Online stores, best resource ever!

[NickFish]

Well, It's rainy out today, so I decide to do something I've been meaning too.

I took all my receipts from my 72 gallon reef, and found out how much I spent on certain things. Now, almost all of my things in my 72g were bought at local stores, for a couple exceptions that wree purchased online.

I calculated that if I had not gone to the store at all, except to buy fish, I would have saved exactly $786.34. On this one tank alone. This includes shipping and taxes and everything.

I really wished I can done this sooner, it would have been $700 in my pocket.
I'm really kind of angry at myself, because money is really tight, but this is a learning experience for me.

So I have to say this, for people who don't already know,

Online stores are one of the best resources out there. Reputable online stores like Liveaquaria and Dr. Foster and Smith can save you thousands in the long run. From now on I am buying all my equipment online! I have no idea why things cost so much more in local stores.

I buy my fish locally, because I don't like putting them through a big shipping process, and because you know exactly what you are getting, but even for overnight delivery it is a ton cheaper than buying from those big chain stores.

I'm kicking myself for this!!

[Rue]

...but if you order from the US you spend a fortune in S&H and duty...

That's why things cost more locally...the vendors have to pay for all that too...

When you do your calculations, keep that in mind...also keep in mind how much easier it is to be able to see something first and return it easily if necesary...instead of having to ship it back, or go to the hassle of trying to sell it locally...

[xoolooxunny]

Rue makes a good point, I love shopping online to save money, its very easy to do, but here in the states you have to shop around first, for example, my rena xp3 canister filter at my lfs was 139.99 USD. On Drsfoster&Smith its 169.99, and big als is 159.99. Plus shipping for the online purchase. Thats some good money saving right there!

[MandyL]

I definitely find that online stores are cheaper than the LFS... Although I stick to Canadian sites (bigalsonline.ca and mops.ca). The only things I don't order online are the things that are too heavy or big to ship economically.

[Lady Hobbs]

Just today I was doing some pricing at onlines stores. ThatPetPlace has the stealth heater for 18.70. PetSmarts heater (same one) is 27.99. That alone would have been the price for a large order to be shipped.

I buy almost everything online. At the price of gas, running around to price compare, you're better off to just spend the $10 for shipping and sit home and not get all worn out.

[Ocellaris]

I buy from Liveaquaria, petsolutions, champion lighting and of course eBay.

I hate to drive 45 minutes just to shop at a good LFS, plus I don't have much time to be able to take 3 hrs out of a day to do so. Plus the net is open 24/7. It's the only reason I have every gotten a credit card.

[Algenco]

Big Al's!! I received a $180 order yesterday, would have cost at least double that amount locally. They are giving $10 off on purchases over $100, my shipping charges were $12.95, so after the discount my net shipping charge was $2.95!!

[Lady Hobbs]

I have an order from Big Als coming Monday.

[FishPrincess]

I bought 2 Fluval 405 filters on ebay for $120.00 each including shipping. The cheapest I found locally was close to $200. I agree with the "seeing before you buy" theory - that is why you go to the store, look at it to find out what you want THEN go online!!

Ebay is GRRRRREAT!

[Rue]

...hate eBay....

[cocoa_pleco]

i get alot of my reef stuff off of ebay, i dont know anywhere else where i could have gotten a brand new solid 260w PC w/moonlights, buy it now $90.

[Incredulous_Ed]

eBay is great. You can find alot of good stuff. You just have to knwo what to look for.