Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I plan to actually attend a herp show at some point in 2010/2011. It'll be my first despite having been keeping for over a decade. But since I've never done this before I have some questions:

How does payment work? Do most vendors have it set up to take credit/debit cards at shows, or do you bring cash? What about more expensive animals?
After you buy an animal, what happens? Do you just carry it around the show with you, do the vendors hold it till you leave, or what?
How crowded/noisy are they? I'm planning to go to one in Austin or Dallas, or maybe OKC. They're the closest. I'm a bit nervous in/near crowds.
ANything useful from those that have attended shows? I'm not going as a seller, just a buyer/looky-lou
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

**How does payment work? Do most vendors have it set up to take credit/debit cards at shows, or do you bring cash?**

Some vendors take credit cards, some take cash only, some might take checks.

**After you buy an animal, what happens? Do you just carry it around the show with you, do the vendors hold it till you leave, or what?**

Most carry them around with them (small stuff). I've kept animals that were already sold behind the table until the customer was ready to leave the building.

**How crowded/noisy are they?**

Depending upon the set up, they can be very crowded and hot. Others have larger buildings with plenty of room, a snack area and ATM machines, restrooms and plenty of parking etc.

**I'm planning to go to one in Austin or Dallas, or maybe OKC. They're the closest. I'm a bit nervous in/near crowds.
ANything useful from those that have attended shows? I'm not going as a seller, just a buyer/looky-lou**

Take plenty of cash and HAVE FUN ! Once you have made a look through, go back and do it again and you will see stuff you didn't see on your first go-through. TALK to the vendors and ask plenty of questions. Take your camera and take plenty of pics.

Kerby...

Kerby gave some great tips. I also suggest BE PATIENT!! Many who attend the shows are there on a whim, and some are not even into reptiles at all. Its funny hearing folks say things like "Oh my God!! Snakes are just so disgusting, get it away!!!" when you are at a herp show FILLED with snakes, etc. LOL!! Its just a freak show for them. They crowd the tables, take up valuable vendor time, and do not spend one dime except for their entry fee and at the snack bars LOL!! Give these folks time to walk away from the vendor tables you are interested in viewing and talking too. Dont let impatience get in the way of you finding what you may really want. Also, as Kerby suggested, dont walk around once and think you have seen everything. Walk around multiple times. Buy a soda and a snack, stroll, look, and RELAX. Most shows stamp your hand so you can come and go for the day. So if you are feeling a bit closed in, go outside for some air, clear your head, and get back in there!! Also, a vendor may not be displaying all they brought with them. If you see something similar to what you want, ask that vendor if they have exactly what you want. They may have it tucked away under the table. Also as Kerby stated, bring CASH!! If you know you may be spending X dollars on a particular snake if you find it, then bring that amount of money at least. Many of the high dollar morph vendors, and the bigger broker vendors will take credit cards, but not all.

It is always good to take cash, but like Kerby said, some vendors are setup to take plastic, but most definitely are not, and prefer cash(don't we all?..LOL!). And some of them, depending were they are(hotels, convention centers, etc..) have an ATM machine or two in the lobby as well(Daytona definitely does too).

Basically, they are pretty much like most any other type of table show(gun/knife, coin, or even car show,). And it really depends on how large they are as to how much noise and people attend, but they are never bad at all in my opinion.

Also, you can simply carry your purchase around with you if you want, or even put the deli cup(s) in a handy plastic bag for convenience, or simply leave them at the vendors table until later on. I have never yet had a vendor say he/she wouldn't put away an animal for someone underneath the table after buying it, and I get asked to do this quite often too. It is very typical to leave things with the vendor if you don't want to carry it around for whatever reason.

You will have a BLAST bro!!!......just can't beat going to a nice show, especially for the first time!

So get out there and ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

>>
>> Basically, they are pretty much like most any other type of table show(gun/knife, coin, or even car show,). And it really depends on how large they are as to how much noise and people attend, but they are never bad at all in my opinion.

I've been to *one* gun show and it was deserted. This is at the advice of a shrink I'm seeing about getting more comftorable with groups of people. She wants me to expose myself to crowds in favorable conditions a bit, and I can't expect that it gets much more favorable than a herp show with lots of critters Wonder if I can write off travel as a medical expense?
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

"Wonder if I can write off travel as a medical expense?"

yep!,.....guess that could be catagorized under "therapy"

It is for many of us I think..LOL!

~Doug

Don't expect the crowds to be anywhere NEAR this huge at most shows, after all, this is in Daytona!!. There are many small local shows that are quite layed-back too.

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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

a crowd that size would have my huddled in a corner in the fetal position Soooo not my thing.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

Yeah, I can understand that, but like I said, most small local shows, and TONS of other one's too are very easy-going and casual. Please don't let that huge "monster" show in Daytona give you the impression that they are all like that, because they certainly aren't. Many local shows are in small hotel dining rooms and things like that too.

Here is a link to tons of shows that are held around all around the country for you to check out.

herp shows

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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

I'm very fortunate that my 10 yr old daughter enjoys the shows but she's not big on crowds. I make sure I leave early get there for 10am and then out of there by 1230 when it gets really crowded. Not really fun when it's mobbed but you can check everything out at a normal pace if you get there when the show opens.

Give it a try! What's the worst thing?... unlike the army, if you are not enjoying yourself, you can just walk away... I usually run into old friends, and I always am amused at the interesting people you will see and meet. Some of these folks are as exotic as the animals. A show in San Diego had some skilled belly dancers, so there is something for everyone. Depending on who is vending, you may see some mind blowing animals and sometimes great opportunities to buy all sorts of items, including cages, rodents and insects, all herp related goods as well as the incredible display of animals. Some even offer an educational component with respected speakers etc. See you there? good luck, vic

I agree with what everyone said. Maybe do it in do able doses of 10 or 15 minutes to start? Then go out side for a soda/water Then go back in. Reptile shows are good therapy for our stressful lives you just have to stay on top of the impulse buy thing (at least for me)

I didn't catch what part of the country you are from. Maybe one of us could ride shotgun for you for a bit?

>>I didn't catch what part of the country you are from. Maybe one of us could ride shotgun for you for a bit?

EXCELLENT SUGGESTION!!!! Altho the person would be somewhat a stranger, you would know them to some extent! Perhaps arrange a meeting with someone from here before hand outside and have them with you in case!
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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I'm in Amarillo, TX. I'm not sure which show I'll got o yet; I can't go in May or June, and July would be a stretch (work stuff). August on would be better by far, so I'll have to choose based on time and space. I'd rather not drive more than 400 miles if i can help it; OKC, Tulsa, Dallas and Arlington are the ones standing out.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

>>I'm in Amarillo, TX. I'm not sure which show I'll got o yet; I can't go in May or June, and July would be a stretch (work stuff). August on would be better by far, so I'll have to choose based on time and space. I'd rather not drive more than 400 miles if i can help it; OKC, Tulsa, Dallas and Arlington are the ones standing out.
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You could always break off on the big one in Daytona in august, skip the drive and fly out. Then you can start a hybrid discussion just to watch me flick everyones ears around the table.

Dont rush, look at smaller shows first and build your way up so you are ready to rock at the NARBC arlington show in February!
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
Visit kingsnake on Facebook!
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I don't have the cash to go to Daytona. I work for a social services based non-profit during a recession I haven't had an actual raise since 2007 (I did get a COLA this year thank god). Hell, part of keeping it close is to keep it cheap to go to.
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We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

One more thing, many many times I have gotten animals for lower prices than stated. Baraganing is common at shows, and I do it all the time, respectfully of course. IF you want an 80 $ snake and you only have 60 left- offer the person 60 and I bet they might take it if its the last day of the show in the afternoon. 4-5pm is usually 'Barganing power hour' for some. Then again, I've also gotten lower prices on the first day of the show.

I make a point to be reasonable and respectful to the vendor. If its good stock I want and they have it, I wont make a crazy low offer, its rude, however after making respectful lower offers, I have gotten what I want and had more money to spend on other things at the show.

You can also pick up many supplies such as Tongs, Frozen Mice and Rats, heat strips, nice used cages and tanks and there are book dealers there also, and yes I have haggled with them too but not as much as snakes or live stock such as tarantulas.

Hope you DO go, I have seen and learned a lot by going to shows over the years.

Maybe someone can answer this. If you fly to Daytona lets say. How do you get your animals there if your selling? And back if your buying or selling?.......And how safe is it if you have to ship them?.....thanks in advance.
Mike Bodner's Thayeri

I haven't been to the OKC show, but have been to Arlington/DFW shows and also tha Austin show. Both are excellent shows with great vendors and animals but somewhat smaller and, hopefully for you, more comfortable than the Daytona show pictured. And usually there are lounge areas outside where you can get out and decompress a bitand possibly have a beverage or two. Just go, bring cash and enjoy yourself. Like you said, where better than a snake show?
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Greg Jackson

>>How does payment work? Do most vendors have it set up to take credit/debit cards at shows, or do you bring cash? What about more expensive animals?
Bigger names take plastic more often than not. You can also look at vendor list, talk with vendor in advance and pre-pay for pick up at show!

>>After you buy an animal, what happens? Do you just carry it around the show with you, do the vendors hold it till you leave, or what?
Honestly, everyone else gave great advice, but I am gonna chime in on this. Seeing as you will not have a vendor badge, can I strongly suggest you leave the animal with the person you purchased from until leaving? All shows I have been to do not allow you to carry that animal back in. Depending on temps outside, if you need to get a breath of air and break free from the crowd for a few, you know your animal is safe somewhere.

>>How crowded/noisy are they? I'm planning to go to one in Austin or Dallas, or maybe OKC. They're the closest. I'm a bit nervous in/near crowds.

As everyone said Daytona is HUGE! But the aisles are always moving. Most of the larger shows have a vendor map. When you arrive, take a few moments to look at that in the lobby or outside where you are more comfortable. Map out where you want to go. Perhaps look for names you know from forums here and make it a point to stop and chat with someone you "know". Especially if it is one of us reading this. They are aware already about your problems with crowds and will more than likely take a few moments to chat. Right boys?

Another tip is if it is a two day show, go in the afternoon sunday. Having done a few of these shows, late afternoon sunday is a bit slower. Even at regular small swap type shows, the hour before closing always seems the slowest. Local swap shows people race in to get feeders before they are gone. Even the last hour of Daytona gets slow.. Vendors start relaxing a bit, altho a word to the wise. Some times when sales are slow, people MIGHT be a bit over worn out. Be patient with them, but if you are going more to get a feel of the show itself, this shouldnt be a major issue.
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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