2-hour DOA claim window (clear + enforced)
Report within 2 hours of delivery/pickup
Often unclear windows or inconsistent handling
Local pickup (when available)
Local pickup available by appointment when offered
Online-only with no pickup option
5-day retail health guarantee
5-day limited health guarantee for retail livestock (terms apply)
No runaround on resolutions
Live sales final; approved issues handled via store credit (policy is spelled out)
“We’ll see what we can do” with vague outcomes
Safe shipping days
Ships Monday–Wednesday for livestock safety
Many sellers still ship late-week (higher delay risk)
Built-in care guidance on product pages
Listings include practical info like PAR range, flow, aggression, and parameter ranges (plus dip guidance on many pages)
Minimal specs = more guesswork and preventable losses
Free UPS Overnight threshold
Free UPS Overnight on coral orders $299+ (after discounts, before tax)
Higher thresholds or no free overnight option
Airline cargo option for big orders
Airline cargo available for $1499+ orders
Not offered (or no clear process)
True WYSIWYG transparency
Buy the exact coral shown; photographed under real reef lighting; inspected before listing
Stock photos / “representative” images / heavy filters
One brand, one facility (no hidden storefronts)
“One brand, one business, one facility” + dedicated aquaculture/holding facility; livestock acclimated/quarantined
Multiple sites/brands can muddy accountability