It Begins... Fish Shipments Are Starting to Stop

I don't know if it's just my area, but I had heard rumors that shipping of fish was going to stop. I disregarded it and I didn't want to post about it, but I happened to be in Petco yesterday (I don't buy fish from there but I like to get supplies there because I get good discounts with all of my coupons) and noticed a very large lack of fish. I asked my favorite guy who works there what was going on and he said that they can't order fish anymore. He tried everyone and he can't get any. I don't know if this is going to happen to our small local fish stores, but I do know it's starting to happen in Petcos across the country. New York and New Jersey were reporting that too on my goldfish group.

Just wanted to put the word out there, not trying to create panic, just wanted to let you guys know that that has started. Maybe it will save us all money in the long run because we won't always be spending our spare cash on fish

 

One of my small independents told me a couple of weeks ago that they probably were not going to get their fish or plant orders for a while, dry goods were still coming through though.

 

Le sigh. I just knew I wasn't going to be able to buy my fish when my tank was done cycling....

 

I worry about my lone independent with this as well. One of the reasons I'm happy to supply them with offspring (for free) is that I really want the store to survive. I want to have at least one non-chain option.

 

I mean, it makes sense to me. Shops might get shuttered any week (no one knows) so I wouldn't want to buy any stock either in case that does happen. Same goes for the wholesaler and importer and so on.

That being said I know at least one big supplier here still getting in new shipments this week.

... on the other hand hobbies are doing well right now, so who knows, sales might actually still be good. I know garden centers are doing decent business now that people have time for their gardens.

 

My LFS is closing as of today until it's safe again. We got limited to no more than 10 people in a store at once about a week ago. They literally had an employee hanging out around the door as a bouncer limiting numbers of people inside. A few days ago they said if you urgently need food come in but that's it. Then yesterday and today they announced they'd have abbreviated hours so people can stock up on meds and food then they're done. It feels so weird. A lot of non essential stores are shutting down here now.

 

My LFS is closing as of today until it's safe again. We got limited to no more than 10 people in a store at once about a week ago. They literally had an employee hanging out around the door as a bouncer limiting numbers of people inside. A few days ago they said if you urgently need food come in but that's it. Then yesterday and today they announced they'd have abbreviated hours so people can stock up on meds and food then they're done. It feels so weird. A lot of non essential stores are shutting down here now.

It's very true. I really hope that we can help our local fish stores in my area float through this, but since California went on lock-down I'm pretty sure Washington is coming next. I'm in Idaho so we can still go for a while, but who knows.

 

My LFS has not been able to get anything from Fluval for over a month now, just as a start.

WA is as close to lock-down as Inslee can get us for the moment. That said, had to go to my LFS yesterday because I ran completely out of Prime. They are definitely not restocking. When I offered them some of my fry, they breathed a huge sigh of relief because their tanks are almost empty right now. (Granted, I found out much of their stock comes from local)

I worry about my lone independent with this as well. One of the reasons I'm happy to supply them with offspring (for free) is that I really want the store to survive. I want to have at least one non-chain option.

Big same. Mine competes with Petsmart and Petco... they also stock all kinds of fantastic and well-kept fish. They provided me with a ton of guidance on setting up my CO2 system. Its one of the few places where the employees really care and is more like a co-op than your typical fish store.

 

It's very true. I really hope that we can help our local fish stores in my area float through this, but since California went on lock-down I'm pretty sure Washington is coming next. I'm in Idaho so we can still go for a while, but who knows.

I'm still shocked WA wasn't the first state to lockdown, all things considered. If you're the hardest hit why aren't you the first to quarantine? But whatever.

Hopefully online sales will continue for those folks, but I'd rather the LFS not be getting shipments if they're going to have to send employees home and won't have customers. Many fish would suffer.

 

I don't know if it's just my area, but I had heard rumors that shipping of fish was going to stop. I disregarded it and I didn't want to post about it, but I happened to be in Petco yesterday (I don't buy fish from there but I like to get supplies there because I get good discounts with all of my coupons) and noticed a very large lack of fish. I asked my favorite guy who works there what was going on and he said that they can't order fish anymore. He tried everyone and he can't get any. I don't know if this is going to happen to our small local fish stores, but I do know it's starting to happen in Petcos across the country. New York and New Jersey were reporting that too on my goldfish group.

Just wanted to put the word out there, not trying to create panic, just wanted to let you guys know that that has started. Maybe it will save us all money in the long run because we won't always be spending our spare cash on fish

Oh wow! My special order came just in time then!

 

I've noticed a few online shops are offering big discounts. Wonder if they're trying to get rid of stock ahead of the no go.

aquariumplantsfactory is offering free delivery and $20 off live plant orders. I honestly don't have room for more plants just yet but kinda tempting.
Buceplants is free shipping on plants.. hmm.

 

I'm still shocked WA wasn't the first state to lockdown, all things considered. If you're the hardest hit why aren't you the first to quarantine? But whatever.

NYS is closing Sunday night (yeah, the whole state, not just the city)

My LFS said the issue is a lot of their shipments come from Europe and other countries - and that’s the mail that’s being stopped. Not just fish either. In-country mail might be okay(?) tho I’m not sure about that

 

I've noticed a few online shops are offering big discounts. Wonder if they're trying to get rid of stock ahead of the no go.

aquariumplantsfactory is offering free delivery and $20 off live plant orders. I honestly don't have room for more plants just yet but kinda tempting.
Buceplants is free shipping on plants.. hmm.

(Sorry to double post, this popped up right as I submitted my previous post)
My thoughts on this are that companies realize everyone’s quarantined in their houses and so are more likely to shop online. Offering discounts increases the chances people will buy from them.

Could be trying to get rid of stock too tho idk

 

I'm still shocked WA wasn't the first state to lockdown, all things considered. If you're the hardest hit why aren't you the first to quarantine? But whatever.

Hopefully online sales will continue for those folks, but I'd rather the LFS not be getting shipments if they're going to have to send employees home and won't have customers. Many fish would suffer.

We will be getting shelter-in-place announced probably tomorrow or Monday.

 

We will be getting shelter-in-place announced probably tomorrow or Monday.

Oh really? Good to know. I'm heading up to Washington tonight to visit family.

 

Oh really? Good to know. I'm heading up to Washington tonight to visit family.

Yep; I learned something from a friend of mine who works for the state that it's incoming.

I'd have your family go shopping tonight if you can.

 

Yep; I learned something from a friend of mine who works for the state that it's incoming.

I'd have your family go shopping tonight if you can.

I will give them a call, otherwise I can pick them up groceries in Idaho because we still have a good amount of food. As long as they don't close the borders, I can do all the shopping they need for now. I know we're about a week to two weeks behind them oh, so I'm trying to help as many of my Washington family and friends as possible.

 

We will be getting shelter-in-place announced probably tomorrow or Monday.

Man you are spot-on! Your source must be really good.

 

I'm really hoping my last order comes in. It was just shipped today. Should be here in two days.

 

My LFS just closed today. My special order came in 3 days ago. It was a close one

 

aquariumplantsfactory is offering free delivery and $20 off live plant orders. I honestly don't have room for more plants just yet but kinda tempting.

Thanks for the heads up about this sale... I just got like $200 worth of plants for like $70

 

It's very true. I really hope that we can help our local fish stores in my area float through this, but since California went on lock-down I'm pretty sure Washington is coming next. I'm in Idaho so we can still go for a while, but who knows.

Utah has had most shops closed