Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is the only way to buy from a reputable buyer?

Thats your best bet!!!

Jared

I've said this before and will continue to say this! A big name, with a big reputation, a guarantee clearly posted on their website, and even a written guarantee do not guarantee that you will not get ripped off. The two times that I have been scammed, lost my project, lost my $$$, and most importantly, my time, have been the result of buying from the big names. I am not saying that you should not buy from them but you should not rule out a local breeder with good references. I buy and will continue to buy from some of the biggest names out there. I also buy from some breeders that are less well known. REPUTABLE is what is important and you don't have to have a fancy website and a big name to be reputable. Check references, inquire on that other well known site, see the breeders when possible, etc.

Here's something to really think about. If your only going to trust the big boys, what are you going to do with your stock? Whom is going to buy from you?

Just my opinion and experience from being in this hobby for 11 years. No fancy website but plenty of good references.

John Q

WELL I understand what you are saying. BUT we are talking about HETS. Now if I was in the market for a morph sure id check out a smaller breeder because there quality of animals will speak for itself and the price might not be as high as a BIG breeder. But with hets its basically buying a normal with no signs of genes other then being a normal ball. Thats why you buy from someone with a GOOD reputation because you wont know if they are truly hets for a year or 2 unless they are adult animals. I AGREE you should always ask for refferences before buying FROM ANYONE. Also, I agree a website doesnt make you a REPUTABLE BREEDER anyone can make a website. Its how you do business and build a good name for your self over years that makes you a reputable breeder.. My 2 cents.
Jbugg

IMHO the only way you can be sure its a het is if you have proven it your self. Even a big breeder (and I would think especially a big one) can mix up animals. Perhaps they grew too much that year and had some organazation issues. Mayny things can happen. Any time you buy something that you can not see, you take a risk. A local "reputable" breeder can rip you off just as fast as anyone else. Who is to say they dont get greedy and sell a normal and just hope you never figure it out. When you deal with money, greed will always have to be figured in. Friend or not.

Buying a het from anyone is a gamble.

yep

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.............yes .......thanx........but could you repeat that again....in English this time?...................

Purchasing a pair of 100% hets from the most reputable breeder still does not guarantee you will produce any recessive genes.

If you breed a pair of hets together...you still have a good (75%) chance of not producing any recessives.

The breeding business is like life...game of chance...have a good time and enjoy it while it lasts.

I would pretty much give anyone within reason a chance if they are offering Hets as long as they have a proven track record of good sales. I mean, If you want to read into what has been said by some, Just because you arent a "Big Breeder" you couldnt possibly have Hets and therefore, you should sell them all as Normals (even though they MAY be Hets). In my opinion, if you buy a het be it from one of the Big guys or a Small time hobbyist / breeder, you are buying the CHANCE that it may have the genetics... Nobody, big or small can guarantee you without a doubt that that little snake you have there is 50% Het for anyhting but normal.... Maybe I am looking at it ALL wrong, but It is the safest way to look at it in my eyes. If it looks normal you have a 50/50 shot... you want a Guarantee, buy a Pastel.