Based on looking at the website, Elitekoi.co.uk appears to be a legitimate online retailer specialising in Koi fish and pond-related products. The site provides a direct avenue for purchasing various Koi varieties, pond construction materials, and care items. However, a crucial aspect of their business model involves live Koi auctions, which, from an ethical standpoint, introduces elements of uncertainty and potential for speculative transactions.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Design & Usability: Clean, easy to navigate, with clear product categories.
- Product Range: Extensive selection of Koi fish, food, care products, and pond construction items.
- Transparency: Provides contact information (phone, email), physical address, and company registration details. Terms of Service and Privacy Notice are accessible.
- Trust Signals: Mentions being a “family run” business, approved dealer logos, and regular blog updates.
- Ethical Concerns: The prominent feature of “live Koi auctions” raises concerns regarding potential gharar (excessive uncertainty) and speculative buying, which are generally discouraged in ethical transactions. While the direct sale of Koi and related products seems straightforward, the auction format requires careful consideration for those seeking ethically sound dealings.
The site presents itself as an experienced, family-run Koi dealer based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, aiming to be a leading UK retailer. They showcase various Koi types with clear pricing and unit details. Beyond fish, they offer a comprehensive range of products for Koi food, care, pond construction, and general pond maintenance. The “Elite Club” incentivises sign-ups with promises of event notifications, expert help, and discounts. A key focus is their “Koi Events & Auctions,” particularly the “live Koi auction every Saturday.” This auction model, while common in certain markets, fundamentally involves elements that can be problematic in ethical frameworks that prioritise transparency, clear pricing, and absence of excessive risk. It moves beyond a simple buy-and-sell transaction into a more complex, potentially speculative arrangement where final prices are not fixed beforehand.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Aquatic Hobbies (Focusing on non-live animal aspects or direct, non-auction sales):
- Aqua One:
- Key Features: Comprehensive range of aquariums, filters, heaters, lighting, and general aquatic equipment. Known for quality and durability.
- Average Price: Varies widely by product, from £20 for small accessories to £500+ for large aquariums.
- Pros: Established brand, wide availability, good customer support, robust product lines.
- Cons: Can be pricier than some generic alternatives, focus is broader than just Koi.
- Oase:
- Key Features: High-end pond equipment including filters, pumps, UVC clarifiers, and water treatments. Specialises in clear pond solutions.
- Average Price: £50-£1000+ depending on the complexity of the equipment.
- Pros: Excellent German engineering, highly effective filtration systems, reliable.
- Cons: Significant investment, might be overkill for very small ponds.
- Evolution Aqua:
- Key Features: Innovative filtration systems, pond pumps, air pumps, and professional water treatments. Popular for their K+Media.
- Average Price: £30-£800.
- Pros: Cutting-edge technology, user-friendly designs, strong reputation in the pond community.
- Cons: Some products require specific setup knowledge, premium pricing for advanced systems.
- Blagdon:
- Key Features: Wide array of pond care products, pumps, filters, and water features. Focuses on healthy pond environments.
- Average Price: £15-£300.
- Pros: Affordable, good range for basic to intermediate pond needs, widely available.
- Cons: Some products might not be as high-performance as premium brands for large, complex setups.
- PondXpert:
- Key Features: Offers pumps, filters, liners, and comprehensive pond kits for various sizes. Good for DIY enthusiasts.
- Average Price: £20-£400.
- Pros: Value for money, accessible for beginners, good range of complete kits.
- Cons: Might not have the same level of specialisation as brands solely focused on high-end filtration.
- Tetra Pond:
- Key Features: Primarily known for high-quality fish food and water treatments for ponds, focusing on fish health and water clarity.
- Average Price: £10-£60 for food and treatments.
- Pros: Trusted brand, effective formulas, widely recommended for fish health.
- Cons: Less focus on hardware like pumps or filters, primarily consumables.
- Hozelock:
- Key Features: Garden equipment manufacturer with a strong line of pond products including filters, pumps, and UVCs, often integrated with their watering systems.
- Average Price: £25-£350.
- Pros: Durable products, easy to use, well-established brand in gardening.
- Cons: Pond range is not as extensive as dedicated pond brands, some products may be more geared towards smaller decorative ponds.
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Elitekoi.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on a thorough review of Elitekoi.co.uk’s homepage, it’s clear the site aims to be a comprehensive resource for Koi enthusiasts in the UK. The initial impression is one of a professional and organised online store, but diving deeper reveals nuances crucial for a comprehensive understanding. The site prominently features its “live Koi auction” aspect, which is a significant point of consideration when assessing ethical practices.
Website Layout and Navigation
The website’s layout is clean and user-friendly, employing a standard e-commerce design that makes navigation intuitive. Key sections like “Shop by Koi Fish,” “Koi Food,” “Koi Care,” “Pond Construction,” and “Pond Care” are clearly visible, allowing visitors to quickly find what they’re looking for. The persistent banner advertising the “live Koi auction every Saturday from 2:30 pm” is a dominant feature, suggesting this is a core component of their business model. This immediate emphasis on auctions, while potentially exciting for some, flags a different kind of transaction than a simple fixed-price sale.
Initial Product Display and Pricing
The homepage immediately displays a selection of Koi fish for sale, complete with names like ‘Maruten Doitsu Goromo’ and ‘Ginrin Purachina,’ along with their individual prices, ranging from £125.00 to £275.00. This fixed-price offering provides a clear, transparent purchasing option for customers, which aligns well with ethical transactional principles where price is agreed upon upfront. However, the presence of auction promotions alongside these fixed-price items creates a mixed sales environment.
Transparency and Contact Information
Elitekoi.co.uk makes it relatively easy to find contact information. A phone number (07561804263) and a “Contact us” link are visible at the top. The footer includes “Terms of Service,” “Privacy Notice,” and company registration details (“Registered in the UK – Registration Number 10317781”), which are strong indicators of legitimacy and compliance with UK regulations. This level of transparency is essential for building trust with online customers.
Elitekoi.co.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating Elitekoi.co.uk, it’s important to weigh both the strengths of their online presence and the areas that might raise concerns, particularly regarding their prominent auction model. While the direct sale of products is straightforward, the auction element needs careful scrutiny. Keytek.co.uk Review
Strengths of the Website
The website exhibits several positive attributes that contribute to a user-friendly and informative experience.
- Clear Product Categorisation: The ability to “Shop by Koi Fish,” “Koi Food,” “Koi Care,” “Pond Construction,” and “Pond Care” makes it simple for customers to navigate the wide array of products. This organised approach enhances the shopping experience.
- Detailed Product Information: For the Koi listed on the homepage, there are specific names and prices, indicating a level of detail that allows customers to make informed decisions about individual fish. The inclusion of unique Koi varieties suggests a curated selection.
- Physical Presence & Contact: The mention of being “based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire” and inviting visits, alongside providing a phone number and contact form, adds a layer of reassurance. Knowing there’s a physical location and direct contact avenues can significantly boost consumer confidence.
- Educational Content: The “Latest News & Blogs” section, featuring articles like “Join Our Weekly Japanese Koi Auction Livestream,” indicates an effort to engage and inform the community, potentially offering valuable insights into Koi keeping.
- Established Supplier Partnerships: The display of “Approved Dealer for: Oase, Evolution Aqua, Takazumi, Aqua Source Products Ltd, Mountain Tree” logos lends credibility, showing they stock products from reputable brands within the aquatic industry.
Ethical Considerations and Potential Cons
While many aspects are positive, the emphasis on live auctions presents a significant point of concern.
- Auction Model Concerns: The repeated promotion of “Join elite koi’s live koi auction every Saturday from 2:30pm” highlights a business model that relies on auctions. Auctions, by their nature, involve dynamic pricing and an element of competition, which can lead to purchasers paying more than an item’s inherent value due to competitive bidding. This mechanism can introduce gharar (excessive uncertainty) into transactions, where the final price is not fixed at the outset, and the outcome depends on competitive bidding rather than a clear exchange of value. For those seeking strictly ethical transactions, the uncertainty and potential for speculative bidding inherent in auctions are often viewed unfavourably.
- Lack of Detailed Auction Terms on Homepage: While auctions are promoted, the immediate details regarding how these auctions operate, specific terms for bidding, or mechanisms for ensuring fair value are not readily apparent on the homepage. This lack of immediate clarity around the auction process could be a drawback for potential bidders seeking full transparency from the outset.
- Focus on Live Animals: While the sale of live Koi is the core business, the emphasis on aesthetics and collection value in the descriptions of individual fish (e.g., specific varieties like ‘Maruten Sanke’) without explicit details on animal welfare practices or detailed return policies for live animals on the homepage might be a point of concern for some. Reputable live animal retailers often highlight their welfare standards upfront.
- Limited Information on Delivery for Live Animals: The homepage doesn’t immediately provide information on how live animals are shipped, the conditions for transport, or guarantees for safe arrival. For perishable goods like live fish, this is critical information that customers typically look for early in their purchasing journey.
Elitekoi.co.uk Pricing
Understanding the pricing structure on Elitekoi.co.uk involves looking at both their fixed-price offerings and the implications of their auction model. While direct purchases provide clear costs, the auction element introduces variability.
Fixed-Price Products
For items available for direct purchase, Elitekoi.co.uk provides straightforward pricing. On the homepage, various Koi fish are listed with explicit regular and sale prices. For instance:
- Maruten Doitsu Goromo: £125.00
- Doitsu Karashigoi: £125.00
- Hariwake: £145.00
- Ginrin Purachina: £275.00
This transparency for fixed-price items is a positive aspect, allowing customers to know the exact cost before committing to a purchase. The unit price is clearly stated as “/per,” indicating the price is for one fish. This approach is consistent with standard e-commerce practices and offers a clear value exchange. Ascent.co.uk Review
Auction Pricing Dynamics
The core of the pricing discussion for Elitekoi.co.uk revolves around their “live Koi auction” system. Unlike fixed-price sales, auctions operate on a dynamic pricing model where the final price is determined by competitive bidding among participants.
- Uncertainty in Final Price: The most significant characteristic of auction pricing is the absence of a pre-determined final price. Bidders compete, and the item goes to the highest bidder. This creates an element of uncertainty for the buyer regarding the ultimate cost, as the price can escalate beyond an initial estimation.
- Impact of Competition: In a live auction setting, the final price can be heavily influenced by the number of bidders and their willingness to pay. A desirable Koi could potentially fetch a much higher price than its perceived market value due to intense competition or emotional bidding, leading to overpayment.
- Speculative Element: This dynamic pricing, driven by competition rather than a fixed valuation, introduces a speculative element. Buyers are not just paying for the fish but are also engaging in a contest where the outcome (final price) is unknown at the outset. This “unknown” factor in the transaction can be a point of concern.
- No Price Ceiling Guarantee: Unlike a “Buy It Now” option with a clear maximum price, auctions inherently lack a guaranteed price ceiling unless specific reserve prices or buy-out options are clearly stated and understood, which aren’t immediately detailed on the homepage.
While the auction model can offer opportunities for some to acquire unique items, it requires bidders to be acutely aware of the unpredictable nature of the final price and to set strict personal bidding limits to avoid overspending. For those seeking predictability and clear value in their transactions, the auction format may present challenges.
Elitekoi.co.uk vs. Competitors
When evaluating Elitekoi.co.uk, it’s useful to compare its offerings, particularly its unique live auction model, against other prominent Koi and pond suppliers in the UK. This comparison highlights its distinct position in the market.
Elitekoi.co.uk’s Unique Selling Proposition
Elitekoi.co.uk stands out primarily due to its emphasis on live Koi auctions. This feature is less common among mainstream online aquatic retailers, who typically operate on a fixed-price sales model.
- Auction Focus: While other retailers might hold occasional special sales, Elitekoi.co.uk’s weekly live auctions are presented as a core, recurring event. This appeals to hobbyists seeking rare or specific Koi through a competitive bidding process, and it positions the site as a dynamic marketplace for Koi.
- Physical and Online Presence: Elitekoi.co.uk offers both online sales and a physical shop in Grimsby, allowing for in-person viewing and collection, which can be a significant advantage for customers wanting to inspect live animals before purchase. Many online-only retailers lack this physical interaction.
- Specialisation in Koi: The website is deeply specialised in Koi fish, food, and care, rather than a broad range of aquarium or general pet supplies. This specialisation suggests a higher level of expertise in their niche.
Comparison with Mainstream UK Aquatic Retailers
Leading UK aquatic retailers generally offer a more traditional e-commerce experience for pond and Koi supplies. Indeedflex.co.uk Review
- Fixed-Price Sales: Competitors like Bradshaws Direct, Pondkeeper, and Aquatic Discount Centre primarily operate on a fixed-price model. Customers select products, see the price, and purchase. This offers price certainty and avoids the competitive bidding process of auctions.
- Broader Product Range: Many larger aquatic suppliers tend to have a broader inventory, including equipment for tropical fish, marine aquariums, and general garden water features, in addition to Koi and pond supplies. For example, Bradshaws Direct is known for its extensive range of pond liners, pumps, and filters from various brands.
- Subscription Models vs. Auctions: While Elitekoi.co.uk has an “Elite Club” for discounts and event info, most competitors focus on loyalty programs or standard newsletter subscriptions rather than a weekly auction event.
- Pricing Strategy: Competitors’ pricing is typically based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price (RRP) with occasional discounts or sales. Elitekoi.co.uk’s fixed prices for Koi seem competitive, but the auction outcomes are inherently unpredictable compared to competitor pricing.
Implications for Consumers
For consumers, the choice between Elitekoi.co.uk and its competitors largely comes down to their preferred purchasing method and risk tolerance:
- For Auction Enthusiasts: Elitekoi.co.uk is a prime destination. If a buyer enjoys the thrill of bidding, the chance to acquire unique Koi, and doesn’t mind the price uncertainty, Elitekoi.co.uk offers a consistent platform for this.
- For Price Certainty Seekers: Those who prefer to know the exact cost upfront, without the risk of overbidding or the emotional pull of an auction, would likely lean towards traditional fixed-price retailers.
- For Comprehensive Pond Needs: If a customer needs a wide variety of pond equipment beyond Koi-specific items, broader aquatic retailers might offer a more extensive selection from a single source.
In essence, Elitekoi.co.uk carves out a niche by offering a hybrid model that includes both direct sales and a prominent auction component, differentiating itself from the more conventional, fixed-price online aquatic stores in the UK.
Elitekoi.co.uk Alternatives
Given the ethical considerations surrounding auction models, particularly the potential for gharar (excessive uncertainty), it’s prudent to explore alternatives that offer clearer, fixed-price transactions for pond and Koi-related products. The following alternatives focus on direct sales, providing transparency in pricing from the outset.
Reputable UK Pond and Aquatic Retailers (Fixed-Price)
These retailers offer a vast array of pond equipment, Koi food, and pond care products through traditional e-commerce models where prices are clearly stated before purchase.
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Bradshaws Direct Littledessertshop.co.uk Review
- Focus: One of the UK’s largest online pond equipment suppliers. Offers everything from pond pumps, filters, liners, and UV clarifiers to pond treatments and fish food.
- Key Features: Extensive product range from leading brands (Oase, Hozelock, Evolution Aqua, etc.), competitive pricing, often run promotions, and a robust advice section.
- Pros: Highly reliable, well-established, excellent customer support, clear returns policy.
- Cons: May not sell live fish directly online (though they stock related products).
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- Focus: Specialises exclusively in pond and water gardening supplies. Strong emphasis on filtration, pumps, and water quality.
- Key Features: Wide selection of pond equipment, fish food, and treatments. Their website is very user-friendly with detailed product descriptions.
- Pros: Competitive pricing, frequent sales, knowledgeable customer service, efficient delivery.
- Cons: Like Bradshaws, their focus is on equipment and consumables rather than live Koi sales.
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- Focus: Offers a broad range of aquatic supplies for both indoor and outdoor ponds, including Koi and pond fish food, treatments, and hardware.
- Key Features: Good value for money, often have discounted prices, and stock popular brands.
- Pros: Cost-effective, good for bulk purchases of consumables like fish food, reliable service.
- Cons: Website design might feel a bit older compared to competitors, but functionality is strong.
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- Focus: A large aquatic centre with a strong online presence, selling a wide variety of fish (including Koi, though availability varies), aquariums, pond equipment, and dry goods.
- Key Features: Comprehensive selection, good reputation, often provide detailed advice, and offer both in-store and online purchasing.
- Pros: Reputable physical store, expertise in live aquatic life, broad product range.
- Cons: Online stock for live Koi might fluctuate, delivery of live animals requires special arrangements.
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Local Aquatic Centres (in-person)
- Focus: Many independent aquatic centres across the UK specialise in Koi and pond fish.
- Key Features: Direct interaction with knowledgeable staff, ability to inspect fish before purchase, local support.
- Pros: Transparency in selection, no delivery stress for live animals, building community relationships.
- Cons: Limited by geographical location, stock levels vary, prices might be slightly higher than online discounters for certain items. This option provides the most direct and clear transaction for live animals, removing any speculative elements.
These alternatives prioritise direct sales with fixed pricing, which provides transparency and eliminates the speculative elements inherent in auction models. When purchasing live animals, direct interaction and clear terms are always preferable for ethical considerations. Wevegotthekey.co.uk Review
How to Engage with Elitekoi.co.uk (Focusing on Non-Auction Aspects)
While Elitekoi.co.uk heavily promotes its live Koi auctions, the website also offers traditional e-commerce functionality for purchasing Koi and pond-related products at fixed prices. For those seeking clear, pre-determined transactions, focusing on these aspects is key.
Purchasing Fixed-Price Koi and Products
Elitekoi.co.uk lists a variety of Koi fish, food, and pond care items with specific prices, allowing for direct purchase without engaging in the auction process.
- Browse Product Categories: Navigate to sections like “Koi Fish,” “Koi Food,” “Koi Care,” “Pond Construction,” and “Pond Care.” These categories contain items with clearly marked prices.
- Select Items: Add desired products to your cart. For Koi, each fish is typically listed individually with its specific type and price.
- Review Cart and Checkout: Before proceeding to payment, carefully review your cart to ensure all selected items and their fixed prices are correct. The checkout process should outline delivery options and associated costs.
- Terms of Service and Privacy: Always review the “Terms of Service” and “Privacy Notice” linked in the footer. These documents provide crucial information about purchasing, shipping, returns, and data handling. Understanding these terms ensures a transparent transaction.
Joining the Elite Club
The “Elite Club” is presented as a way to receive updates and discounts, separate from participating in auctions.
- Sign-Up Process: The website prominently features a “Join the Elite Club” link. This typically involves providing an email address to subscribe to their mailing list.
- Benefits: According to the website, club members are “the first to know about all our events, get expert help and enjoy a range of discounts across the incredible brands we stock.” This offers a way to stay informed about sales or new product arrivals without committing to auction participation.
- Managing Membership: If you join the Elite Club, look for information on how to manage your subscription or unsubscribe. This ensures you have control over the communications you receive.
Utilising Blog and Contact Resources
Elitekoi.co.uk also provides informational resources and direct contact options.
- Reading the Blog: The “Latest News & Blogs” section might contain articles on Koi care, pond maintenance, or general industry news. These can be valuable for hobbyists looking for expert advice or information on products, independent of purchasing.
- Direct Contact for Enquiries: For any specific questions about products, delivery, or general advice, use the provided phone number (07561804263) or the “Contact us” page. This allows for direct, clear communication to address any concerns before a purchase is made. For example, if you have questions about the origin of their Koi or their specific care guidelines, direct contact is the best route.
- Visiting the Physical Shop: The website encourages customers to “visit us in person” in Grimsby. For purchasing live Koi, visiting a physical store offers the ultimate transparency, allowing direct inspection of the animals and discussion with staff before any transaction. This removes any uncertainty associated with online viewing or auction processes.
By focusing on these non-auction aspects, consumers can engage with Elitekoi.co.uk in a manner that aligns with principles of clear, pre-determined transactions and direct acquisition of information. Bangstuff.co.uk Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elitekoi.co.uk?
Elitekoi.co.uk is a UK-based online retailer specializing in Koi fish, Koi food, pond care products, and pond construction supplies, operating from Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire.
Does Elitekoi.co.uk sell live Koi fish?
Yes, Elitekoi.co.uk sells live Koi fish directly through their website with fixed prices and also through live weekly auctions.
What types of products does Elitekoi.co.uk offer?
Elitekoi.co.uk offers a range of products including various species of Koi fish, Koi food, Koi care treatments, pond construction materials, and general pond maintenance accessories.
Are the prices on Elitekoi.co.uk fixed, or do they fluctuate?
Elitekoi.co.uk offers both fixed-price products directly on their website and also features live Koi auctions where prices are determined by competitive bidding, meaning they can fluctuate.
How do Elitekoi.co.uk’s live Koi auctions work?
Elitekoi.co.uk holds live Koi auctions every Saturday from 2:30 PM, where participants can bid on Koi fish. The highest bidder wins the fish at the final bid price. Parsruggallery.co.uk Review
Is purchasing through an auction ethical?
Purchasing through auctions can raise ethical considerations due to the inherent uncertainty (gharar) regarding the final price and the potential for speculative bidding. It is often recommended to opt for fixed-price transactions for clarity and transparency.
What are the payment methods accepted by Elitekoi.co.uk?
The website’s homepage doesn’t explicitly list all payment methods, but standard e-commerce sites typically accept major credit/debit cards and sometimes PayPal. Check their checkout page for specifics.
Does Elitekoi.co.uk offer international shipping?
Based on the localisation options in the cart showing “United Kingdom | GBP £” and “You are currently shipping to United Kingdom,” it appears Elitekoi.co.uk primarily ships within the United Kingdom.
How can I contact Elitekoi.co.uk customer service?
You can contact Elitekoi.co.uk by phone at 07561804263 or through their “Contact us” page linked on their website.
Is there a physical store I can visit?
Yes, Elitekoi.co.uk mentions that you can visit their physical store in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, in addition to shopping online. Myoovi.co.uk Review
Does Elitekoi.co.uk offer any discounts or loyalty programs?
Yes, Elitekoi.co.uk has an “Elite Club” which members can join to receive event notifications, expert help, and various discounts.
What is the Elite Club?
The Elite Club is a membership program offered by Elitekoi.co.uk that provides members with early access to event information, expert advice, and discounts on stocked brands.
Are the products on Elitekoi.co.uk from reputable brands?
Yes, Elitekoi.co.uk lists itself as an “Approved Dealer for: Oase, Evolution Aqua, Takazumi, Aqua Source Products Ltd, Mountain Tree,” indicating they stock products from well-known and reputable brands in the aquatic industry.
Can I find information on Koi care on Elitekoi.co.uk?
Yes, Elitekoi.co.uk has a “Latest News & Blogs” section which includes articles and information related to Koi knowledge and care.
How often do they update their blog?
Based on the timestamps for the latest blog posts (e.g., June 02, 2025; May 27, 2025), their blog appears to be updated regularly, often weekly. Happydrains.co.uk Review
What is Elitekoi.co.uk’s return policy for fish or equipment?
The specific return policy for fish and equipment would be detailed in their “Terms of Service” or “Privacy Notice” links, which are accessible in the website’s footer. It is advisable to review these before purchase.
Does Elitekoi.co.uk guarantee the health of their Koi fish?
Details on health guarantees for live Koi fish would typically be found within their “Terms of Service” or specific product descriptions. Customers should review these policies for information on live arrival guarantees.
What kind of pond construction items do they sell?
Elitekoi.co.uk’s “Pond Construction” category likely includes items such as pond liners, filters, pumps, and other essential components required for building a pond.
Are there any user reviews or testimonials on the Elitekoi.co.uk homepage?
The homepage does not prominently feature customer reviews or testimonials, though such content might be found on specific product pages or a dedicated reviews section.
How does Elitekoi.co.uk ensure customer privacy?
Elitekoi.co.uk states that it has a “Privacy Notice” accessible from its footer, which should detail how customer data is collected, used, and protected in compliance with UK regulations. Vizionnetwork.co.uk Review
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