Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok has anyone here ever "fronted" snakes with a promise of later payment? I did with 2 bp's to a neighbor and close frond with payment promised by the end of that month. That time has come and gone. the first day f the next month I "Very respectfully and kindly" asked about the payment and the reply I got was a jokingly "When I can afford it" I let it go at that with a possible commitment by the end of this month. After while I thought now wait, said person has spend hundreds on the 2 snakes and hundreds more on other things "Remember neighbor, every time a new toy shows up said person has to show it off" I am at the point of repossessing the snakes, Would It be to rude to ask for the back? Should I wait until the end of this month and if the 2nd promise is broken and payment in not received take them back? I know all I have to do is ask because said person would not put up a fuss, after all said person knows they are not payed for and really dose value our relationship. I front snakes to the pet store all the time and always get timely payment but this is very unfortunate because now if I get payment or just get the snakes back I will never front them to a private party again. Any recommendations?
Foot Hill Reptiles

Wait for time up on the second one and simply reposess the snakes. It seems obvious he's not comin' out with any money. Friends are the hardest people to deal with. They believe that BEACUSE they are friends they can slack off some. JMHO

Quig

That what I figured. I understand hard times and really don't want to be rude however the fact remains I sold 2 snakes to make money and should get what I have coming. thanks for the reply
Foot Hill Reptiles

I will take the snakes back, if they don't make the payment at the end of the month. If he wants to put down a deposit or pay for one of the snakes, you could offer to hold the second snake for another month, then he can have him once he pays for them...otherwise, if you find another buyer, your friend will just have to look elsewhere.

For friends I would never just give a snake before payment, I will give them a good deal but if they can't pay, then they won't get what I have for sale. I learned my lesson once when my cousin asked me to draw her a nice big picture of a dragon and said she will pay me to do it, but when I finished, she didn't want to pay for it, so I didn't give her the picture. But it was alot of work for nothing.

That was when I learned that no matter if they are family or friends, if I am not doing it as a gift, they pay first, then get the product.
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PHLdyPayne

jason...
i know friends are like family... but i'd still have them fill out a signed paper saying they would pay for the snakes... that way, if they didnt you had proof they werent a "gift" which they may claim..... thats why i always keep e-mails and stuff from people requesting certain prices and what not... like i have a friend who is giving me a deal on a leucy hybrid black rat and texas rat pair... but i kept the e-mail of the said payment plan. i also get people to fill out a paper when i rescue animals... for example i just got an adult iguana from a guy who found the iguana in a parking lot, but i still had them fill out the paperwork. Even if it isnt their animal... they cant just ask for it back.... i have paperwork of them signing the animal over even though i am pretty sure the guy would never want it back, but just covering my butt. most people seem to understand....
if you dont get the critters back... you might as well write them off as gone w/o payment. b/c once you give something for nothing.. they can always say they paid or it was a gift... just beware..
~kin
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~Sober Serpents~
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i understand what everyone is saying completely. thanks for the replys, I think my best bet is to just play it cool and say no problem I will give you more time but "Do me a favor and sign this so we both feel better about it" assuming he dose then problem solved. I know the snakes are being cared for so I don't mind letting him pay for there food for the rest of this month LOL
Foot Hill Reptiles

You go over there with a pad of paper and a baseball bat, ask him nicely to sign the form, if he refuses,hit is knee caps and then have him sign the form when he's down! or you could give me a snake and I'll get your 2 back! Just kidding but would work. Good Luck

LOL I am not a vio9lent person "Unless I don't get payed LOL" I talked with him last night, I did not ask him to sign the paper yet but we had a discussion and hopefully payment will come soon.
Foot Hill Reptiles