For me, I use low stocking rates, Lots of easy corals, On reefs I come by once a week. I explain upfront there is no garunttee on anything. They must pay upfront for any livestock, if it does not make it through quar. they get 50% off. I do not allow them to feed the fish at all. I use emhiem auto feeders with new life spectrum. I bring algae, and brine shrimp or frozen food once a week. I have found if I do what the customer wants we are both unhappy. If I just tell them what I am going to do and then do it. No problems. I charge alot. That seems to keep people from wasting my time. I charge wether we are talking about thier tank or I am working on it. That seems to keep them from wasting my time. The only thing they are allowed to do is top off with rodi water, I leave a 5 gal jug, and bring a new one every week, use the old as part of a water change if I am doing one that week. Most of my clients are hospitols, law offices, and business. I do bring them doughnuts once a month, seems to make everybody happy. I also have a policy of I will not service your tank untill you pay for the last time. Its cheaper to pay me than to have all your corals die. People want reef tanks, people know they will kill their fish. I trade my time for their money. In my mind it is a fair trade. I found this out years ago. People will pay what ever price you set for yourself. To the person that said they don't want to charge for doing it. Charge more and you will get more business. People seem to want to pay alot for things. It seems to me if I see something cheap, I think I will get what I pay for. Like Toyota's motto. Other cars are cheaper, and they cost less too. I'll shut up now. I have a tendency to ramble. Oh yeah the all have a skimmer, u.v. High quality live rock. the best foods. the best lights. I wont do one on the cheap. No point it would be my fault when it failed. STEVE
