Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been around the herp game for over 10 years and have seen a lot of changes. The biggest to me is the emergence of the "basement breeders" as I call them. They're everywhere. I've also noticed a sharp decline in the number of herp shops all over really. The number of shops that specialized in herps was never as high as those for fish, etc. I'm just wondering in this age of captive breeding is there any room for the herp shop? Anyone can see the advantages of running things from your own property but is the herp store an endangered or soon to be extinct species? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I know of several herp stores in my area, and all do a fairly good business. Sure, their animals are a bit more overpriced, but you normally can get high quality animals or animals that are not seen as often from private breeders. As well, many a "basement breeder" has burned someone, while herp stores are not known to do this as often, though I am sure it has happened. I think they still play a fairly important role, though some day they may, as you were saying, become obsolete. Andy
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Andy Maddox
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

Man, I tend to agree with you. I do believe something is lost if the herp stores become extinct. In a well run store with knowledgeable people, it can be quite an atmosphere. I used to work in one as a teenager and there was never a shortage of herp junkies walking around, and it's nice to be able to talk to people with similar interests. There isn't one in my city any longer and I've thought about the idea of opening one in the future. Just wondering if it will be possible.

good luck with it! I always love going to one in particular...just listening to what other people are talking about is really something in itself. That is another point I obviously forgot...the great staff. Some of those people are just awesome. Happy herping! Andy
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Andy Maddox
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

Part of the problem with running a herp store is that there isn't really a "wholesale" industry for captive born herps. Therefore, unless a store buys in bulk, herp stores have to buy from most breeders for the same price that the breeders charge all their customers.

So the knowledgeable customer is faced with a choice -
I can buy from the breeder for a particular price or buy the same animals from the pet store for more. Sure, the pet store represents an established business, but so do many larger breeders (and most smaller breeders are honest).

And in regard to the information available, some pet stores give out good herp advice. Many don't.
Breeders, by their very nature, have some experience with the species they are selling. Not a guarantee in a store.

I think herp expos and online sales have really made it hard for herp stores to make a living.
A pity in some regards, but then again, many of those stores maintain the call for wild collected herps.
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Chris Harrison

The herp store where I live is extremely crappy and seems to do good business. That must be the key. .
But, heck, a lot of top notch breeder work out of their homes, and if you're getting an investment animal, they're really the way to go.
It seems like maybe the herp show is what's replaceing the herp shop?