Reptile Expo

[rpma806]

Hello I had a Question to any breeders or anyone else who wants to chime in. So when you go to a reptile show is it rude to try to negotiate with vendors? I understand the time they put in to breeding and raising the animals so Im not talking about low balling anyone. I want to get the best price but I dont want to offened anyone.
Thanks ryan

[Reptileman044]

As a vendor I always expect for people to try to negotiate the price down and I don't mind it. If you see something you want just ask if they are willing to negotiate all they can do is say no. But, every vendor I have bought from has been willing to negotiate at least a little bit.

[Rob]

I just ask the vendor something along the lines of "how firm are you on that price" or simply ask are you willing to go lower. Rather then throw out a specific number right away which could offend the vendor and end your chance at a better price.

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

x2 with the above. Also, remember it helps to bring cash when negotiating.

[Annarose15]

Although I haven't vended a show, I find it very offensive when someone contacts me about an ad and asks "How low are you willing to go?" It's like they want me to negotiate myself down. Make a reasonable offer, and no one should be offended, even if they decline.

[AK907]

I don't mind people making offers, but serious low ballers irritate me to no end. Also bugs me when people say, "Well I can get it from so and so cheaper". Likewise I don't like when we are selling sub adult and adults and people believe they should command the same price as a hatchling or that both sexes bring the same price. But if someone approaches us politely with a reasonable offer, I am more than willing to negotiate prices a bit.

[Slim]

So when you go to a reptile show is it rude to try to negotiate with vendors?

That’s why I go to shows! Here are a couple of tips I've learned:

- Only negotiate on an animal you would be willing to pay full price for.
- Cash talks waaaaay louder than your debit card.
- Don't insult the breeder with a redonkulous low ball starting price.
- Ask all your questions about the animal before you start negotiation.
- Don't assume the breeder will want you to advertise the price you just paid on BP.net or Fauna.
- If a person gives you a good deal on a great snake, send them all the business you can.

Good Luck!

EDIT: I forgot one...whatever you do, don't tell a vendor that you can get XYZ Morph cheaper on kingsnake.com. That's about the quickest way to PO a breeder.

[SlitherinSisters]

I personally don't like to haggle with breeders, they generally already have great prices and if they have a really nice animal, it's worth paying what they are asking. At least to me it is.

[Mike41793]

I agree with what everyone has said. I always try and negotiate a bit. Not bc im trying to be cheap but sometimes the vendor may hit you with a nice offer. Like if you pay $X for this one ill sell you this one for a better price or throw in a few of these for $X more...

[Reptileman044]

If you are going to throw out a price then make it a good solid offer don't low ball. Also do some research on what you are looking to buy so you know what fair market value is on that animal because some vendors will price there animals a little high. Also don't show up on the last day of the expo and try to low ball because that stuff really pisses me off. Just do your reasearch on the fair market price of the animal and make a good solid offer and you will be fine.