Hesitating on a purchase...

[davelin315]

OK, here's the deal, I've been going back and forth with a guy out in California on an ASM G6 that he said is new in the box. I've been researching and researching and haven't found a better price anywhere. That said, though, I did a simple search for ASM G6 on the internet and found a post from the same guy from July of 2004 selling the same thing, an ASM G6 new in the box. I did further research and found out that he's actually a vendor, www.oceansaquariums.com, and his price on the internet is really great, $599 for the same skimmer. He has offered this skimmer to me shipped for $625, but I'm now wondering if it's the same model as they have now, if he's trying to pull a fast one on me since it could very well be the same one from 2 years ago, and what the heck is going on that he's posting it individually for sale.

 

Anyone have any advice on this one? I am hesitating right now and may simply spend the extra $100+ and buy one from Johnny to be safe, but I could really use that extra $100 on something else instead. Let me know what you think or if you've heard of any feedback on this site. I searched RC and also the marine aquarium club he belongs to, but haven't found anything on his name, his screen name, or his web site.

[EricBrian]

OK, here's the deal, I've been going back and forth with a guy out in California on an ASM G6 that he said is new in the box. I've been researching and researching and haven't found a better price anywhere. That said, though, I did a simple search for ASM G6 on the internet and found a post from the same guy from July of 2004 selling the same thing, an ASM G6 new in the box. I did further research and found out that he's actually a vendor, www.oceansaquariums.com, and his price on the internet is really great, $599 for the same skimmer. He has offered this skimmer to me shipped for $625, but I'm now wondering if it's the same model as they have now, if he's trying to pull a fast one on me since it could very well be the same one from 2 years ago, and what the heck is going on that he's posting it individually for sale.

 

Anyone have any advice on this one? I am hesitating right now and may simply spend the extra $100+ and buy one from Johnny to be safe, but I could really use that extra $100 on something else instead. Let me know what you think or if you've heard of any feedback on this site. I searched RC and also the marine aquarium club he belongs to, but haven't found anything on his name, his screen name, or his web site.

 

Hmmm... I think I would write him exactly what you wrote here.

[cbashaw]

I would post and search on the RC Feedback forum to see if anyone has done any business with him.

[gastone]

Dave,

 

IMO he sounds like a vendor trying to get away with doing a little bit of side business on the RC forums. Check his feedback and go from there. I purchased a truck on E-Bay last summer and that was scary enough.

 

Good luck

 

Garrett.

[traveller7]

That would be Noel Perez, owner or operator of Oceans Aqauriums:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/member.php?s...nfo&userid=5255

 

Only feed back I saw on RC:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.p...ight=noel+perez

 

But more to your expressed concerns:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.p...727#post1962727

 

You might find more information on www.CVReefers.org the Central Valley club site.

 

IMHO, spending 15% more locally is a far better "risk". Many vendors will not support products unless they are purchased through authorized resale channels.

[martin]

When there is doubt, there is none. Buy from BRK, $100.00 is about 10min worth of irritation.

[flowerseller]

If you have someone standing behind the product, it's a no brainer.

And the number one answer........................

Johnny's going away and Byron is having a BOSS IS AWAY sale.

[davelin315]

I did go to Central Valley and couldn't find anything on him or his company. Sounds like there's a mixture of stuff, so I may send him a check with a sales contract on the back instead of paypal (although they do have a guarentee, don't they?). Hmmm, my wife told me to go the cheaper route, but I'm still hedging. Thanks for the info on him, Scott, I did searches but didn't search his name. Sounds like this isn't the same G6 he advertised before and that he's sold a couple of them. Sounds a lot like he's a vendor in sheep's clothing, too! Maybe that's why the profile says moved on...

 

Hmmm, we'll have to see if Byron will do price matching while Johnny is away...

 

Hey Byron, $500 and a couple cases of ice cold beer for an ASM G6, sound good to you?

[martin]

We should start a betting pool on how much irritation going the cheap route is going to cost you. I say about 2 weeks of waiting and sending stuff back and forth and wondering if it will show up at all. Didn't you learn anything being a prosicutor?

[jamesbuf]

I would have to agree and say that spending an extra $100 is worth avoiding a potential scam, not to mention any other mishaps with shipping or warranties and such. I'm always one to look for a bargain on the internet, but I try to stick to merchandise without many moving parts or simple items that can't be broken in the mail. Major purchases like this are always best through a reputable online or local store. How much is piece of mind worth??

[Armson]

I did go to Central Valley and couldn't find anything on him or his company. Sounds like there's a mixture of stuff, so I may send him a check with a sales contract on the back instead of paypal (although they do have a guarentee, don't they?). Hmmm, my wife told me to go the cheaper route, but I'm still hedging. Thanks for the info on him, Scott, I did searches but didn't search his name. Sounds like this isn't the same G6 he advertised before and that he's sold a couple of them. Sounds a lot like he's a vendor in sheep's clothing, too! Maybe that's why the profile says moved on...

 

Hmmm, we'll have to see if Byron will do price matching while Johnny is away...

 

Hey Byron, $500 and a couple cases of ice cold beer for an ASM G6, sound good to you?

 

 

 

I wonder..........

 

.......

[BeltwayBandit]

I too would by local. That way when it screws up or dies you can just take it back and flail Byron with it. It will still be dead or broken, but at least you have the satisfaction of thrashing Byron!

 

All kidding aside, I would much rather shop locally even if there is a slightly higher price. Reason is: I like being able to walk into a store and they know me by name, they know my setup, they are willing to help and listen. You don't get that with an online vendor. Also, when the *$(# hits the fan, its nice to be able to get the right equipment/parts etc. fast. If you don't support the good LFS that treats you well, they won't be there when you really need them.

 

BB

[Lee Stearns]

I support our local vendors because I like a brick and mortar to go to for the occasional fish, shrimp or animal that I might add to my system. They have food and other basics at the same trip. BRK has the rep of being as reasonable a shopping environment as you are going to find and highly supportive of our club and responsible reef keeping as I have found.

I am not beyond the occasional internet bargain- but for the most part if it takes a dollar or two to keep them available for my needs, it is well worth it.