Reptile Show Etiquette

[Artemis]

Well, in 2 weeks I am going to my first reptile show, and so Ive been reading up on all the stuff I plan to scope out, which is a pretty broad scope, and Ive been wondering what else I can do to make the most of my experience.

I plan to take a decent chunk of cash, nothing more than 500 probably, as alas I cant afford more than that I dont think, and then ofcourse the visa and checkbook go with me everywhere.

What else can I do to maximize my experience? Is it better to go early, or go late? Is haggling a no? (Like if I see a snake priced at 300, is it a big faux paux to offer 250?)

Ive never been to one of these before, and Im hoping to walk away with some exciting purchases, or at least one. Its a good distance from my house so I cant get anything too fragile! Let me know the ropes, about your best deals at a show, and anything else I should know. I don't want to make a you-know-what of myself!

Artemis

[Shad0w]

I think its perfectly fine to make an offer on an animal, within reason... in fact, Ive seen tables that posted signs that they would consider reasonable offers

[bighillreptiles]

only thing one can say is NO lol

[CarlC]

Which show are you going to? Hamburg, PA is this weekend. At this show it never hurts to offer something in the ball park of the price being asked.

Carl

[Dom]

Some ppl want to sell their animals and will entertain offers..

Others will take it as an insult .. basically because they put the time and effort into producing and raising an animal of such quality.

Personally, I stand in the middle of there.. Ill sell for a bit cheaper but i hate ppl who will offer something like a leo and 20$ for a jungle carpet .. lol Its been offered b4

I have sold many of my babies at shows and the thing is .. the competition is high therefore the prices are already low .. when somebody tries to lower it even more.. It really hurts the pocket book.. But sometimes u don't really have a choice

ALTHOUGH .. last show I had lots of animals and put a low price on everything ... sold everything and made more way more money then usual ..

I guess theres a few different views.. Selling the animal 30 or 50$ less then u wanted for it .. but its one less animal to take care of and feed .. The pros and cons must be weihghed out b4 any sell ..

Basically .. Its done all the time .. If I buy an animal from a breeder I never bring down the price but if its from a wholeseller or importer or anyone who did not breed the animal then I will try to bring it down ..

Just my 2 cents

[Gary D.]

Go early and see what there is. Sometimes there stupidly good deals, ( I missed a pair of flapneck Chams for dirt cheap as I was still doing show set up, damn). But don't expect anyone to accept offers on the first day, especially on any really nice specimin. This is when the breeders who are willing to spend some money on the best animals shop. End of the show usually is when you will find the deals, but the really eye catching animals will likely be gone. TARAS shows are a bit nuts for the last hour however, as vendors are working out deals and trades every where. And the animal you've been waiting to dicker on at the last min will be moved in a 7 animal trade to another vendor.

[Ptindy]

I would definately go early and check every table before you purchase anything. Check prices and look for selection. There will likely be a lot of what you are looking for there.

Mike

[Linds]

Cheques are rarely accepted at shows, some vendors will accept credit cards and occassionally even debit now though. It's best come with cash in hand.

As mentioned above, it is fine to haggle. Some are fine with it, some are not, worse thing that can happen is a 'no'.

LOL I think my best deal happened in the bar at the old expo site... picked up my little amel corn for $10 :p

[snakehunter]

Some times its good to go at the end of the show, some people may have some stuff left, and they just dont want to pack it, and would rather sell it for less than haul it away.

On the other hand it is good to go at the beg. some one may only have a few of wht you are looking for and sell out quik.

[gonesnakee]

Serious buyers are there for when the doors open as to not miss out on anything & then the last hour is all so important for wheeling & dealing as well. Offers are always entertained by vendors & some are more entertaining than others LOL Worse case is that they break out laughing at it or just refuse. Nothing ventured nothing gained & everthings negotiable the last hour usually. As per anything money talks & BS walks so cash is always best. Mark

[Artemis]

Thanks for all the thoughts, guys.

This show is one day only, Im pretty sure. Its not the hamburgh show, I have to work this weekend or I might make the drive, but its the Richmond, Va show on the 24th.

I have heard about people not wanting to haul things back and letting things go cheaper at the end. But I still plan to go at the beginning, too.

I'm not really trying to haggle, but I dont want to get screwed, either, so I have a very specific list of stuff im looking for. Some corn morphs, BP morphs (which is laughable with my present budget most likely), normal BRB's and I am considering either a v. cham or cresties. The world will be my oyster that day! And, my birthday is just a few days later on the 31st, so whatever I buy I can conveninetly label my birthday present to myself. I cant get too much, though, as the show is 4 hours from home, and I have to haul back and house whatever it is I get. Im really excited though!

Thanks for all the input, if anyone has more to add, rock on!

Art

Ive just been comparing prices of what I want on the internet to get an idea of what is a reasonable price (and what would be an awesome deal)

[v2r]

i'm in richmond, the show is going to be ok for what you're looking for. get there early, put a deposit on anything that is rare or a really good deal. one of the local shops will have a table there, the shop name is "off the ark exotics" the owner is vinny. he is a biologist and a school teacher good guy. not your average pet store type. which direction are you coming from north or south?

thanks
vaughn

[Artemis]

Southwest, I live in the frickin freezin moutains, where Virginia Tech is.

[lolaophidia]

Hey, I'll be there for at least part of the day. My few suggestions would be- bring cash if you can (some vendors may not be able to run cards or take checks and the ATM was down last year), plan to stay most of the day (hey it's only 6 hours so check it out early and see if what you want is there, grab some lunch and check out the prices towards the end of the show).
I just bought frozen feeders last year because I'd already purchased some high dollar snakes earlier in the year and was watching my budget. I usually buy books at least, if I don't see a snake I must have to fill out a pair at home.
Prices vary quite a bit and people have to make up the cost of their travel and the table at the show so you may not see super deals. Depends on what people have... You should at least be able to get some 2004 BRBs: I saw them there last year. Prices will generally be reduced if you purchase at least a pair and there's more room to negotiate with higher priced animals (knocking $10 off a $20 snake isn't reasonable but maybe getting a $200 snake for $175 is). Don't expect people to hold things for you for too long while you make up your mind. Many times vendors get burned by holding a valuable animal for someone who asked at the beginning of the show and then never came back...

So if you see a short girl with long reddish brown hair, say hi.
Lora

[Artemis]

Lora- if you know what you are wearing... PM me and ill look for you, Ill only be able to stay at the show till about 1 or so, so I will have to miss on the super wheeling and dealing. I posted what im wearing in the upcoming American herp events forum, so all of you look for me, too, and dont be afraid to grab me and say hi :)

Thanks again for all the tips everyone! I wont have access to a comp while there, but I will post pics of my reptile show finds as soon as I get back! Yay reptile show!!!


Artemis