Is this usually how an online order goes?

I bought my first ball from a breeder at an expo, whose advice to me when my snake wouldn't eat was "well, just slap him in the face with it until he gets pissed off and eats it!"

This time around, I wanted to go with a reputable dealer who I had researched thoroughly before buying. I have read mixed reviews about Bob Clark's customer service, but I read excellent things about his animals so I decided to purchase a baby banana from him today. I tried emailing him twice to no avail.. and I finally gave up and just ordered one off his website. I got no confirmation email.. no email at all.. just a shipping notice about 3 hours later.
I tried calling him with the number listed on his website multiple times with no answer.

Now, I have never ordered online before but other breeders I had questions for responded right away and were very helpful. Should I be nervous? I took the morning off from work tomorrow to be here when he arrived to make sure all was well. Now I am nervous in the event that not all is well, I have no proof of purchase or anything and no communication with the breeder. Is this usually how it goes?

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I bought my first ball from a breeder at an expo, whose advice to me when my snake wouldn't eat was "well, just slap him in the face with it until he gets pissed off and eats it!"

This time around, I wanted to go with a reputable dealer who I had researched thoroughly before buying. I have read mixed reviews about Bob Clark's customer service, but I read excellent things about his animals so I decided to purchase a baby banana from him today. I tried emailing him twice to no avail.. and I finally gave up and just ordered one off his website. I got no confirmation email.. no email at all.. just a shipping notice about 3 hours later.
I tried calling him with the number listed on his website multiple times with no answer.

Now, I have never ordered online before but other breeders I had questions for responded right away and were very helpful. Should I be nervous? I took the morning off from work tomorrow to be here when he arrived to make sure all was well. Now I am nervous in the event that not all is well, I have no proof of purchase or anything and no communication with the breeder. Is this usually how it goes?

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As far as Im concerned he is one of the Best old timers around. When you say you emailed him how long did you wait for a reply? He has Thousands of snakes on hand and travels around the US & outside the country for shows. When I emailed him he ended up contacting me himself a couple days later. He obviously has employees ect but he is hands on too. He isn't a small breeder that sits around online obviously thats why he has all the FAQS and info on the website. If you dealt with him you'll be happy. I have a friend with 15 of his Retics and has never had a problem.

PS: check your junk mail. You will also have a Receipt in the Box.

I've been waiting for just over 24 hours now - but it makes me feel better knowing this is not some off-hand experience and that he usually gets back to everyone right away. My main concern is a healthy animal :)

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I've been waiting for just over 24 hours now - but it makes me feel better knowing this is not some off-hand experience and that he usually gets back to everyone right away. My main concern is a healthy animal :)

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Your all set. I edited my post but you already replied.. Check your Junk Mail ect.. Sometimes their websites get weeded out and you will get a Receipt with your package. Vin Russo did the same and I got the receipt with Fedex package. Some of these guys are a good bit older and kind of Dry about things. But they have proven themselves 30-40 years ago so they dont care much hahahaha.

It's pretty pretty typical from a large scale breeder, communication is usually a hit and miss before and after the sale :rolleyes:

I'm assuming you got something through Paypal or an invoice directly from him. That would be your receipt. While i have never dealt with Bob Clark, like Deborah calm said, he is busy and he is a larger scale breeder so you probably wont get quick personal responses. This is why i personally try and deal with small time breeders who do it for the fun of breeding and not to make cash. I have always been answered within 6 hours from them and usually end up having conversations with them about other snakes etc. A couple guys who are awesome to talk to are Chris Wolf and Matt Cook. Those 2 would be my go to breeders for locality and obscure locality BCC and anything kahl albino like sunglows, corals, snows and moonglows respectively.

I personally wouldnt worry. I doubt Bob Clark would try and stiff you.

No, I just placed an order directly through his website. A screen popped up saying that someone would be in touch with me, so I guess I'm just waiting for that. There was a shipping label created but nothing has been sent out yet, which isn't a bad thing since my herpestat isn't here yet :P

Not all big breeders are like that. Deal with Garrick, if you want to be treated professionally.

I do think in the future I will try someone a little more responsive.. temps here are in the 20s and I stayed home from work this morning expecting him to come "by 10:30am" says the tracking number... but he wasn't even shipped yet. Hopefully Bob is just waiting to ship until warmer temps come along, but a little communication would ease my mind.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I do think in the future I will try someone a little more responsive.. temps here are in the 20s and I stayed home from work this morning expecting him to come "by 10:30am" says the tracking number... but he wasn't even shipped yet. Hopefully Bob is just waiting to ship until warmer temps come along, but a little communication would ease my mind.

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You can go to the Fedex site and set your Preferences to get notifications on the shipping. I understand your excited but it has hardly been 24 hrs since you bought him. It isn't like ordering a Pizza hahahaha. Like Sauzo said if you want to deal with small scale breeders then there is a lot more interaction. Bob does a ton of auctions on his Facebook and he is always at shows in the UK, Germany Etc.. You can not expect he is looking at his computer or phone all the time. He has been breeding and selling for 40 years and he isn't successful by leaving people hanging. There will always be times things don't go as planned but don't get discouraged. You do have to have a bit of patience though. He has a great Rep for his animals.. Yes he is a busy guy but if he wasn't busy that would say something too.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I do think in the future I will try someone a little more responsive.. temps here are in the 20s and I stayed home from work this morning expecting him to come "by 10:30am" says the tracking number... but he wasn't even shipped yet. Hopefully Bob is just waiting to ship until warmer temps come along, but a little communication would ease my mind.

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Did you actually put the tracking number into FedEx's site to see where the snake is or if it had even been shipped(which it hadnt you said). I generally ignore any notifications through email once i get a tracking number and then just go by FedEx's site.

Also if it is is the 20s where you are, i really doubt Bob is going to ship until it warms up. That is just way too cold.

My main concern is just the shipping communication.. I was nervous when I got an email that said the snake would be delivered to me today at 10:30am since I have work.. I did take the morning off just in case. Perhaps the shipping email is an automated thing as well? It was from NEX, which is a third party shipping company. It did say the pick up date was the 29th though, so I called to confirm with both NEX and FedEx that it had never actually been picked up (which it hadn't).

Yes, and I called them as well and they said they hadn't received anything yesterday. I called again this morning around 8:00 am to make sure nothing was going to be delivered to my house while I wasn't home. I was inquiring about a snake from another breeder and they did let me know they weren't shipping to MA since it's so cold here, which I presume is a common practice for the safety of the snake :snake:

Well.. I got my shipment confirmation with 0 communication from Bob...

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Originally Posted by krampvs

Well.. I got my shipment confirmation with 0 communication from Bob...

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Well that kind of sucks...

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Originally Posted by krampvs

Yes, and I called them as well and they said they hadn't received anything yesterday. I called again this morning around 8:00 am to make sure nothing was going to be delivered to my house while I wasn't home. I was inquiring about a snake from another breeder and they did let me know they weren't shipping to MA since it's so cold here, which I presume is a common practice for the safety of the snake :snake:

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Im in NY and nobody will be shipping to either of us this week I can tell you that much. We are in for some cold weather and the next time that its 36-40 is a Friday and Saturday when there isn't shipping :(

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Im in NY and nobody will be shipping to either of us this week I can tell you that much. We are in for some cold weather and the next time that its 36-40 is a Friday and Saturday when there isn't shipping :(

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Oh no...he shipped... I still haven't heard a word from him... thank god there is a FedEx hub next to my work.. Now I'm petrified my snake with be DOA and I won't get any response from Bob.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

Oh no...he shipped... I still haven't heard a word from him... thank god there is a FedEx hub next to my work.. Now I'm petrified my snake with be DOA and I won't get any response from Bob.

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It has a Hot Pack in it dont worry. At least its on the way so thats cool!!!

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

It has a Hot Pack in it dont worry. At least its on the way so thats cool!!!

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Do you know how long they're good for?? I think it's scheduled for delivery by 10:30 but I don't get out of work until 3:30. It's right next door though so I'll be able to grab him as soon as I'm out of work!! I appreciate your optimism lol

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Originally Posted by krampvs

Do you know how long they're good for?? I think it's scheduled for delivery by 10:30 but I don't get out of work until 3:30. It's right next door though so I'll be able to grab him as soon as I'm out of work!! I appreciate your optimism lol

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The standard is to use a 40 hours heat pack additionally since you get the animal delivered at FedEx there is no worry as the a box will be kept at room temp.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

Do you know how long they're good for?? I think it's scheduled for delivery by 10:30 but I don't get out of work until 3:30. It's right next door though so I'll be able to grab him as soon as I'm out of work!! I appreciate your optimism lol

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If you told them to hold for pick up, then the snake will be safe. If you didnt and its 20 degrees, that snake is going to be a scalecicle when you get home.

Get ur enclosure dialed in and relax a little. Tomorrow will be a exciting day. Have your phone handy when you open him up. Get a few pics then put him into his hide. He will stay in there for days I'm sure & thats good. It would mean he feels secure in his hide & thats what you want. Congrats on the coming arrival of your Noodle.

This has been so stressful for me lol.. I don't know how people do it regularly. I think I called FedEx 6 times before I got confirmation they would hold him. At least now I know he will be all set. My herpestat will be here tomorrow too so hopefully it's a good day :D

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

scalecicle

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lol :rofl:

I had FedEx screw up my delivery for my beardie. They said they knocked and no one answered so they left a pick up note. I was up stair about 6 feet away from the front door and i heard nothing. I opened my door at 10:40 AM and saw the note. I called FedEx and the lady there was more than useless. I told her to use a radio to contact the driver as he couldnt be more than a few blocks from me. She said they dont have radios. So i said ok call them on a mobile phone. She said they dont have mobile phones. I said how do you contact a driver if their is a major accident in the family and they need to be contacted. She said they dont. I said lady you are worthless, give me your manager or boss. She said he isnt here. By this time i was fuming and about to cuss her out lol. I told her, you are a freakin moron and I'm surprised you got your job over a chimp. I said, call your manager now and if i dont get a response, I am going to call the head office. Well within 5 mins, i got a call from the manager and he said, sorry, the driver is on the way back and will be there in 15 mins. I told him, good, i will be standing outside waiting for him. Sure enough, he came back and gave me my beardie. I wasnt about the make my poor little 6 week old beardie ride in a truck for 8 hours.

My advice is triple check them as some of those guys can be total flakes and dont give a squat about service.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I had FedEx screw up my delivery for my beardie. They said they knocked and no one answered so they left a pick up note. I was up stair about 6 feet away from the front door and i heard nothing. I opened my door at 10:40 AM and saw the note. I called FedEx and the lady there was more than useless. I told her to use a radio to contact the driver as he couldnt be more than a few blocks from me. She said they dont have radios. So i said ok call them on a mobile phone. She said they dont have mobile phones. I said how do you contact a driver if their is a major accident in the family and they need to be contacted. She said they dont. I said lady you are worthless, give me your manager or boss. She said he isnt here. By this time i was fuming and about to cuss her out lol. I told her, you are a freakin moron and I'm surprised you got your job over a chimp. I said, call your manager now and if i dont get a response, I am going to call the head office. Well within 5 mins, i got a call from the manager and he said, sorry, the driver is on the way back and will be there in 15 mins. I told him, good, i will be standing outside waiting for him. Sure enough, he came back and gave me my beardie. I wasnt about the make my poor little 6 week old beardie ride in a truck for 8 hours.

My advice is triple check them as some of those guys can be total flakes and dont give a squat about service.

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I was feeling better until I read this :O

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I was feeling better until I read this :O

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hahaha.
when i got my second beep (and second one shipped) they didn't knock or ring the doorbell; left her on the porch and ran. i was home practically sitting in silence waiting for the doorbell. nothing. 1130am rolls by and i decide to check my email; there's a delivery confirmation. i sprint to my door and there's the tiny box, likely sitting outside for at least an hour.

of course she was fine, but i was pissed!!! be sure to have all the contact info you could possibly need in case something happens.

this is how i wait for all snake deliveries now. [emoji4]

when you get him we want pics!!! [emoji3]

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I had FedEx screw up my delivery for my beardie. They said they knocked and no one answered so they left a pick up note. I was up stair about 6 feet away from the front door and i heard nothing. I opened my door at 10:40 AM and saw the note. I called FedEx and the lady there was more than useless. I told her to use a radio to contact the driver as he couldnt be more than a few blocks from me. She said they dont have radios. So i said ok call them on a mobile phone. She said they dont have mobile phones. I said how do you contact a driver if their is a major accident in the family and they need to be contacted. She said they dont. I said lady you are worthless, give me your manager or boss. She said he isnt here. By this time i was fuming and about to cuss her out lol. I told her, you are a freakin moron and I'm surprised you got your job over a chimp. I said, call your manager now and if i dont get a response, I am going to call the head office. Well within 5 mins, i got a call from the manager and he said, sorry, the driver is on the way back and will be there in 15 mins. I told him, good, i will be standing outside waiting for him. Sure enough, he came back and gave me my beardie. I wasnt about the make my poor little 6 week old beardie ride in a truck for 8 hours.

My advice is triple check them as some of those guys can be total flakes and dont give a squat about service.

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Everything she told you was Bologna anyways. I've had them call the driver while I was on the phone and give me a store where I could meet them in 30 min. People will tell you anything these days just to get rid of you , drives me nuts.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

I was feeling better until I read this :O

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You're cracking me up hahahaha. I don't know who is going to be more nervous YOU or the SNAKE hahahaha ROFL.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

hahaha.


this is how i wait for all snake deliveries now. [emoji4]

[emoji3]

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What a pretty view and I love your Floors :)

LOL!

I will definitely post some pictures!! He is literally right next door to my work waiting at the FedEx facility lol... the wait is killing me!! :rolleye2:

He's here!! I snapped a quick photo before taking his weight and introducing him to his viv.. I did notice some scale damage to his side which I will be taking photos of later and posting here for opinions.. to me it just looks like some scale damage (a scratch possibly). Anyways here is my precious Leopold!! (I don't know how to insert an image so sorry for the link!!)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCfhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf_TF2IT8nbCf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Everything she told you was Bologna anyways. I've had them call the driver while I was on the phone and give me a store where I could meet them in 30 min. People will tell you anything these days just to get rid of you , drives me nuts.

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Oh yeah, i know. Thats why i was so livid. And after all that, i kind of blew my top and thats when i made the comment of i'm surprised she got her job over a chimp lol. Usually i dont have a problem with FedEx and i definitely like them better than UPS.

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Originally Posted by krampvs

He's here!! I snapped a quick photo before taking his weight and introducing him to his viv.. I did notice some scale damage to his side which I will be taking photos of later and posting here for opinions.. to me it just looks like some scale damage (a scratch possibly). Anyways here is my precious Leopold!! (I don't know how to insert an image so sorry for the link!!)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCfhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf_TF2IT8nbCf

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11A...kfK_TF2IT8nbCf

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Grats. Looks good and isnt a snakecicle :P

Cant see the pics. Download Tapatalk on your phone and sign in to BP.net then you have a phone app for the site & post pics from your camera roll. Easy peasy :)

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Cant see the pics. Download Tapatalk on your phone and sign in to BP.net then you have a phone app for the site & post pics from your camera roll. Easy peasy :)

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i can't see them either ):

Worth the weird wait. Totally precious.