Show participation - Necessary for breeders?

I love attending the yearly reptile show here in San Diego, and I'd hate to be stuck at my own table for the whole thing. Is it a "must" to be a part of the local show in order to build a reputation?

I have never attended a show, and I have no problems selling all of my snakes every year that I produce. If you are an online seller, then you must build your online rep.

Shows give the little guys like me a chance to allow customers to see first hand the quality and health of the animals I offer for sale. Is it required no certainly not but it can't hurt.

I agree. I don't think it is absolutely necessary to vend at a show, but it helps. Being able to display good quality healthy animals and taking time to answer questions and talk about the hobby helps to build a local reputation.

It helps build your reputation.

The internet can be sketchy, so being at a show, a real life breathing human being that has real live breathing snakes is a good sign that you are legit!

I find it also puts feelers out there for people who didn't originally know you to actually take the time and check you out.

I think it is a great tool, albeit sometimes a challenging one.

Thanks for the great input! I have the feeling that I'll do shows eventually, but it's nice to know I don't have to jump right into it until I feel ready. :)