looking for dealer feedback

[dick benbow]

In the beginning of my learning curve in the hobby, I tryed to acquire one of everything. Then after i was smittened by the "show bug"; all I wanted was gosanke. Now since I've been cured of this affliction, I like to look for something different or unique. My aka bekko (doutsu) did it for me this year.

Sorry about the long build-up...but from a dealer's stand point when you buy koi in japan, what's the mix? Is there a % you try to bring home based on your clientel. Is it q "gut" hunch...a lists of wants from customers....how do you know what to bring home?

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow In the beginning of my learning curve in the hobby, I tryed to acquire one of everything. Then after i was smittened by the "show bug"; all I wanted was gosanke. Now since I've been cured of this affliction, I like to look for something different or unique. My aka bekko (doutsu) did it for me this year. Sorry about the long build-up...but from a dealer's stand point when you buy koi in japan, what's the mix? Is there a % you try to bring home based on your clientel. Is it q "gut" hunch...a lists of wants from customers....how do you know what to bring home?

When we buy we look for a variety for the average pond / water garden pond person. Quality Gosanke will sell as well so we buy in different price ranges for our customers. We always get requests for specific Koi as well, usually in the higher end market. I would say, for us, that it is a failry even division between these possibilities.

[dick benbow]

thanks Russ, was beginning to think I was being shunned, as thought i'd get several responses. I think my ulterior motive was to find out where my interest in the unique and unusual fell within the scope of possibilities. So far sounds like fair to slim.....

[Brutuscz]

Even though I sell domestics only..I always look for something unique. I don't want to sell gosanke..because I feel my domestics can't compete with the big importers at all. This year, I sold..tons of kumonryu and other kawarimono class fish. Last year,was all asagi and shusui...and the year before..all yellow (ki utsuri, kin ki utsuri, ogons and doitsu ogons). My small time situation is much different..but I always try to see what others are selling and acquire something different. It has been fun and my plan has worked very well from a sales standpoint.

[dick benbow]

What made you think to concentrate on domestic instead of japanese or a mix?

[Brutuscz]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow What made you think to concentrate on domestic instead of japanese or a mix?

It really is just access. 5 minutes from my house is Blackwater creeks largest wholesaler/retailer. All they sell are domestic koi(closed farm). I go in each week and hand pick 5-10koi and sell them. I get a lot of requests now..and look forward to going weekly to pick up new koi to sell. If they ever start selling imported koi, I would do that as well. If I had the headache of airport pickups and such..I probably would not sell koi any more. It is so convenient and fun that it really adds to my enjoyment of the hobby.