FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
NJAS demands dedication, continuous personal and professional development and performance excellence from every team member. Members of staff regularly attend industry conferences and tradeshows as well as progress through levels of NJAS in-house training to gain increased responsibilities. Owing to the public aquarium background of the company owner, NJAS enjoys the added benefit of having direct contact with a great number of the top aquarium scientists at public institutions throughout the world. If there's ever an issue we don't have an answer to, we have the resources to find out, and if there are interesting projects being worked on, we usually get a sneak preview!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
With a variety of business models and differing experience levels amongst aquarium service providers, it may feel as if your search is comparing apples and oranges, or in this case, catfish and tuna. NJAS has comprised the list below to help address the most important factors to consider: #1 Ensure the company or individual you choose has INSURANCE. What types? A liability policy with adequate premiums to cover any potential damage to your home or business and a vehicle policy to cover any potential damage caused by vehicles arriving and departing your premises. You may wish to also ask about professional insurance for any design builds or workers compensation for companies that are not single operators. #2 Determine EXPERIENCE LEVEL. There are vastly differing levels of training and experience levels found amongst individuals and companies offering aquarium service. You may not need a public aquarium trained biologist for your freshwater mbuna display, but you may also not want the high school hobbyist dealing with your $50K+ coral reef ecosystem. Aquarium husbandry is an ever evolving field and long learning process. The more situations any service provider has been exposed to, the more experience he or she can draw on to ensure your display stays healthy long term. #3 Find out when the company was ESTABLISHED. Why is this important? Aquarium service providers that have been in business longer than 5 years have overcome most of the stumbling blocks younger providers have not yet mastered, which ultimately results in better service for you. Avoid being the canary in the coalmine. In NJ, you can verfiy business information at https://www.njportal.com/DOR/businessrecords/. #4 Search online for REVIEWS of the provider you are considering. Still not convinced? Ask to speak to other clients. A good service provider should have a number of clients willing to speak to you on their behalf. If you are considering a particularly large, complex or costly project, ask to physically visit one or more similar projects the provider has implemented in the past. #5 Level of PROFESSIONALISM usually mirrors level of RESPONSIBILITY. When you initially contacted the company, was the response prompt and courteous? Is the phone answered during normal business hours or does it go to voicemail? Did your provider arrive in a well-marked company vehicle? Wear a uniform? Attention to detail in the early phases tends to carry over to attention to detail when it comes to working in your home or business. #6 Ensure there is good COMMUNICATION from your provider. How will you be billed? How will service visits be scheduled? How often? What kind of guarantees are offered? Who will choose the livestock for the display? Will you always have the same technician? Do emergency rates differ from standard rates? A written service agreement should explain all policies and responsibilities. #7 Trust your instincts. Your aquarium service provider should become a trusted resource for knowledge. If you find yourself doubting your potential provider from the start, it may be best to continue your search.