Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Problem.. when people ask me about unrelated Hog is. boas or Corn Is. boas or most any of the insular or rare forms I often reply with something like this:

'There's no such thing as an UNRELATED pair of Corn is. boas'. Then I'll go on to explain that I can supply boas with different parents and possibly even different grandparents, but they won't be 'UNRELATED'

By that I mean that a relative few of them have been imported, all from the same fairly smalll island or area and since they have not been outbred or crossed with other types or localities of boas they are all related to some extent. Well, it appears I have lost a couple of customers by being so forthcoming and honest... They reply..' Oh, sorry, we only want UNRELATED boas'!

Should I drop the explanation? Explain some other way? Help me out....

Thanks!
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Gus
A. Rentfro
RioBravoReptiles.com

"Quality is not an accident. Perfectly healthy animals are a minimum requirement.. everything else is just salesmanship" gus

Gus, I really like your response. I think it is a perfect explanation. Chris

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Stick with honesty. Why jeopardize a good reputation to satisfy a few nit-wits? For every person that backs out of a deal, there are probably two more waiting in line for the same snakes. Take care. Good luck.

I would agree with the other posts. Some people are ignorant to these facts so a little education could always help. Maybe just a "well honestly like a purebred dog they are all related, but I make sure my bloodline is very strong" That way people that know very little can see the light without being blessed with "the smartness"
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"Victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price"

As long as you are not brief with buyers and explain what you mean by boas being related, as you have done in your post, then you shouldn't have any problems, unless the person is an idiot or is just wasting your time.

It is interesting that you explain this to potential buyers. Sometimes people are confused by honesty, and could think you are being a smartass.

Jaremy

.. I am ceratinly capable of being a smarta$$! But I hope people can tell it is all in fun..

Thanks everybody for your input..
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Gus
A. Rentfro
RioBravoReptiles.com

"Quality is not an accident. Perfectly healthy animals are a minimum requirement.. everything else is just salesmanship" gus

I've asked that question of others in the past when buying a pair with the thought that I was just trying to make sure that they are not brother and sister.
I like your explaination. Those who have changed their mind after hearing it must be inexperienced. Maybe they don't even know why they are asking the question.

I'd say to stay with the explanation. It's honest and educational.

And I use the same comments when responding to my own clients.. The fact is that our opinions are the truth and many hobbyists simply don't understand or their frustrated by the comments.

It doesn't help when many people claim to have unrelated boas to anything else available in the hobby... Meanwhile the person purchased his pair from the same person I acquired my animals from long ago!

Anyways, fact is that some people just like to believe what they want to believe IMO....

Just my thoughts...

Darren Hamill
Hamill Reptiles.com

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Thanks,
Darren Hamill