First reptile expo - tips?

**Pareeeee** · 02-12-14, 11:50 AM

Going to my first reptile expo in the spring with the intention of buying an Okeetee Corn.

Any tips?

How early should you show up so you can be sure all the good stock isn't sold?

I've heard you can haggle prices but I don't know if that's true - I don't want to insult anyone.

Any other tips??

Can't wait!!!

Mikoh4792 · 02-12-14, 11:54 AM

throw clothes in the washer and take a long shower afterwards!

Wouldn't want any nasties coming in with you.

**Pareeeee** · 02-12-14, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

throw clothes in the washer and take a long shower afterwards!

Wouldn't want any nasties coming in with you.

Oh thanks for that, never even thought but you're so right!

**Aaron_S** · 02-12-14, 12:08 PM

Do your research before even going.

There's a vendors list and it will be updated. Find out who will have corns there and then e-mail them ahead of time. You can set up a deal beforehand.

You can haggle at times but what is your goal? To get the cheapest corn okeetee or to buy a good one? Find a reputable dealer/breeder and if they offer a price where you're comfortable go for it. Who cares if there's one 10 bucks cheaper because will it affect your happiness with your purchase?

TheFrogman · 02-12-14, 12:09 PM

The only tip I have is this, and its from experience, go early, all the good stuff goes fast and most important to me, because I screwed myself, If there is something that's gorgeous, and you want it, BUY IT. If you say, "Ill come back later for it" , It will NOT be there.

If you want it but not have to carry it around, pay for it and let him hold it with a sold sticker on it

psychocircus · 02-12-14, 12:15 PM

I agree. I would look into vendors before attending. Find a couple that look good to you. Get there as soon as you can get in.
Find the vendor you looked into and buy what you want and ask them to hold onto it so you can continue to look.
You may find other things you like as well, but it's best not to buy on impulse.

smy_749 · 02-12-14, 12:17 PM

I like Aarons idea. I always have my deals ready before I go, no need to drive 2 hours to window shop. Make a list of supplies you might need too, when I get there I usually forget 3/4's of what I needed. And don't pick up anything you dont have housing for, its a real pain in the *** to try to scramble something together once you get home, and you won't have time to test temps and what not.

Don't bring more cash than you plan on spending! And don't have high hopes, unless your going to an expo in Cali, Florida or hamburg :P

Disregard the last part, forgot your in Canada lol

Donnie · 02-12-14, 12:18 PM

Take only the cash you will need as if you have it in your pocket you'll only want to spend it when you are there

wrecker45 · 02-12-14, 02:17 PM

You can get deals on frozen rodents, uth, lighting. Look for reptile rescues. I buy my lighting from one. And most importantly enjoy.

TheFrogman · 02-12-14, 02:19 PM

LOL, I have researched and had ideas and as soon as I walk in the door the plan goes to hell and I always say crap, Ill be right back, Im running to the ATM......so now, I make no plans and I always bring minimum $700 in with me. Ha Ha ha

DragonsEye · 02-12-14, 03:04 PM

In this it is like many types of expos, I suspect.

1) Best selection is always at the beginning of the show.

2) Some vendors will be willing to haggle, others won't. And those that ARE willing to haggle will typically only be willing to do so at the END of the show (or if you are purchasing several animals from them). By the end of the show you, of course, are looking at the "leftovers". So you may be getting a "deal" but usually the best specimens are long gone.

3) Completely agree -- check out which vendors will be attending. If the vendor has an online store, you can then check out what they have to offer. This will help you determine who might have what you really want and not "waste time" on those who don't. Doing so will also help you compare prices. If one has exactly what you are looking for, you can ask them to bring it to the show. Not only do you avoid shipping fees, but you then get to check out the animal before laying the money down.

4) If, while at the show, you see a nice specimen but want to check out the competition first, then you can ask the vendor if they would be willing to hold the animal for you for 5-10 mins or so. Some vendors will say "no." Can't fault them as holding an animal for a "maybe" could cost them a sale from another customer. However, some vendors will be willing to hold the animal for a short time. But if they hold it for you and you decide to go with a different vendor's animal, please remember to go back to the first vendor to let them know and thank them for being willing to do you the favor. (Seems like a no brainer but "common courtesy" is another thing that is no longer quite so common.)

5) If after making your purchase you wish to look around the rest of the expo but don't want to carry your new charge around, feel free to ask if the vendor would mark the animal "sold" (with your name on it) and hold it for you while you peruse the rest of the expo. I haven't met any vendors yet who would have an issue with doing so.

6) Definitely make a list of supplies you need before going. It often is far cheaper to get them at an expo.

**Aaron_S** · 02-12-14, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonsEye

3) Completely agree -- check out which vendors will be attending. If the vendor has an online store, you can then check out what they have to offer. This will help you determine who might have what you really want and not "waste time" on those who don't. Doing so will also help you compare prices. If one has exactly what you are looking for, you can ask them to bring it to the show. Not only do you avoid shipping fees, but you then get to check out the animal before laying the money down....

I would like to add to this.

A really good idea is to ask them to bring it because not everyone will bring everything they have for sale. They have limited space so they may decide to leave it back so it's something else to think about.

TheFrogman · 02-12-14, 07:01 PM

Always haggle !

**Aaron_S** · 02-12-14, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrogman

Always haggle !

Why?

Personally, I rarely do. If I see an animal I like and I am comfortable with the price then I pay it, no questions ask.

I end up with this kind of mentality... "Did I get what I want? Am I happy with it? Am I going to care that I paid X dollars more for it when I'm happy I got what I wanted?"

The truest question is, what is more important, the price or "deal" I got or that I'm happy with getting what I want?

psychocircus · 02-12-14, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Why?

Personally, I rarely do. If I see an animal I like and I am comfortable with the price then I pay it, no questions ask.

I end up with this kind of mentality... "Did I get what I want? Am I happy with it? Am I going to care that I paid X dollars more for it when I'm happy I got what I wanted?"

The truest question is, what is more important, the price or "deal" I got or that I'm happy with getting what I want?

Yep.
You get what you pay for.
You build a better relationship with the breeder.
The deals are typically already good anyway.