Re: Getting screwed

Subject:

Comments:
: its sad to hear things of this nature about reptile expos. Unfortunately tom, : it sounds like you've encountered the more unscrupulous end of the expo world. : i am a vendor at most of the southwestern shows. i can say, with good conscience, : the reason for me participating in that market is the fact that when i started : purchasing from these shows i found i received the best deal, obtained a wealth : of knowledge from the vendors and in return ended up with a quality product for : which i used to build upon my brand. in fact, if it wasn't for the people i have : met at the expos i probably WOULDN'T have the quality product that i am able to : produce today. as herpers, we have to all stick together. if you've been screwed : by someone, id personally like to know so that i don't get screwed. likewise, : if i get burned by a less than scrupulous vendor, ill let you know. i am familiar : with most of the reptile markets from the pet store industry down to the breeder : that only sells from his/her doorstep. i have also worked in almost every market. : i like the expos for the knowledge! this dilemma you describe can happen in each : market. i have found that most of the time i get nailed is when i do it to myself. : ie. oh, look at that cute <insert species here> in my local LARGE pet store. gee, : i haven't worked with those guys before, i think ill try it-BURN. unfortunately : for me, the remedy is not to engage in that behavior anymore. the reason that : doesn't apply to expos is the fact that you can screen the breeders and get a : 'feel' of what type of people they are and what type of product they have. i generally : find that if a vendor is not at least conversationally knowledgeable about his : product then the quality of is product should remain in question. however, if : i can talk and learn something about a species from a vendor then that means he : is at least fired up about his product and that usually reassures me that at least : this guy cares. caring is the WHOLE key. 2 rules to live by at any animal transaction: : 1. CARING is essential. 2. ONLY buy captive bred animals of GOOD size. I dont : sell anything under two months of age. some species i dont sell before 4 to 6 : months. i encourage you to keep up herping and not to get discouraged from bad : shows. The truth is , some shows are going to be bad. i can recommend some great : shows in the dallas/fort worth area. go to http://www.texasreptiles.com . i have : never been to a bad show produced by these guys. good luck friend.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: