Skiptons - Boston, Ma

[sw300galma]

Everytime I go there it's such a please to talk with everyone.
Very knowledgeable staff.

Eric was kind enough to take me down to see thier sump setup. (i was looking for an aqualifter and he turned me onto the attachment for a maxijet - awsome!!)
If you want to see something cool, have him catch fish with his hand and a container....that was something.


Ally is just a PM away from getting me anything I need, she even remebers me everytime i come in...

Michelle is great too, spent almost an hour with me decideing on fish....

They are redoing the Little Cube Sections, I can't wait to see what that looks like when it's done.

All Prices are resonable on both live stock and dry goods. Great selection of Hard core enthusiast stuff as well..

All shapes and sizes of MH lights in stock, even Iwaki Pumps, Nano Cubes, bulkheads and fittings...

Overall I give it 2 thumbs up and recommend using them whenever possible.

[steevareno]

They have a great selection of sweet looking clams!!!!!!!

[sw300galma]

They have a great selection of sweet looking clams!!!!!!!

Oh ya, possibly the Largest Selection of Clams I've seen.

[pisces5296]

And dont forget steve very helpful.

[JavaJones]

Clams! Yes. I bought my Crocea (see current avatar) from them back when PerfectPet worked there. Good selection, fair prices (on clams, maybe not usually so with peppermint shrimp tho')... Also like their selection of rubble: the hidden gem at Skiptons! I kept going back for it at $2/lb. Oops, now my secret is out.

[steevareno]

And dont forget steve very helpful.
just a hunch, your the guy who sold me my clam????

[redpaulhus]

I find Steve and Aric to be very helpful every time I visit Skipton's.

[pisces5296]

Nooo Im a girl, just a long time customer.

[smcnally]

To be honest, I haven't had great experiences at Skiptons lately. Don't get me wrong, I like the store, but the last few times I've gone there I've found myself waiting for long periods of time after asking for assistance. I once left without the livestock I was going to purchase because the employee who told me they would return in 5 minutes didn't come back after 20. The person saw me leaving and didn't even say "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you were waiting for me, let me get that for you." If he did, I would have waited for him. I do miss 'B' working there. He would take awhile to get to you sometimes, but he would at least poke his head in the aisle to let you know he hasn't forgotten you. Although they have a nice selection, and nice people that work for them, I've been going less often because of this. I don't mind waiting for someone if they tell me it will be awhile, but lately I feel like I have to hunt people down there to buy something.

[fsc46]

I drove an hour to see what they had and I was very pleased. I purchaced some fish (FW) and ripped bag of gravel (20% off) The guy behind the register thought it was 20% off of everthing. To bad I'm too freak'n honest. I would buy from them more often if it were closer to home.

[zensaiyan]

i like the corals and inverts they have. always a nice selection to choose from. they also have good quantities of supplies, foods, and LR. i am always skeptical about their fish though. some of the fish in the tanks look pretty beat up. the display tank and fish look amazing though. i love the reef safe wrasse they have in there.

[aquarium nut]

Hey steve,
Try comming in on a day when I am here I am always running around but no one ever gets left hanging when I am here I may get busy with people but I make sure every one always gets helped. We can be short handed when I am not here sometimes.
Steve

[agent6473]

Id say the fish at skiptons are good quality. I've had good luck with almost all the fish I've bought there over the past couple years. Recently, I purchased a Sargassum Trigger there that is one of the healthiest and most active I've seen. From the minute I put him in the tank he was out in the front swimming and eating like a pig. Great colors too.

Chris

[jAKE]

I have had excellent luck with all the fish I have purchased from skiptons. Ally is a sweethart and Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful. I think that they are the best in the metro-Boston area even with the loss of B. I do love the aquarium Gallery as well but there is something about seeing B there that is akin to watching Paul McCartney sing with "Wings".

Remembering the good ol days when Rose BTAs were $$$ and the BRS was only 30 nerds strong!! (I include myself in the nerd count). LOL

[sw300galma]

I was in there on Saturday...Twice even! They always go Out of their way to help me. I brought my friend along and he was amazed at the service...

Thanks Aly, Steve, Eric for the Extra Help on Saturday, the BTA's Look awsome, as do the Yellow Tang and Flame angel!

[skibum9884]

I've shopped at Skipton's almost exclusively for the past 2 years. The customer service is always great. Ally and Steve are excellent. Also, Ed is pretty knowledgeable, takes a little bit to warm up to him, but he's also a great guy.

As far as the livestock is concerned, most things are in very good health, and if something isn't, they'll let you know. Health is especially good since implementing the quarantine tanks on the top (great idea).

Anyways, I think its a great shop. Keep up the good work.

[Biotoper]

I go to Skipton's every couple months or so to get pre-made SW for my nano, and am very happy with them. Steve is very nice and helpful, does about a hundred tests on your tank water if you bring it in, free LS (I've gotten lots of nice medusa worms from them), etc. I was planning on getting some clownfish from him but he wanted me to wait a week or two and check back as one of the non-clowns in the same tank had ich - unfortunately, I ended up getting a pair from Dong before then. I gotta take them up on that rubble deal!

Ryan

[reefsmurf]

I get my Innova Evo from them ;)

[theLIQUIDzoo]

i was skeptical about the changes that have taken place at skiptons, but i have to say they have been for the better.

for example: i was in there today and steve actually remembered me AND what i like to buy, despite my infrequent visits.

...and if you ask for custom ordered fish they ACTUALLY get ordered AND they even call you to tell you they arrived...as opposed to my previous experiences with other vendors (even if you Hand Them A List.)

on another occasion michelle spent well over a half an hour looking for a critter, which may or may not have even been in the tank anymore.
(we found it and i bought it)

kudos to michele and steve!

PS: the fish and inverts pricing seems more competitive than ever before.

[RichConley]

I like skiptons, but that 6:30 close time on weekdays is a killer.

[sw300galma]

I like skiptons, but that 6:30 close time on weekdays is a killer.


Ditto, I end up having to go to [edit:removed other store name]

[theLIQUIDzoo]

yeah, later hours would be better.
especially given their location rife with traffic near closing time.

[jAKE]

I agree - If they were open till 8pm I would be there much more often during the week.

[sw300galma]

I agree - If they were open till 8pm I would be there much more often during the week.

I would almost guarantee they would have the business to support extended hours

[aquarium nut]

We close at 7pm on week day only on sat and sunday we close at 6pm
thanks
steve

[sw300galma]

We close at 7pm on week day only on sat and sunday we close at 6pm
thanks
steve

I know this all to well showing up at 7pm and seeing the doors closed many times because i keep forgetting :p

[02f350psd]

How are the prices on dry goods here? Looking to start my tank and this shop is right down the street from my school. Thanks!!

[scockee35]

it's right by my school too. The prices arent too bad on dry goods and they have alot of stuff thats hard to find, plus the crew there is more than willing to help you with anything. If you ever have questions or problems Steve over there is a great guy to get information from too :)

[Mikeaveli21]

How are the prices on dry goods here? Looking to start my tank and this shop is right down the street from my school. Thanks!!

Which school? College? or Grad school?

[Puffer]

After participating in the other thread, I find myself thinking..."too much negative vibe here", and got to chime in also on my favorite LFS, Skipton.

If it wasn't the distance from my house, I would visit them every day...well, let just say, prety frequently. the check out owner are very courtious and nice, and the staffs are tremendously helpful. I use to approach Leo, now Steve, and the newly hired girl. All very knowledgable and interesting to talk to.

Thanks.

[stevenp]

I was at Skipton's a week or so ago. The store looked pretty good and I was able to chat with Steve (Aquarium Nut) for a while. He's a cool dude and will take care of you.

Steve

[dz6t]

Skipton is one of the best store I visited. My company is about 3 miles from Skipton but the travel through cambridge takes 30 minutes. But it is well worth the time to go to skipton. Store is clean and live stock are very well priced. Steve is great to deal with.

[Mikeaveli21]

Skipton is one of the best store I visited. My company is about 3 miles from Skipton but the travel through cambridge takes 30 minutes. But it is well worth the time to go to skipton. Store is clean and live stock are very well priced. Steve is great to deal with.

Yeah Steve is the man. ALWAYS willing to help. Often when I ask a q about salt, they're like "I'm not sure, you should ask Steve".

[OceanGuy]

I have purchased several things from Skipton's. It is an easy off and on of the expressway and connects easily to the Mass pike from the west. They have a new section of coral frags that are great. I always have great luck with the fish that I get from there also. Prices are reasonable and the service has been great. I like the fact that they don't bother you while you are looking, but once you've made your decision, someone helps right away.

I bought some things from Eric last week and he was very careful how he packaged up the corals, using styrofoam float so that it would not hit the bag and break. All were great when I unpacked them and acclimated them to the tank.

The reefers 10% discount on livestock is great too. I spent $220, so it was nice to get $22 back.

Thanks to the Employees of Skipton's who always make my choices easier.
They are very knowledgeable about what can be put with what and have actually steered me away from bad choices.

[mhe]

I like skiptons, but that 6:30 close time on weekdays is a killer.

Yeah, I find myself at PJ's on RT1 *a lot* more then Skiptons, only because PJ's stays open til 9 on weekdays. I'd rather shop at Skiptons, but it's tough to get there before 7!

[ahmer1781]

Steve is the MAN!!! I've been to the store only once but after i saw him running around and helping me with everything, i was amazed, he really works his butt off!!

Their water was soo clean, i was impressed by the selection, but ya i have plans of buying things there daily... but i work late so 7pm sucks!!! I wish the store would stay open til 9 or at least 8, 7 is soo early. With such a good location i bet tons of people would go there.

Do the owners of Skipton's know that us fish people work too? We fish people would love to come buy stuff after work but with the traffic situation I could never make it on time.

[ahmer1781]

bought more stuff at Skipton's and Steve is freakin' great. He told me to hold up on the chromis because he's treating them with some things so its better safe than sorry and he tells me about parasites and when I was buying a clown, he put 1 back, said he has to check on it!! Who does that?? Instead he picked me out 2 healthier clowns...this place is great.

I have no complaints here, just all good news, Thanks Steve.

[Jeepman3sk]

Everyone is great at Skipton's. Steve is great too. I was looking for some LR and he brought me down to the sump in the basement and let me go through all of his rock. Most places I go to they won't let you ouch the rock. I will miss him and his store when I move back to ohio for school. Skipton's is well worth the drive.

[fanaglethebagle]

I have a confession to make...

I went to skiptons twice last week, which would not be bad but... I live an hour away :)

I love the little zoo frags that almost always end up being 5.00$, It's a great store in general :D

[zensaiyan]

i just stopped by today and bought a nice aleveopora coral. i brought it home, acclimated and placed the coral in the tank. the polyps are already coming out and the lights just came on a little bit ago! aly was very accomodating and friendly. thanks again!

[genkireefer]

I would almost guarantee they would have the business to support extended hours
:o unfortunately the boss-man feels it's not about the business from extended hours... this area in particular has a number of "interesting characters" that come out of the woodwork after dark. we've had problems in the past and at risk of more in the future, he prefers to close early and avoid the "unsound" altogether.
i personally would love to keep us open longer but hey, the boss-man's word is law. i just want the reefers to know we love you guys :p and would accomodate you if we could!
by the way, it's great to hear all the compliments... it's nice to know our effort is appreciated!
cheers, michelle

[RichConley]

I generally try to be positive, but lately, my experience with skiptons has been anything but.

1) They have an absolutely MASSIVE red bug INFESTATION in the coral bank on the right side of the saltwater isle. (which I've mentioned to the staff, with the general responce being something along the lines of "steve says theyre not bad")

2) I've repeatedly seen maximas and croceas 18+" away from PC lights.

3) The saltwater fish selection has been very poor lately, and everything always looks skinny. This may be a supplier issue, but I dont know.

I used to love this store, but it seems like in the last year or so, its gone way down hill. They aren't ordering interesting fish anymore, they aren't treating their corals for pests, and their prices have gone up.


(I still buy SPS corals there occasionally though.. just have to make sure you interceptor them)

[aquarium nut]

Red Bugs were treated a week ago and I have never said they are not bad I have said I have never lost a coral to them AND THERE ARE TWO SPECIES ONE GOOD ONE BAD unless you have a microscpe to identify them you dont know which one it is. and every coral that leaves that tank that I have sold gets baged with intercepter to kill the bugs but doesnt matter all bugs are gone whole tank was treated for red bugs and flat worms. and all other corals get treated as needed as well as the tanks they are in.
as for the clams Maximas do not do well under pcs and have never been put in a tank with pcs Croceas can survive under pc lighting if you know what you are doing and they are fed well and if the clam is large enough they also get kept under halides if I have the space to place them derasa and gigas are kept under pcs with no problems. as for fish every one looks for different things the fish section has been low fish are feed very well they eat beter then I do if a fish is skinny there is probally a reason for it that is being treated. I have many suppliers and every shipment is differnt lots of fish come in looking terrible it all depends on season and over the past year I have been trying to work on differnt ways to make the fish the best looking and healthiest before leaving the store its always a challenge Ive been doing this for 6 years I like customer feed back and always like to know what customers think and would like to see in the store but we can only carry so much and I do have a budget I my self would love to see ten times more inventory but I dont control the budget. And as stated I like to hear from my customers as far as things they like to see and things you dont like drop me a line any time for those of you who know me I like to talk.

[Zackb911]

I went there for the first time last week, definitly expensive but Steve was a great help. The only sad thing was I got 3 chromis and Steve warned me they had not been there "long enough" and that If I bought them it was on me... Well all 3 died within 1-2 days! :( I took a risk and lost, luckily whatever it was didnt seem to affect my other fish...

[Mikeaveli21]

I've been there twice in the last week. I have nothing but good things to say about them. Steve is a tremendous person. He ALWAYS lets me know the status of their livestock when I show interest in something specific. On many occasions he has warned me to come back as he has just received a shipment and wants to make sure fish/coral is healthy before he sells it (even this last time when I went to buy some newly arrived zoas). I give him nothing but respect for that. It is also true that he puts interceptor in the bag (even for a tiny frag). I was talking to him about the fish, and like mentioned he has many suppliers. Some better than others, and often they don't even get what they ordered due to some factor on the suppliers side.

Michelle is great as well and they both will order you something if you have a request. So overall, A+ IMO. Thanks guys.

Mike

[maurod]

Red Bugs were treated a week ago and I have never said they are not bad I have said I have never lost a coral to them AND THERE ARE TWO SPECIES ONE GOOD ONE BAD unless you have a microscpe to identify them you dont know which one it is.

Steve -
Please show me any reference online or otherwise that says there are two types of these red bugs.

M.

[Jocko]

Well aren't there other species of amphipods that are known to live on acropora and look very similar to the red bugs? I'm not an expert in that area, but I thought I heard that before.

Skiptons is personally my favorite LFS. Steve put interceptor in the bag when I bought a frag. He often refuses to sell me a fish because it hasn't been in the store long enough and I don't have a QT setup. He trains the mandarins that they get to eat frozen food. How could I not love a place like that? Not that I have conducted a thorough sweep of all LFS in the area, but I have never seen these types of behaviors at any other LFS. That's what keeps me going back.

[RichConley]

Skiptons is personally my favorite LFS. Steve put interceptor in the bag when I bought a frag. He often refuses to sell me a fish because it hasn't been in the store long enough and I don't have a QT setup.

He may be giving you that service, but i've spent probably $250 on SPS frags (none over $35) since I moved in July, and not a single one has been packed with interceptor.


I have been searching all morning online, and have not found a single credible reference stating that there is a redbug species that is not hazardous to acropriids.

[fanaglethebagle]

[QUOTE=RichConley;306138]He may be giving you that service, but i've spent probably $250 on SPS frags (none over $35) since I moved in July, and not a single one has been packed with interceptor.
QUOTE]

Which SPS tank did you buy from?

[ReeferMedic]

Steve -
Please show me any reference online or otherwise that says there are two types of these red bugs.

M.



I'd like to see this also. As for Croceas under pcs, definately a big no no. They require more light than Maximas do. They require more light than any of the clams we keep.

[RichConley]

He may be giving you that service, but i've spent probably $250 on SPS frags (none over $35) since I moved in July, and not a single one has been packed with interceptor.


Which SPS tank did you buy from?

The first tank on the right as you come into the salt isle. It think its labeled like "Aquaculture tank" or something like that. PVC/eggcrate racks with all sps frags, mostly acros, ranging from $25 to $100. The last time I was in there (maybe 2 weeks ago) it was literally infested. Every acro covered in them.

Now, honestly, I have no problem with the redbugs. I'd dip anyways. My problem is the fact that its not labeled as having them. Thats irresponsible.

[aquarium nut]

Hi the link to the aticle on red bugs is here on reef keeping magazine by
Dr Ron Shimek http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-10/rs/index.php
And yes I was not aware the other employees were not adding interceptor to the bags and not telling people the tank was infested with the bugs the other employes knew the bugs were there but didnt know the dosage to treat them with. This has been corrected and the tank was also treated as I said earlier a week ago and I havent seen a bug cince then. the tank had to be shut off from the system and treated and 100% water change done twice to keep the medication out of the main system and yes there were casuties all the acro crabs died and 4 corals rtned 3 hrs after treatment all were the same coral. As for writing or labeling things on tanks half the people never even bother reading the tank even when things are written or labeled they just ask. And again thanks for pointing it out it has been corrected and the other employees have been notified to look and tell people if the see them and to treat the bags if needed.

[aquarium nut]

"As for Croceas under pcs, definately a big no no. They require more light than Maximas do. They require more light than any of the clams we keep"
Hi M,
Don't want to get in a pissing contest just going by experiance with keeping them under pcs for 7 months with no problems and most of the people who they were sold to are still keeping them healtly under pcs last one sold about 2 months ago and 12 went out all kept between 1-7 months under pcs here in the store as written before metal halides are much better for keeping them but under certain cercumstances they can be maintained under pcs it was an experiment and it worked out good I didnt loose one clam to low light because other feeding parmaters were met no croceas under 3"-4" phytoplankton feeding everyday and if needed place crocea in rockwork at top of tank if needed for more light all clams here were at the bottom of a 75gal tank with 4x65pc about a foot off the tank all had great mantal extension foots were very healthy and no bleaching the colors shifted got a little darker but that was about it.
I would rather a crocea go under metal halides but when you only have so many tanks and people want stuff you sometimes have to make exceptions to the rules and see if it works if you can provide enought of an alternitive food source they are filter feeders.

[aquarium nut]

Another reason why we dont stay open after 7pm
thought it wasnt 7pm a customer came in and walked out with a 250.$ lg yellow redi sea horse ya got to love it while everyone wa busy in the store and I was here responding to people's post.

[maurod]

Steve, thank you for backing up your statement.

Hi the link to the aticle on red bugs is here on reef keeping magazine by
Dr Ron Shimek http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-10/rs/index.php
And yes I was not aware the other employees were not adding interceptor to the bags and not telling people the tank was infested with the bugs the other employes knew the bugs were there but didnt know the dosage to treat them with. This has been corrected and the tank was also treated as I said earlier a week ago and I havent seen a bug cince then. the tank had to be shut off from the system and treated and 100% water change done twice to keep the medication out of the main system and yes there were casuties all the acro crabs died and 4 corals rtned 3 hrs after treatment all were the same coral. As for writing or labeling things on tanks half the people never even bother reading the tank even when things are written or labeled they just ask. And again thanks for pointing it out it has been corrected and the other employees have been notified to look and tell people if the see them and to treat the bags if needed.

[JavaJones]

I am totaly niave about the issue of red bugs; however the link above is to an article on copepods in general. Red bugs, however refer to a specific type of copepods: Tegastes acroporanus (http://www.ericborneman.com/Tegastes-content/). I am still to see reference in this thread to 2 different types of red bugs. Borneman mentions 2 types; one a copepod, the other not. But it is not clear that one is benign.

[ReeferMedic]

I'm not looking for a pissing match either Steve, but 7 mos doesn't convince me. I don't think these animals will be healthy in the long term. I think telling customers that croceas will be healthy under pcs for the long term is unethical.

[alycat]

I wish we could stay open later, but that means we need more help. I work there every day from 7:30am or 8:00am to about 7:15pm and by that time Im tired and ready to go to bed. Unfortunately we cant open later because our deliveries start arriving at 7:30.
We all understand that people work, but we have lives also. Surprising isnt it!!!!!! The boss has young children and I have a zoo for a family that we like to see. Plus I have a second job, teaching dance classess a few nights a week, a third job working at a the Skipton boarding kennel, and I train my dogs on my other days.

But I will work on later hours if I can manage to start a little later because I do agree the traffic does suck and later hours would help!!!!

Thanks everyone

[alycat]

I used to love this store, but it seems like in the last year or so, its gone way down hill. They aren't ordering interesting fish anymore, they aren't treating their corals for pests, and their prices have gone up.


I will say that in defense of my store: the reason for the more common fish, is because they sell!!!!! The more interesting fish NO ONE wants to spend the money on them and when we do get more interesting stuff in, everyone wants a discount. How can we make money if all you guys want are discounts!! Our prices have only gone up because the prices from our distributors have gone up also.

So I am sorry that you are unhappy with the selection and the prices, but hey stop complaining and realize we have a business to run and we need to survive as well.

My employees are very good and knowledgable. They are willing to help and educate everyone. Their opinions may vary from your, but remember they are only opinions.

[dz6t]

I have been to Skipton several times. Before -B- and after -B-.
I can tell a difference in the saltewater area. But don't get me wrong, Steve is great. One thing I am very sure is that I can trust Steve.

Yes, there are less exotic coral and fish but more common coral and fish. Most of them are healthy in the standard of a LFS. You can't find reef tank as clean or pest free like those tanks by fellow reefers. Please remember it is a LFS, not NEAQ. It is OK to see dead fish, some pest anemone, algaes and other pest. Also, please remember Skipton has reasonable price, you get what you pay for in terms of your shopping experience.

If you are looking for -B- experience, go somewhere else and pay higher price for it.

One thing I like about skipton is that all the price of coral are clearly marked. If they said 20% off, it is really 20% off. Not like somewhere else with no price tag on coral at all.

After all, BRS is not the major income of most LFS (actually we are PITA for them) so please give them a break.

[dz6t]

Just to clarify: -B- experience is good experience. Please don't take it the other way.

[fanaglethebagle]

Another reason why we dont stay open after 7pm
thought it wasnt 7pm a customer came in and walked out with a 250.$ lg yellow redi sea horse ya got to love it while everyone wa busy in the store and I was here responding to people's post.

Wow wtf? He just walked in bagged it and walked out or something? Or did someone else sell it?

Im confused, did he steal it or was it sold :eek:

[genkireefer]

it was indeed stolen. we assume someone with an opaque water container or bag-of-water-in-purse took it. what really irks me is that the person who stole the reidi probably has no clue about the care requirements and it's going to die.

GET THIS GUYS ~ the other reidi was also taken two days later. my guess is the same guy either killed the first one or did some research and realized we had a mated pair.

i prefer to think that they are alive and together. you guys should have seen how depressed the male was when he was alone in the tank. poor guy wouldn't eat, swim, wouldn't come out from the corner.

like steve said... that's one of the reasons why we can't stay open later. increases our chances of horrible things happening. hey if this was an ideal world we'd all have cheap, easy, gorgeous aquariums and high morale. but things are the way they are.

[sw300galma]

it was indeed stolen. we assume someone with an opaque water container or bag-of-water-in-purse took it. what really irks me is that the person who stole the reidi probably has no clue about the care requirements and it's going to die.

GET THIS GUYS ~ the other reidi was also taken two days later. my guess is the same guy either killed the first one or did some research and realized we had a mated pair.

i prefer to think that they are alive and together. you guys should have seen how depressed the male was when he was alone in the tank. poor guy wouldn't eat, swim, wouldn't come out from the corner.

like steve said... that's one of the reasons why we can't stay open later. increases our chances of horrible things happening. hey if this was an ideal world we'd all have cheap, easy, gorgeous aquariums and high morale. but things are the way they are.

I don't quit get this..

So you are saying if you had stuff stolen at 4pm, you'd close at 3pm?

I'm confused :confused:

[lori]

went there today, most tanks being treated with copper, not much livestock

[fanaglethebagle]

went there today, most tanks being treated with copper, not much livestock

ARe you sure it was copper?
I dont think they would do that...

[Jocko]

The upper tanks on one side are usually copper treated because thats where new fish are QT'd and observed. You cannot usually buy fish from there unless they know you are going to QT them yourself and take responsibility for possibly buying an unhealthy fish. One of the many reasons I love this store!

[ahmer1781]

I second that....many times I try to buy the fish in the QT tanks...and he always asks me if I'm going to QT and tells me that they could be unhealthy...then I move on to bigger and better things...the rest of the tanks....thanks Steve

[alycat]

I will repeat the reason why we dont stay open late>>>>>
This means we need more help. I work there every day from 7:30am or 8:00am to about 7:15pm and by that time Im tired and ready to go to bed. Unfortunately we cant open later because our deliveries start arriving at 7:30.
We all understand that people work, but we have lives also. Surprising isnt it!!!!!! The boss has young children and I have a zoo for a family that we like to see. Plus I have a second job, teaching dance classess a few nights a week, a third job working at a the Skipton boarding kennel, and I train my dogs on my other days.

But I will work on later hours if I can manage to start a little later because I do agree the traffic does suck and later hours would help!!!!


However the reason has NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING to do with the theft after 7:00 because it could happen at any time of day. I will say that a lot of odd characters do come out at night, its not the reason we close early. Plus if it was all because of the weirdos, we wouldnt be doing dog training in the evening either.

Sorry for the misunderstanding!!!

Thanks.

[ahmer1781]

I LOVE skiptons and am a loyal customer...but i must say, you cannot use the excuse that you (manager and coworkers) have lives because that is true of all businesses. We (the people) are not asking YOU (Aly) to stay late but we are asking the store to stay open later whether it be with YOU working overtime or someone else. So please understand that it is not directed towards you (Aly) but yes it makes perfect sense that if a store stays open late then there should be at least 2 shifts and 2 different people running the shifts. You (Aly) should not have to work a billion hours by staying late, the management should hire someone.

[JavaJones]

Might be nice if Skiptons could stay open later 1 or 2 days of the week?

[alycat]

Yes I see everyones point, but there is no money in staying open late.

Nor do we have the employees and unfortunately it would be me that stays late.

I appreciate the comments but I dont us staying open late unless business quadruples.

LOL>

aly

[TomD]

With longer hours or not, Skiptons is still the place I now trust more than anywhere else and absolutely my favorite.

Being a newbie to reefing is hard enough. When you have somebody like Steve who explains everything in detail it helps alot. I have bought about 5 corals, and some of my cleaning crew from there in the past 2 weeks, and will probably be an every weekend customer. I think they are the most honest place around as well. I have not had any experience with other employees but Steve will answer your questions honestly and give you tons of info. and tips.

And, I think the prices are good compared to most places around.

[genkireefer]

I don't quit get this..

So you are saying if you had stuff stolen at 4pm, you'd close at 3pm?

I'm confused :confused:

to try and help you with your confusion:;)
what i was trying to say was... according to retailer statistics, theft happens more frequently in the later hours of the day. and from the viewpoint of someone who watches the entire day go by and is there to experience the theft problems, the statistics prove themselves true at skiptons.
no one said anything about closing to prevent ALL theft... just to prevent as much as we can while still operating as a business.

when i first started working there, i asked "boss-man steven" why the short hours. the reply he gave me was a combination of not-enough-money-coming-in-to-hire-more-people and this-area-gets-interesting-after-dark. and he asked me if i knew about the methadone clinic and the prison around the corner. that answer is pretty easily understood.

as alyson was saying, if skiptons would DRASTICALLY increase profits by staying open an hour or two more than why the hell not? but the answer is... it wouldn't and so we probaby won't. (especially in this current stage of the economy where barely anyone has any disposable income) i'm not saying it's not possible in the future that sales do pick up and boss-man steven might hire a trust-worthy late shift... i'm saying the entire skiptons team has already talked this topic out several times over and we would like it put to rest.

to everybody: thanks for all the great feedback. we like to hear about what we might improve upon... and the compliments are great too! :D

cheers, michelle