Where do you shop?

Ok, so cage is set up, Herpstat 2 is running, getting temps dialed in...now it's time to get serious about picking out the new addition. Husband and daughter have their hearts set on a Pied. I, myself, love about every morph I see!! Where do most of you out there buy your snakes? There are no expos coming up soon near me. I have searched through Morphmarket and found several we like but I want
to know if there are other places to look before I decide to buy. Kingsnake did not have many and Reptile Ring seems pretty empty. Craigslist makes me a little nervous....any suggestions?

Dynasty Reptiles (Chun goes to the Daytona expo but otherwise it is online), Royal Constrictor Design, nerd, VMSHerp (May not have pied), Stewart Reptiles from Deborah who is an active member here. I bought from DR and VMSHerp but based on reviews and learning about these other breeders, I would be happy to buy their animal if I find something I love and I am confident in their ability to produce and sell quality, healthy eating animals. What appeals to me the most from a breeder is their love for the wellbeing of the animal, and the love for this hobby. Money comes secondary. I'm not sure about BHB, I had seen both good and bad reviews from him even though Brian Barzyck is pretty popular in the hobby.

And most of the aforementioned are online.

You can try your local reputable reptile store. The benefit in that is you would be able to handle and check out the snake in person before purchase. Sometimes by holding one, you or your family may realize it is not what they wanted and change their mind before making a 30 year commitment. Or just picking one up at the store can help you build a relationship with that store as you will need to return for weekly feeders (If feeding live, which you most likely will start with).

I got most except my corn snakes and KSB (deceased) from expo. One was purchased at Underground Reptiles store. I consider myself lucky that for the 30 day period the kingsnake was in their possession, it was not sick, had mites or stuck shed. I do not recommend them for animals or feeders. I would be wary of Strictly Reptiles, Backwater Reptiles or any 3rd party vendor who receives numerous imports/exports, questionable quarantine procedure (if any) and any breeder who don't know the hatched date, last feed, last shed or what it ate. And avoid Craigslist and rescues unless you already have experience working with sick reptiles.

I've purchased several snakes from CV Exotics over the years all in perfect health. Scott brings his wife and kids with him to the expos sometimes. I chat with them sometimes-they are very nice. :)

I would not recommend BHB based on personal experience.

......

I ended up meeting a breeder at a nearby expo that we liked so the next time we were in town we met with them. In the mean time I was searching other breeders in the area just to see what they had and if the prices were pretty consistent. I was surprised to see how many BP breeders there were within driving distance. I would check Google and Facebook, then read reviews and follow ups' from their customers.

You won't find more selection than morphmarket. I've purchased from close to a dozen different breeders on morphmarket and have been lucky to have a perfect experience with every single one. If you could find a breeder that is in driving distance that would probably be best so you can see and hold the animal to make sure it's healthy and you like it. But if you're forced to have one shipped, their are so many good breeders out there, odds are good you will be happy whoever you choose to buy from, just make sure they don't have bad reviews. Good luck!

The easiest way to find something specific is to buy on here https://www.morphmarket.com/ you can select anything from gene, age, sex, location and of course as with any potential purchase research the seller.

If this is your first purchase do yourself a favor and buy from a reputable breeder do not buy a craigslist reject.

Thanks everyone for the advice!!
This is not my first purchase as I have had three balls before this. First was from a Pet store and he was in kind of rough shape, I did not realize it at the time though. Have never went back there and won't. I lost him a month ago due to thermostat failure...not again as I got a Herpstat 2 this time. The other two I purchased from breeders but they no longer have ball pythons. It is hard to pick one from just pictures but in northwest Iowa there are not many breeders with Pieds that are near by.
I will probably end up buying online. As long as it is healthy, we will be happy I am sure.
Just wanted to make sure I had searched all available sources before clicking the button....