Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone.
I have a question for you all.
Now this is a generalization and an observation...
Lately I have been contacting various dealers that I have found on the web in order to make a purchase inquiry.... But I have only received an answer from a very small percentage compared to the inquiries that I have been sent.
Is this "normal"? or are many not interested in doing business. Plus I have noted that many of the websites are grossly out of date in regards to availability.
I was just wondering if any of you others out there had any problems in trying to get info.

Thanks,
Michael
-----
Cohabitants
0.1 Western Hognose
0.0.1 Goliath birdeater
0.0.1 Jv Cottonmouth
1.0 Ball Python
1.0 Red tail boa
1.1 Rose hair Tarantula
0.1 Canebrake

It's a good question. I don't think I can give you a good answer as to why they wouldn't respond. I just know that when I don't get a prompt answer from a dealer on something, I assume that's how they do all their business and I don't buy from them.

Doug T

It is generally accepted that alot of the "BIG NAMES" w/ everything on their lists is just an ego boost. This is usually a practice by someone who has been around since the 80's - before the show & internet explosion. Old habits die hard. We know they only put that list out to pretend they have all this crazy rare stuff. In all reality, most of us go to shows & see the lack of animals on their tables (or other people's stock on their tables). This is also why you don't get a response from some of these people - they don't have what's on their lists but may have access to it. Big difference in my opinion - but that is just my opinion. It may also depend on what kind of questions you are asking. If you just send an inquiry for a pic., you may not get a reply. Amazing how many people want to see a pic. but have no intentions on buying.....

Good point about asking for pics... But I asked legitimate purchase questions and wasn't asking for a pic. It is interesting and a little dis-heartening when you see something that you have been looking for and when you try to contact you are met with deafening silence (lol).
Maybe when things pick-up in the spring.... many people may be still cooling their snakes.... I just wanted to vent my frustration.
Thanks a lot for your response.
and to the others that responded too.
I was starting to feel like I had been black-listed (for some unknown reason) -- or maybe a plague carrier -- smile.

Michael
-----
Cohabitants
0.1 Western Hognose
0.0.1 Goliath birdeater
0.0.1 Jv Cottonmouth
1.0 Ball Python
1.0 Red tail boa
1.1 Rose hair Tarantula
0.1 Canebrake

you are dead set on getting the animal you have been searching for, call them. People who are seriously interested won't mind spending a few cents on a phone call. If they do not return your call.....there is no excuse for them.

Hi:

Mike is right...lol Love those , I have every species in the world for sale ad's.

What I find very irratating is that dealers don't (generally) keep their website up to date either. Some have not been updated in months or even years.

You should not have a website unless you plan to make it accurate & up-to -date.

Al
-----
The more people I meet...the better I like my venomous snakes.