How are your LFS's coral prices compared to online vendors?

[encrustingacro]

For me, I have three LFSs--two in Bellevue and one in Renton. One of the Bellevue LFS has prices that are as expensive as online stores, and they mostly sell aquacultured LPS frags. The other Bellevue LFS has very cheap corals compared to online stores. They have a large selection of wild/maricultured LPS colonies. The Renton LFS's prices are around the same as online stores, if not a tiny bit cheaper. They sell both frags and colonies, and they have a greater selection of SPS than the other two stores.

 

[Reefing102]

I have 2 primary LFS’s. One is at or regularly above online pricing (the more “high end” one). The other, (where I usually buy) is typically at or below online but you can take a quality and variety hit there too

 

[Slocke]

My favorite LFS is a lot cheaper. Online prices (and the other LFSs near me prices) are insane

 

[Mr Fishface]

I'd say my lfs is as expensive and maybe even cheaper than some places online. The big benefit though is that I can buy a single frag with no shipping. Makes it much more affordable!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I can't say for coral, but fish are more expensive at my lfs than online

 

[AlyciaMarie]

LFS is far more expensive than online when talking fish and CUC.

 

[Dburr1014]

I think the prices are as, lower, and more.
All depends on what your buying at the time, what the latest fad is and health of the specimen.

As the president of my local club, I've been visiting different local stores monthly. This has been what I'm seeing.
A bonus; if you get to know the owner/worker and get to know them well, sometimes the prices come down all on there own.

 

[MoshJosh]

On average my LFS prices tend to be more expensive, though on occasion they have some really good deals!

 

[fish farmer]

My not so local reef store had wwc corals at wwc prices, although the only time I shopped there, there were no prices. I bought two corals and some aiptasia x, bill was under $100.

Every place else is generally more for basic stuff, but if I bundle online with shipping it comes out about the same.

 

[SliceGolfer]

For me, I have three LFSs--two in Bellevue and one in Renton. One of the Bellevue LFS has prices that are as expensive as online stores, and they mostly sell aquacultured LPS frags. The other Bellevue LFS has very cheap corals compared to online stores. They have a large selection of wild/maricultured LPS colonies. The Renton LFS's prices are around the same as online stores, if not a tiny bit cheaper. They sell both frags and colonies, and they have a greater selection of SPS than the other two stores.

My LFSs are your LFSs

I tend to purchase fish locally, cleanup crew from Reefcleaners, and coral from K&P Aquaculture, Unique, AquaSD, and Battlecorals. I have purchased a few coral pieces from SWC in Bellevue. Never been to BR in Renton. Thought about purchasing from some fellow hobbyists but scheduling always seems to be the issue.

If you make it down to Portland, you have to check out Cuttlefish & Corals. I found the owner to be a really nice guy and reasonable prices. Better than we have locally here.

 

[Mschmidt]

acros locally are reasonable, $35 a stick (nameless if that matters to you), some are just kinda stupid though, $40 for sunset monti, $40/head for hammers (size of a quarter). they sell the odd colony but I think its more because they took a tank breakdown and got tired of fragging. That's the store with the most of my trade in credit.

the closest, which I had an embargo against for some time, doesn't have a lot of coral but when they do, it's on par.

the biggest in town (45 minutes south of me) has stupid prices. at least $10 more than everywhere else. some pretty pieces, but not worth the upcharge.

 

[just_matt]

I'm blessed that WWC and Top Shelf ARE my LFS. Literally less than 10 minutes from my house. That's good for me but bad for my wallet. I'd have far fewer corals if I had to buy online. I prefer to shop in person and "pick the one I want," and the one time I bought non-WYSIWYG online from WWC for local pickup, I was underwhelmed (but not dissatisfied) with what I received vs. what I usually pick out of the tank myself for the same money.

When it comes to dry goods and supplies, online is often a bit cheaper, but I don't mind paying a little more to keep the money local. If you like your LFS, help it stay in business!

 

[Reefer Matt]

Not really a fair comparison, imo. Many online vendors don’t have a retail store, though some are both. A lfs has much more overhead to pay for. Sorta like comparing a walk-in store to Amazon. But online usually charges about the same regardless.

 

[Cell]

I get significantly better deals in R2R livesales than my LFS.