Selling Koi for profit?

[gcuss]

Quote: I think we can only hope their interest in koi leads them to internet boards where their eyes will be opened.

Well said. And while I didn't buy koi from e-bay... I believe this is the general progression for people.

Grant

[Brutuscz]

Ok...those fish are over priced mutts...no doubt. But hopefully the unhappy cutomer who buys them will leave bad feedback. Then, that dealer will go the way of the dodo. I like to think you cannot get away with selling garbage to people forever. But there are also many good dealers as well. Other than myself...SJkoi, kodama, inland, enkoi, royalkoi...and a few others you probably know from the business. It's not all no-name dealers and johnny come lately's.
If I'm not supposed to put these names then I will delete them....It was just to make a point, not advertise them.

[JasPR]

Honestly Bud, you ARE a good guy and a sincere hobbyist, so I don't want to fight with you or upset you further. But one of those guys on your list has a mountain of complaints about price and health practices that go way back to the beginning of the Internet business. Another is a 'known' rip off artist and that is common knowledge in the koi community. It's isn't even shocking to most of us any more when we hear the stories. We live with that reality and kinda watch out for those close to us in the hobby. On the internet you are all on your own.
Just raising koi involves a long and sometimes painful/expensive learning curve.
BUYING koi should not add to that pain or expense. The sad thing is when a budding hobbyist finally finds out what quality is and that they have taken quite the hosing over the years, by paying high end prices for low end male fish, they often leave the hobby in disgust. I absolutely hate when that happens. So if I sound like a 'spoiler', I am not. I'm just trying to warn the innocent and naive so that they can avoid some of the obvious pit falls that might not be so 'obvious' to the newbie initially. A word to the wise is sufficient. JR

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Ok...those fish are over priced mutts...no doubt. But hopefully the unhappy cutomer who buys them will leave bad feedback. Then, that dealer will go the way of the dodo. I like to think you cannot get away with selling garbage to people forever. But there are also many good dealers as well. Other than myself...SJkoi, kodama, inland, enkoi, royalkoi...and a few others you probably know from the business. It's not all no-name dealers and johnny come lately's. If I'm not supposed to put these names then I will delete them....It was just to make a point, not advertise them.

Brutuscz
Please get your facts straight ENKOI DOES NOT SELL KOI ON EBAY.................... and NEVER has...

[aquitori]

I have to say I havent seen ENkoi sell fish on EBay and I am always on EBay......

[gspotmc]

I started the hobby buying koi from ebay 2003. Have'nt seen enkoi sell anything on ebay.

[Nancy M.]

This is a 5-6 inch Doitsu kohaku!!!! When I saw the color and quality of this one...my jaw hit the floor. The Beni(red) is nice and deep...really POPS right out at you!!! If you want a koi that will make observers OOOH and AHHH..this is definitely the one!!! You will definitely not regret this purchase...don't miss this one!!!
Why X-RATED??? Look at the pattern on the head. I may be childish (definitely)..but I was on the floor laughing while processing the photos!!! I did not notice it when I picked it out. But...well...it is one of a kind!!! Laugh and enjoy!!!
I ship fedex only on wednesdays. Other days may be able to be arranged...contact me!!! I guarantee live arrival with overnight shipping only!!!
please contact me with your zip code for a shipping quote.
I will ship fedex ground to save you money...but will not guarantee time or live arrival!!!
I have been a koi hobbyist and competitor for 9 years. My fish have won many awards. I have 3 kokugyu under my belt so far. I also have many best of type and judges awards. I hand pick everything I sell...and I can pick your requests as well. My new name is Aprilkoi, in honor of my daughter April. Look me up on the web!!!
My koi come from a closed farm...so no khv or svc ever. I have been selling for 4 years with none of these terrible viral issues!!! Anything that I sell from another source (Japan) has been tested. Since I am a koi show competitor, I take no chances with my own pond or stock!!! I quarantine every purchase I make...and encourage all koi keepers to do the same.

Brutuscz

I have nothing against you, or your selling on ebay... but these kind of statements...

Xrated..... PLEASE

Please tell me the shows you have entered, and the fish COUNT at these shows.

Please also tell me where you buy ALL your fish from that have CLOSED farms.... Now if I was to believe that you only buy from one source, which we all no is not true, or that you have your own farm...

Also that kohaku is worth retail $18.00

[CarolinaGirl]

I'm confused....how can someone be a koi hobbiest and be permitted to show in a hobbiest show, and also sell fish on Ebay?

[jnorth]

Quote: Originally Posted by CarolinaGirl I'm confused....how can someone be a koi hobbiest and be permitted to show in a hobbiest show, and also sell fish on Ebay?

They can't...it's that simple. I believe the last show Brutuscz showed at was two years ago. Last years "show" in his area was just vendors and no koi show unfortunately.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz I don't know whats up with people bashing ebay koi dealers lately...on all boards!!! There are many, many koi dealers on ebay. Just like any other business...some sellers are honest and some are full of it!!! I put a lot of work and effort into my ebay koi business. You try to take good pictures and give an honest, yet interesting description. You use the best shipping methods available....yet ,you get lumped in as ebay waste selling culls So, listen.....I bought 2 koi last year and spent a pretty penny from two TOP koi dealers in the country. They were both shipped to me. One arrived with an ulcer on it's belly and died...and the other had a glowing red, damaged dorsal fin. That fish lived, but is unshowable. I can honestly say that many ebay koi dealers can and would do better for their customers. I think the feedback system really keeps many people honest in the long term.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brutuscz Ok...those fish are over priced mutts...no doubt. But hopefully the unhappy cutomer who buys them will leave bad feedback. Then, that dealer will go the way of the dodo. I like to think you cannot get away with selling garbage to people forever. But there are also many good dealers as well. Other than myself...SJkoi, kodama, inland, enkoi, royalkoi...and a few others you probably know from the business. It's not all no-name dealers and johnny come lately's. If I'm not supposed to put these names then I will delete them....It was just to make a point, not advertise them.

The above statements clearly puts Brutuscz in the professional catagory which means he can no longer compete as a hobbyist. At least thats the way I read the rules.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. Please tell me the shows you have entered, and the fish COUNT at these shows. Please also tell me where you buy ALL your fish from that have CLOSED farms.... Now if I was to believe that you only buy from one source, which we all no is not true, or that you have your own farm...

They are domestic from Blackwater Creek.

Two new koi from the pioneer valley show!!!

Did great at the show...THANKS to koi-bito members!!!

Any potential in this young kohaku??

[CarolinaGirl]

Also, and I am very sorry if I offend any Ebay sellers, but the listing the Nancy posted above is exactly the kind of listing that I cannot stand. Too much boasting and inflating the quality of the fish. I rather like the listing that say something like "the pictures speak for themselves. You be the judge"....and then have excellent quality clear pictures. Truth and honesty is always the best approach in selling anything.