Skipton's in Boston

[Andy V]

I have been going to Skipton's for a few years now, and I must say it's better than ever. Since B took over, the prices in the store pretty much match the best prices you will find online for most items. I think it's a crime if people do business with online vendors when a local store has the same prices, and actually helps you learn the hobby and gives good customer service. Yeah, you will pay the sales tax, but usually that's a wash with shipping and even if it isn't, the little extra you pay is worth having a local store to buy supplies from in my opinion.

But I really wanted to post here and thank B for what he did for me this weekend. Without getting into too many details, I will just say that my moving of two tanks did not go smoothly at all this weekend. I have moved tanks many times with no problems, but things you can't plan for tend to happen.

I called B at 4pm on Sunday and asked if I he could tend to ALL of my livestock, because problems with the move would have caused all of my livestock to die, since I had no tank to put them in. Long story. Anyway, without hesitation he said of course, and five minutes before the store closed, he took my stuff without complaining about having to stay late. What online vendor will ever be able to do that?

I just wanted to say thanks to B and the staff at Skiptons for helping me and my livestock get out of a huge jam. I really don't see any reason to buy from an online vendor for most stuff anymore, since Skiptons has the same prices, good customer service, and can order most stuff they don't stock. And trust me, I am not the sentimental buy local type. I need a really compelling reason to pay a premium at retail. Plus once you become one of their better customers, you occasionally get better deals than you will even find online. Visit them.

 

[JohnK]

Title edited for neutrality as per forum specific rules.

John k BRS moderator

 

[mannix]

I also go to skiptons and I have found them to be helpful everytime I go there. They also have the best selection of corals in the area that I have found. All the staff is very knolagable and helpful.

 

[new2saltyfish]

i stopped by today briefly...i think from now on it's the only place i'll go although i don't visit local shops too much. They have some great stuff and they're like 10 minutes away

 

[Mini4x]

Was there today, the new "fish store" is cool, way more stuff, lots more tanks, dry goods, and parts, with more coming. Just got some CUC but always a good trip. Although with the number of pets I have not having everything in one store is a minus, but the two stores are only 3 blocks apart.

 

[uhupong]

Plus one for B being the man.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

 

[Bobbofin]

B is the man! He has always given me top notch service, answered all my questions and willing to help in anyway he can.

 

[tonka]

Whenever I ask B in person or online he always answers not only the what but the why. He has steered me towards some great resources I can use to educate myself in this hobby and the customer service from the other employees there is top notch as well. It is not easy for me to find the time to drive to Skiptons but its worth it!!

 

[emayer32]

Went into skiptons again today this was only my second visit to skiptons but I don't think I'll shop any where else. Purchased chaeto and a few other things the price on chaeto was GREAT. Customer service is bar non.

 

[northeastern]

I cant say enough good things about skiptons. Always helpful and they care about your tank. Got a geometric pygmy hawk from them 3weeks ago and hes going great! Aside from him being horrified of me...

They seem to be taking the be a good store and maybe tell you something not a good idea in order to keep you coming back. cant wait to add one of thier clowns this weekend!

 

[new2saltyfish]

Best shop i've been to hands down...i vowed not to bother with LFS about a year and a half ago after losing live stock constantly a week or so after getting them. Recently, i've started going to Skiptons and am more then impressed. I shy'd away at first because it was in Boston but mid day the traffic really isn't bad at all and everything is very reasonable. B has been there to stare me away from a few things i wanted to get and helped me out with a few problems that i had which i know 90% of the other fish stores wouldn't. I was done until i started visiting skiptons and will be going there from now on.

 

[Cactuspancake]

Skipton's is the best, they always help me no matter what! I will trust them to feed my fish when I'm away.

 

[jefstathiou]

I have been there several times and my experience has be so different then these great reviews! In fact, very recently i was interested in a new custom cabinet and and one of the employees steered me away from their own shop! Additionally, some of their supplies are grossly overpriced. don't get me wrong, I fully expect to pay more at an LFS, and I have no problem doing so, but in my opinion, some of their pricing, i'm sorry to say, is way out of line. Finally, the last time I was there I asked the owner a simple question and his answer was rude and condescending.
reference to other LFS removed, not allowed in the VE forum.

 

[FOXYB]

They almost always beat online prices without the shipping!!!, and even if it's a couple extra bucks I'd rather support a lfs then online anyday.
Skiptons has gone way beyond what any lfs should have to do for its customer, for me, which is why this guy is a customer for life!

post edited to remove opinions and discussion. First hand experiences only please.

 

[vp6799]

I've been to skiptons probably only 10 times in the last year and B has always remembered who I am and has always provided great service. Either him or the staff has promptly answered any questions that i've had. Even if it was by phone call or email.

I've been to other LFS in the area and have also driven an hour or more to a few others and have yet to get the same type of service that B and his staff provides at Unique Aquaria & Reptile (SKIPTONS).

 

[DemiseAngel]

For me Skiptons is a mixed bag. The prices online from other vendors are much better and the online selections are obviously that much better. What I like about buying fish and coral online is the usual 14 day DOA guarantees. Because of these things I never buy anything at skiptons for livestock or most dry goods. However, they are my number #1 source for frozen food, as they have a great selection and shipping for frozen food kills most deals online. There are sponsors on here that offer a great selection online for both coral and fish with guarantees. I once bought a fish from Skiptons that died the next day, I brought in a water sample and the dead fish. They tested the the water and it came out with good parameters. This was a $40 fish so it is not a huge deal but they refused any sort of compensation, which is fine since it is their policy, that part I understand. However, I would not get that argument from any online vendor. I almost never lose a fish either so I am not a combatitive buyer. I am glad other people do indeed like the place and have good experiences. I guess I do not feel the whole support our LFS loyalty. Just for comparison I bought a 6" inch rainbow wellso brain from a sponsor here for $99, Skiptons had a smaller one for close to $300. I spend my money where I get the most bang for my buck. Not to say the staff running the place are bad or the service is bad. Just some food for thought.