. If it was so easy and so much money being made we would all be opening stores and warehouses. Of course the rent up here would be no where near what the rent is in NYC. You guys pays over a $1000 for a 1 bedroom apt. We pay $1000 for houses with back yards and pools. There's a big difference. You pay $4 a gallon for gas. We pay $3.73, cheaper if we drive 15 minutes into jersey. Y'all have to deal with the dreaded con Edison. Notice I said CON. Takes you guys 1 hour to go 5 blocks. I get speeding tickets all day cause I'm running 80 in a 65. Just foo for thought. I am going to have tomget in touch with Russ and see why he stopped selling livestock. I know the money isn't made with the fish it's mostly made through equipment amd dry goods in which I woukd have to find vendors at wholesale.
IMO, if you've never owned or managed a business before, it's very risky...you should be prepared to lose your entire investment, and must be able to survive on savings and other income (wife's job?) while you try to build a business.
But also be warned, that turning your hobby into a job will probably take you out of the hobby ! If you are doing this to get the best stuff for your own tank & save $, you're in for a rude awakening!...
There is also the possibility of losing your friendship with your partner.
- Location
- Staten Island ny
Fact not fiction!!! I have seen a few people go through the ventures of opening a lfs shop .... Not all of them made it !! If you have a garage I would setup frag tanks and try to sell from the garage for a few months an see where that takes you just to get an idea of the type of volume you may pick up .
Opening a shop is a very dificult and detailed project , not to mention ...... Location location location .
- Location
- Staten Island ny
Another valid point .
- Location
- Queens, NY
Yea the lights are turned down.....it's a pretty big place and would be great...but their not very knowledgeable, always dead fish in the tanks.....customer service is horrible....did I miss anything??? Lol
All valid points. Yes I am prepared. I have a good well paying job. So does my friend. Yes I have a wife who also has a well paying job and also a couple girlfriends and mistresses(just joking. I love you baby). I have backing from family as well as friends if need be. A route that I do not wanna take but it's there if I need it.
If I was to do this I would break down my tank and only focus on the stores tank. We have a rule in my house that we don't bring work home with us.
I feel if a person is going to do something you must have a love for it. I love this hobby. How many of us are working jobs that we can't stand but we do it cause that's life. It's what pays the bills and allots us whatever we want.
We both understand as far as friends and business don't mix. As long as everything is 50/50 and there's contracts there can be. I confusion or mix ups.
This is all just ideas that's why I through it out there for feedback. Negative as well as positive. I thank you all and appreciate everyone chiming in who has done so already. Keep it coming
If I was to do this I would break down my tank and only focus on the stores tank. We have a rule in my house that we don't bring work home with us.
I feel if a person is going to do something you must have a love for it. I love this hobby. How many of us are working jobs that we can't stand but we do it cause that's life. It's what pays the bills and allots us whatever we want.
We both understand as far as friends and business don't mix. As long as everything is 50/50 and there's contracts there can be. I confusion or mix ups.
This is all just ideas that's why I through it out there for feedback. Negative as well as positive. I thank you all and appreciate everyone chiming in who has done so already. Keep it coming
- Location
- manhattan
Nanoreefer is sellling his entire stock and website! You should pm him for tow reasons,
1) WHY IS HE CLOSING? DID HE HAVE SALES ISSUES? WHOLESALE ISSUES?
2) its going pretty cheap at 1500.00 for an established website. Would he sell the contact list as well?
I agree with others here if you open it out your garage /basement and mail order/ private appointment you will get a feel for if it will work as a stand alone. Finally know that you will have more ppl flake on you than Kelloggs so that might be a headache you dont need!
1) WHY IS HE CLOSING? DID HE HAVE SALES ISSUES? WHOLESALE ISSUES?
2) its going pretty cheap at 1500.00 for an established website. Would he sell the contact list as well?
I agree with others here if you open it out your garage /basement and mail order/ private appointment you will get a feel for if it will work as a stand alone. Finally know that you will have more ppl flake on you than Kelloggs so that might be a headache you dont need!
I'm selling all my frag tanks .. Did the garage thing .. And had a good set up but still shut down due to customer who keeps robbing me .. Any question on shipping , contact, supplier I'm here to answer your question ..
Last edited:
- Location
- manhattan
Wish my clients "rubbed" me
Ppl get into this frag mania and think yeah Im gonna give them something for nothing and while that's true to an extent (less supplies, electric, time, etc).
Grass grows. You and pull up some of your neighbors and propagate it but in the end if you are not selling to a wide market, if you are not selling dry goods, and if you are not getting wholesale prices on new stock your in it for chump change. Like so many zoa farmers! In the end they make enough to buy this new toy or that, pay the electric bill so wifey does not toss them with the tanks, etc.
Rubbing you? LOL Seriously.
Ppl get into this frag mania and think yeah Im gonna give them something for nothing and while that's true to an extent (less supplies, electric, time, etc).
Grass grows. You and pull up some of your neighbors and propagate it but in the end if you are not selling to a wide market, if you are not selling dry goods, and if you are not getting wholesale prices on new stock your in it for chump change. Like so many zoa farmers! In the end they make enough to buy this new toy or that, pay the electric bill so wifey does not toss them with the tanks, etc.
- Location
- manhattan
Yes I know what he meant and thats a consideration that has to be taken into account biz is biz and friends is friends. You got to know when to make a deal and when to walk.
Sponsor Reefs
We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.
Click here to sponsor $10:
