Reptile Show Etiquette and Questions from a Newbie

You got a lot of good answers so far. I would say bring a small backpack with something to drink. Feeling dehydrated is an issue we have had at most expos, but try to avoid carrying something in your arms or something heavy. It is usually very packed, very hot and very fun. And that's just our tiny local expo! A big purse/bag for after is great in case you decide to stop anywhere, our cresties enjoyed the cool ac at KFC after the last expo safely tucked in my bag.
As for haggling I just look longingly and stand around staring at it, works most times : ) but don't try that on something you have to have! Someone will snatch it from under your nose...
Most vendors in my experience will let you hold their animals if they arnt packed although some will say no, I have never had someone offended by asking. Also many will hold your purchase for you, saves the animals lots of jostling.

Thanks for the thread. I have been to several shows and bought several snakes at the shows. I only don't haggle when I really know the price of a morph and I know they are giving a great deal. Interestingly enough, many times when I feel a snake is overpriced, that's when the breeder doesn't want to haggle. I guess the snake is really valuable to them, and they don't mind keeping it if they don't get their perceived value!

All of that said, I have a really specific question about show etiquette.

-How rude is it to bring up competitor pricing? What if you said, "Hey! I really like your lesser priced at $200, but there's another lesser across the room that's selling for $150. Can you beat that price?"

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Originally Posted by sharkrocket

Thanks for the thread. I have been to several shows and bought several snakes at the shows. I only don't haggle when I really know the price of a morph and I know they are giving a great deal. Interestingly enough, many times when I feel a snake is overpriced, that's when the breeder doesn't want to haggle. I guess the snake is really valuable to them, and they don't mind keeping it if they don't get their perceived value!

All of that said, I have a really specific question about show etiquette.

-How rude is it to bring up competitor pricing? What if you said, "Hey! I really like your lesser priced at $200, but there's another lesser across the room that's selling for $150. Can you beat that price?"

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I don't think it's rude at all. They can either say A) no, my lesser is bigger, better, sweeter, etc. B) yes I can match that or C) let's meet somewhere in between. I think it all depends on how you approach the vendor.


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First thing I do when I'm buying a snake and haggling is I knock 30-50% off the price right then and there. That will get the vendor to lower his price more than if you ask hey can you go down $20. you'll really see where they are at if you ask to take off a huge part of the price. But at the same time you have to know what your doing going this route. It's not for beginners but something to keep in mind down the road.

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Originally Posted by sharkrocket

-How rude is it to bring up competitor pricing? What if you said, "Hey! I really like your lesser priced at $200, but there's another lesser across the room that's selling for $150. Can you beat that price?"

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

I don't think it's rude at all. They can either say A) no, my lesser is bigger, better, sweeter, etc. B) yes I can match that or C) let's meet somewhere in between. I think it all depends on how you approach the vendor.


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A lot of vendors, in my experience, actually find this quite rude. If you want to make an offer that is lower than listed, make an offer. You obviously like this one better than the cheaper one across the room, so don't even bring it into the discussion. You would basically be asking them to either bash another seller's animal or defend an animal that they probably feel is priced fairly. The seller can either agree to your offer, counter, or say no.

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Originally Posted by zach_24_90

First thing I do when I'm buying a snake and haggling is I knock 30-50% off the price right then and there. That will get the vendor to lower his price more than if you ask hey can you go down $20. you'll really see where they are at if you ask to take off a huge part of the price. But at the same time you have to know what your doing going this route. It's not for beginners but something to keep in mind down the road.

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50%?!?! Really?! That isn't haggling. That's just rude.

Remember to shop the quality of the snake, not just look for the cheapest deal.

Wow! The great advice just keeps coming. :) Thank you guys so much for all the input. I'm sure my trip to the show will be much, much better than it would have been without all your tips.

I will definitely add water and a backpack to the list... Didn't think of the water being an issue...

All the haggling advice is great too. I would also be a wee bit shy of doing this, but I may try it after reading everyone's tips on doing it successfully.

One of the possible issues I've been pondering today is what if I buy a good looking snake for x amount of dollars and then see the same type / morph / gender / quality for less or a better animal for the same price at another vendor's table later on. I guess the only way you could avoid this is by cruising all of the tables first then going back... but this is probably the riskier option since the animal you want may be gone when you return... Has anyone had a similar experience? I guess it all depends on how "popular" the particular type of snake is that you're looking at.

Thanks again for the great advice folks! The show's exactly one week away now.. Hopefully by this time next week I"ll be the proud new owner of 1-2 snakes and a gecko. :D

Artgecko

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

50%?!?! Really?! That isn't haggling. That's just rude.

Remember to shop the quality of the snake, not just look for the cheapest deal.

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Yes 30-50%... Depends on what It is. No it's not rude..its haggling. I actually vend at a good number of shows I know how the game works lol. Most of you guys go to shows and think ooooh that $1000 snake is worth $1000... That $1000 snake is only worth about $300 if they sold it wholesale to another vendor so it's up to you to get the best deal you can. so if i knock off $500 from asking price on my ofer obviously they come back at me a little higher...they still make money as opposed to selling wholesale and I get a good deal everybody wins. The key for newbies is just act like you've been there before if you act star struck because its this vendor or that famous person or you're so excited about getting this morph or that morph your going to pay a lot more than you should. And for anybody who is going to sit here and tell me I'm wrong then you have either never been a vendor or are in denial ... I'm just trying to give some insight as To how things really work behind the scenes. And if you can understand that you can get in a vendors head and get a hands down better price.

Like your normal female on your website.... $200??? Really lol who pays $200 for a normal these days? $100 is about tops on those girls. $25 wholesale.

Well i'm technically a breeder, so why don't i get wholesale prices? I'm not saying you're wrong zach, because i've never vended a show, but what you're saying is something i've NEVER heard of before in my time in this hobby... Idk

Ill be there next weekend also... It will be my first reptile show!

anyone else think this thread should be stickied for future show newbies? Just me?

A ton of REALLY good information.