>>How does payment work? Do most vendors have it set up to take credit/debit cards at shows, or do you bring cash? What about more expensive animals?
Bigger names take plastic more often than not. You can also look at vendor list, talk with vendor in advance and pre-pay for pick up at show!

>>After you buy an animal, what happens? Do you just carry it around the show with you, do the vendors hold it till you leave, or what?
Honestly, everyone else gave great advice, but I am gonna chime in on this. Seeing as you will not have a vendor badge, can I strongly suggest you leave the animal with the person you purchased from until leaving? All shows I have been to do not allow you to carry that animal back in. Depending on temps outside, if you need to get a breath of air and break free from the crowd for a few, you know your animal is safe somewhere.

>>How crowded/noisy are they? I'm planning to go to one in Austin or Dallas, or maybe OKC. They're the closest. I'm a bit nervous in/near crowds.


As everyone said Daytona is HUGE! But the aisles are always moving. Most of the larger shows have a vendor map. When you arrive, take a few moments to look at that in the lobby or outside where you are more comfortable. Map out where you want to go. Perhaps look for names you know from forums here and make it a point to stop and chat with someone you "know". Especially if it is one of us reading this. They are aware already about your problems with crowds and will more than likely take a few moments to chat. Right boys?

Another tip is if it is a two day show, go in the afternoon sunday. Having done a few of these shows, late afternoon sunday is a bit slower. Even at regular small swap type shows, the hour before closing always seems the slowest. Local swap shows people race in to get feeders before they are gone. Even the last hour of Daytona gets slow.. Vendors start relaxing a bit, altho a word to the wise. Some times when sales are slow, people MIGHT be a bit over worn out. Be patient with them, but if you are going more to get a feel of the show itself, this shouldnt be a major issue.
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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