[aquitori]

Anyhow, we have all seen that. My question is - do most of you have a specific dealer that you purchase through, or many?

I purchase fish from 3 dealers in my area: Genkikoi, Champkoi and TseKoi.

If so, what makes the dealer better than the other? Is it:

I think if one does not have the trust to buy from a dealer, then dont buy from that person. I have different relationships with my dealers and they know my level of hobby....Let just say I know enough now not to get "BS" from someone.

Trust and confidence in their abilities?

I have the utmost confidence and trust with all my dealers, even the most careful dealer has problems...so no one is perfect. I have never joined a club and at that time when the internet was still a luxury for most I was learning from my dealers.

Knowing that they will quarantine the fish properly and hold back any that are not ready?

I know when fish come in and I usually insist the fish stay at the dealer 2 weeks if the dealer doesn't ask me. I know all of this because I have that relationship with the dealer.

Because of the specific breeder they buy from?

I usually buy because of quality. Name brand is secondary...Hobbyist should not be sold on Name Brand alone. It is up to the hobbyist to educate him or herself with what they like not what Name it carries.

Because they will give you an honest assessment on a perspective purchase, regardless of whether it will cost them a sell or not?

The dealer can only tell you so much and I find with my dealers they dont really need to "Hype" up a sale with me. Plus my dealers dont really care if you buy or not, know that a fish that you pass on will be sold to someone else so you dont hurt anyones feelings if you dont buy. It all comes down to knowledge again if your not experienced enough to know about the potential purchase then study up.

What would it be for you?

Didn't get this last question, but being a dealer is alot of work...Do I know enough to be a dealer? Yes...Would I be a dealer? No....