Deals that seem too good to be true?

[brobertson]

I was wondering what everybody's opinion was on deals that seem too good to be true. I was cruising faunaclassifieds and found somebody selling a female bee and male spider for $300 plus shipping. He was selling them fresh out of the egg, no feeds, no shed, nothing. The prices sounded awesome, but I would be nervous buying animals from a guy who sells that way. I am passing on the deal, but was wondering what you all think about this sort of deal/seller?

[chet1028]

The old saying goes "if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is". I would be reluctant to purchase a snake under the circumstances you describe. I would rather purchase from a breeder/seller who cares enough about the animals to make sure they are healthy and eating before shipping them out the door.

[interloc]

That sounds like a very irresponsible breeder looking for a quick buck. I would pass on that deal and maybe send a "very polite" email to him about his procedures. There are some deals out there to be had. I think Mason2k (or something like that) started a thread a while ago about the best deals that people have got, and some people have got killer deals! However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

[AK907]

Yeah, I know a few shady breeders that do that crap. It never ends well.

[mues155]

I was wondering what everybody's opinion was on deals that seem too good to be true. I was cruising faunaclassifieds and found somebody selling a female bee and male spider for $300 plus shipping. He was selling them fresh out of the egg, no feeds, no shed, nothing. The prices sounded awesome, but I would be nervous buying animals from a guy who sells that way. I am passing on the deal, but was wondering what you all think about this sort of deal/seller?

IMO any respectable breeder will not sell their hatchlings without their first few feeds.
I myself would never give my business to a breeder like that.

I think its better off that you passed on the deal.

[John1982]

At least the seller is upfront about why the prices are reduced. They could have easily listed them without alerting prospective buyers that the animals were fresh hatchlings. They're giving their due warning and leaving it up to the buyer to decide. Now, if a few weeks pass and they have the same animals listed as unstarted hatchlings I would consider this bad practice. After the snakes have their first shed they should start offering food and adjust their ads accordingly in my opinion.

[dr del]

Hi,

These deals aren't always terrible but they generally have a catch or condition in there somewhere.

Ask if both have a bad wobble.

Ask yourself if you are confident in getting a new hatchling settled and eating.

Check the forums for feedback on the seller and always remember to check for threads the seller has been in that set of warning bells.

That last tip has saved me buying snakes from people with current mite infestations, mystery illnesses and, in one case, IBD.


dr del

[RobertVDK]

I've seen and heard of deals that are too good to be true, actually being true.

If I could pick up, and see the animals before paying, AND the back-story was plausible...I'd consider it.

Remember....this is life...people get into financial jams, and need to get out in a hurry. If I was sitting on a bunch of babies, and I NEEDED cash....

It's always a risk however.

[bkelley02]

X2 what Dr. Del said. At some point, we have to take responsibility for our own decisions as a buyer. If the seller is up front with you and answers you questions, it ultimately up to you to accept the risk of the purchase or not.

I've purchased something like this before but it was also from someone that I've purchased from in the past. There is some additional work that may is needed for hatchlings that you purchase prior to their first shed or meal but if that information is provided to you up front, and you're confident in your own ability to get them eating, then go for it.

Why does this make the seller irresponsible for selling them this way? You, as the buyer should be aware of your own abilities and whether or not you are willing to accept the risk of getting the snake eating or not. The prices is low for a reason, if they get the snake started, the price may double.

[rabernet]

X2 what Dr. Del said. At some point, we have to take responsibility for our own decisions as a buyer. If the seller is up front with you and answers you questions, it ultimately up to you to accept the risk of the purchase or not.

I've purchased something like this before but it was also from someone that I've purchased from in the past. There is some additional work that may is needed for hatchlings that you purchase prior to their first shed or meal but if that information is provided to you up front, and you're confident in your own ability to get them eating, then go for it.

Why does this make the seller irresponsible for selling them this way? You, as the buyer should be aware of your own abilities and whether or not you are willing to accept the risk of getting the snake eating or not. The prices is low for a reason, if they get the snake started, the price may double.

Agreed. I just sold a 2 day old pastel to someone. Would I advertise one that way? Nope. This was a friend who breeds and has experience with starting new hatchlings himself.

He asked if he could take him right away and assumed the risk. I was willing to hold him until I got him started myself.

Would I let a 2 day old go to someone with no experience starting hatchlings? BIG fat no!

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2