Scam?! advice needed... - Page 2

OttawaChris · 08-06-03, 03:36 PM

When I was still selling critters I was also reluctant to let people come over. Not because I had anything to hide... but because I live in an apartment building and neighbours dont tend to greet critters with as much warmth and enthusiasm as we do. In other words... what they didnt know wasnt hurting them. I also didnt want to look like a drug dealer LOL (I sold a lot of baby tarantulas which get shipped in pill vials)

As an alternative, what I always did when someone wanted to actually see something was to actually bring the specimen to them... either at their house or at a meeting place. That way I could discretely bring them in a duffel bag to show whomever wanted to have a look.

Maybe this is an acceptable alternative to the quarelling individuals here?

As for the deposit... I don't blame the guy one single bit. Herpers are VERY fussy people when it comes to buying stuff... (one large reason amongst many that I quit selling them). I often got told "yes I will buy it for sure" only to never hear from the person again. This cost me sales from others who were interested in the specimens (anyone that has ever sold a reptile will probably tell you very similar stories). What I resorted to was a non-refundable deposit OR selling it to the first person that put money in my hand (as long as they didnt have a reputation for improperly caring for animals... which happened a couple of times too. I refused to sell to a couple of people because of experiences and reliable sources telling of abuse and improper care)

NewLineReptile · 08-06-03, 03:55 PM

Boa..... Is a good guy i have delt with him a few time's i know from the deals that we have made that he is not out there to scam anyone.

Brandon

Lisa · 08-06-03, 03:57 PM

We've bought a few snakes unseen via the internet from other people, been happy with all of them.

Stockwell · 08-06-03, 04:36 PM

For what it's worth folks, I have a bit of experience in this business,(24yrs) and most of you have the right idea.

Breeders don't have people to their facilities for all the reasons stated. In fact quite a few don't even sell directly to buyers but prefer to use a broker or to wholesale stuff off to another party, like a retailer for example. This is generally done because it's simpler and less time consuming. Not all breeders are good marketers or retailers. Some do both, but just as many don't even try.

I have on occasion sold directly, but I never take deposits, because I don't find it necessary. It can create nervousness on behalf of the buyer, and it makes more work for me trying to keep track of it.

I will send pictures, then when the snakes are feeding and ready to go we will meet somewhere, usually my office or a donut hole. That is how it has worked for 20 years. More herp deals have gone down in donut holes than have yet to go down at swap meets. LOL

At that meeting the transaction can happen cordially and on a COD basis.
You see the animal is in good health, and is what was discussed and represented in corresponence and photos, and then I expect full payment, then and there..... Simple!!

This of course is only possible with local sales, and obviously things are a bit different if animals are to be shipped out of province. In that case I still don't usually take a deposit unless it's for a huge order, and its a new relationship.

Many breeders do take deposits, and there is nothing wrong with that, but the buyer can be expected to be nervous if the seller is not well known. I think it is fair to ask for a reference from another satisfied customer. New breeders should be willing to provide such, and not be offended when asked.
Also if the consumer isn't comfortable with a deposit, simply refuse, and look for the animal you seek from another source that you feel more comfortable with. You should never feel obligated to pay a deposit, but of course the breeder also isn't obligated to sell to you.
I avoid the hassle of keeping track of deposits and possibly having to return them, if I can't fill the order, by simply accepting no payment, until final 100%payment.
If there is a waiting list, than thats what it is, a list...when they are ready to go, I contact the people in the order they are listed.
They have only one chance at that point. If there is a huge delay and the meeting cannot be arranged, or the funds aren't available,then the person forfeits their place in line, and is probably out of luck till next season.... I think that's fair.

Some breeders selling expensive stock, (albino & Pied balls for example) might be willing to take a number of installments over an agreed period of time. This is fine too,if the exact terms can be agreed by both parties, but custody of the animal does not transfer until pament is made in full.
In deals like that , there must be a high degree of trust in the supplier, but it will be up to the buyer to decide if that trust seems warranted.
Most breeders are good people. Nothing is more important than reputation, and that only comes with fair and honest dealings.

lordkovacs · 08-06-03, 10:38 PM

seems like you have a very fair way of dealing Roy... guess that's what gives you the great rep! cheers,
MIKE

BoidKeeper · 08-06-03, 10:50 PM

Great post Roy. I've had a few people over to the house but the room is off limits for all but a few. People have to remember that breeders are just that, not stores which are open to the public.
Cheers,
Trevor

Piebald Guy · 08-11-03, 07:06 AM

Quote from Lord...

"i put down a deposit to Mardy for a snake to be brought down in a couple weeks. i know he has a good rep. and I know people that know him on a personal level. I don't think it's uncommon, especially when everyoen seems to know one another"

Lord, who is Mardy? Are you refering to boa?

lordkovacs · 08-11-03, 04:15 PM

piebald... no, not boas... pythons. carpets to be more specific. he is in the ottawa area, and has some nice stuff. pretty good guy from what people have been telling me. he is a member, with "mardy" as his handle. cheers,
MIKE

Lisa · 08-11-03, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Piebald Guy
Quote from Lord...

"i put down a deposit to Mardy for a snake to be brought down in a couple weeks. i know he has a good rep. and I know people that know him on a personal level. I don't think it's uncommon, especially when everyoen seems to know one another"

Lord, who is Mardy? Are you refering to boa?

I'd say mardy is mardy, another sSnakeSs user.

Piebald Guy · 08-12-03, 08:37 AM

When I posted the quote I was inquiring if lord was referring to the person with the nickname "boa" has the actual given name of Marty (you know like in real life.... "boa"'s real name is Marty?). But if he is refering to someone else my apologies.

08-12-03, 08:55 AM

another 'protection' for the buyer is to purchase with a credit card, in many instances the card company will handle disputes in a manner that strictly follows the law protecting both the buyer and seller.

Scales Zoo · 08-12-03, 09:19 AM

We've dealt with Shawn in the past, and so far everything has been working out o.k.

boa · 08-12-03, 05:25 PM

Thanks alot for the kind words and sheila these adult boas are great.we plan on coming up real soon can't wait to check your place out finally it well be a nice road trip.

Nic · 08-13-03, 06:29 AM

I also want to thank everyone who replied. I feel a lot better now after reading all that you have had to say. Thank you folks.

Boa--I can't wait!

boa · 08-13-03, 03:31 PM

No problem nic "chris" i am happy we worked this out you will be very happy with this pair see you soon.
THANK-YOU