Where do you buy your snakes?

Where are the majority of your snakes from?

Do you get a lot from shows where you can hand pick in person, or do you like to buy online because the local pickings aren't so diverse. Do you do a lot of dealing with just a few friends, or did you start with a couple snakes and everything else is holdbacks? Do you take advantage of casual facebook auctions and the like, or are you a pioneer buying wild caught animals?

I wonder if selling online or at shows is more fruitful. For me to even guess, I'd have to know if more people go to shows with real intent to buy new breeding stock, or use the convenience of the internet for more than just window-shopping.

I personally don't live close to any real good shows, so I imagine I will have to pick up more uncommon morphs online. However, once I have space and revenue ready to expand my collection, I plan to pick up things that are not ball pythons in person (perhaps take a couple grand to Tinley Park in 5 years, yeah?) so I can evaluate them myself.

I'll also eagerly take discussion on where you take most of your snake business? Where do you have the most success? Is your online or local reputation stronger? I know a lot of people starting out can sell stock with just craigslist and to friends, but beyond that?

I love to know the non-technical stuff too and compare experiences.

I buy predominantly online from hobbyists/hobby breeders. I like seeing the exact animal I'll be buying over some of the bigger sellers who sometimes use stock images for their animals and have "met" a lot of great people this way. Checking references on Fauna's BOI is key though too.

I have bought from larger expos (no local monthly ones here, I usually go the the Phoenix Reptile Expo in November) and have had 50/50 luck: I got two snakes from one vendor one year who both came down sick and that made it where I'm cautious about who I buy from at the shows. But the other snakes I've gotten have been fine: also met some great people this way and it's a plus to be able to see the snakes in person first before purchasing.

Also have bought from two local breeders with great success, it was really cool to see their set ups and their personal collection as they were nice enough to invite me over.

I buy from a local independent reptile shop. The owner is a good, honest guy who either breeds the animals himself or uses a small network of good local breeders.

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I buy mainly from reputable breeders online. I hardly ever see animals that catch my fancy at in person shows. I have specific animals, looks, and genetics that I'm interested in, so finding those specifications are easier online.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I buy mainly from reputable breeders online. I hardly ever see animals that catch my fancy at in person shows. I have specific animals, looks, and genetics that I'm interested in, so finding those specifications are easier online.

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Agreed.

Of three dozen snakes in residence, 3 were shipped in and the rest were obtained locally*. A few of the local pick-ups were obtained unintentionally and at no cost.

* - Locally defined as driving up to 8 hours round trip to pick up.

I've gotten 4 of mine from local expos. The other two were from craigslist. I haven't tried buying online yet. I live in the middle of nowhere and I've had problems with Fedex finding my place in the past. So buying online makes me kind of nervous.

I bought Loki at a year old off of Craigslist. I am not sure where his past owner got him.

I try to buy locally but as someone already pointed out, sometimes you can't find what you're looking for so online reputable breeders or at shows is a good way to go as well.

Out of my five bps, three were bought locally, one was bought from a great online breeder and my recent one I bought at a reptile show.

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I would prefer to buy local but there aren't any breeders here in N.Florida. But, I will never buy from the big 'Box Store' distributors.
So I try and buy from the smaller independent breeders with a good reputation and good communication. I purchased most of my snakes from Brandon at Mid-West Reptile Collective. And I will never hesitate to buy from him again because I know that my $$$ will go to his family and his business.

I chose "Friends/Local Breeders" because I have a small group of breeders that I have gotten to know over the years that I look to first when I need something. I've dealt with them many times, I know they have first rate collections, I know they have excellent QT procedures, and I know they have excellent customer service.

I used to buy more at shows (I'm in Central FL, so there is a good selection of shows) and from breeders I didn't know as well as long as they have a good reputation. But, my purchases have gotten higher end and I'm just getting ultra paranoid I guess. I just prefer to stick to those I know well, and having the ongoing relationship is nice too. For example, there are a few females I held back from 2013 because I know one of the people I deal with regularly is interested in working out a trade once her eggs start hatching.

As far as where I sell the most, I advertise on Fauna and Kingsnake, and also in a few facebook groups. I also have a business facebook page and website. Facebook is the most time consuming, but I do seem to sell a lot there. I also get some repeat customers who email me looking for things. I don't vend at shows, mostly because the quarantine issue bothers me.

Bought 2 of my bps from local breeders bought 1 from a local small pet store 1 from a forum member and the other 5 I got from ben siegel reptiles. So all but 3 of my 15 snakes where bought online. The local selection kind of sucks so I have to turn to online

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I went with from local breeder. About 80% of what I own come from people I know. There is good and bad with that, as already mentioned, selection can be limited. On the bright side with most local people you can see their collection and see how they handle their snakes to give you a better idea as to the quality and care that go into what they do. The rest of mine are a mix of from local (localish) shows and online hobbyist

One snake came from a kingsnake classified. The others came from Ben Siegel and my next purchases will come from him, too. Always thrilled with the auctions and perfect snakes.

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I always support my local breeders first, but then of course I have 2 major ones and a smaller one that are all good friends too. I get really good deals from them and if they don't have something I'm looking for then I'll look around online but I always do a lot of searching first. Too many people will sell you a snake and not tell you much about it and any issues it may have. This is the same with going to a reptile expo. You do business with them then they're out of town, so if you have a question or need advice you can't go talk to them in person, you have to speak to them on the phone. That's if they don't say it's your fault with whatever issue you're having. It's just a lot of bull now days so I really selectively buy.

My first one came from a local breeder/colleague, some have been online purchases from smaller retailers/larger hobbyists, and a few I've picked up from local breeders and from shows. What I get locally/shows tends to be motivated mainly by opportunity (just too good to pass up) rather than need. I've found that if I'm looking for a specific gene combo I pretty much have to go to kingsnake or fauna.

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Originally Posted by shadowsnakes

One snake came from a kingsnake classified. The others came from Ben Siegel and my next purchases will come from him, too. Always thrilled with the auctions and perfect snakes.

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Ben siegel reptiles is awesome thats where %90 of my herps came from

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I would love to get all my snakes locally but its easier said than done. I bought my normal from a crappy petstore. The rest of my purchases have been onljne from very reputable breeders. Also I kinda avoid the "huge'' breeders.

Online, local, shows, friends, guess I get stuff from everywhere.

I get my reptiles from a local shop.

all mine came from either garrick demeyer or mike wilbanks they have great animals there easy to work with and they have been doing this for years ..

Got mine from BHB, Justin Kobylka, and Bob Clark


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I kind of have a mixed bag. My first BP was a present and we didn't know better, so we got her from a local pet store (but I lucked out with her). My second one was a spontaneous adoption...my friend knew a guy who couldn't keep her anymore and she knew I was a sucker for BPs and would give her a great home. My newest one (who is in the mail today) comes from Ace of Snakes. So, yes, pet store, rescue, and breeder LOL!!!

All but one came from breeders online.

I am VERY picky when it comes to what I add to my collection which is why I buy from people with smaller collections, and from people who like me believe in selective breeding.

I like to buy from the people who produced the animal.

As for auctions I am not into buying something to say I can have it and because it is the lowest price possible. Again when in the market I am looking for an animal that is above average and I am willing to be patient and spend more.

My priorities are the animals, the breeder's rep / customer service and the $$$, in that order, location is irrelevant.


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I have read that there are several online breeders that have really good reoutations. I prefer local ( hour away lol ) pet store. I don't know much about Ball's to be honest just regular care and maintenance. But I look there and on CL. If its different looking or catches my eye, that's all I need.

Ben Siegel is awesome with his wide selection of fb actions and great customer service. Just paid for my two most expensive snakes from him. Can't wait for them to arrive. 1.0 Ultramel and 0.1 albino pin.

Other then that I picked up my 1.0 pied and my 0.1 lemon pastel enchi at a local Massachusetts breeder. Jabbawokee reptiles in Woburn great people.

My 0.1 spider hopefully something else. I found in a holiday Inn express in NJ. Lucky me:).

Lastly I picked up my 0.1 super pastel. From my wife's friend that needed rent money.

I will probably stick with Ben Siegel for awhile. With there auctions ranging from normal bps to ghi's and higher. It's a great place to get high quality animals for far less money! !!!

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Originally Posted by Deborah

My priorities are the animals, the breeder's rep / customer service and the $$$, in that order, location is irrelevant.

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This, but I do prefer breeders somewhat close to me to limit shipping time and risk. I got talked into buying my bp from the local pet store that was shutting down. My hognose came from a small hobbyist breeder instate and have a short tail coming from a larger reputable breeder. I want to buy from someone who bred the snake and who's been around awhile. I'm a pet owner and plan to have my snakes for life. I have learned it's best to research and take my time to find what I want.

As the cost of shipping increases I'm finding myself limiting my purchases to the local breeders. Fortunately I have a lot of good ones in the area.

I've bought all but one of my 4 ball pythons from a local shop here in Phoenix. My male pinstripe I got from a guy that didn't have time for him. The poor snake had suffered for it, but he's gaining weight nicely and will breed my normal female this year. So local has been my thing at least for now.

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I bought my albino female from a local reptile shop. I'm thinking of getting another one, maybe a bumblebee male.

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I shop the snake. So online. That way I can find exactly what I want.

Shipping is ridiculous. Someone invent teleporters already!!!

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Originally Posted by MonkeyShuttle

Shipping is ridiculous. Someone invent teleporters already!!!

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Yeah shippings crazy thats why 3/4 of my snakes came from ben siegel reptiles pay 40 to ship as many animals as you win in a 2 week time frame( even longer over the winter when temps drop). Thats the best deal shipping wise

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Originally Posted by bigt0006

Yeah shippings crazy thats why 3/4 of my snakes came from ben siegel reptiles pay 40 to ship as many animals as you win in a 2 week time frame( even longer over the winter when temps drop). Thats the best deal shipping wise

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Except you aren't always going to get the exact animal, or quality you are looking for in an auction. Just figure the shipping is part of the snakes cost. It is what it is. I don't mind the shipping, it means I'm getting the very snake I picked out.

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

Except you aren't always going to get the exact animal, or quality you are looking for in an auction. Just figure the shipping is part of the snakes cost. It is what it is. I don't mind the shipping, it means I'm getting the very snake I picked out.

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Actually in bens auctions the animal pictured is the animal you get

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Originally Posted by bigt0006

Actually in bens auctions the animal pictured is the animal you get

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I don't doubt that. What I'm saying is, say I want a bumblebee. I'm going to shop around for the best possible one I can find. Where ever that may be. Not go for one just because it's on an auction and may be cheaper. Highly doubt you are going to find the best examples of a morph in an auction. Those animals have already been sold.

Yeah i get what your saying now. I usually know what i want then when i see what i want and its the quality i want ill bid or buy the animal. Normaly if its something i want i normally get it

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If your selling a $350 animal just post it as $400 free shipping and i sill buy it. But $350 plus shipping and im hesitant. But i may be slightly retarded :)

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Originally Posted by DooLittle

I don't doubt that. What I'm saying is, say I want a bumblebee. I'm going to shop around for the best possible one I can find. Where ever that may be. Not go for one just because it's on an auction and may be cheaper. Highly doubt you are going to find the best examples of a morph in an auction. Those animals have already been sold.

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Go check out Ben's FB page then click on the pictures go back as long as you like then tell me if he had quality stuff or not. Beautiful stuff. A lot he breeds himself.

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I buy 99% of my stuff from Garrick DeMeyer or produce it myself. It also helps that I work there ;-)

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Originally Posted by MonkeyShuttle

If your selling a $350 animal just post it as $400 free shipping and i sill buy it. But $350 plus shipping and im hesitant. But i may be slightly retarded :)

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That's hilarious!!!

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Originally Posted by stoaob3

That's hilarious!!!

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It's actually a really common thing! Lots of people are more willing to buy if cost of shipping is rolled in, no matter what they're buying (I sell yarn online). It's weirdly effective marketing, just make sure you specify "US shipping included" or whatever.

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Originally Posted by CptJack

It's actually a really common thing! Lots of people are more willing to buy if cost of shipping is rolled in, no matter what they're buying (I sell yarn online). It's weirdly effective marketing, just make sure you specify "US shipping included" or whatever.

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Good to know as I have six clutches coming relatively soon. You never stop learning!

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Originally Posted by CptJack

It's actually a really common thing! Lots of people are more willing to buy if cost of shipping is rolled in, no matter what they're buying (I sell yarn online). It's weirdly effective marketing, just make sure you specify "US shipping included" or whatever.

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It's not weird at all, especially when shipping a reptile since there are sellers whose "shipping" includes fees for materials. Also, shipping costs go up the further the box travels - I recently paid $78 to have a young Tarahumara boa (so quite a tiny snake) shipped to me from CA. So, if a seller advertises an "all inclusive" price that's a more attractive ad, as there are no surprise fees once I agree to the purchase.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

It's not weird at all, especially when shipping a reptile since there are sellers whose "shipping" includes fees for materials. Also, shipping costs go up the further the box travels - I recently paid $78 to have a young Tarahumara boa (so quite a tiny snake) shipped to me from CA. So, if a seller advertises an "all inclusive" price that's a more attractive ad, as there are no surprise fees once I agree to the purchase.

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From VA TO CA recently I paid $95...:O Makes it tough to sell the cheaper stuff when the shipping costs as much (or more) than the snake...

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Originally Posted by sho220

From VA TO CA recently I paid $95...:O Makes it tough to sell the cheaper stuff when the shipping costs as much (or more) than the snake...

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Very true, lower end morphs could easily be right around shipping cost.


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Originally Posted by bcr229

It's not weird at all, especially when shipping a reptile since there are sellers whose "shipping" includes fees for materials. Also, shipping costs go up the further the box travels - I recently paid $78 to have a young Tarahumara boa (so quite a tiny snake) shipped to me from CA. So, if a seller advertises an "all inclusive" price that's a more attractive ad, as there are no surprise fees once I agree to the purchase.

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This very much is the size of it and it's how I operate both as a seller and buyer, but I still find it pretty interesting. It's about not having any hidden costs with the purchase. A flat shipping rate is more popular than exact shipping based on weight and location (remember, I'm dealing yarn), even if the exact shipping cost would be LOWER than the flat rate. Most popular is always going to be just rolled into the purchase price, though, because you can tell at a glance what fits into your budget.

And yes, shipping is expensive. I just paid 40.00 to have a 35.00 snake shipped. Making it, in my mind, basically a 75.00 snake. I didn't mind, really, but I'm more likely to not... grumble about paying that sort of shipping when it's a small percentage of the cost of the snake (ie: the snake's more expensive) rather than more than doubling the cost of getting the snake.

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Originally Posted by sho220

From VA TO CA recently I paid $95...:O Makes it tough to sell the cheaper stuff when the shipping costs as much (or more) than the snake...

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Oh I know, I always look local first, $95 pays for a lot of gas! And while four were shipped in, the other 32 were not.