The question should be "are all pet stores like this" but the answer is really the same for eithe one. As various people have pointed out, there are differences in pet stores just as I am sure there are differences in herp society. If the things a society does bothers a particular store owner then he has to look at his practices and see why. If what they are saying applies to him then he has no reason to complain. If what they are saying does not apply to him then he should make it a point to let them know that he does not operate like that.



This is to oldherper



What constitutes a "fair" price? what should be factored into the price of the animal. Does it warrent a couple of extra bucks to be able to see and hold and examine the exact animal you are looking to buy. Should I be able to charge more because I have purchased my CBB baby red eye treefrogs as 1/2 inch froglets and raised them up for 6 months so they were big enough to sell. Should the fact that I take the time to explain to my customers how to care for the animals and make sure they are informed enough to make the right descision as to what reptile is right for them go unrewarded. Are you willing to pay a little more for someone who will be there next week if you have any questions. Are you willing to pay a little more to be able to take care of all your reptile needs in one stop instead of making a dozen trips around town gathering all the stuff you need for a DIY setup.



At what point does the price of an animal become unfair. You would be surprised (or maybe you are one of them and wouldn't be) at how many people come into my store to sell their animals and USED supplies and expext a rediculous price for it. "I paid $200.00 for everything at another store 6 months ago but I know I won't get that much the clamp light with the broken switch is only 3 months old. the first one only lasted 3 months so I bought another one just like it. the 50 watt heat bulb is only 3 weeks old. He loves his hot rock, he sits on it all the time. the UVB bulb is only 6 months old but I only had it on for 12 hours a day so really its only like 3 months. The melted strip light that holds the UVB light is only 6 months old, the critter cage is just like new except it has a tiny crack in the back I paid $35.00 for the baby nile monitor but its 4 times the size now so he must be worth lots more. plus there's the water bowl, the feces encrusted hide log, a half a bag of mulch, a stupid looking neon skull and a whole bunch of medicines and reptile sprays that were hardly used. hows $150.00 sound." sounds about $125.00 to high for me.



Maybe I should be just like the internet sellers will send a cheap animal out to anyone sending the correct amount of money without asking any questions. Maybe I should charge $39.99 for my CBB red eyes just because some guy on the internet is selling their fresh off the boat parasite infested red eyes for $39.99. Oh wait a minute, I do, that's just so unfair of me. And don't get me started on corn snakes.



I am simply asking, what do you consider a fair markup on animals.



Steve Schindler

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