*Sigh* I Guess Things Cant Always Go Right

I'm not mentioning the sellers name yet because he hasn't had a chance to get back to me, but I need to let off a little steam. I bought a 950g female bumblebee ball python on Monday. The guy didn't have anything (good or bad) on the BOI, so I took a chance. I sent payment and he said he could ship her the next day. Yesterday afternoon he messaged me saying he was about to send her out and even sent me pictures of the package. He did mention that she had pooped and shed and now weighed 800g (...). I wasn't thrilled, but it also wasn't a deal breaker to me. Then I noticed on the picture of the shipping label that she was coming standard overnight. I messaged back thinking it was a mistake, but he assured me that he always shipped standard and she would be fine (......). I put my foot down saying she had to come priority or not at all. Im in rural Florida, so its 90+ outside and standard usually doesnt get here until 6-8pm. He did finally switch her over to priority and she just got here a few minutes ago.

I will say she was packed pretty well. The box was a bit small but everything else looked great. I took her out, looked her over, double checked gender....CRAP! :rage:
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/88170/1...xBn6PBCmGz.jpg

THAT is not a girl. So now Im contacting him again. No response so far, but its just been a few minutes and its 6:15am his time. Ugh! Ive had very good luck lately with buying balls so I guess there had to be a hiccup at some point.

Beautiful BP but I can completely understand your frustration. Hope it all turns out well.

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OMG I would have lost it

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Im not thrilled, but he just contacted me and we are talking about what to do.

Unfortunate. Too bad they didn't have BOI feedback. As someone without BOI feedback, my concern is that nobody will take a chance on me. You took a chance and it didn't work out very well. Another lost opportunity for me as a feedbackless breeder...

Better to have none than bad! Personally I am usually fine from buying from people without feedback. If nothing else because people are much more likely to say something if there is a problem, than if everything goes smoothly. So far this seller has been very apologetic and looks like hes going to try and make it right.

Totally frustrating, but I hope it won't put you off buying from small/unrated breeders. It seems to me that sometimes you get the best service from them even when things go wrong, because they're trying to build a rep and can give you very personal attention.

I've bought from sellers with no ratings/feedback on KS and Fauna. The majority of the time I receive what I expected with no issues, and everyone is happy with the transaction. On the downside, I've also encountered the wrong snake, a DOA, and a lost/delayed shipment. In each case, the seller has acted aboveboard and corrected the issue to my satisfaction.

If a mistake occurs, and they fix it promptly and courteously, it's all good by me (maybe disappointing, but doesn't make me think less of them as a seller).

Sucks that your girl is a boy. I hope the seller does right by you. I can see why you bought him when he was a she - what a beauty!

It definitely wont! I still have no problem with buying from people without a reputation, like I said unhappy people are more likely to speak up than happy ones. Right now we are negotiating, the only problem is at least so far he doesnt have any other animals I really need and I feel bad about asking for pictures of too many things.

This reminds me that I really have to learn how to pop snakes. I'm praying that all my "girls" are really girls. Sucks that this happened to you hope you get it resolved

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Originally Posted by BumbleB

This reminds me that I really have to learn how to pop snakes. I'm praying that all my "girls" are really girls. Sucks that this happened to you hope you get it resolved

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I probe and find it very accurate and much easier than popping, but nothing beats visual confirmation.

I go back and forth depending on the snake. I had originally probed this guy, and he was obviously a he. I popped him for the picture, just to show how much of a he he is!

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Originally Posted by BumbleB

This reminds me that I really have to learn how to pop snakes. I'm praying that all my "girls" are really girls. Sucks that this happened to you hope you get it resolved

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Me too, all the snakes I get must have like super strength by the time I get them because they never show me the goods. I'm much better at probing, it's much easier being gentle with a probe than having to try and force out hemipenes. But that's just me. Lol I'm weakling. :p

To the op, I hope everything resolves itself. I'm glad you caught it early instead of raising it up for 6 years calling it Eva like I did haha. I got Him from a pet store though. He was my first snake, didn't know any better..


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Dang it. That's too bad. I hope he makes it right.

Sorry that happened to you. However he does look nice. And seems to be in good health. I hope the seller makes it right for you.

Thanks. We spent a lot of time talking this morning and considered everything from shipping him back to him giving me a partial refund. The final result is he is sending me a second female bee, and I sent him an extra $100 and will keep the male he sent. Assuming the second bee is actually a female Ill be happy with the result.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

As someone without BOI feedback, my concern is that nobody will take a chance on me.

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You've been an active member on this forum since 2011. I'd do business with you before someone with a few positives but no activity on a BP forum. Being an active member of the community goes a long way in my book...

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Originally Posted by aalomon

Thanks. We spent a lot of time talking this morning and considered everything from shipping him back to him giving me a partial refund. The final result is he is sending me a second female bee, and I sent him an extra $100 and will keep the male he sent. Assuming the second bee is actually a female Ill be happy with the result.

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Sounds like a great way to unload some males - maybe I'll try it when I start selling! :P In all seriousness, I'm glad he's making it right for you. That is something that I absolutely believe in and actually will put in place when I start selling. Customer service and quality animals above all else. :gj:

Well the replacement female arrived today. Shes honestly darker and has way more spots than I would want, but she got here safely!

http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/88170/1...nOXjNxPOTQ.jpg

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Originally Posted by aalomon

Well the replacement female arrived today. Shes honestly darker and has way more spots than I would want, but she got here safely!

http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/88170/1...nOXjNxPOTQ.jpg

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Thats pretty much my Bee lil darker, But im sure she'll give you some nice babies! I know someone with a ugly super pastel, and he gives such nice offspring.

I think she looks great. Glad it all worked out.