Okay, As many regular customers have known for awhile I offer cash discounts on many fishes that are typically over thirty dollars but not on all live stock. The reason is because of the credit card fees, & rates that a small business incurs for accepting credit cards. These cost will most likely will be going up & up because the restrictions imposed by the government to tame this industry in which I believe needs to be done to protect many consumers from bad practices within the credit card/bank industry. But now the flip side they will take it out of the retailer especially the independents in which in turn will raise the cost of goods & services. So then they will get their money (our money) one way or another. There always seems to be loop holes in the system or laws that the giant corps seem to figure out. I came up with this discount system a while ago instead of raising prices etc. Many do not know how the merchant services work as many business owners probably do not, including me to an extent. The contracts are unbelievable & the terms, numbers, fees, in fine print is mind blowing! You would not believe the stress involved with dealing with these companies. They basically have us by the you know what. We as a society are so dependent on the credit card/banking system to handle our money it is scary! Not saying it is all bad but it certainly is not all good at the same time. Many do not realize it can take up 72 hours for us to get the money minus fees etc into our account that in turns pays the pile of bills. Old saying cash is king should come back. It does not go bad or bounce or get rejected for the most part. Certain cards cost more to except then others. Some are double or more the fees & rates. Most do not realize that all the perks these banks offer they do not pay for it but the retailer or service company does with the higher fees & interest they charge us to make them billions & billions!
When I post these sales on the blog as in tanks & setups, & some high end filters etc. they are noted as Cash Discounted. Especially sale items I do not mark up that much or hardly at all, so if I accepted the credit card at these discounts then I pretty much do not make any money or even could lose money on the sale. If I do not make money I am not in business. Many do not realize but I could be better off without being in retail & have much less stress in my life.
I have many great customers for many years that drive my ambition to succeed in this rare dying breed of a mom & pop fish/pet store business. It gives me the drive to be here for my existing & new customers that visit us. I do not do this business to get rich but to enjoy the hobby with others, but at the same time make a okay living doing it.
Please understand where we are coming from before asking for discounts or a bigger discount because you bought 3 fish for $5.00.
It is unbelievable at times what people will ask for or demand of a small business as ours. We have customers from all walks of life in all colors, races, religions etc (why the hobby is great) that spend their hard earned money with us & I am very thank full for their support no matter if they spend $1. or $25,000 at one time or over a life time. I have always said you never know who may walk through that door one day looking like they are maybe poor or whatever & if treated right & with respect (two way street) they will tell someone else how they were treated. I have notice some that looked like they did not have much but another day they were in a suit & tie buying a tank setup. You never know. If I feel if someone is genuine & maybe struggling or if it is a young kid in the hobby I will try to help them out & offer a discount when & if I can. It may help them keep their fish hobby going & growing.

Okay I will stop here for now :)
I know I can not please everyone that walks in & out our door but I only can try to do my best & have my help do the same.

Thanks for reading,
David Hale