Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was recently inquiring about Pueblan morphs on the milk snake forum and some one posted some very nice pix of his bi-colored stock and their offspring. I became rather interested in working with this "morph" only to have him tell me he won't sell locally (we're both located in NYC) NYC has very few breeders (if any)… why do you think he'd decline to sell locally? Do you think there can be a logical explanation for such? He’d be making the same $, so what would be the issue...

Any one else out there have similar methods? If so what’s your reasoning?

What’s your take... don’t be shy…

~ZF

I dunno.. Are there local codes/laws that prohibit selling locally? Is there a permit required? (That maybe he does not have)
What I am getting at is that there may be some legal problem/requirement keeping him from selling locally.
I have seen some "dealers" that actually make a buck on their shipping charges, so maybe that could figure in.
You got me.
Come see me... I have nice pueblans...hahaha
:Mark

I saw that too Zenny and I did not know what he was talking about either.
Beets Me!
John Lassiter

The only reptiles that can't be sold in NYC are Boids and large lizard such as Monitors and comodo dragons (not sure if that's the way it's spelt).

I've sold many snakes locally both kings and milks of various ages... the first thing that came to mind was that it was a "cash in on shipping" thing but that would be a ridiculous reason to not sell locally (a few dollar$?... not very smart)...

what ever the reason is i think it's silly to miss out on $400-$800 just cuz I'm local!?

I regret the day I thought $100 was too much to pay for a "Halloween" Pueblan

~ZF

maybe afraid of a little healthy future competition? got me.

What ever the reason may be I'm over it now... I have lots to say but I wont post it here... I've already had on individual "jump down my throat"... you conclusion is a valid one... but I won't let this bother me any more... his loss ($$$$)
~ZF

Someone wanting to buy locally might say "hey, why don't I just come by and pick them up rather than ship?". For some people this could be a problem.

It could be that the person is shy about having people come to his house/apartment, or possibly because there are some species there that he/she shouldn't have.
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Chris Harrison

ok... you have a point, but New York has trains stations, bus stops, parks, etc... he could have met me any where... when I sell my snakes I've never invited any one to my residence to pick them up or take a look...
the point I'm trying to make is there are any ways to get around that if that were the case.

but your point is valid.

~ZF

I agree, with ChrisH. This person is probably afraid of getting robbed. I'm also a NYer and I have known several people from our fair state that will not deal with folks close to home. I've had friends hung-up on by one bigshot (in the 90s) local python breeder when he found out my buds were also from Buffalo. When dealing with people close to home, I tell them that I will gladly deliver the animal, or meet them. I don't let snake keepers into my house that I don't know really well. I have heard of several people getting their homes burglarized after letting potential reptile customers in. You can't be too careful. Tell this person you will meet him at the next White Plains show, I couldn't see any reasonable person refusing that. Good luck.

Will

If this guy/seller/breeder has given you red flags in the past and now why even consider dealing with them in the first place? It's best to find someone better who you can trust and possibly have a friendship with or do deals/trades/or breeding with in the future. Hopefully you can find someone different that isn't giving you red flags, regardless of the sellers reasoning.
Uncloudy

That is understandable but there are many many many places in the city where we could meet

~ZF

To dismiss someone as a customer just because they live in the same region is just plain stupid, in my opinion. Caution is wise, stortsightedness is not. As you stated, there are many, many safe places to meet in order to complete a business transaction. I firmly believe that one's business rep usually starts in their home region and radiates outward. I and many other locals believe that the dismissive, rude and condescending attitude toward locals helped to select the pyrthon breeder that I mentioned out of the business. His reputation as an a$$h*!e spread far and wide and his phone stopped ringing. This joker that won't deal with you because you're local will probably suffer the same fate. Good luck.

Will

I shouldn't have made that last statement. I don't know this guy that you are referring to, so I had no right to compare him to that breeder that I do know. This topic just fired up some unpleasant memories. My apologies.

Will

I understand your anger, I've had many ups and downs with snake breeders I've been scammed out of THREE (3) snake (all at once), this is the reason I don't trade any more.

... But my intent was to not put this individual out of business or to give him a bad rep. I was just a little pissed and rather interested in the view of others on this method of doing business, and I tried to figure out why that would be an issue.

hopefully this passes by quickly... some individuals are already perturbed, I don't think they'd understand my point or my position...

~ZF

Back 2 the good stuff... showing off our animals

At first reading this I thought you had a guy selling wholesale and not wanting you looking in on his conditions (or a crappy breeder) but I went looking for and found the thread you are refering to and I didn't see that. Instead I saw a guy with high end animals that doesn't want you coming by his house. He didn't say that but that is the impression I get. Granted he could have explained himself better.
As far as dealing with this person that is your call and poor communication may have cost him a sale. Do what you believe to be right but I think the saftey of not having locals know where he lives is the reason for his comments. Good luck with this and I hope you find a Goini male for your girl to.
Later Jason

my thoughts, some mentioned in the other replies...

Good guy with lots of good stuff doesn't want to get ripped off. Meet in neutral ground, no biggee

BAD guy.... with BAD STUFF.... wouldn't want you to see what he's selling until he has your money.

REALLY bad guy...wants your money, doesn't have anything to sell, so is selling you a phantom. He wouldn't want you to notice the lack of snake in the box!

There's a local (within 150 miles) breeder who I have bought from before. First time I bought from him, we waited until he had business "in town" and met up there. It was nice, and I've never regretted purchasing those animals. Since that first purchase we've met about 5 or 6 times, and each time it's been great.

I like to meet on neutral turf... easy to do... less chance of being ripped off. I prefer local deals, and would think anyone who cares strongly for the animals would prefer something that is less stressful to the animals (local purchase...less stressful)

Anyway... that's my take on the situation
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~Sasheena

you made some valid points, all of which make lots of sense...

I've purchased snakes locally on a few occasions, one of which was horrible... the snake (lavender Brooksi) had a clef in her nostril, ate like crazy, but then mysteriously died the other was rather good I got two really nice Brooksi(normal-Het-Pair), both healthy, eat great... just had temper problems... but that's been worked on... n e way

Thanx for your input

~ZF

I think people are just strange, lol last week I asked a local pet store about buying a couple leos i had left they informed me they dont buy reptiles from people only birds ?

Two yrs ago when I got on these boards he was selling Pueblans. At that time I was loking for one and suprised when I saw nice looking ones and local in the classifieds.
Emailed him told him I was in Long island and would pick up or meet him or even have him send (would pay the shipping ifneeded)
but he didnt budge said no NY and that was that.
Its his right to sell to whoever he wants but if you find out let me know lol. I never asked him way it wasnt my bussiness.
His bi colors and sock heads I particularly like.

Luis

i will agree wuth you he has some amazing Pueblans... what ever his reason is that is on him...

N E Way...

LI you say... what types of colubrids to you own/ sell? i'm looking for local bizniz (trying to save some $ on shipping)... let me know... or shoot me a private email...

ZFelicien@aol.com

~ZF

I thought maybe his pueblans werent what he represented in the ads and thats why he wouldnt sell in State but thats not the case. I chatted with a guy that bought from him and he represents his stock as they are. The guy loved what he bought from him.
Oh well thats life. I am in Deer park but dont breed anything yet. I only have a few snakes Arizona mt king-new Mex milk-albino Nelson- high white Ca king all bought infact through kingsnakes classified and the shipping is crazy but the snakes were worth it.
You might want to consider joining some area reptile club for local breeders .
Luis