I hadn't been to Ocean Odyssey for years, because I made the mistake of merely mentioning another pet store to the owner. He launched into a ten minute tirade about what a terrible store it was and how it wasn't "a real pet store". His rant continued the next time I came in, and I all I wanted was some feeder fish. This not just incredibly unprofessional, but also quite desperate sounding.
I went in on the way home tonight for some crickets and when I asked how much they were the owner told me, "Two hundred dollars, I have a car payment to make." Corny, but whatever.
Then he came from behind the counter and stood extremely close to me. Uncomfortably, Seinfeld "Close Talker" episode close to me. He said, " A dollar twenty-nine a dozen....". I replied that I had got a HUNDRED for four dollars at the reptile show, and before I could ask if he gave a discount if I bought more, he put his hands on my shoulders and tried to spin me around and push me out the door! While saying, "Go get them at the reptile show" . I asked if he had officially lost his mind, and that I'd never come back again. He replied, "We don't need you". I said, "You don't put your hands on ANYBODY, better yet a customer." He said, "Well if you're going to insult my store...".
It's obvious that his prices have officially become absurd compared to his chain store competitors, and he's now being questioned about it frequently, and he doesn't like it. I think it's time to concede your losing an uphill battle and lock the doors. Then go get some help with his early stage dementia. So much for trying to keep it local... read more