Any tips for my first reptile show?

[JulieInNJ]

I'm going to my first reptile show this Saturday and we plan on adding a bp or 2 to our family (we have one adopted normal now). I know anyone can pay to be a vendor at these shows, so I really don't know how to make sure a breeder is reputable. Any good tips on what to look for, or what to stay away from, in terms of breeders? Any advice would be great!

[waltah!]

Take your time. Being your first show you're going to see a ton of animals that you want to take home. If possible check the seller/breeder out online to see if you can find any info from previous customers. Don't just look at the animal you're interested in. Look at all of the animals that seller has to offer and see if they look like well cared for quality animals.
Super low pricing at a show is that low for a reason most of the time so keep that in mind.

Take the time to enjoy yourself!

Also, the most wanted/highest quality animals will more than likely sell early. Pricing is sometimes better at the tail end of a show, but you run the risk of someone else purchasing an animal you're interested in.
It's highly recommended to keep new animals apart from your current snake. Quarantine from new snakes can prevent any health issues or mites from spreading.

[Slashmaster]

Last Sunday I went to a reptile show with hobby breeders. Here are some questions I asked to separate the reputable breeders from the less reputable ones...

1. Do you have a health guarantee?
The breeder should give you a minimum of 2 week health guarantee. That means if the snake dies and your vet does an autopsy on the corpse and determines the death was a natural cause, you should either get your money back, get a replacement from the breeder, or get breeder store credit.

2. How many feedings has this animal taken? What was it fed? When was the last day it fed?
If you want an animal on f/t, this can be important if the breeder put in the hard work of converting the baby to f/t. I have also heard that a hatchling should have four meals in it before it is sold. Also, it's best if the hatchling is feeding on baby/fuzzy rats instead of mice.

3. Do you have a website?
Website will allow you to get more information about the breeder - their phone number, policies, etc.

4. How old is it?
Could be important to you.

If the baby is claimed to be a het...
5. Do you have pictures of the parents (preferably in a lock)?
But you should be cautioned against buying a het from someone you don't fully trust. You'll never know if it's a het until you breed it out. A reputable breeder would not sell you a het if they knew it wasn't one, because their reputation would be on the line.

If possible, see if you can get a written sales receipt. Otherwise how would you be able to prove you gave them the cash?


Anyone else have any thoughts?

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Plus, no good looking banner or otherwise very noticeable advertisement stating who that breeder/vender is at their table, means I generally won't buy from them if I don't already know who they are.

If they care about what they are selling, they will have a sign/ banner at their table with their name. They will be willing to talk to you, give you info, give you their info, number, etc..

[llovelace]

You can usually find out who the vendors are prior to the show, by checking on-line, then check the boi.

Set a max spending limit, trust me I know from experience.

wear comfy shoes, eat before going, hand sanitizer, camera, tylenol

[fluffpuffgerbil]

Well, even though higher price might be better quality, I didn't really care about the price and I liked the attitude and look of my girl I got for $20. She only had eaten 2 meals before, but she's healthy, ate the first time I fed her, and hopefully will eat tomorrow when I feed her. :3
I did go around and look at every python at every vendor before choosing. That girl just stuck out to me.

[JulieInNJ]

Wow, you all have given me some FANTASTIC advice! I do have a smart phone so I can check if they have a website right away. We do plan on being there before opening: 1. because they have a bunch of early bird raffles - winning! - and 2. because we have another committment later in the day, so I'm hoping to have the pick of the litter, lol. Thanks very much everyone!