Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have to say this Daytona show had some awesome animals on some of the Vendors tables. i.e. Snakekeeper, RDR, Graziani, etc. But for the most part prices were high from alot of the other vendors. Prices on many different animals including Ball Morphs actually went UP on Sunday rather than down like they normally do. I saw people start out with the prices on Pastels higher than they can be purchased online for and go up another couple of hundred bucks on Sunday. I am not sure how many people actually did well this year but there were not as many people walking around the show this time with animals purchased. This goes for the lower end animals as well as High end animals.
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Rob Trenor
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The shows seem to be an observation and fellowship for most people. It seems also up in the east that most people buy supplies. Ten yeas ago if you went by a table you better buy that animal or it will be gone. Now you can wait have lunch and then go purchase the animal. [depending on price].
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RicK Denmon

Ball Boutique,Inc.

Most people don't have 15k, 10k, or even 5k to spend on an animal. I know i dont. We all love seeing the new morphs and the different color schemes that these beauties are born with, but the bottom line is....the only people that can afford these snakes and have them in their homes are the "big" breeders. Maybe with the exception of an albino, but were only looking at 2k here. Im not saying everbody should lower their prices to 1k or anything...that would take away from the animals...but maybe a little lower than 15k. How about offering a credit line or payment plans for people who REALLY want these snakes in a bad way. Bottom line: You breed them, you sell them for whatever you want...you have that right, but as a customer..we have the right to NOT buy them!...Thanx

I think I would be willing to pay a premium at a show. It would be worth it to be able to see and handle a snake before buying. I am nervous about purchasing online and the risks that go with shipping!

Interesting point, maybe a premium is justified for "hands on" purchases.

Also, I wonder how much the tables cost at that show? Did all possible vendor locations seem to be used? Maybe the expense or available space limits that show to vendors who don't need to compete to sell a lot.

Did many of the vendors appeared to sell out everything?

I find that most people that handle my reptiles at shows do not buy--- yes I said do not buy. If I go to a table with a nice big healthy animal in a container I buy. I do not need to touch. Like I say maybe 2 out of 10 might buy when handle. Some folks need to touch what they buy.
Another point who walks into a show with $15,000.00 and buys a pied? Yes folks make deals prior to show and pick up at a show. [saves shipping] Most big breeders go to shake hands for that phone call next year. Also I have noticed that some breeders go to only big shows. When the money dries up for that show ....they are gone! The Maryland show is a great example of what I am saying. Sunnybrook Ballroom is another show.
I doubt it very much if a vender sells out. Unless the prices drop and it is a blow out. I heard three or five years ago vendors where leaving animals on the table after they went home.
Another good example I was selling food items. Adult mice $45.00 for 100. Not much but I dropped to $40.00 for a hundred sold out to the third person I said $40.00. Yes cheap but I wanted to clean out freezer for winter time. Now back to $50.00 a hundred!!!
Did I say I went to the NY show? I did buy a cheese burger and soft drink.
I sell 90% of my animals over the internet.
just my .02 cents. Happy herping!
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RicK Denmon

Ball Boutique,Inc.

Interesting, thanks for the feedback all!

So far I've not produced anything worth shipping. Hopefully that will change in the next 2 or 3 years. But even then it's so hard to get set up with Delta and I'm not crazy about any of the "unofficial" shipping methods. It would be fun to have a good excuse for the thousands mile drive to the big show to finally see it. Maybe price everything to sell the first day and then get to look around the second.

Good points. However, I'm not willing to pay the $500 premium I saw on many of the animals. I think the show this year was not as good. To boot, it was way to warm in there. Turn on the AC guys!! I agree with Rob too, I didn't see nearly as many people with purchases.

I was looking for a good price on a het pied but found none.
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Jay A. Martin

I TOTALLY agree snow! I would love to be able to buy a Snow ball outright, but I will have to go the long way and try to breed one myself. IF I had the money I WOULD buy one.
If the breeders can get the prices, go for it! The man I have bought my snakes from knows not everyone can afford the high prices. I bought my two "high orange" babies from him for $45.00 and $50.00 respectively. There were other prices lower, but many MUCH higher.
I had bought Rachel from him two years ago, so I know I was getting good quality, healthy animals. I am VERY willing to pay a couple more dollars for that piece of mind!