Over 10,000 hits on this and similar threads over the past several weeks at dozens of sites. People say they are even sending letters--lol. And, getting a standard reply. So, here is the letter of the week we are hoping people e.mail or send via snail mail.
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Mr. Kenneth T. Hall
Sr. Vice President, Merchandising
PetSmart, Inc.
19601 North 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
RE: Accuracy In Information
Dear Mr. Hall,
I am aware of the PetSmart reply to recent correspondence discussing Responsible Husbandry and Humane Treatment as they relate to fish. I also understand the reply has been sent to more than one of the individuals sending letters. The reply is interesting,
“…your concerns have been brought to the attention of our Management Team. They periodically review our signage and care guide information and will make changes as appropriate on the next review.”
I have a several questions concerning the reply:
• Are these the same Managers that reviewed and approved existing signage?
• Will your company utilize new information that more accurately reflects the true nature and
characteristics of the fish you sell?
• When is the planned review?
• Would you welcome an outside review of your existing information prepared by individuals
concerned with the accuracy of what is currently provided?
• Is there a date to expect revised signage that may be shared with members of dozens of on-line
fishkeeping communities?
Mr. Hall, experienced fishkeepers would willingly work with PetSmart, in a cooperative spirit, to assist your company with the development of the appropriate information required for the responsible care and husbandry of Tropical Fish.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
cc. Robert F. Moran
Barbara Fitzgerald
Mary Miller
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Fish are not flushable. They are not consumables or disposables. Consumers deserve accurate information. Fish deserve Responsible Husbandry. Without the first the second simply won't happen.
Here is the e.mail address. corpcommunications@ssg.petsmart.com Postal address is above.
Join in and help the hobby.
i need help--Really lots of it!
Moderator: LoachForumModerators
There are times I almost think of these threads as blogs. I just try to keep people tuned in to what is going on and why they should consider sending letters. Hopefully you read what is below and then go to the post above and send an e.mail or snail mail.
MichaelB found something on the Point-Of-Purchase signage that fascinates me. And, it reinforces, at least in my mind, the value of the approach www.noclownsinacube.net is taking. The item was an 800 number. The number does not lead back to PetSmart. Rather, it leads to a supplier of tags.
Buying from a third party does not relieve a retailer of responsibility for the information contained. The odds of hobbyists having any influence with someone we do not buy from are nil. The third party does not need to keep the ultimate consumer of the product advertised happy. All they need to do is keep their customers satisfied. Their customers being the retailers. By voicing our concerns to a specific retailer we can create an awareness of a problem that may not have previously existed.
PetSmart says it is the leader in the retail pet trade. They are a company that has very publicly committed themselves to Responsible Husbandry and Animal Welfare. As a leader with an ethical pet treatment agenda they can cause a change in signage to occur. An additional benefit of having that change occur as a result of PetSmart's commitment to animals is that the manufacturer of signage will be able to sell the "new and improved" signage to retailers throughout the retail trade. With a dedicated effort we can encourage one change that ripples from the mass merchandiser down to the local fish store level.
A single focus. A single change. An industry wide correction.
Send those letters. Keep it polite. Keep it dignified. Treat PetSmart with the same respect we provide our fish.
MichaelB found something on the Point-Of-Purchase signage that fascinates me. And, it reinforces, at least in my mind, the value of the approach www.noclownsinacube.net is taking. The item was an 800 number. The number does not lead back to PetSmart. Rather, it leads to a supplier of tags.
Buying from a third party does not relieve a retailer of responsibility for the information contained. The odds of hobbyists having any influence with someone we do not buy from are nil. The third party does not need to keep the ultimate consumer of the product advertised happy. All they need to do is keep their customers satisfied. Their customers being the retailers. By voicing our concerns to a specific retailer we can create an awareness of a problem that may not have previously existed.
PetSmart says it is the leader in the retail pet trade. They are a company that has very publicly committed themselves to Responsible Husbandry and Animal Welfare. As a leader with an ethical pet treatment agenda they can cause a change in signage to occur. An additional benefit of having that change occur as a result of PetSmart's commitment to animals is that the manufacturer of signage will be able to sell the "new and improved" signage to retailers throughout the retail trade. With a dedicated effort we can encourage one change that ripples from the mass merchandiser down to the local fish store level.
A single focus. A single change. An industry wide correction.
Send those letters. Keep it polite. Keep it dignified. Treat PetSmart with the same respect we provide our fish.
Further to the 800 number, there was also a company name! A little web search revealed a website along with an email address. I sent an email asking about the written content of the POP signs, such as, Diet, Max size, tank size etc. and whether these "sets" could be ordered by independant fish stores throughout North America. I specifically asked who authored the written content. Did they supply this info, or is it specific to the client. In other words, does the client supply the written content regarding the species info and the graphics company simply print them up? Hopefully a response is forthcoming and that "niggling" question in the far reaches of my mind will be answered...lol!
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