Public perception of snake?

[krn1010]

Today, I had to pick up my snake at a fedex office since I was not at home when they delivered my absolutely gorgeous BCC suriname! yay!

However, when I went to fedex office it was quite annoying situation to be in. When I said i came here to pick up my delivery, this woman managed to remember the reptile package that was delivered few minutes ago. Then the guy sitting next to her said how he cannot have this happen since they cannot guarantee live arrival. I'm not too sure on that part but the way he attacked me with those words was really embarrassing to be honest. When I say "attacking," yes! he really did attack me with words lol... He was speaking out aloud and was mentioning harsh jokes along with the woman as to how snakes are creepy. What's even more embarrassing was that everyone, I mean everyone!! was laughing as they proceeded to say words like "ew" as I was standing with my package. It's really hard to describe the situation with words but I was really angered!!!:no::no:

Anyone had experience like this? This was my first experience of those sort so It was really disheartening to see people acting amateurish and making jokes about how they wanted me to quickly get out with my snake. Yes lol They did say that they wanted me out quickly with my snake lol....

[pdomensis]

All of my arrivals have only been labeled "live animals" and nothing more specific. You should report their behavior to someone higher up. It's simply unprofessional.

[drumcrush]

i get made fun of all the time at school for keeping reptiles, mainly sexual jokes and it really angers me. i just ignore em most of the time.

[Mad Max]

Wow, that was unprofessional of them. Openly discussing someone's mail like that? What idiots.

Like reptiles are the nastiest things that go through the mail anyway... :suspicious:

But in 20 years of reptile ownership, I've never heard any sex jokes. Gerbils, yes. But not reptiles.

[Rattlehead]

There's still a huge amount of myths and misinformation around snakes, (often seen like they were the spawn of the Devil, lol) and I don't see that changing soon. Don't sweat it man, it's just obtuse, narrow minded people.

[MDT]

Dude... People hate snakes. You can try to educate, if they're receptive, great....have a conversation and inform. If they're unreasonable and ridiculous, move on. Life's too short. I honestly don't let it bother me anymore.

[reptiledude987]

These same people that make these jokes and refrences negativly about reptiles are often the same ones who do the freakiest things in the bedroom or other aspects of their lives that you or I could never imagine. They simply make these types of comments because it seems strange to them in their already derranged lives. So I imagine they assume if theyre as messed up as they know they are that if someone does something that seems strange to them must be being done by someone even more wacky then themselves.

[krn1010]

Wow, that was unprofessional of them. Openly discussing someone's mail like that? What idiots.

Like reptiles are the nastiest things that go through the mail anyway... :suspicious:

But in 20 years of reptile ownership, I've never heard any sex jokes. Gerbils, yes. But not reptiles.

Yah! they were OPENLY making fun of my snake and discussing my package. When I say openly, the WHOLE crew in that first floor of building! I understand that everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think it was just their unprofessional-ism. The woman who asked me what type of reptile it was, got freaked out and was all over the place shouting out "ew" lollll... She also told me to get out quickly with my snake... It's just simply unprofessional!! Gosh I wish I had guts to say this kind of things to them but yah... couldn't.. just walked out :no:

[CK SandBoas]

All my shipments I drop off at my local Fed Ex hub has the common and scientific name on it, as well as "Live Harmless Reptiles" on it, and I always get comments on what i'm shipping. All have been extremely positive, and I really enjoy talking with the ladies at the counter about my animals when I drop off shipments :)

I wish all could have the same positive experiences I have had with their fed ex reps and hubs...

[metalcopper]

I just laugh it off and agree with them that it is odd, because it is. "Normal" people don't keep snakes, and don't get it, and I understand that I am different, so I agree with them, but I can't help that I love snakes, it's natural for me.
Same with the music I listen to; I love the most brutal and fast black metal and death metal bands. Most people think it is just noise and can't stand it, I just laugh and say I understand, but I can't help it that I love it.
Take pride that you're different, not everybody has to only like cats and dogs, the world would be pretty boring otherwise.

[krn1010]

All my shipments I drop off at my local Fed Ex hub has the common and scientific name on it, as well as "Live Harmless Reptiles" on it, and I always get comments on what i'm shipping. All have been extremely positive, and I really enjoy talking with the ladies at the counter about my animals when I drop off shipments :)

I wish all could have the same positive experiences I have had with their fed ex reps and hubs...

Yep.. mine had live harmless reptile and all the info on it as well haha... Maybe it was that particular office :freakedout:

[CK SandBoas]

Yep.. mine had live harmless reptile and all the info on it as well haha... Maybe it was that particular office :freakedout:

was it a true Fed Ex ship center, or was it a store that accepts Fed Ex packages..?

[krn1010]

was it a true Fed Ex ship center, or was it a store that accepts Fed Ex packages..?

It was a fedex office. I don't think it was true fedex ship center though. Fedex delivered it to my door but I was out of home for a moment at that time so I had to go to nearest fedex office.

[CK SandBoas]

It was a fedex office. I don't think it was true fedex ship center though. Fedex delivered it to my door but I was out of home for a moment at that time so I had to go to nearest fedex office.

I thought so...I know here in the States not all fed ex offices will accept live reptile shipments...because the people who work there are not employed by fed ex and therefore are not intimately familiar with the inner workings of reptile shipments

[krn1010]

yah haha. I just thought that I would share this particular kind of experience since it was new kind of experience for me. I was surprised at what some people thought of "snakes" as. Anyways, I am happy that my BCC arrived healthy as ever! hehe

[CK SandBoas]

yah haha. I just thought that I would share this particular kind of experience since it was new kind of experience for me. I was surprised at what some people thought of "snakes" as. Anyways, I am happy that my BCC arrived healthy as ever! hehe

I'm glad it arrived safe and sound for you as well!

[reptiledude987]

Ya a healthy arrival is always good lets see sopme pictures!

[krn1010]

Ya a healthy arrival is always good lets see sopme pictures!

I'll def post it tomorrow on the boa section since I am currently studying for exam tomorrow! :crazy2:

[Sublimeballs]

I would get the number to the highest person associated with the place this happend at. This is unacceptable behavior regardless of them not liking snakes... You're a paying customer and these people need repercussions to ther actions. I've dealt with some ignorence in my days but if this was anything like what I'm imagining, this is something I'd fire people over. You don't treat people like this.... Especially at work to a paying customer.

Now that I'm don't with my rant...... Pics of the beautiful boa???

[Akuma223]

You should contact the people that preside over these workers so they get punishment for their behavior, you'll be doing everyone a favor if you do.

[jjhill001]

Ok, so first off call Fed Ex not the store call the corporate line. Explain to them what happened and what store. Let them know you are genuinely considering exploring other shipping methods because of this issue. You'll probably get a gift card out of it.

I say this because with next day shipping is one of the more profitable parts of the shipping business. The only difference between a next day shipment and a regular one is that it skips the line in terms of being checked in. All the flights and stuff are already going to happen so they get to mark up the cost to you for very little added expense. This combined with people really purchasing a lot of things online could mean you take ALL your deliveries from some other carrier. Which is a significant loss of sales over a lifetime of purchasing online.

Also making fun of someone whonis getting a reptile is no different from making fun of someone with a package from Viagra or a sex toy place. It's your business how you spend your time and money not theirs. These people are supposed to be adults. A full time Fed Ex job is not an easy one to attain so maybe a little pressure from the higher ups will prevent something like this from happening again to you or anyone else in the area.

[Jim Smith]

Like some of the others, every snake that I've received or shipped has been through FedEx and every experience has been nothing but professional. I ALWAYS open and inspect my shipments immediately and in front of the FedEx person, explaining that I am just checking to make sure that everything is alright and would like to do it in front of them. While some of them are not too crazy about snakes, they do act professional and almost all of them ask the same question. "Is it poisonous?" I usually don't take the time to explain the difference between poisonous and venomous, but simply assure them that it is completely harmless and then they lean in for a better look. Sorry you had such an awkward experience and perhaps it would be a good idea for you to share your experience with FedEx on their contact us link on their website. It sounds like an opportunity for a coaching moment with the staff at that local office. Good luck and enjoy your new addition.

[Mad Max]

I've got to agree with the last few posters. Those loudmouths have it coming.

[Jrich]

That was very unprofessional of them, I work for UPS and we are not allowed to comment on anyone's incoming mail for pick up. Like almost every snake owner we have all gotten those comments and looks from people who may be sadly misinformed by these amazing animals. I've realized instead of responding with anger towards these people I just tell them how cool snakes really are and how rewarding they can be because they are much more likely to listen. Aren't people more likely to get bitten by a "sweet" fluffy animal (cats,dogs,rodents,etc) anyways? My favorite comment is "why are you keeping company with the devil?" UGH!

[Obsidian_Dragon]

These same people that make these jokes and refrences negativly about reptiles are often the same ones who do the freakiest things in the bedroom or other aspects of their lives that you or I could never imagine. They simply make these types of comments because it seems strange to them in their already derranged lives. So I imagine they assume if theyre as messed up as they know they are that if someone does something that seems strange to them must be being done by someone even more wacky then themselves.

lol what? Most of the people I know who hate snakes are quite...normal.

I'm not sure what someone's possible kink status has to do with their reptile like or dislike...

Most people are afraid of them because of lack of information, MISinformation, or a phobia.

It's...deeply unfortunate that some people can't keep their mouths shut. sadly there's not much we can do about it a lot of the tiem, except in this case--yeah, I'd let FedEx know.

[reptiledude987]

lol what? Most of the people I know who hate snakes are quite...normal.

I'm not sure what someone's possible kink status has to do with their reptile like or dislike...

Most people are afraid of them because of lack of information, MISinformation, or a phobia.

It's...deeply unfortunate that some people can't keep their mouths shut. sadly there's not much we can do about it a lot of the tiem, except in this case--yeah, I'd let FedEx know.
The point I was trying to make is that we all have quirks and excentricities of one type or another. For those who would be embarassed by their own they will often try to make people with different likes feel outcasted to give themselves a feeling of normalcy. Same concept as someone with low self esteem picking on someone else to make themselves feel better. But we digress... At the end of the day unacceptable behaviour and I'd be filing a complaint to their higher up's.

[jjhill001]

Lol there are people who don't like to eat fish but you don't see the cashier at the grocery store making fun of you about it.

[MDT]

Lol there are people who don't like to eat fish but you don't see the cashier at the grocery store making fun of you about it.

you shoulda seen the last time i tried to buy anchovies....i still need therapy over that one.

typically not a big item in oklahoma.....

[mrgrimm]

It's kind of fun to be hated on - re-assures me that I am doing something RIGHT since the vast majority of society is backwards...take that perspective and you'll be OK.

[fishingfool]

My fav responce is I'm not comeing.over anymore or intill you get rid.of the snake....I'm all like good mabye i.should get more

[Will0W783]

Wow...as others have said, that was completely unprofessional. I would have demanded to speak with a manager, and called Fedex's customer service number.

I've had only one (rather humorous) experience with a snake delivery. I had my false water cobra delivered several years ago, and my fiance went out to meet the Fedex driver. The driver could see that the package said "Live Harmless Reptile" on it, so he asked my fiance what was in there. Fiance replied, "A COBRA!"
The Fedex guy turned ghost white, dropped the box hastily into my fiance's hands, and was shaking while he signed the paperwork, then bolted back to his truck and drove away quickly. LOL!

[sSAIRSCHUTTSs]

I actually get a kick out of people that are so closed minded.
Makes me laugh at them, for being so..... unadventurous
Its wrong that they were being rude about it, so if it ever happens again next time chuckle and say something like "Ouuu now don't tell me a grown man is afraid of a little snake?" And smile sweetly. (If your a woman) He will probably turn beet red and never give you a hard time again.
If your a man, maybe say your picking up your wifes snake, or something. hahah

[DDW]

My fav responce is I'm not comeing.over anymore or intill you get rid.of the snake....I'm all like good mabye i.should get more

this made me laugh probably more than it should have XD

Anyway, I would also contact higher ups just for them being so unprofessional, that was just wrong, just a bunch of overgrown bullies waiting to be put in their place IMO

[sophiedufort]

Most people who find out that I have seven snakes are horrified. 'Snakes are slimy, evil creatures, and their tongue is poisonous.' When I here such comments, I am in shock. But when I look back at the time I was still living in Australia, and my hubby was here in Florida, I used to react just as bad at the mention of snakes. I actually made him promise that he will never bring a snake anywhere near me. The day after we settled in a new house (that was less than two weeks after my arrival), he brought a big tub and put it in the walk-in-robe. My intuition told me that there was a snake in it, and I almost started the biggest hysterics of my life. And there he was, the little Florida water snake, Zane. He was cute and looked ill. Never bit. Not once. He just kept seeking the warmth of our hands and bodies. That seemed to make him so happy. Zane and I developed a great bond. I don't even know when it happened. He opened to way to more snakes. Then more.
He was already sick when my husband found him. We made sure that he'd have all the conditions to recover. He never did. Passed away days after swallowing a frog. I cried until I ran out of tears. RIP, Zane. I will never forget you. You taught me that snakes are wonderful.