Can Petco refuse to sell fish?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Disclaimers for basically any business in existence have a specific line about withholding the right to refuse service and sales to anybody at any time.

But most store managers will be preaching the opposite to their employees - I am surprised they didn't sell you an angelfish. I'm even more surprised that you gave some scrub at Petco a chance to say no. Next time just tell him that your tank is 100 gallons and has been set up for years.

Note: Don't do this to get a fish like a pacu for your small tank, people!
 
As an LFS worker, I know it's hard to draw the line when no to sell someone a fish. The problem is what's "wrong" or a "bad idea" is subjective and up to the employee. Where do you draw the line?

-Brackish fish like monos or scats for freshwater tanks?
-SA cichlids with Africans?
-Fish that grow huge when people don't have big enough tanks?

I might not think certain fish are okay for cycling but another employee does...so does the customer have to go around asking different or less knowledgable employees until they find someone who will sell it to them? Usually I make my opinion clear, void the guarantee and wait to say "I told you so" when they come back.
 
Instead of ranting and raving about you should be thanking him. I wish I had a LFS that actually cared about the fish and knew what they were talking about. If it bothers you so much why don't you just bring a sample of your water in or go else were. There not hard to fine there a very common fish.
 
yes i worked there about 8 years ago and if they dont believe you can take care of the animale they can turn you down i did it alot people trying to buy a pacu to put with there gold fish in a 10g with nothing but a filter
 
Earthswater, you could have asked on your original thread. We pretty much sided with you. The right to refuse business is the American way! It sucks but if you really want the fish talk to the manager. People did have valid points on tank size and fish size on your last thread. It cycled a month so you are straight there. F petco anyway. Good luck man.
 
I have seen it done at a Petco and I actually thanked the employee for refusing the fish to someone. I forgot what the customer wanted but when the employee asked about filters, heaters, and such you could tell that the customer was lying. I don't know much about employees at Petco and other chains but I hope employees don't get in trouble for doing what's right, The Doctor
 
Ryan75;4961464; said:
Take in a water sample..Petsmart does a free water test

I think he did and they found it to be uncycled, how else would they know? Good on them! EDIT: This is from the ops other thread(yesterday) btw:
Earthswater;4958257; said:
I have 1 20 gallon tank, just set it up about 4 days ago, transfered some water over from my other 5 gal tank. I want to get anglefish along with some other smaller fish. i heard that 1 anglefish is fine but 2 fight one other. i also heard that 3 is fine but i think that would be too many, not to healthy for the fish. Also, any other fish sugestions? Or anglefish care advice? Thanks


In the picture, the tank is very clear, it is just a crappy camera/not the best lighting.
yea tank was up 5 days then...
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com