Advice? GIRS Future Events Discussion

Easier said then done unfortunately and, for many reasons... However, most vendors/retailers try to offer a little of everything or, they bring what they are 'known' for.. For example, Cherry Corals is known for having Acans. Zoanthids.Com is known strictly for selling zoas. Rare Reef is known for their Rock Nems. 'Most' carry other corals but tend to stay with what they do best and sells the best. Most vendors/retailers do not have the time to research, and many don't want to as its not fiscally sound/good time management for them. The usual vendor/retailer knows what's 'hot' and will try to add more of those. Reef club swaps are particularly known by the vendors/retailers that have gone to that Clubs' events several times. This can be good or bad for the Club, hobbyists...

I was talking to a guy just tonight about stocking. As a vendor for example, he buys a hi-end meat coral for $700 (wholesale cost only, not shipping, CITES, etc factored in). There's a lot of money wrapped up in that meat coral! So say he trys to sell it for $850 but, it doesn't sell at the swap. That $700 in that 1 coral could have been used for purchasing many other corals. Thus, having a bigger/better variety to offer to customers and a better opportunity for him having more sales. That is what most vendors/retailers go for.

Also, vendors/retailers will (and do sometimes) ask on the forums before a swap/show if people are wanting something in particular and/or what they would like to see. They could get a specific answer like , yes I want a pearl bubble coral. The retailer can then either order 1 or 2 and have it available at the swap or, say "I will gladly have one for you but need payment so I can secure/hold it for you." Or, the hobbyists' answers could be "yes, rainbows!" The better answers for the vendor/retailer would be, "I would like to see rainbow chalices in the $50 price range. I would like to see rainbow Acroporas in the $50 range if that's possible. I would like to see 3 colored Acan Lords in the $50 price range." Most vendors will try to have those available then.

It's always to the hobbyists' advantage to ask for what they want specifically "I'd like a WD acro for $200." (A picture is also good) The vendor/retailer will contact the hobbyist usually through a PM..."I can try to locate one for you..." Usually at that time, a preorder/presales is discussed or, the vendor just buys it/ has it available at the swap....often times, 1st come, first served. Vendors/retailers are usually more than happy to meet a customer's need(s)! The hobbyists' just needs to ask :0) What vendors/retailers cannot do "usually" is invest a lot of money in hi-end corals. Especially at "swaps", the usual/normal customer is wanting cheap to mid-range prices. The vendor/retailer may offer a few higher-end corals but they are more difficult to sell to the general swap/show customers. HTH