Future market for albinos

jjnnbns · 06-03-04, 12:17 AM

Albinos boas still seem to have quite a hefty price tag on them, I am wondering what everyone predicts the future of them will be? Do you think that they will become almost normal or common, losing much value? Or do you think that they will still be a good investment to look into?

I was looking at a pair of 100% hets but thought about an albino and a het. instead. Just curious.

Thanks,
Brent Strande

Jeff_Favelle · 06-03-04, 12:58 AM

Prices will always drop, but its very very difficult (nay impossible?) to predict how much and how fast. The last couple years, albino boas have actually gone up in price, due to popularity and combo-potential with motleys, jungles, and salmons to name a few.

Also, once the price drops to the next level down, a WHOLE NEW crop of potential buyers opens up. Maybe 5,000 people would buy an albino boa at $1,500 US, but 50,000 people would buy one at $900 US. And if only 40,000 are produced, then the price increases due to low supply in relation to demand. SO not only do you have to predict the amount that are going to be produced in a given year (IMPOSSIBLE), you also have to predict how many people want/need an albino boa for their breeding projects/collection (also impossible, although less so). This makes it a fantasy to actually predict the price change in the albino boa market. Also factor in to the equation newbie breeders that get in ove their head, have no reputation, and feel the need to undercut to garner quick sales. Although they don't affect the market too drastically, the blips are noticeable, and often facilitate a slight price drop all around.

You can guess, but guesses are a dime-a-dozen. But let me put it this way; even if you buy a pair of albinos at the PREMIUM price right now $3,000, and then albinos drop to $500 a pair, you will STILL make money. That is, if you're on your game and actually get production.

Jeff_Favelle · 06-03-04, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Do you think that they will become almost normal or common, losing much value?

They aren't as easy to breed as Burms or corns, so they won't drop like that. Plus, they don't get so big that 2 out of every 3 is destined to become a rescue animal. Therefore boa prices are nice and stable. They are wicked animals to own. Super hardy, not too big but still IMPRESSIVE, relatively calm, GREAT eaters, etc etc etc. Boas have been here since the beginning of the industry and will be at the forefront for a long time to come.

jjnnbns · 06-03-04, 01:40 AM

Hmmm, great points Jeff. I need to do a lot more research as I am getting very interested in adding to my collection! Thanks for always being able to give such great advice and being so helpful!

Jeff_Favelle · 06-03-04, 02:51 AM

No probs! Best of luck, and, as always, post pics if you decide to buy anything!!

BOAS_N_PYTHONS · 06-03-04, 03:15 AM

JEFF FAVELLE:

Very nice post and information. I am all in for people wanting to breed any animal. I only hope when they are thinking of breeding that its not the almight buck that drives them to do so. And even more that they show enough respect to the animals that they care and grow them to natural mature rates and ages - so as you figure I am against power feeding. There are people that power grow to get the cha ching breeders to produce at a much earler time frame. But your only decreasing the age and health of your animals. Sure its easy to think hmmmm spend $3000.00 get a pair of albinos grow fast reproduce early and get like 20 babies for some serious coin. And that is the main drive for many buyers wanting albinos or any morph of any species. But I say respect your animals and allow them to mature for breeding at a natural rate. So you don' t get the new car this year so what, it will come next year just be patient.

Sorry to go off topic even though they are both inter - linked.

Cya...

Tony

milkman · 06-04-04, 08:55 PM

two both of you the best response i have ever heard since i have been looking over the posts on snakes.Hats off to both of you. paul

VooDooMafia · 06-04-04, 09:09 PM

I have to agree, no matter what you spend on the animals to start the project you will make your $$ back and more over the years to come.

Jeff makes a GREAT point on when the price drops of the morph it will do nothing but cause the ppl into boids(or thinking of getting a boa) to want an albino.

Just think you are thinking of getting a pair at say $3000 but would you have to think as hard if you only had to dish out $1800 for these great looking animals?

If anything the price going down is only going to help the breeders after time. You will be able to make some good coin and be able to sell them at a faster rate with less care for the babies(out of packet/profit care I mean).

I think if you look at what you wanna get out of the animals over what the initial cost will be you will always come out ahead.

jjnnbns · 06-05-04, 06:16 PM

Profit is second to me, as I wouldn't get them if I didn't want to own them anyways... I have just been looking at colombians anyways and am extremely impressed with the albinos.

I would never complain however if my hobby was able to pay for itself, or at least contribute.

latazyo · 06-06-04, 02:18 AM

anyone who's seen an albino boa would know that it's not about the money to have one

Darren179 · 06-06-04, 09:35 AM

agrreed