Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was reading the thread below and it got me thinking. Every now and again the "market of ball pythons" comes up. As a little man hobbyist here is my take on the whole thing. I dont care about the market. I have loved snakes since I was born. My goal is to one day be able to turn a profit keeping and breeding them. Not to get rich and retire, just enough to pay for itself. I like that there are expensive morphs out there, gives me something to strive for. Plus, why would I want to invest money in something, only to give it away later because it cant hold its value. As far as the big guys setting ridiculous prices, my thoughts are the really high prices are set up more for a trade value. I could be wrong about that. Any insight to this anyone???? And the "big guys"......... as far as I can tell they are just like the rest of us. Its just a couple of people doing what they love, not some huge corporation mass producing balls on a conveyor belt. This is one of my favorite things about this hobby. The "big guys" are readily available. Take Kathy Love for example. She is the top dog in the corn world. When you send an email or call, you get her, not some voicemail maze to weave through to leave a message for someone who could care less if they call you back today or next month. Certainly there are always going to be those with poor service. I like going to shows and seeing the guys who are producing the next morph. The major players in this business are no different than the rest of us. Sure, some have egos (so ive heard) but really, they are only one step above the little hobbyist. Its a big step and Im not saying that just anyone can make it work by any means, but I hope you understand what Im saying. Enough of my little rant (sort of). Long live the reptile industry. lol

ep
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Occupants not paying rent:
1.1. balls
1.1 corns
1 everglades rat
1 w. hognose
1 bearded dragon
2.1 cats

Np
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"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"
COLD BLOOD.........WARM HEART

I am afraid a cornsnake breeder will never have a secretary - way too expensive, lol! But then, I have always thought that the PEOPLE who are interested in herps make up at least half of the attraction of herps (at least to me, anyway). That is one reason I would never be too interested in wholesale - I like dealing with herp people (well, at least MOST of them, ha-ha!)

It is important to enjoy your collection, or you might as well do something more boring, but more profitable. But I don't see anything wrong with making some money (whatever the market allows) while doing it. I am playing around with some new projects (a few BPS, some Amazon tree boas, a dwarf retic, etc) both to help pay the bills and to enjoy the excitement of some new projects.

I think it is important to re-evaluate your goals and plans every year or two to make sure that you stay on the path that is likely to make you the happiest - both financially and otherwise, while you pursue your interests in your hobby / business.

Each person has to know themselves well enough to try and determine their own course and how to chart it.

Right on!
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Mike and David at 3-D Pythons
www.3dpythons.com

Repzoo. I think you make some good points.