Dealers with proven track records....

[aquitori]

Dealers with proven track records....

• Is this something to consider when purchasing "high" quality koi? I mean even some who dont show, do they consider this?

• Which dealers in your area have the proven track record to back what they sell?

• When a dealer says this fish is "Show" quality should you ask for their album of proven show champs?

The funny thing about this, is I see an hear alot of Dealers use the term "Show" quality, but dont have the proof to back up the quality of fish they have. Just food for thought...

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori Dealers with proven track records.... Is this something to consider when purchasing "high" quality koi? I mean even some who dont show, do they consider this? Which dealers in your area have the proven track record to back what they sell? In Socal, I think Eastern Nishikigoi has that track record. In Norcal I think Genki Koi has it. When a dealer says this fish is "Show" quality should you ask for their album of proven show champs? I would consider the dealers opinion, but as always I would have to like the fish myself first. The funny thing about this, is I see an hear alot of Dealers use the term "Show" quality, but dont have the proof to back up the quality of fish they have. Just food for thought...

Yes alot of dealers post (show quality) but they have never sold a single Champion, makes one wonder.. I think I heard JR, say before you can't judge hi quality show fish, if you have never owned one or sold one.

[dick benbow]

Dealers that have earned the trust of their customers are worthy of being supported.
'
Here is something off subject a bit but something I feel needs to be said. As I watched the newbees at last weekends show run from dealer to dealer buying koi I shuddered. The acqusition of koi should be from a few select tried and true dealers who's health record is stirling. the fact that people are out buying and mixing koi is to me a cocktail similar to russian roulette. the more you squeeze the trigger the better your odds are of being injured.

Please during this time of serious health concerns limit the places you trust to purchase your koi. Sorry I'm such a spoilsport but you need to give this
willy-nilly-whim purchasing from all over some serious reconsideration.

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow Dealers that have earned the trust of their customers are worthy of being supported. ' Here is something off subject a bit but something I feel needs to be said. As I watched the newbees at last weekends show run from dealer to dealer buying koi I shuddered. The acqusition of koi should be from a few select tried and true dealers who's health record is stirling. the fact that people are out buying and mixing koi is to me a cocktail similar to russian roulette. the more you squeeze the trigger the better your odds are of being injured. Please during this time of serious health concerns limit the places you trust to purchase your koi. Sorry I'm such a spoilsport but you need to give this willy-nilly-whim purchasing from all over some serious reconsideration.

Amen Dick
I see it all the time, people buying from 5 and 6dealers, and wondering why there fish died. And then try to blame one of the 6 dealers... The sad part is you tell them and most will not listen.

[MikeM]

Yes, but it is hard for the new koikeeper just bitten with the bug to exercise self-control. ....Have you ever heard a dealer refuse to sell to a new koikeeper because they had already gotten fish from other dealers? I've not, but I have observed a dealer who strongly encouraged a customer not to buy so many and who asked about their pond and filtration before agreeing to sell another. It really is not for a dealer to refuse to deal, but when they give good advice against their short term economic interest, the customer should listen.

[johnsmith]

That's very true Mike, I have had conversations with dealers who were very torn about selling yet another koi to a newbie on a impulse high. On one hand, the dealer knows the fish is as good as dead when it leaves the shop or show site, but the pressure of " if I don't sell him another fish, someone else will!" is a very real thing.

I have known some Japanese breeders who will size up a visiting westerner and then only sell or show them fish that the breeder thinks the buyer can manage. This is easy to understand as the fish represents 'effort' and sometimes pride, so a breeder naturally hates to send a good fish off to it's death. On another level, if a breeder wants to cultivate a 'relationship' and build their repeat business, selling expensive big fish to someone who can't manage it is just asking for buyers remorse collateral damage!
Toshio Sakai is one of the breeders who will refuse to sell the 'right' fish to the 'wrong' person.
JR

[aquitori]

With, fall harvest coming in....

[Brutuscz]

Show quality is only an opinion...until the fish is actually in a show.

I know buying from many dealers at once is a bad mistake...but I definitely understand the temptation. After all...We go into this hobby for a love of koi. If we see a particular one we like...it stinks to feel that it is not safe to buy it!!! I have discussed this with my local koi dealer before. He only gets koi from one closed farm...and as a dealer, he keeps a closed shop...nothing ever comes back, and nothing from any other koi farm. BUT, I do say to him all the time...If I can't have what I want, why even be in the hobby?!?! If I'm going to go to a show...and a dealer is going to have an outstanding specimen to dangle in front of my nose...what fun is the hobby if I can't purchase it?!?! May as well take up stamp collecting instead.