Hey all,
I think that the price reflects the simple laws of supply and demand. It really does not matter if the product for sale is premium or not. Its whether or not the product will sell at its offering price.
To put things in perspective, consider this:
Would you believe that a 3 bedroom single level home built in 1954 sells for $525,000 in the DC metro area. The house is in average condition, sitting on a lot that is just a fraction of an acre. This house sold just 4 days after being listed. There aren't enough houses here to satisfy the amount of buyers.
We will know if they were overpriced when we start to see an overabundance of them because nobody wants to buy them.
In my humble opinion, I think these chameleons are awesome. Neon green to High yellow on a screaming lizard is amazing to me. There is something wicked about a solid colored panther. I've seen some solid blue nosy bes that can stand their ground against some of the nicest blue ambilobes. A solid Pink ankaramy is a sight to see. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate every locale and color variation out there. But there is something unmatched about a solid colored, patternless chameleon. And when I see an animal I like, I'd be willing to pay top dollar for it.
I don't have money to burn, and spending $650 on a chameleon does occassionally make me gasp for air. But I enjoy collecting and working with these animals. I plan on starting a Mafana/Soabana/Mitsui project someday, and I think there will will always be collectors out there willing to pay top dollar for them. I admit that I would be one of them.
Bottom line is....lets not get so caught up in how much these guys should or should not cost. Lets let the market establish the price. Lets not close the door on any locale before they've had a chance to prove themselves. Who knows, we might be even be surprised.
I am very greatful that a new locale has been introduced to our hobby. Just sit back and watch our hobby of Panther Chameleons grow.
Vincent
Screameleons
