LFS ,fish & the art of the deal

[cracker]

There is only one decent LFS in my area at the moment. My problem is I'm stuck with what he has in stock & this conflicts with my somewhat careful fish list. The fish fly out of his shop as fast as they come in. I can't blame the guy, he needs to keep his doors open. I want to ask him to order a particular fish for me but not sure how to protect my & the fish's interests.
I assume a substantial down payment is required on my part & I will pay more for the order. That's no problem. What can I expect from the LFS on delivery? I mean what if the fish is beatup or not exactly what I wanted?
On the other hand I could just order one online with perhaps the same
results. I guess I'm looking for "general" insight from those who have special ordered fish from an LFS. Thanks

[glampka]

Around here all I have to do is place the order with the lfs. No money down. You probably won't know what you're going to be charged until he actually takes delivery of the fish. Definitely would not accept any sick/beat up fish from him - special order or not - it's not your fault his supplier sends him bad fish. I'd also have him keep the fish in his tank for a while to be sure the fish is eating, etc..... If you don't end up buying it I'm sure he has a bunch of others waiting in the wings to take it off his hands.

[lcstorc]

I've had good and bad experiences but part of that is me. If they ordered it for me I feel like I have to get it. I know I don't and they don't even ask for a deposit but I want to keep a good relationship with the store so I feel guilty. As a result I have been stuck with some unhealthy fish including one of my bluespots that did not last very long at all.
I would order on-line as long as it is a reputable dealer. LiveAquaria Diver's den gets great reviews.

[BEELZEBOB]

hmmmmmmmmm.

i guess ive always curtailed to the capitolists at the LFS by paying for the item upfront.

no one wants to have an irate 210lb bald jackass huffin and puffin, screaming and turning all red because they SOLD what I PAID for.

and in your situation, id assume doing so could result in a "SOLD" sticker on the tank w/ said inhabitants.

[Emg]

I would never buy a fish in poor condition, whether they ordered it for me or not....especially a very expensive one ! You can tell them ahead of time, before they actually order...that you won't take it if it appears unhealthy and then it's up to them if they want to order it for you or not. That way you're up front and they shouldn't be offended or upset if you choose not to take the fish because of questionable health issues.

If they generally have healthy fish come in regularly, it's a good bet that the one you get will be ok too. I believe most of the time they have regular suppliers that they order from....but you never know.