Understanding Coral Pricing

[prattreef]

Wait a minute, if you buy a coral from ORA or F &S captive grown frags, there is no question that they are not "hacked and packed". The same is true for buying frags directly from most hobbyists who frag from their displays. It is not hard at all to tell the difference in this circumstance.

 

[prattreef]

This is the part I am talking about... Enjoy it, don't think about this as an "investment", as most people "invest" to make a "profit"..

Exactly my point as well.

 

[beerfish]

Look at it this way, from an investment point of view, there are few things more worthy of spending your money on. Cuz unlike almost anything else you can spend your money on, not only do corals not depreciate in value, but it continues to rise as it propagates n grows.

Actually, they do depreciate... a lot! Ask a few of the old timers here what they paid 5 years ago for a head of Duncan, some red Acans (yes... plain old red), or a couple of polyps of Tubbs Blue Zoas. Then go on the for sale forum and see what they're going for now.

In addition, all it takes is a tripped circuit breaker while you're away for a day to wipe out your "investment".

Enjoy the hobby, buy what you like, but remember that it is a hobby and don't ever expect to make money on it. Ask a boat owner what the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are... reefing is pretty similar.

 

[cali_reef]

Enjoy the hobby, buy what you like, but remember that it is a hobby and don't ever expect to make money on it. Ask a boat owner what the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are... reefing is pretty similar.

Been a east coast and west coast boat owner for a number of years, I think reefing have more "best days" and it's enjoyed more often. Not many "forced" additional "investment" in this hobby. :lol2:

 

[jhale]

Actually, they do depreciate... a lot! Ask a few of the old timers here what they paid 5 years ago for a head of Duncan, some red Acans (yes... plain old red), or a couple of polyps of Tubbs Blue Zoas. Then go on the for sale forum and see what they're going for now.

In addition, all it takes is a tripped circuit breaker while you're away for a day to wipe out your "investment".

Enjoy the hobby, buy what you like, but remember that it is a hobby and don't ever expect to make money on it. Ask a boat owner what the best 2 days in a boat owner's life are... reefing is pretty similar.

all true, don't expect to pay for your retirement selling the coral you buy today

 

[ReefFan]

lol guys I think youre looking at my posts way deeper than i meant them. Im not trying to make a profit or pay for my retirement. Just trying to feel better about spending money on the reef building hobby. At least MOST of the time, the things you buy dont lose their value like a car or anything else you buy, especially if it grows.

-tis all Happy Reefing all!

-Jay

 

[beerfish]

Just trying to feel better about spending money on the reef building hobby.

I've always felt that a hobby is something I spend money on because I enjoy it, and don't really need further justification. :fish:

If you want to feel better about the cost of your reef, go get your pilot license. The reef won't seem so expensive. :scratchch

 

[tomtoothdoc]

lol guys I think youre looking at my posts way deeper than i meant them. Im not trying to make a profit or pay for my retirement. Just trying to feel better about spending money on the reef building hobby. At least MOST of the time, the things you buy dont lose their value like a car or anything else you buy, especially if it grows.

-tis all Happy Reefing all!

-Jay

many will skim through the post and form their own opinions so don't think too much into it. people interprets things differently. when you're reading something typed, it's often not the same as speaking with the poster in person.
that said, there will be times where you "must" have that coral/fish/equipment, etc., you will splurge and then you'll have to try to justify it later. i call it " me want that pretty coral syndrome"....lol. we all have done that....anyone in the reefing hobby denies that then you know they're lying through their teeth. as an example, i've paid $90 for one single polyp of a giant paly and i still think i's worth every penny.
spend what you can afford is my motto. try to pay for your purchases with cash (except for online purchase) or at least set aside the cash when you charged. and don't bid on ebay....it's addicting and many times you ended up paying way more than what you would normally pay if you were not time pressed.
and if you have to justify the spending to your significant others,..... there's always the classic like " baby would you rather have me spent it on the lap dances?".....lol.
don't even tell others how much you paid for something, they'll only make you regret it. everyone seems to have "you got ripped a new one" story to tell you. just enjoy the fruit of your labor. it's worth as much as what you've ALREADY paid.