How To DESTROY An Industry, amazon.com sucks!

[@aarondavis8224]

I support my LFS and buy most things from them but if I can find products for half the price I take advantage. I work hard for my money and that's what it boils down to. I buy local and from online places.

[@neilt1524]

Before I die, I just wanna grab a beer with this man.

[@thewanderingheathen]

Can say he’s a good man. Know him personally.

[@geomall]

A substantial reason as well as cheap products, is the fact that we have fallen for the convenience of shopping online and do not want to walk into their local store (when possible).

[@aarondavis8224]

One thing that does get me to buy from them is the return policy. If i dont like something or it breaks within 30 days even if I used it I can send it back at no cost to me for a full refund.

[@Christian-ew4eg]

Well said John . I couldn't agree more . 👍 . Cheers from Christian in Australia .

[@SalimOfShadow]

I literally just searched amazon downfall and found this video that was uploaded 6 minutes ago!! So glad I've found you!Subbed!

[@AdamUS123-j7q]

The real question is why is a 50 Watt heater being sold for $50? Lol 😆

[@GreenPleco]

That’s why we have the same price for everyone who buys wholesale. The times they have contacted us to ask if we buy more can we get lower wholesale prices we say no because we want everyone who supports us to be on the same level, specially because it was the mom and pops stores that gave us our first shot.

[@bebebe58093]

Thank you for the video! A lot of people turn a blind eye to these problematic industries. As a person trying their best to boycott and avoid giving unethical companies money, it means a lot to see you post this even though it’s not necessarily your usual topic ! ❤ It gives me hope that people speak out regardless of what their main content is :-)

[@curtisbelcher5078]

We don't even have a mom-and-pop fish store I got either Petco or PetSmart

[@chrisreilly1290]

That's where I'm at. Local pet store moved 45 minutes away

[@phalbaby16]

Yeah my town doesn't either the farthest pet store away is 2 hours and they only sell freshwater fish. The saltwater pet store is 5 hours away so I probably have to buy my saltwater fish online.

[@AgxntAqua]

I gotta drive about 40 minutes to get to my specialty shop. It’s worth it though. I actually work at the local pet chain store. We do our best but we don’t have the resources to properly manage the tanks. No QT process, recirculating system, bettas in cups, etc. if it were up to me I would change things but I’m just a part timer with big ideas 😂

[@brassbuckles]

Same, my local fish store is around 45 minutes to an hour away. In town there's a Petco and a Petsense (Tractor Supply's pet store). Years ago we used to have a local pet store, but they did more small exotics (such as poison dart frogs) and reptiles than anything else. The closest city has Petco, Petsmart, and one or two local pet stores, with one for sure specializing in fish. But from what I've heard, our local Petco is actually better than theirs, even though I think theirs is a larger store.

[@lastditch727]

The markups at those stores are so bad. Smh.

[@electricgamez5415]

Hmm. Sour grapes? Woke up on the wrong side of the balance sheet? Instead of complaint about a $9 heater why not complain that big brands charge $50 for a heater with 20+ year old technology? There is no reason some of the prices are what they are. Yes there is a lot of junk produced in china. But major manufacturers are pushing consumers to those options

[@jasabasenara8124]

Agree 👍

[@brendalemay8384]

Agree. If the local LFS and even the big box stores would stock their shelves with things I am looking for, then I would shop there but they don’t and it has been that way for a long time. They have done it to themselves by not listening to their customers. Everything is either out of stock or they just don’t carry it. You end going online anyway. He shouldn’t be blaming Bezos for being smart enough to take advantage of a situation and use it to his advantage. Woke up on the wrong side of the balance sheet indeed.

[@Nunyah_Bidness]

​@@brendalemay8384I understand where you're coming from but as previously mentioned on this channel, outside of maybe decorations, the bulk of aquarium-related hardware (filters & heaters) have such low profit margins that it doesn't make much business sense to carry such items.

[@sponken11]

Thank you for enlightening me! I observed the things you describe, but never realized the system behind it. Now I know 👍

[@reggie2803]

John, thanks for explaining how this retail works.

[@sooamasian574]

i used to work there.. .and it was the worst years of my life... and this video really opened my eyes, and i will never work for them again.

[@Jasper0o0]

I hate buying from Amazon, & only buy there as a last resort. I prefer to see, & touch the product at a brick & mortar store. Plus, when I do buy from Amazon, I don’t find it cheaper at all..in my case.

[@frankvaughn605]

Fantastic video.. Problem the average person won't care unfortunately.. Love your videos

[@anomalocarisfan45]

i do

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for this informative video 👍🙂❗️

[@ProdigalAquarist]

Good example of why people should support their local suppliers, and local suppliers should also support their local tropical hobbyist clubs. That is the definition of Community.

[@norcal0308]

Your video is perfect! Don’t ever change.

[@marcusmccumber8076]

Wow! I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t understand exactly how it all works. Can’t thank you enough for the insight.

[@davidshultz4654]

Very enlightening topic John. Thanks for having the balls to post. Maybe it'll open clueless peoples eyes.

[@LazyRider987]

Thank you! Not only was this enlightening but that also validates what I've been noticing about Amazon the last few years! Thank goodness it's not just me. Just hear say on my part, but I heard the increased shipping times have something to do with the consumer being SOL if there isn't an Amazon warehouse within your state or within X number of miles from one. Anyone know for sure or did I fall for a rumor?

[@EGWL93]

Thank you for the insight and about MAP, sometimes I really wonder how they priced it for so low! I never even shop with Jeff due to the quality and China knock offs are really an eyesore. Would rather spend more for quality assurance. Sometimes it's a matter of life and death.

[@Rawzo.Prod10]

Just ordered my first order from KG tropical store. I haven’t received the items yet but they were super quick about getting it picked and shipped! I do feel better about supporting the small business!

[@chrisx6882]

Man this analogy was spot on. I loved the use of the retailer name. Still laughing mao. You did forget to mention their big trucks.

[@adler819]

I’ve done some electrical work for the Amazon fulfillment centers in the St. Louis, Mo. area. The crew leads just chase their own tails all day worried about numbers. Push the employees all day and jeffy is trying to replace most of them with robots & AI anyways. I have zero respect for the company.

[@cks_random_hobby]

I wish the manufacturers would pressure their distributor networks to vet their vendors. Great video!

[@Raitis.F]

Wow, John is on the mission there… Another video to enjoy :)

[@ElizaJane5499]

Holy shit!!!! I had no idea!!!! You really broke that down stupid simple! Thank you so much. I’ll be definitely rethinking things moving forward. 😮

[@GlassBoxHero]

I have been against Amazon for years. I have always been a fan of going to an actual store and holding the product in my hand and examining it before I buy it.

[@Nathan_94]

I was also skeptical about Hygger, but I do have a a few of their products and their heaters are pretty good.

[@bookmouse2719]

Well, yes, my Father had a small business and the big department store offered (brand name type of luggage) it, or parts of big manufacturers products for a big sale price, but only special items. then customers would come to us and say well at so and so's it was on sale. We would say yes, but not the items we have or the color or size we have. They would get mad and we would say well go back and ask for the color and size you want (which they didn't have). :-b...

[@richardmcgrew2167]

I like your passion for your beliefs. I don't shop Amazon. I like to see and touch what I am buying . Also agree that Amazon treats their employees terribly. My daughter buys on Amazon all the time and has to return half of it.

[@shericoleman7756]

But how do you really feel? Thanks for the honesty! I am reconsidering ever shopping A----- at least never for aquarium products.

[@PugginNThuggin]

Totally agree John. I listened to this video while working my shift at an Amazon facility lol. 9 times out of 10 if I’m packing an aquarium product, it’s some sketchy Chinese ripoff that probably has a 2 star rating

[@dlong8983]

Great I formation, thank you! And…how cool would it be to go shopping with Lisa! Ya girl here is also into plants and all things glass box 🐠🐌🪴

[@zacianzaras]

I am a fishes keeper in Hong Kong and I didn't buy any important equipment especially heater and filter which are made in Chinese. We all know that the quality of items which are made in Chinese all shit.

[@HillbillyBubba]

Amazon sucks .I will never do business with them again

[@TheZenGinger]

Jeffy Jeffy Oxenfree, was my personal fave! Lol

[@KGTropicals]

I'll be very proud if you know the movie reference. I had several hidden in this video

[@TheZenGinger]

@KGTropicals I wanna say it's a horror movie! But I am really trying and I just can't pull it up in my brain, and I don't wanna cheat and Google! So, no, I unfortunately do not know! I'll go back to my corner of shame now! 🙈 lol

[@kcody5646]

Sour pickles

[@Jack-y6k5g]

Agree! They lock me out my account for no reason and won't tell me why and refuse to let me gain access to it and keep charging me for prime and laugh over it on the phone. I will be filing a lawsuit!

[@Adam-hh5xl]

What is your honest opinion on Top Fin products? I purchased a 10 gal starter kit from my local PetSmart to get me going. Now I'm considering upgrading to a 20 gal system after my one year mark.

[@sewerrat7612]

Basic heaters and filters Don't hold up lights and tanks seem to be good quality have 6 running currently.

[@ZenCoryCat]

Thanks for making this video, John. I didn't know about MAP. I don't have an LFS, but if at all possible, I still avoid buying from Amazon. Don't get me wrong, I do still use Amazon. I live in an area where it's difficult to get a hold of some things. However, about 3 or 4 years ago I decided I'd rather pay a fair price and shipping to a small business owner than support Amazon's business practices. As I understand it, if small businesses want to use Amazon to sell products, they can't use any other route to sell online.

[@Blackheartgamer1]

Honestly i wasn’t aware this was how things went but unless MAPricing evolves to actually provide legal action towards these people nothing will change. I will admit but i have been buying products online but it’s mostly because Pet/fish stores are far away and saving money/time is beneficial for me. I’m not rich and i shouldn’t be rich to gate keep me from enjoying a hobby. if i find a deal, i’ll take it. When i comes to M&P store though i do buy fish, plants, and materials in person or their online store. Knock offs being sold is concerning though, but again if laws aren’t being placed or enforced, what can we do 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@bruce_lero1]

lol, you warned us! 😅Well done sir!

[@Jweiss76]

I've bought cheapo Chinese stuff like sponge filters, but never the important stuff like heaters, lights or canister filters. You get what you pay for on that stuff.

[@brassbuckles]

Not even sure I'd trust a filter, because it's still got to be plugged in and if there's anything wrong with the wiring/electrical components, it could still be a disaster.

[@carolinehansen7714]

Great food for thought! I’d love to hear your thoughts about Chewy. I buy a lot of things from there when I can’t make it to an LFS or Local Reptile store.

[@Jack_Splendens]

Dear John, I like your style and we can be friends, you are a nice guy and epic level fishkeeper and I respect that, however if I can have a normal quality filter for 60 dollar instead of 100...I guess I'll try, just because I'm not Bill Gates. 😅

[@simonthibodeau7082]

My takeaway is more, this kind of business practice shouldn't be allowed to begin with. Unregulated markets are gonna do unregulated market things. It is a bit hopeless to expect consumers to make the right ethical purchase decisions when it's not illegal and the savings are right there and a click away.

[@andywoolley9887]

I wish this video was out last year, I brought a heater off Amazon just over a year ago, it was Hitop, I looked at the 4000 reviews and thought it must be good. Then 2 days ago, 1year 14 days after I installed the heater, I came home and all my fish were dead, the heater malfunctioned and the water was 63°C so all my fish cooked. If I had known then what I do now I would not have brought it.

[@thestephensons4520]

I just upgraded to an Innovative Marine Helio heater/controller for exactly that reason. We invest so much time, money and care into our aquariums that it isn’t worth cutting corners on any product that is system critical like a heater

[@NoelG-IRE]

Yeah that can happen with any heater tbf and it is recommended to change them yearly for that very reason. I’ve only ever owned big names brands and have never had one last more than 3 years. A controller is absolutely key though. If you run a heater without it, you’re always gonna have the risk of it malfunctioning and either cooking or freezing your fish.

[@theskeptikaltruckr]

I have over $6000 into my freshwater tank. $3800 of it just into my tank and stand. (UNS 120U) Those were bought through Amazon, but through a seller that has a local store in California open to the public. I could have bought them off of their website also. I spoke with the company and we agreed I could save a couple hundred dollars in shipping cost by buying through their Amazon store. That is the only reason I went that route. Everything else, bought through my local mom and pop store, literally everything else. I now am a preferred customer at the said store and the owners give me a 10% discount on every purchase including fish and anything else I buy there. I know this store, they have been around for decades, and it’s probably because they value their customers. Kinda like you guys do, that’s why I now have made my last couple of purchases for North Fin products through you and Lisa.

[@angiebear8727]

Only one Mom n Pop in my area. It’s very small. Always check them first. Would totally rather support them when I make purchases for all my pets but often they don’t have what I need. 😢

[@brassbuckles]

Smaller businesses have an additional benefit that corporate doesn't control their stock. If you ask them, they may be able to put in an order for items that you want that they don't have.

[@mattwest8073]

6:40 Shout out to House of Tropicals and 8:07 NOVA Tropicals some of my favorite LFS!

[@SamIAm-242]

I stopped buying a lot of stuff on Amazon after I got my first counterfeit product (fortunately a collectible and not a heater, so no fire hazard). They became a purveyor of garbage and I hate buying from them now. For pet stuff I shop at my LFS when able, and big box stores when I have to. I’ll buy anywhere else first, but I’m lucky enough to be able to spend a little extra and live in a big city. Many folks aren’t, but I encourage them to go to Petsmart or Target over Amazon. P.S. I also liked Fallout 😁

[@tedriggs1513]

Great review and solid analysis. And your video was released just before Prime Day Deals. Coincidence?

[@formula_bob]

I do get the dilemma for you, but we as consumers will always be mindful of our own pockets and presume rightly or wrongly that the stores make a margin on the products they sell. Understandable for the smaller stores they have less product so margins are tighter. Anyway im from the UK so i generally use trusted brands like Fluval, Interpet for Filters and heaters. My heater cost me £19.99 interpet from a local family run store which ive had for 5 years. (Also have 3 spares for some reason). Your top range heater of $40 seems high to me but that might be reasonable in US. Been keeping fish for almost 30 years and just found your channel after completly restarting my aquarium from scratch. I have a 64 litre which you can see on my own channel.

[@ToledoPitbull]

I love Hygger heaters. All 7 of my tanks have them. One is over 5 years old.

[@Starship007]

Jeff’s controls 50% of web traffic software, AWS. Our military uses his software. He offers portable and stationary servers to store military info. AWS probably the larger part of his business

[@phalbaby16]

I won't buy those weird chinese name amazon products. One time I did and I didn't get the product I had to call and get a refund. I agree that people should buy name brand like sicce and eheim.

[@MeanOldLady]

Hear hear on the Amazon movie callout! (I also love Reacher since my mom got me into the books as a mystery book fan, herself & the series is quite enjoyable as well.) I buy nearly everything online & most of it is off of Amazon & Etsy because I live in the boonies between 2 jam-packed cities that are a PITA to navigate just because I'm running out of fish food or need meds. None of my fish comes from local fish shops because every time I go, it's low quality or not what I want, so I order nearly all of my critters & plants online.

[@jenniferanderson4193]

I just love you John … that is all 💁🏻#preach

[@killdrod]

Hey I know this is off topic. You guys are great just got my two pennywort and snails and they are amazing you guys's store is great.

[@theredoranda7152]

Great video!!

[@dianebailey2480]

Not only Americans John...... British people too !!! Xx

[@darkstars-torpedoes-of-truth]

Hey! I use prime in my tanks.

[@spartanstache24]

"Free" shipping is a helluva drug

[@lancebane3088]

Thank you for your review of this retailer! I bought a 5 pound bulk bucket of filter media. When it arrived, it had a huge yellow "Returned Item" sticker on the bucket. The media inside was still WET and STAINED brown. I've worked with this media for years and KNOW it should be DRY and WHITE! Plus the original bags were replaced with "Ziploc" brand bags. My guess is someone had a filthy tank and tried to filter it with this high end media instead of doing a 100% water change! When it didn't work, they didn't want to take the big hit on their wallet AND returned it. OR, someone just kept the new media and returned their old used media instead! Either way "USED PRODUCT" being sold as NEW ( NOT in the description! )!!! MAGICALLY, that 3rd party seller no longer exists! They wouldn't even let me write a "BAD" review, as it "didn't meet their Guidelines" They don't want people to know their shenanigans! Which is sticking customers with used, stained product AND saying "Sorry folks we're out of business!" And then giving you a Gag Order!

[@mikesgarage394]

The seldom even ship in 2 days anymore.

[@thatssewlacey]

I hate to defend weird off brand heaters, but the Fluval and Aqueon heaters I’ve tried have all broken or overheated to 85+ degrees. I have the HiTauing heaters on 3 of my tanks and they’re the only ones I’ve tried that have held the temp (verified by the floating thermometer). It sucks, but idk how I got 3-4 fluval and aqueon heaters that overheat. Almost everything else, I buy from my LFS. I live in Dallas, TX so all our LFS have been around decades and doing well. People here love custom aquariums for their homes and businesses.

[@macc224]

have to admit i do buy stuff by hygger on amazon. this is really like what large chain supermarkets did to local shops really. i just think that this is the way things are these days. i do think you have a valid point and i do take it on board

[@Scaperoot79]

I can't get the image of a guy selling filters out of a trench coat out of my mind lol!

[@aaronisbell17]

Great video! I will now refer to all my amazon packages as SD packages 😅😅😅

[@MrHominid2U]

We have access to a couple of independent LFS in Des Moines 38 miles away plus we have Petco and Petsmart but I can never find anything I need at any of these local stores and have to order on line. They always say "buy local" but they don't sell anything I want. Petco and Petsmart also have cheap junk I wouldn't buy from anyone.

[@DemonsWillPray]

We don’t have a local fish store within 90 miles and that’s Petco… and in a different state.

[@Starship007]

Costco only works with 13% profit margin

[@tpietrowicz]

Preach!

[@neilt1524]

This is Jeff, Jeff is a nerd. I'm crying

[@AndNowThis..]

Are you going to make a video on the King Of DIY for buying and promoting buying aquarium stuff from Temu? I truly doubt it.

[@zalialyon1853]

Temu has bad reviews

[@DeeGee-mv6eq]

The king of DIY has some truly awful ideas and information to be as popular as he is…🥴

[@sociald4515]

Have you seen how much money he spends at his LFS?

[@samiam3565]

I shop on Amazon and I try to at least filter through the Chinese products using the Cultivate app which shows me the origin of the products. Trying to support other nations or our own USA. But I see what you are saying about companies selling products below MAP, that I did not realize...

[@ExtraCribbyBean]

Hey I was wondering, do you guys have a physical store? I thought it would be under the same name and there was one in VA that’s closed

[@vmcknight80]

I wish you would stop hiding how you feel about this topic! The sad thing is when the local store is gone then they are gone. I miss the locally owned stores.

[@marcinp9769]

John!!!! Thank you for saying this!!! We need to save LFS and other business. There should be a huge fine to Amazon and other retailers that do not respect MAP pricing. Can I share your video on FB?

[@ibchrismcc]

Nope, nope & nope! I'm not a sucker for Amazon. I do not pay for Prime. I can wait a few extra days for the item. Plus, always do the purchase minimum for free shipping. Also, I purchase name brand only. (I'm not burning down my house for $10) As for the MAP, I'm not lucky enough to find items underpriced. The majority of the name brand items I look at have an astronomical markup. I do a lot of comparative price shopping & bounce around a lot between pet supply places.

[@Eric-vt8ns]

I love your video and I agree!!!! However, genuine question for you….how can I know what the MAP is for a product as a layman consumer? I don’t want to be part of the problem. How I typically shop on Amazon is I search for something, filter to ONLY prime items and then looks for brands I’ve heard of and see ratings plus # of total reviews. Would love to know your thoughts.

[@woolywooly8690]

If they would change the tax code that would help local businesses greatly. It is not fair and is robbery and should be illegal for a local retailer to have to pay taxes on the product they buy then pay taxes on it again every month because it's sitting on a shelf and hasn't been sold yet. That is the reason why my awesome mom and pop pet store ended up having to close because he couldn't afford to stock his store with aquariums and higher dollar items.

[@RaceSmokie]

💯true

[@ozhits3752]

Good video

[@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR]

This is a topic that I'm sure most of us will agree with your opinion on.......... but know that all of us are guilty of and know that we will not stop personally. People are selfish and will always put themselves first. They will see themselves right and not care about the next guy. They will moan when a store closes, if it personally affects them and their life, and then carry on exactly as always. Price is a huge contributor of making a decision to buy a product, and is something done by every person on this planet, every second of every day and that will never change. Sadly but honestly, life is dog eat dog. That's the reality as horrible as that sounds.

[@dogcalledholden]

Tell them like it is

[@farhajhassan8516]

What happened man, the language is a bit much. I do, however, appreciate the point you made towards the end - you get what you pay for. Fluval is expensive, yes, but you can track them down if there any issues.

[@droidsupport5455]

The way you called out Jackpaul 😂. Loved it

[@darksharkzero6669]

logan paul but same difference

[@michaelmejia3822]

Go John, go.

[@calebemory2134]

I LOVE THIS POST

[@sum1liteamatch]

This is freaking hilarious

[@Starship007]

Smash and grab people also flooding market with really cheap stuff

[@pteromalid]

Welcome to Capitalism and its Free Market. I agree it is terrible.

[@simonthibodeau7082]

The whole aquarium industry is just yet again another perfect example of how unregulated capitalism ruins everything lol

[@pteromalid]

@@simonthibodeau7082 Absolutely!

[@MrEd1024]

I doubt you are convincing very many people with the "You are contributing to the problem" speech. Here in my area "Tampa bay" we have plenty of LFS's. Asking people to spend more $$ to help other businesses isn't going to fix the "problem" or be very popular, just a guess. What do I know. Just fyi most of us don't own a fish store and work a 9-5 and pinch every penny we own. Having a small LFS is a nice thing to have, but saving $5,000 a year is nicer...

[@lynx2cross]

Supply and Demand and whoever can deliver that in a fast convenient and affordable way will always come out on top.

[@bwood4505]

This so typical. Someone makes it big by doing what everyone wants and all of a sudden they are the devil. As usual buyers beware when buying anything on the net. Sour Grapes John

[@GlassBoxHero]

"By doing what everyone wants"... Um, did you NOT hear the part about MAP pricing??? Have you ever tried to start a business?

[@bradsuarez2683]

Exactly! Scrolling through this comment section I have to wonder if people can still think for themselves.

[@naegwut]

Fish store name lol

[@donavantidwell9399]

Walmart all over again

[@jamesdoyle7317]

Where is that fish store in your video?