Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm about to make my first purchase via the KS classifieds. The person I'm about to buy from has been registered since 2002 as a hobby breeder. Since I've never done this before, I'm wondering if there are any steps I should take or things to ask for during the course of this purchase that can help ensure a successful outcome. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Eddie

If you are uneasy about a purchase. You can always ask for references or look here (see link)

Not everyone is on there but it is a good starting point as well as asking for references.
BOI

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Brandon Nixon

Price wise:

Personally, I would wait awhile to buy. Many more babies are going to be hatching over the next 3-4 months and this means that not only you will have more to chose from, but with this large infux of babies, you may be able to negotiate for a better cash price. I would even wait until fall when alot of people want to move the animals before winter makes it harder to ship and they dont want to have to keep them over the winter...

If I were you, I would get a wide sample of prices for the type of animal you want. Try and get prices from last year also for reference. Then get current prices from the larger name dealers which (in my opinion) tend to price on the higher side. You can then negotiate a cash price with a smaller dealer from there for much, much less..especially if you agree to keep it on the down low.

You can go to a reptile show. Go at the very end on the last day. There may be less to coose from, but if you do find what you want you may be able to pick it up for a song at this point. The last few hours of the last day is best because the seller might not want to cart all the animals home and might give you a realy good deal. Look for dealers that live very far away. Again, agree to keep it on the down low because the dealer might not want his buddy in the next booth to get mad that he just sold a snake for 50% less than the other guy is trying to get. If know one else knows...you will both be better off.

Animal Wise:

Are you panning on buying a normal, a visual morph, or a het? The first two are easier to get your arms around, the latter (hets) are trickier because you cant tell the difference and you really have to trust the seller...

Also, if you are trying to buy a female, you want to be careful. I would learn how to probe & pop also (or have someone do it for you) and sex the snake immediately when you receive it

Good luck and ask alot of questions.