Why do breeders help you?

Because if you do well, the breeders do well.

I think this question can be viewed on a multitude of different levels. I help people for many reasons. The first is because I'm passionate about what I do. I love talking about my own projects and helping people figure out the best way to accomplish theirs. On the other side of the coin I also do it for my business. Are you more inclined to buy something from a random person because they have a cheap snake or from someone you've begun to develop a working relationship with? In my lengthy experiences selling high dollar items my best customers were the ones that I had developed meaningful relationships with. The big movement right now with business advancement is Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Gone are the days of using a brand image to sell product. In today's competitive market there is always someone offering a better price or product. That's where relationships begin to be a differentiator. My customers put more value on my knowledge, passion, and honesty over prices. Value is perceived by the customer. If I can help them perceive that my animals and I are valuable then I have a better chance to earn their business. Couple the above aspects with quality animals and you are well on your way to building a business. It doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen without effort but to be successful it takes dedication, passion, and a commitment to your customers. If you can accomplish that and establish a relationship (beneficial for both parties defines a real relationship) you will make friends and customers. I like to think of myself as a full service operation, not just a grab-and-go Pricemart.

Regards,

B

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Originally Posted by Inknsteel

This is almost exactly what I was going to say. When I go to shows and I'm looking at animals I'm interested in buying, I start a conversation with the breeder. If that breeder is willing to give me five minutes of time just talking about potential projects, what I currently have in my collection, etc., I know that breeder is there because they have a passion for the animals, not just the almighty dollar. There are some big name breeders in the business, but I think if you go to reptile shows, you'll find that a growing number of "breeders" are just hobbyists who are using the shows as a venue to discuss their hobby, their passion, with other like-minded people.

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This was exactly my experience yesterday at the Pomona show. :)
Everyone seemed so willing to chat, just chat. They had their animals up for sale, but they weren't trying to pressure a sale, they wanted to know what animals I had, how long I've had them, and how things are going. They wanted to chat about what I was interested in, experiences, etc. It was great! I didn't actually buy any snakes (husband did buy a bearded dragon though), but it was great seeing all the animals there and chatting with like minded people!

It's a passion first

I have found that, especially with local breeders, it is better to have a friend in the hobby than a strict business transaction. I certainly don't mind helping someone out, you never know when you might need a little help yourself.

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Originally Posted by aldebono

I have found that, especially with local breeders, it is better to have a friend in the hobby than a strict business transaction. I certainly don't mind helping someone out, you never know when you might need a little help yourself.

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x2. what goes around comes around.

For me, this has been my experience.

When I got my first two ball pythons as rescues, I knew very little. I got over my head quickly and after a while, I had to admit it was too much for me and gave the snakes to someone with more experience. Then a few years later, when I knew I wanted back in to ball pythons, I decided to go about things the right way. I began to research their care, and realized how little I knew. I found this forum very soon, and of course it contained a wealth of information. It also had a lot of people with a lot more experience than me. To my surprise, most of these people were very willing to share their knowledge and experience with me, and help me to be a better keeper from the beginning.

Of course, being a keeper and pet owner is one thing, but breeding is another game altogether. It took a while before I thought I was ready to take that step, and once again I found many people here and also at the shows I now frequented who were very willing to help me. I was surprised at first, but then I came to realize most of the people I talked to had a genuine passion for these snakes, and they recognized when someone else had it to. By asking intelligent questions and then listening to the answers, I made many friends who are breeders, and now I have gotten to a place where I am able to share my knowledge, as limited as it may be compared to many, with others who are where I was a few years ago.

So I think what a lot of it comes down to is people who genuinely care about these snakes, and who enjoy teaching others to care about them as well.

Gale

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Originally Posted by LadyOhh

Bottom Line is this:

It's not all about the money.

I have more fun at the shows and thru e-mails talking to people than I do selling. Sure, money is great and exciting to have, but talking to like-minded people about things you both enjoy always makes for an entertaining and enlightening experience.

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I agree with this for sure. It is one of the major misunderstandings of people who run businesses. People for the most part are trying to achieve happiness not profit in and of itself. Happiness is the one thing we do by itself and not in order to do something else. It seems to be human lifes goal.

I am always interested in the welfare of the animals involved. The more people know, the healthier and more content their animals will be. I will never be so competitive that I would withhold information that could improve the life of a captive animal.

Okay, where to start?? Everyone I thanked has pretty much taken all of the words out of my mouth other than:

"We are cool like that":cool::cool::D