Question....

[stickytoedgecko]

OK, I have a question, and I am hoping that you guys can help us out. As Max & I are still new to expo and reptile breeding world, I need some suggestions.

As experienced vendors and breeders, what do you guys suggest when someone asks you to hold a reptile? Regardless if they come up to at the expo, or email you and ask a reptile to be held for them. Do you ask for some sort of payment up front to secure the reptile?

We ran into the unfortunate experience of holding 3 this weekend, and the buyers never showed up. Not even to come to us and say, Hi, nice to meet you, but I picked this up elsewhere. So we held onto these 3, which we could have sold. By no means am I pointing fingers or shifting blame, but we don't want to get in that position again.

I know fom personal experience that I have always gone back and said, Hey, I'm sorry but there is something else I am really interested in, which is the way it should be as with all herps, it HAS to be what appeals to you. The last thing you want to do is buy something that you really dont want. So I can totally understand from the viewpoint of a buyer, but what to do you do when you are the vendor?

:confused:

[impy]

hello this is what i do hope it helps. at the expo i tell them that i will only hold it for 30 min. with out a deposit if they r going to look around. and for the stuff at my home it is first one with the $$$ gets it unless a deposit has been put down. this might sound like i am being a prick but most people i have talked 2 seem to think it is fair & i only do it now because i to like u got burned to many times by people.

[The Dragon Lady]

I am not an experienced vendor, in my opinion good business practice, would be to hold the item for a specified period of time, lets say 1 hour and advise the interested party that once the time span has lapsed the item would be put back up for sale. If it is an inquiry via e-mail, I would suggest a non-refundalbe deposit to hold the animal or again I would set a time limit. I hope this helps. Laura

[impy]

see it sounds so much nicer when outher people say it LOL

[JdmAllMotorHatc]

ill go with "impy" on this one.....id say depending on the size of the show would depend on how long id hold something with-out a deposit and go with it, i would still showcase the animal (if no deposit is made) people ask about it simply tell them im currently holding it for a person make sure you tell them well they have lets say 45mins to come back and its up for grabs

[stickytoedgecko]

Thanks for the input. It's just really frustrating and disapointing. I dunno if I just expect more from people? A common respect between all herper's to at least, to let that vendor know that you have gone elsewhere. I would *think* that most of us would understand, as I said, you dont want to buy something you dont want, and most people would understand that. Its really kinda rude to just NOT say anything. Am I way off base here?

[impy]

no i think that just about says it all

[DragnDrop]

Isn't life as a vendor so much fun sometimes? :rolleyes:

If I know the person, I'll gladly hold it for them, no questions asked. Most people don't mess with friends or acquaintances, and I've only been burned once in this type of situation.

If it's a repeat customer at a show or otherwise, I'll hold if without deposit for a specific time - usually 1 hour at a show, long enough to find an ATM or finish going around the tables. Non-show sales, I'll hold it for a week. But I do mention the time limit very clearly to make sure there's no misunderstanding.

For complete strangers at the show, I'll hold it for an hour without deposit. If they want to give a deposit, I'll hold it for one hour, then it's up for sale again and they can get their deposit back.

Again, I make sure that the customer knows exactly what my end of the deal is and I'm always willing to accept a reasonable suggestion or excuse.

The only exceptions to would be something I know is going to be in demand, someone will want to buy without any doubt. If anyone wants it, grab it now, no holding for a possible no-show customer. Nothing's worse than having a dozen disappointed people looking at me distraught and sad that it's there, they're looking at it, can't buy it, and I end up taking it back home because the buyer backed out.

[stickytoedgecko]

What do you do about email requests?

[DragnDrop]

Email would be the same as any 'face to face' deals - no question about holding for friends, strangers need to make a deposit to hold it. The time frame here would be a mutually agreeable one, since it most likely would be pickup/delivery (I don't ship), meaning we have to have a day when we're both available, or a long wait for a show to finalize it.

A few times people have looked at me strangely when I asked for a deposit or put a limit on how long I'll hold it. They do understand my situation though when I tell them why I do it. Most people are reasonable, they have no problems with the vendor making a reasonable request. The odd one who balks is probably a shyster anyways, no loss to the vendor.

If it's any consolation, you can expect to get burned by some people, it's even safe to say you will run into that kind of situation a few times in your life as a vendor (of any product, not just herps). However, to be honest, I've met thousands of people over the years who are honest, fun to talk to at the table or via email etc., they're reasonable and understanding and have no intentions of messing anyone around or taking advantage of anyone. The odd one will try it, but very few are like that. The few rotten apples I've seen aren't enough to spoil my show experiences. Even the 'shoplifters' who've helped themselves while their buddy was keeping me busy haven't dampened my spirits any.

[labomb2]

My viewpoint as a buyer at these shows (and from experience) is that if I want it, I better pay for it now. One stroll around and it is usually gone. I would never expect a vendor to hold anything, If it is something that I wasn't there to buy that catches my eye, I spend alot of time looking at it and asking the vendor questions. I try to weigh it all out and not make an impulse buy just because it is cute and gotta have it.