Wholesalers?

[Kaleidoscope]

I'm not quite sure where to post this or if it's okay to ask, but I figured I'd at least try. I've got some long term goals to open my own store. Currently, I'm just starting off breeding a few fish and will be selling online and possibly to LFS. I've done a little research and plan to do more, but I was wondering if anyone has worked with and (for the time being) freshwater wholesalers and your experience with them. I'm looking to have healthy fish, rather than just cheap prices and hope that they they come in alive and not sick. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

(If this is the wrong place to post this, please direct me to the right place )

 

[Colin_T]

I'm not sure what the question is?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Over the years I have acquired fish via import and from whiolesalers. I did not do this directly but in concert with somebody who does. It does matter from whom you buy and you will pay up for smaller numbers and likely healthier fish. The same applies to imports.

In this day and age it is almost impossible to make a go of a new store. The cost of stock can eat you alive. You need a big bankroll to start a store. But if you are serious, then the one skill you most need to acquire is how to diagnose and treat sick fish. You cannot sell dead fish.

There is no guarantee re the health of fish. Some places make a greater effort to try to avoid this, but sooner or later there is usually a problem. Usually the best the store owner will get is credit on the next order.

 

[itiwhetu]

Over the years I developed a relationship with several wholesalers, did they always get it right NO, did I get upset with them NO, you must realize that transporting fish is a complicated process, you are going to have losses from time to time. But if everyone is doing their best that is all you can hope for. Building up a relationship with a wholesaler takes time.
Just because fish are cheap doesn't necessarily mean they are not of good quality, sometimes importers will bring in huge quantities of a species and then find they are not selling at their preferred price, so they reduce the price. Sometimes wholesalers also need to make room for the next shipment.

 

[Kaleidoscope]

Over the years I have acquired fish via import and from whiolesalers. I did not do this directly but in concert with somebody who does. It does matter from whom you buy and you will pay up for smaller numbers and likely healthier fish. The same applies to imports.

In this day and age it is almost impossible to make a go of a new store. The cost of stock can eat you alive. You need a big bankroll to start a store. But if you are serious, then the one skill you most need to acquire is how to diagnose and treat sick fish. You cannot sell dead fish.

There is no guarantee re the health of fish. Some places make a greater effort to try to avoid this, but sooner or later there is usually a problem. Usually the best the store owner will get is credit on the next order.

I have no issue with isolating fish and treating them for illness. I definitely wouldn't put sick fish out on the floor.

 

[Kaleidoscope]

I'm not sure what the question is?

Mostly just checking to see if anyone knows of good reputation US wholesalers.

 

[itiwhetu]

I never had an issue with sick fish. I had DOA's Yes, but sick fish never. Any fish that got sick were in my tanks and were stressed from being transported. All the fish that are packed at the wholesalers will be healthy when they leave their premises.

 

[I Like Rare Fish]

I will be working with some this spring. I am breeding a cold water European Cichlid. I’ll be selling some to non-chain LFS, and to individual buyers. There are a few people that sell the fish I will be selling. Not sure what you really are Asking

 

[Kaleidoscope]

I will be working with some this spring. I am breeding a cold water European Cichlid. I’ll be selling some to non-chain LFS, and to individual buyers. There are a few people that sell the fish I will be selling. Not sure what you really are Asking

Sorry if it was unclear. I mostly just wanted some reviews on some US wholesalers.

 

[GaryE]

It takes research. I may be a little snarky since I work with a Canadian wholesaler sometimes, and have my loyalties. But there are two basic directions in the business - farmed and wild. If I were in your shoes I would begin my research through fish choices. Everyone has the bread and butter fish, but see who has any oddballs you want.
Farmed will be cheap, but likely diseases will be an issue.
Wild will be healthier by far but slightly more expensive.
There are a lot of wholesalers in the US, and a lot of niches.

I've visited all the set ups in my city (4 wholesalers) and all the ones selling farmed fish are very similar - good enough fish in good numbers. The wild importer is a treat to see, but he has a niche market for rarer fish.

I'd be cautious about naming any US wholesalers I've dealt with - give a bad review and you'd better have really good data to back it up. Since it would be stores who deal with them, they are vulnerable to slaps back. You might, in time, get some friendly reviews.