Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

So I need advice from some of you veteran snake sellers!

I made arrangements with a buyer to sell 7 ball pythons and 4 boas back in mid April. I sold to this person in the past, and had no issues, and he has a good track record on the BOI. The buyer quickly put down a deposit (per my terms), and said that since he was quite a distance away, wouldn't be able to pick up the snakes for two weeks (I don't ship). Anyways two weeks comes, and he says he can't make it, but he can definitely make it in another two weeks. We make arrangements with a date and time, but the night before he calls to cancel due to a major problem at home. I reminded him of the terms we discussed previously, and that my hold is for one month, and the deposit is non-refundable. I told him that I would be willing to keep the snakes on hold with another 20% deposit, but that he would need to pay by the 18th.

Needless to say, he has not paid, so I took the animals off hold, called, e-mailed, pm'd the guy with no response yet. I told him that he needs to make arrangements ASAP and that if he wanted the animals back on hold, he would need to put another deposit down, or come pick them up ASAP.

What can I do in this situation?? The buyer is very hard to get a hold of, and rarely calls or e-mails for days and days at a time. I made all of my terms clear, but I can't think of anything else I can do. What should I do if he continues to cancel on me, and how can it make it clear that I am holding the animals, not offering him a payment plan??

Thanks for letting me vent my frustrations!
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Thanks,
Amy

My Boids

Put the animals "back on the market" AND keep the deposit(s)! He has NOT fulfilled his end of the deal and your missing out on OTHER deals, not to mention YOUR time and money, feeding and caring for the animals! I'm all for working w/someone, but you can't even get ahold of him!

I would send him a certified letter, stating the facts. Give him a certain time period, that he has to fulfill the original deal, or to ammend this one. Clearly state the original arrangement, time frames, and what he has to do to get the animals. Give a cut off date, and clearly state what will happen, ie, foreit the deposit, if the terms are not met.

Dave

Seems like you stated your terms clearly he obviously agreed when he sent the deposit.. If he wanted to ensure you were going to hold them even tho he was unable to make arrangements to pick them up at that time he should have completed the payment with you or tryed to make arrangements and stayed in contact. From your original post seems like he broke the contract you made so he forfeited his deposit and the snakes are yours to do as you wish..

I'm currently paying on a payment plan with a well known breeder for a ball python if I was to disapear or not make payments as previously discussed. And not stay in contact. I would understand him forfeiting my deposit and not holding the snake for me its business not personal

Jbugg.

I would give him to the end of this week to contact you or arrive to pick up the snakes. E-mail/phone him saying specifically you are giving him to May 22nd to pick up his snakes and pay the balance, or provide an additional despite. If you don't hear anything, then cancel the deal and his deposit is non refundable.

Typing it all out in letter format and snail mailing it to him and sending it express post (its a cost but it means you get a record of sending the letter, especially if you ask for it to be signed for, but probably not necessary to go that far.)

I think you have been more than reasonable even without taking the suggestions above. Most 'lay away' plans at stores put things back on the self and don't call to check, even if you put down a deposit, once the 'must pickup by' date comes.
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PHLdyPayne

Amy, Sorry to hear about the difficulty your having with a customer in reference to payment issues. It's quite apparent you have given ample time plus made sincere effort to contact buyer about said purchase. All in all you have handled yourself with professionalism and integrity in dealing with a non-responsive buyer who seems to have fallen off the earth. That being said immediately put the animals back up for sale and if buyer can be contacted/located refund all the deposit. I know you have every right to keep deposit and it's documented that deposits are non refundable but just because it says you can doesn't mean you have too. That's what I would do and have done in the past but that's me. Also just maybe some day down the road that buyer will remember what you did and make you the deal of the century. Situations like yours do happen on rare occasions and I think the buyer should be given the benefit of the doubt. Refund deposit and take the high road. Take care and best of luck this season. Andrew

Thanks so much for your advice. I only sell locally, and on a small scale so I haven't had this experience before. I really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

I am hopeful that this buyer will come through still, as he has in the past, and that all will work out, but in the event that it doesn't I like the idea of sending a certified letter to document that I contacted him.

Have a great Wednesday!
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Thanks,
Amy

My Boids

I'm not a breeder just yet, but I agree with the others. You have been more than professional. I would send a letter with a deadline. In lieu of a refund on his deposit you can offer an instant credit towards a FULL paid purchase. By that I mean.. say he put up a 100.00 credit for an animal, but he didnt come through. Tell him he can apply it to another animal, provided he pays full price in cash and picks up within your given time frame. Just a suggestion.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

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