So, what would you do?

[sw204me]

The shop you get your mice from has ball pythons all over the store, all priced different, and all look like hell as in they look under fed. They have one tank, that sits on the counter with a label that reads "Pastel Ball-Pythons $249.99". Problem is, I can't find a single pastel bp in there. I have checked every time I am in there and each time its the same ones that were in there last week, all clearly normal ball-pythons just with pretty designs, none of them show a hint of yellow, and all have brown eyes, not even close to the clear green ones pastels do. I was gonna ask them about it, more or less flat out say there are no pastels in there, and was gonna bring some pictures of actual pastels, but I forgot the pictures at home when I went to get mice today. Keep in mind this is the only place around here that sells live feeders. Would you risk losing them as a source of feeders so that you can prove a point, that wont change the fact they are selling normals as pastels, but at least your trying to stop people from getting ripped off, or just ignore it and go about your buisness and be glad your not dumb enough to buy one of those?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I don't see why you would lose them as source of feeders, just try to educate them about morphs and in that case Pastels, who knows maybe they don't know maybe they were themselves told those were Pastels, and as nicely try also to give them some hints on husbandry and the need of those animals.

If you treat people with respect or in a professional manner (without making a scene) you should get the same in return and might see some positive results.

[weirdbuglady]

I would definitely try to politely inform them of their mistake. It would really be a shame if someone spent that much money, but then again, anyone serious about a pastel ball python would know that they were mislabeled. Definitely bring in some pictures and find sources listing the green eyes, etc., as pastel traits.

If the snakes look skinny... as about their feeding schedule, what size feeders they are fed... any respectable pet store should be willing to tell you. I tell all the customers that come in where I work exactly what the snakes are eating, and when, I'll even take out the schedule I keep hanging on the wall where I write down all the info for each feeding. But I'm just OCD like that I want people to know that the animals are eating well, it helps a sale. I don't see how some pet stores think that by skimping on care, they will make money. The best way to get and keep customers is to keep the animals in the best care and health possible, so you can insure happy, repeat customers. I would feel way too guilty to sell someone a sickly looking animal.

And as long as you keep your cool, theres no reason why you should be prevented from frequenting that store, unless by your own conscience.

I wouldn't give up... think about those poor snakes.

[Nate]

From what I gather, they know what they're into. I've been to this place and i don't think there are any 'uneducated' people. I heard, from one of our forum members (who doesn't come around much anymore), who also goes to that same store, that they have a *small* breeding operation going on behind closed doors (which she saw). I personally saw a LOT of corns that I think they bred as well.

Perhaps the pastel has been sold and they just haven't removed the sign? Next time, ask about it...try even taking pics and posting back here and we'll let ya know

[brainman1000]

It's not necessary to cause a scene while bringing it to their attention.

[frankykeno]

Well you can always try the "friendly but stupid" approach LOL. Ask them something like "gee those are pretty snakes, what makes them a pastel?" (basically in a tone indicating you've never seen a pastel in all your born life LOL). If they show you how these normals are pastels just smile nicely and leave. Come back the next day with pictures of actual pastels and again plastering the smile on your face say "gee I did some research and these are pictures of pastels from breeders, how come yours don't look like these?"

Hopefully they'll get the point LOL.

[Alice]

I was in the same small independent reptile store on 436 (PB) in Orlando buying live hoppers a few days ago (I needed over 50 for my hatchlings and you guys know how I hate to raise mice) and saw the "pastels". I also heard one of the owners telling a customer how to set up a ball python enclosure. Several of his comments were wrong (they like over head ceramic lights instead of an UTH and the thrive in low humidity). I quitely gave her one of my business cards and suggested that if she had any questions to please call me.


They do go to many shows, including Daytona, so they should know better. But I don't think from my interactions with them over the past several years that they would listen to others suggestions or input. THat's not to say you shouldn't try . . . I do like the "friendly by stupid" routine.

Good luck and let us know what they say.

[darkdreamer]

isnt false advertising a nice fine if not a citation? Actually if they are selling a snake as a patel and it isnt and you can prove they know this. Then they are commiting fraud which is a felony if I am not mistaken.

Still the "friendly but stupid" approach sounds best.

[sw204me]

I can easily pull off the stupid approach , I'll give it a shot next week.

[frankykeno]

The sweet thing with the stupid but friendly approach is that it usually gives the idjits just about enough rope to quite nicely hang themselves with.