Meet up for Daytona Expo

I know this thread is still developing, but just wanted everyone to be aware.

Sick Snakes in Florida-bp.net

We should be practicing QT procedures anyway, as well as washing self and clothes that have been at the show. No reason to panic, just stay informed.

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Originally Posted by ReptileJenna

I'm so excited for Daytona. Its almost here! I'm taking total of empty cages, and trying to get as much room possible for new arrivals. Its to bad my new freedom breeder rack hasn't come yet... I could only imagine the possibilities.

Anyways, do you guys know if they have well-priced supplies at the show, specifically tanks, substrate, and general enclosures? I'm planning on buying some more tanks at Walmart (they sell pretty cheap ten gallons), but if they have better priced tanks at the show, then I'd much prefer to wait until then!

Thanks!

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I could be wrong here, but I believe the only tanks usually at shows are the vision style and maybe some other higher quality cages. Don't think you normally see cheaper tanks (10g) etc at shows. Freedom Breeders is on the vendor list, so maybe they'll have some racks for sale?
Speaking of Freedom Breeders...If they're listed does that mean NERD will have some snakes there for sale? *crosses fingers*
I wish RDR was going to be there :( unless he's under a different name on the vendor list...

There's usually a guy in one of the corners with tanks, but they are not the cheapo 10g tanks like walmart carries. But I've seen the sliding lid tanks and even small 5 gallon or 2 gallon simple tanks. Not everyone is buying for a ball python, so you can't say that most folks don't use tanks.

Cresties, frogs, turtles, cornsnakes, etc... all often exhibited and kept in tanks.

As far as needing a tank for a BP, I'd advise you do something different in the set up, but if you're dead set on a 'glass' tank, get one with the sliding locking lid PLEASE. We don't ever want to see "escaped snake! omg!" threads if we can prevent it. The lids that just set on top are infamous in escapes. Yes, the 10g tank at Walmart is much cheaper, but it'll cost you way more if the snake escapes and you end up replacing it or having it need a vet visit.

Of course, I'm ASSuming you were talking about a BP(erring on the side of caution, you know, just in case), so disregard if you were talking about a tank for something more appropriate for a tank.

Getting very excited about the Daytona show. My friend was saying she would NOT make it, but now she's waffling and talking about going on Sunday. Same person who had never been to any reptile show ever before she met me and attended a Daytona show, now never misses it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ReptileJenna

I'm so excited for Daytona. Its almost here! I'm taking total of empty cages, and trying to get as much room possible for new arrivals. Its to bad my new freedom breeder rack hasn't come yet... I could only imagine the possibilities.

Anyways, do you guys know if they have well-priced supplies at the show, specifically tanks, substrate, and general enclosures? I'm planning on buying some more tanks at Walmart (they sell pretty cheap ten gallons), but if they have better priced tanks at the show, then I'd much prefer to wait until then!

Thanks!

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Jenna, if you don't mind putting in a little elbow grease to clean them. local reptile shops will usually have used tanks for cheap. Just gotta ask. I've bought a couple of tanks this way. I'll clean them out with something like diluted chlorhexidine and let them air out for a couple of days before putting anything in them, but I've saved a good bit of money this way and am still using some of those tanks today.

Pinellas county reptiles carries sliding top glass tanks. I mean the tanks are around 30 and up but they are great. I do not know where they will be stationed at the shows but they are a big supply vendor.

I have had 4 tanks from pinellas county reptiles and they are great!


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I'll be going to the show to pick up a Hidden Gene Woma male from Sloan Reptiles. Boy I almost have him paid off. The Sloan brothers are really great people and I recommend them to anyone. I've found really great deals on supplies and tanks in the past. Might also pick up a Chameleon or Beardie morph and maybe another female BP. That depends on if I sell these last baby's by next weekend. I'll be arriving on Friday to chill out by the pool and BBQ.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I could be wrong here, but I believe the only tanks usually at shows are the vision style and maybe some other higher quality cages. Don't think you normally see cheaper tanks (10g) etc at shows.

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Yeah, I thought they wouldn't be selling it, but I saw at one of the (I think it was Orlando?) shows a few tanks for sale at decent prices. However, I was to busy drooling over 20,000 dollars ball pythons to pay attention to any supplies :)

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

As far as needing a tank for a BP, I'd advise you do something different in the set up, but if you're dead set on a 'glass' tank, get one with the sliding locking lid PLEASE. We don't ever want to see "escaped snake! omg!" threads if we can prevent it. The lids that just set on top are infamous in escapes. Yes, the 10g tank at Walmart is much cheaper, but it'll cost you way more if the snake escapes and you end up replacing it or having it need a vet visit.

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Thanks for the warning. No worries though, I use the regular tanks for weaker, more calm, species of herps. For snakes, I tend to only use Zilla or other locking tanks if I'm not using some sort of rack system.

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Originally Posted by freelancer

Jenna, if you don't mind putting in a little elbow grease to clean them. local reptile shops will usually have used tanks for cheap

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I appreciate the recommendation. :)

Sadly, I live far away from most reptile and animal shops that are not one of the big chains. I'm still kind of new to the area too. However, I'd be willing to make the drive. PCR sounds like a good place to check out. Also, I think Petco is having a sale on zilla cages, and I remember some other tanks for sale that will work.
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Other questions if people feel like answering:
1. How early people actually start lining up? Like a good estimated time. I'd be willing to get there at 6:00 A.M if it means I'm first in line, ha ha.
2. What is the, "Symposium at the Hilton Exo Terra" or the "Reception" like or about?
3. Is the auction at the Hilton any good?
4. Should I even attempt negotiating prices?

I believe the auctions / receptions are for the breeders that are at the show. I could be dead wrong on that, but that was my assumption. I'm going to *try* and get there between 10-10:30, I'm not really sure how early people start showing up though. I would like to know about negotiation as well, I've never purchased a herp from an expo before so I don't know the process as far as haggling.

I know I'll be super excited, but I'm going to try my best to take my time walking through and looking through each of the tables. Rather than running around like a maniac...but who knows. I get so freaking antsy on the way in I start power walking without even realizing it. Until hubby shouts from 20 ft back "You gonna wait for me?" lol

This will be my first expo looking at BPs, in the past years I've tried to *not* look at snakes too much knowing it would just make me want them more. But now that my hub has said I can have one...IT'S ON! They're gonna have to kick me out at the end of the day :D

As far as negotiating on price, you can always try. Some sellers are very firm. Some sellers almost expect haggling. If you do want to ask about a lower price make sure you do it in a polite and positive manner, because nothing shuts a seller down faster than the arrogant "I saw better pastels somewhere else for half that price!" style commentary. Since a lot of the sellers are the breeders, insulting the snakes by insinuating that they are not the BEST... or implying they are overpriced... etc.. not good.

Not saying you would... but it's somewhat accepted to point out flaws in most items when you're haggling... but when it's live creatures, it often doesn't go over well.

Examine ALL animals carefully for health/flaws and sex before you buy. And don't buy the first you see... make a round of the room first, because if you're like me, you'll find the best deal EVER and jump on it and then see a way better deal on a way better animal a few rows later on. Too late!

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

As far as negotiating on price, you can always try. Some sellers are very firm. Some sellers almost expect haggling. If you do want to ask about a lower price make sure you do it in a polite and positive manner, because nothing shuts a seller down faster than the arrogant "I saw better pastels somewhere else for half that price!" style commentary. Since a lot of the sellers are the breeders, insulting the snakes by insinuating that they are not the BEST... or implying they are overpriced... etc.. not good.

Not saying you would... but it's somewhat accepted to point out flaws in most items when you're haggling... but when it's live creatures, it often doesn't go over well.

Examine ALL animals carefully for health/flaws and sex before you buy. And don't buy the first you see... make a round of the room first, because if you're like me, you'll find the best deal EVER and jump on it and then see a way better deal on a way better animal a few rows later on. Too late!

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X2

I've had people walk up to me and do exactly this. Tell me that they saw a similar snake for a lot less on the other side of the show. They named a price. Because of their aggressive stance, I declined the sale. Someone else walked up and said that was a beautiful snake and they'd really like to get it. Then asked me if I would come down on price. I went exactly to the point that the aggressive buyer pushed me. I'd rather sell to someone who respects my work in producing quality animals and negotiates in good faith than a low baller who is aggressive and discounts the quality of my animals.

I'm on my way to Daytona as a buyer this time. I bet I can get better deals with honey than vinegar! It isn't always about the best deal, but developing the best relationships for the best quality balls.

Ok, need some thoughts on this...
So I want to get a quality lesser female. Preferably reduced pattern (little to no black in alien heads), black back or stripe would be a bonus, and one that looks like it will be a nice bright yellow as an adult. What can I expect to fork over for a high quality lesser female? I know fauna / KS pricing, but wasn't sure if expo's are +/- the online classified market.

I would also like to pick up a bag of mice / rats at the show (so I can save some money on shipping) How much do they normally run? Obviously it will depend on the snake I get, but my ideal scenario (ha, like ideal will happen ;) ) is f/t on rats. I'll probably pick up a bag either way to try and convert even if I get a live eater. Just trying to figure out if I've saved up enough cash :D

I have joked that a low cut shirt and a good bra helps in the haggling process. Of course I am kidding... but it never hurts.

I am getting pretty excited!

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Originally Posted by aldebono

I have joked that a low cut shirt and a good bra helps in the haggling process. Of course I am kidding... but it never hurts.

I am getting pretty excited!

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LOL Now you sound like my husband! We were discussing haggling last night and I was saying how horrible I am at it. I get so excited about the purchase I'm just like 400? How about 5! Uh..no..maybe 375? Ok 600 then! YAY SNAKE!...wait..what just happened? He told me to show a little cleavage and lean over to ask the price:rolleyes:

I'm not very good at being seductive...I'm super clutz. I'd probably lean over trying to be all cute and fall on my face as the table full of snakes gave way. :oops:

Hahaha, Sounds like me! Im really the awkward nerd tomboy with the vocabulary of a sailor, don't let the makeup fool you!

I haggled a little last year. Here's how that went.

Dendrobates tinctorius "Nikita" for $50 each- Will you do 2 for $75? - Deal
2011 Cinnamon male for $125 (I think) exactly what I wanted- Will you do $100?- Deal

I think most vendors expect it and probably enjoy someone who can haggle. I think that they leave a little room in their price to haggle and as long as you are polite, they will work with you. Maybe ask first, "Are you willing to lower the price?" If they agree and you make an offer and they say "No" that doesn't mean "No, I hate you, you should hate yourself forever, how about you go in the corner and cry"

(Maybe thats just me that thought that?)

Just make another offer and shrug it off. I think vendors also like to make combo deals with multiple items or snakes. I think it lets them know you are more serious.

I say all this like I am going to be calm and collected. You will see me crying in the corner because I think a vendor hates me because they rejected my offer! Haha!

A good line in haggling is always more along "IT's such a gorgeous animal, I really want it but I could only afford $XXX..."

A bad line in haggling is more like "Dude, that's trash, Breeder X has twice as good a snake for half the money! I'll take it for $XXX but I'm doing you a favor cause it's ugly."

And yes, I've heard "negotiating" just like that. I try really really hard to speak highly of any animals. Once last year(I think?) I was looking at some cinnamons on a table and and chatting with the seller and "Well mine are way prettier than these..." popped out of my mouth. I was so appalled... stumbled for something to say to make it sound nicer and then slunk off feeling like there was a giant blinking sign on my head saying "JERKFACE" for the rest of the show.

Two more days and Daytona here I come!!!


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Looks like I WILL be there on saturday after all, work seems super slow. If we get clients scheduled, I'll be at Daytona around 1pm. If we don't, I'll be there first thing in the morning!

I've got to find my BP.net shirt too. If you spot me(I'll put a name tag on if I can't find the shirt) please come up and say hi!

What's the plot for lunch? In the center food court? Noon? Later? People? Ditch? Bueller? Bueller?

Wolfy,

Do we want to make the meet up around 1 so you can get there and meet everyone, or, do it later so you get a chance to walk around and then meet and then walk more.

Doesn't matter to me.

I will probably be wearing an Amphibian Symposium shirt, if they give them out.

Please put everyone's forum name and real name. I think I said this before. I am SO BAD at making the connection.

If folks want to meet slightly later at 1pm, that'd be grand, but if most people want to meet at noon, well I'll just hope people hang around chatting.

I will have the rest of the day to roam about looking, and plan on going on sunday as well.

Real name is Theresa, but I respond perfectly well to Wolfy as well!

Ok so how about officially meet at 1:00 in the food area, and I don't think it will be hard to tell the group apart.

Sounds good :D real name is Tiffany (sig :) ) but I respond to rosey aswell. (Grew up being beckoned by my mother as "rosey" lol). As far as attire...I'm still debating black pro exotics shirt that's 2 sizes too big or a regular shirt...I'll put some sort of name tag on.. probably foil tape if Sharpie doesn't wipe off it easily. I can't believe it's so close! *prays to find my girl* not sure how much longer I can stare at an empty tank checking temps and humidity :please:

1 in the food area. Real name Nick, getting excited think I'm going to leave tomorrow in the AM

Real name Gabriel, will be wearing a black Constrictors Unlimited shirt I got from them last year, with the albino python on the front.

Real name is Angela, If not the Amphibian Symposium shirt, pink tank top.

Change of plans: I will try to be there by 1PM tomorrow, and should be, but originally I was going up to Daytona today and would have already been at the show. However, I ended up not having any shoots for Friday, and knowing Daytona is kinda boring when there's no show or Bike Week, lol, I opted to save on room fare and stay down here.

Anyway, I'll hopefully see you guys up there. I should be leaving no later than 8AM, so I doubt it will be a problem.

My names marissa and I'll be wearing a black USARK shirt and red shorts :)


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In case anyone is here already, I'm walking around in a 2011 USARK shirt, and red hat. My name is Landon, if you want, pm me for my cell if that's easier.

Had a great time! Picked up way more than I planned on. Here are a few pics

A pastel clown female I picked up

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...2526e084d4.jpg

A little Ivory Pastel I couldn't resist

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...9944f1aa17.jpg

A cool albino alligator that I didn't buy
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...d924f7c869.jpg


And since y'all have seen these great photos, you can pay me back by buying me this little snake:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...effc4b6f19.jpg

Also, spent several minutes talking with Brian of BHB Reptiles (snakebites TV). He really is what you see in the videos. Great guy.

Just 2 pickups for me and the boyfriend so far.

Little female pin for $150
http://img.tapatalk.com/aee08583-0282-ceb5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/aee08583-02bd-f334.jpg

Female WC red eyed croc skink (for the boyfriend since his birthday is Wednesday)
http://img.tapatalk.com/aee08583-0315-59df.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aee08583-0330-0af2.jpg

Also got a couple hides and some F10 SC from reptile basics. I picked up a couple of those prints with the girls and reptiles too! I have the one with the Dumerils boa and the one with the 2 girls and the pinstripe.

I also totally geeked out when I got to meet Justin Kobylka !!!!

http://img.tapatalk.com/aee08583-03b6-2093.jpg

I'm just resting up a bit then I'm grabbing some food and heading to the auction. See you there!



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I got there pretty late, around 2:30. Traffic coming up was pretty lousy for some reason. Went to the food court but did not see a gathering of BP.netters :( Too late...

I did not pick up anything but a USARK t-shirt (already a member), a turtle souvenir for my sis, and a better bulb for my CRB. Also met a guy from the kingsnake.com forum that specializes in BRBs, and he gave me some tips on little Thin Lizzy's care.

Back at the hotel and waiting out the rain, on a motorcycle and I've gotten wet enough this past week back home that I'll sit it out. Should be heading out to the Hilton for the auction at 8PM just to see what it's about. I saw lots of animals I wanted, but four is enough for now.

My only pick up, Female Pastel Lesser - $375 :D
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...xpo2012019.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...xpo2012020.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...xpo2012021.jpg

/squeeeeeee

Awesome lesser Rosie!

I got to meet a lot of BP.net folks, YAY! and I walked around the expo a lot, looking at everything. I still haven't decided if I'll pick up a new male AFT gecko, or maybe a new BP. I don't have much in the way of funds for a BP, so it will probably only be the new gecko, if anything at all.

Chatted up a lot of folks, saw some old friends again.. got some advice from experts... ate some truely poor meatballs... lol.

The storm that hit when I was leaving was typical for Florida. You couldn't see through the rain, the parking lot I was in was flooded deeper than 6 inches within minutes and I actually threw water higher than my truck going out of the parking lot and got water in the floorboards! But again, typical for Florida, if you wait about 10-15 minutes, it pretty much stops.

I'll be back tomorrow again, if anyone is coming and wants to meet up. I'll wash my BP.net shirt and wear it again, probably.

Great to meet everyone!

Very nice Lesser Tiffany! I got my mojave female. I couldn't resist her pattern and price for $175.

Thanks :D Was nice meeting y'all! Where's the pic of your mojave woman?! :P

I agree! I want to see this female Mojave!


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OK, OK, I'll bite. Not the best representation of color with her, but trying to QT in a 1 bedroom is hard and I had just showered and am working with the other snakes.

https://mail-attachment.googleuserco...5Cp6k&sadssc=1

I love that pin! Very nice full stripe and great colors. Are you going to get the kink situation worked out tomorrow?
Those skinks are too stinkin' cute!

Aww thanks! My only real issues with the kink are that I wasn't told about the kink and that I am planning on using her as a breeder and I don't want the kink to affect her ability to breed for me.


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Me and my boyfriend bought! I got a sweet looking pewter. And he got a breeding size hognose female that is 100% albino :)


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I saw that pewter and the hognose in the other thread, very nice!

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Originally Posted by aldebono

I saw that pewter and the hognose in the other thread, very nice!

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Thank you :)


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I ended up buying crickets, mealworms, waxworms and one aft gecko(Zero sibling).

Made some good connections, saw some good folks, drove in a lot of rain and ate some truly poor meatballs.

Today was a good day at the expo for me! Switched out my pin for one without a kink, got a "male" cinny for $100 and had Brian from BHB tell me that my boy was really a girl!

I also got a badass set up for my boyfriends croc skink and a couple extra supplies as well.

http://img.tapatalk.com/aee4c5fd-681e-6e43.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aee4c5fd-682b-3f26.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/aee4c5fd-6837-39ad.jpg



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Quote:

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Originally Posted by aldebono

OK, OK, I'll bite. Not the best representation of color with her, but trying to QT in a 1 bedroom is hard and I had just showered and am working with the other snakes.

https://mail-attachment.googleuserco...5Cp6k&sadssc=1

I love that pin! Very nice full stripe and great colors. Are you going to get the kink situation worked out tomorrow?
Those skinks are too stinkin' cute!

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The picture didn't load for me on both my computer and my phone :(

Glad you like the skink because I sure don't! I was so afraid to hold it at the table and I had to look all calm and collected. Then, this morning my boyfriend asked me to hold it for a second and I already had a snake in my other hand and as soon as my boyfriend turned around the little :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: took off running which ended up in me steering it back in to the deli cup and holding on to it by its tail so it wouldn't run away and get lost in the hotel room! Not only did it freak out it screamed/roared at me like a velociraptor! Then, my boyfriend accused me of abusing the animal. What was I supposed to do with one hand? Anyways, no one ended up hurt, lost or with a dropped tail so I think everything ended up alright.

Had a great time in Daytona. Got to meet the nice people from BP.NET. Wish I could have stayed longer but my son was ready to keep on moving. Bought an amazing male Hidden Gene Woma from Sloan Reptiles. Bought a Pac Man frog for my son. Hope to see you'll again soon.

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Originally Posted by Don

Had a great time! Picked up way more than I planned on. Here are a few pics

A pastel clown female I picked up

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...2526e084d4.jpg

A little Ivory Pastel I couldn't resist

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...9944f1aa17.jpg

A cool albino alligator that I didn't buy
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...d924f7c869.jpg


And since y'all have seen these great photos, you can pay me back by buying me this little snake:
http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...effc4b6f19.jpg

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Your pastel ivory is so cool. I love it. Super gorgeous


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Did my pic work for anyone else? I was trying to shortcut it without using photobucket.

Does anyone remember what the Super Fires were going for?

Super fires I saw were $1200 to $2000. Mike Wilbanks had several but I only remember seeing one or two other vendors carrying any.

Bought a female fire from Mike at a good price and plan to get a male for her next year.