Repti-Racks Review: My buying experience

[TexanLady]

Hi, I wanted to post a review of my experience buying cages by Repti-Racks (Though I think they might be changing their names to Cold Blooded Enclosures, not sure). I've had snakes for over 10 years, but it is only in the past 2 years that I've begun building up my ball python collection for the purpose of breeding. However, while I am excited to get started on breeding, first and foremost I'm a reptile enthusiast and I just love my collection! So of course I wanted the best. I decided to get professional cages instead of building DIY racks. Having made my decision I spent months researching different vendors and scouring the forums to see what other people thought of different brands. I had a fixed amount I was willing to spend, and I wanted the biggest bang for my buck. As I'm sure many of us do. Finally, I decided on Repti-Racks. I picked them based off of 3 factors. 1) They were the most reasonably priced 2) They were local so I could pick my order up and save a lot of money on shipping charges 3) The only complaint I could find about them was that they had a tendency to take a very long time to deliver products.

Most people want what they order as soon as possible, but it worked out for me because I was on a payment plan with a reputable breeder in my area on 12 snakes I wanted to help build my breeding collection. I wasn't going to be paid off on those snakes for about 6 months, and he's such a nice guy that he was willing to work with me on pick up date. So given the fact that I had plenty of time until I needed the cages I was ordering I didn't mind Repti-Racks long lead times to deliver. All of my current pets still had their tanks, though I was eager to get rid of them, so there was no rush.

Now here is where Repti-Racks set themselves apart in my opinion. Not only was the ordering process very simple, but they were very understanding when I made changes to my order practically every week. Seriously, every week I was emailing them changing my mind about lights, locks, heat, doors, or simply adding to my order. I was actually ordering more cages right up until the week before I was supposed to pick the cages up. I say "supposed to" because I changed the pick up date about 6 times. I kept setting it, then a problem would come up and I would need to change the day. Repti-Racks never uttered a word of complaint. They didn't charge me a storage fee or anything. They simply asked me to let them know when the next convenient time for me to come get my cages would be.

Now onto the cages themselves. They are incredibly sturdy for being so lightweight. I was able to carry the 6ft cage all by myself. It was awkward because of its size, but not its weight. The spacers on the bottom of the cages make sure each cage fits right on top of one another beautifully. They are high quality cages, and they really pop in my house! My snakes look wonderful in them! Everybody compliments them when they come over, and I love the fact that my house isn't full of tanks in every room anymore now that I can save space with these cages.

And the racks I got are incredibly sturdy! Most racks I've seen are pretty wobbly and made of plastic. These are wood, and they match my cages beautifully. The only problem with the racks is that I wish he sold them. Having to get them online was a hassle.

Overall, if I had to grade Repti-Racks I would give them an A. The only reason they don't get an A+ is because it does take them longer than the other companies to ship. Though from what I've seen they are rapidly fixing that problem. From what I understand it was a small business started by one man and he's been learning as he expands. That was my impression at least. Still, I am so thoroughly pleased with their product and service. I've already started ordering more, and Repti-Racks has assured me that it's fine for me to continue to add to my order or make changes as I need to. In fact I already made a change to my order the other day. I was ordering a cabinet base for my boa's 6ft cage, and changed my mind and asked to get a different cage instead. Repti-Racks didn't mind. They simply sent me a bill for the difference. No fuss whatsoever. They don't mind, and I appreciate their willingness to accommodate my erraticism. Below is a list of everything I picked up the other day. I would attach a photo, but I'm not very good with computers and I can't seem to load it from my image folder on my laptop. If anyone can walk me through it I will add photos of the cages and racks so you can see the workmanship.

Here is a list of what I got:

4 47x23x12 divided into four units with heat and locks
1 47x23x12 cabinet base
2 47x23x12 with heat, lights, and locks
2 47x23x12 divided into 2 units with heat, lights, locks
1 71x23x18 with heat lights, locks
1 12 tub v-18 hatchling rack with heat
1 3 tub v-70 adult rack with heat

The total for all of this was $1,906.50. You can't beat that price for the number of racks and cages I got.

[TexanLady]

"The only problem with the racks is that I wish he sold them."

Sorry! That should say, "The only problem with the racks is that I wish he sold the tubs with them." My mistake!

[Mark Z]

Does the 47x23x12 have glass or plastic doors? I see on their site that they don't recommend the plastic doors for high humidity. Also, is this the Gen2 ABS series? Someone near me is selling a brand new enclosure with mounted heat panel, (2) drop down doors with locks for $175. Trying to figure if it is worth it. I saw some negative reviews online but must were for long lead times and delivery. A couple mentioned receiving enclosures with busted seams.