Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So as a show newbie planning to go to Daytona next week, what is the Proper Buyer Etiquette at Shows??

A prior post here mentioned better prices but less selection on Sunday,but I've also seen it mentioned that it is tacky to bargin with the hardworking breeders.

But are most prices firm, or IS some bargaining expected?? DO prices drop at the end for most sellers,or is it insulting people to ask??

I don't want to be stupid or insulting ,and don't mind paying fair prices, but I don't want my fair price to be a lot higher than the next guy to come along.....
-----
Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

In my opinion, most breeders expect and don't mind bargaining. As long as the offer you are making is reasonable and not insulting, I don't think anyone will be offended. I've made offers to breeders at most of the Expos and haven't ever seen one get upset by it. Some are willing to negotiate and others aren't, but it doesn't hurt to try. Like I said, just make it a reasonable offer and you shouldn't have a problem.

Todd

You should always look around at all the tables and pricing the animals.

As a vendor I can't tell you how many times people come by my table with a snake that they had bought from another vendor and see it on my table for 1/2 the price. This makes the buyer feel remorse and it makes the vendor frustrated because he has the lowest prices at the show and that is still not good enough. People you need to SHOP around.

A couple hints to "shop" for your goals:

1) get in on friday (set up day) this way you don't have to fight the crowds on saturday. You can do this by getting to know one of the vendors and he can get you a badge fro friday.

2)If you come in on saturday you must MOVE very fast and from table to table to look specifically for what you are buying. Browsing time can come later. If you are looking for brooksi then don't bother gazing at the frog table or python table. Plenty of time for that later. Get your goals in mind and search.

3) Bring a notepad and make note of which table and location you saw a prospective buy at. The show is to big and crowded and you will get lost. A notepad will help but you must still move quickly down the aisles or the deals will be gone.

Hope this helps!

BTW I am at tables 182 and 183.

If you are a newbie like me, not looking for fancy or rare morphs,is there still likely to be items of interest on Sunday.In other words what will be gone, by Saturday night?? I'm still thinking of a one day trip Sunday, but I'm flexible.

Re: Your tables,do we get a table map/program there?
-----
Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

You shouldn't have a problem going on Sunday. While some of the new "hot" morphs or species may go quick on Saturday, there will be plenty of common stuff left on Sunday. Having never gone, you probably don't realize how huge the show actually is. By no means will there be little left to choose from on Sunday. Just that the newer morphs that have limited availability may go on Saturday. You will be blown away and pleasantly surprised at the selection either day.

Todd

Forgot to tell you, there are maps of the tables there to tell you what vendors are where.

Yes you get maps to the show when you buy a ticket.

While there is a lot left on sunday the pick of the litters have been picked through. Even if it is a common snake the best are bought up first and the lesser looking ones are left.

Sunday is the day to get the best prices. If a breeder got $40 for an animal on sunday they may cut the price as much as 50% to move it on sunday.

You'll will have plenty to choose from no matter what. The vendors would love to sell out by Sat. afternoon, but usually only the smaller guys (like me) sell everything. That said, even on Sun. I do not reduce my prices to a ridiculous level just to get rid of them. I can always find homes for my snakes. Many of my snakes are just this week hatching, so I may lower some as they haven't shed or fed by show time. Come by and see me at 393 and let me know what you want. I can usually point you in the direction of a reputable guy. On that note, there are only a few I will buy from myself. Lots of stuff goes from breeder to breeder on Fri. or early Sat. but there's enough to go around. After seeing this show, all others seem pale. Hope you like crowds though.
As Rainer has said, shop around. I always have people say "I wish I had come by here earlier"
:Mark

OK,I just checked the Show website and noted the following rule: "8) Animals taken out of the display area cannot be returned."

So, say I go up Saturday, find one of the "nicer" animals, purchase it and keep it in the hotel that night.

Next day, checkout is normally noon.

WTF, do I do with the animal if I can't bring it the next day back to the Show and carry it with me?? It will be cooked Medium Rare in 15 minutes if I leave it in the car!!!
-----
Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

That's what friends are for! Just have the guy you purchase it from hold it until Sun. or if he can't/won't then take it to someone who you trust who will.
:Mark

Aha,SnakeLayAway!! Never thought of that!!!!Thanks.
-----
Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

Another option: there is a parking garage right next to the Ocean Center, you can park there and leave your snakes in the vehicle. They will be A-OK in the parking garage out of direct sunlight. You could also bring a small cooler with cool packs, which I recommend anyway for the ride home.

kk