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I sold several Possible Het Pied males with a copy of the original receipt from Kahl. I felt this would put the buyer at ease, having at least something in writing backing up their purchase, and having something tangible, other than just my word that they were Possible hets. I received many emails with questions, but not one person asked how they could be sure they were the same snakes, listed on the receipt. A later phone call brought this point up, and really got me thinking about "paperwork," and if it is really worth anything without a photo? With all the money being thrown around on Balls, I may want a photo with a receipt from now on.............Any comments, questions, responses

Dave

I personally would feel better if the het was microchipped, with the id# on the reciept from the original breeder. I think its only $30.00.

I don't think that there is anyway to "prove" that the animal that you saw is the actual animal from the clutch that you want to get. The only way to prove that is to prove out the trait, or to trust the seller. I cannot think of a breeder nowadays that would intentenionally rip you off, but I am sure that it has happened, and it may currently be happening. I know this does not answer your question completely, but just my worthless $.02.

I'm with you all the way. A photo document is very important when buying expensive hets. As far as I can tell, no two ball pythons have the same pattern - it's a "fingerprint". This type of document should be an industry standard. I also keep a copy, so that if in the future my buyer wishes to sell the animal, his prospective buyers can also contact me for additional verification. I believe photo ID is the best way to keep track of hets. and protect the future of your investment.
No way is it too much to ask.
Dan

Dan Wolfe Herpetoculture

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HerpCrazy Reptiles

i think the micro chip is the best way . it cost like 40 $ which is cheap in the grand scheme of things.

ok, so some rip off artist buys 100 ch balls for $500. Pays $30 to chip some of them, and sells them as het clown females for $4K. What good does the chip do?

Dave

I thought you were talking about reselling animals that you had bought from a reputable breeder. I guess if someone forges a receipt then theres nothing you can do. But if I bought hets from you, and you had the original receipt with the chip number from the original breeder I would at least know that the snake I got corresponds with the paperwork.

i guess that is the risk that you take when you buy hets.