Shocked in Chi-Town...

I guess I'm used to stores like Prehistoric Pets in Fountain Valley for my reptile eye-candy and purchasing pleasure. But since moving out to the mid-west I've struggled to find a store like that. Thus, I met some great e-tailers to work with.

I thought I'd found my Prehistoric in Chi-Town, but was bummed to see that this recommended store wasn't anything close...Here's what shocked me:
*They had probably 8 BP's in a tank and 2 were just staring at the lights
*They had all the corns in the tubs and they were crawling all over the sides of the tubs and it looked like they had too much humidity in it because there was so much condensation all I could see were the corns crawling over the sides
*The morphs they claimed to have were hidden and they weren't to kind to talk to about what they had. They just said come back in the summer and there will be more
*Everything was dusty and many of the cages didn't have any animals in them

I had to go out there for a party, so I'm glad I found out before making vain trip out there to be disappointed.

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

I guess I'm used to stores like Prehistoric Pets in Fountain Valley for my reptile eye-candy and purchasing pleasure. But since moving out to the mid-west I've struggled to find a store like that. Thus, I met some great e-tailers to work with.

I thought I'd found my Prehistoric in Chi-Town, but was bummed to see that this recommended store wasn't anything close...Here's what shocked me:
*They had probably 8 BP's in a tank and 2 were just staring at the lights
*They had all the corns in the tubs and they were crawling all over the sides of the tubs and it looked like they had too much humidity in it because there was so much condensation all I could see were the corns crawling over the sides
*The morphs they claimed to have were hidden and they weren't to kind to talk to about what they had. They just said come back in the summer and there will be more
*Everything was dusty and many of the cages didn't have any animals in them

I had to go out there for a party, so I'm glad I found out before making vain trip out there to be disappointed.

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sounds like they are shady, and they have a few "star gazers" on there hands...

Goes to show you, just because a place has a lot of snakes doesn't mean they know what they really have, or how to take care of them.

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

I guess I'm used to stores like Prehistoric Pets in Fountain Valley for my reptile eye-candy and purchasing pleasure. But since moving out to the mid-west I've struggled to find a store like that. Thus, I met some great e-tailers to work with.

I thought I'd found my Prehistoric in Chi-Town, but was bummed to see that this recommended store wasn't anything close...Here's what shocked me:
*They had probably 8 BP's in a tank and 2 were just staring at the lights
*They had all the corns in the tubs and they were crawling all over the sides of the tubs and it looked like they had too much humidity in it because there was so much condensation all I could see were the corns crawling over the sides
*The morphs they claimed to have were hidden and they weren't to kind to talk to about what they had. They just said come back in the summer and there will be more
*Everything was dusty and many of the cages didn't have any animals in them

I had to go out there for a party, so I'm glad I found out before making vain trip out there to be disappointed.

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if you don't mind what's the store so i can stay away im also in the chi....

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Originally Posted by gixxerrobballs

if you don't mind what's the store so i can stay away im also in the chi....

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Because he says it's a recommended store, corns in tubs, and morphs hidden; I'd assume he's talking about the Chicago Reptile House

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Originally Posted by AjBalls

Because he says it's a recommended store, corns in tubs, and morphs hidden; I'd assume he's talking about the Chicago Reptile House

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im also assuming that. its so nice of jeff to run a store like that yet host the narbc show

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Originally Posted by AjBalls

Because he says it's a recommended store, corns in tubs, and morphs hidden; I'd assume he's talking about the Chicago Reptile House

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Thats pretty disappointing then :/ jeez.

http://www.chicagoreptile.net/crh-cms/index.php

Is that it? It looks good from their pictures.

Dang...you guys are good...I was pretty shocked too...

I was just waiting for an opportunity to go there because I had high hopes...

When I got there, I search all over the store for the BP's then finally asked to see his morphs...After looking at me like a one-eyed freak. They took me to the tank with all of them and the 2 stargazers...I asked what was in there and the guy just tossed the little guys around and found a pastel mixed in with a bunch of normals...Then I asked if they bred their own BP's they said they did but kept them somewhere else so no one could mess with the expensive snakes...One of the guys said it a bit more rough, but I got them impression I wasn't going to be seeing the breeders...

Bummed, but at least I saw it with my own eyes...If my little collection ever gets big enough to sell a few, customer service will be the first and foremost focus after the quality of the snake...

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

http://www.chicagoreptile.net/crh-cms/index.php

Is that it? It looks good from their pictures.

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that was their store the day they opened it

did you see the dead frog stuck between the window and the shelf by the door?

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Originally Posted by nixer

that was their store the day they opened it

did you see the dead frog stuck between the window and the shelf by the door?

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Holy crap, where?

No I didn't see that...I was shocked at the BP's and looking at all the corns doing stuff I've never seen corns do...I usually check the places out before I bring the kids to see the reptiles and this store didn't pass the test...

i really like how they bird sit and stuff but they also do not qt any of their birds and a 3/4 wall blocking morphs from the crap the has in that store would hardly stop any thing that any animal in that store could have or has

Disappointing.

So it sounds like you've been there Nixer?

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

So it sounds like you've been there Nixer?

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a few times but i never bought anything there my g/f goes there for bird toys

That place is too far... AND I live in Chicago.

Southside:rolleyes:
But yeah... I thought this place was like the place to go to for Reptile in Chicago.

I've been planning to make the drive out there... Guess it's safe to assume I shouldn't waste the gas :confused:

Sux cuz I was really looking forward to it :(

Yuck. That store looks like a mess from that photo gallery. And you say that was the first day???

I guess I'm just a little spoiled rotten by the awesome store presentation of Blazing Reptiles close to my house. They don't have an online store, so I can't show you photos. I'll see if I can take a few while I'm there.

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

When I got there, I search all over the store for the BP's then finally asked to see his morphs...After looking at me like a one-eyed freak. They took me to the tank with all of them and the 2 stargazers...I asked what was in there and the guy just tossed the little guys around and found a pastel mixed in with a bunch of normals...Then I asked if they bred their own BP's they said they did but kept them somewhere else so no one could mess with the expensive snakes...One of the guys said it a bit more rough, but I got them impression I wasn't going to be seeing the breeders...

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They keep their breeders and higher end morphs in the back of the store. They don't really just let anyone in there. I've maybe been back there twice? And I've known Brian Potter for a while. When I was growing up in the city ('ghetto' to some), Brian lived on the block behind me. I can understand not letting any normal ol' Joe seeing you high dollar/prized snakes. I wouldn't let someone who I've never met before near my snakes.

AJ...I completely understand wanting to protect your investment, but say 'no' in a smart-alec way is not a good first impression or customer service. For one to say that we don't want you messing with their breeders is pretty harsh. Just a bad first impression, not matter what and there won't be a 2nd one.

On the flip-side I was spoiled by Prehistoric Pets in Fountain Valley, CA because the store is clean and the customer service is excellent. A friend of mine had their kids Reptile-Party there and it was a great for kids and adults. When we make a trip back to the Best-Coast we'll bring the kids by because it's clean, the people are friendly and they have great reps.

and here I thought the east coast was the "best coast" darnit :O

I've heard people say that :) I hear the surfing is good during those things called hurricanes. :gj:

I've been going there for years,but in the past couple its really gone downhill.Customer service is hit or miss.One day you can be taken in the back and shown the breeder room with a thorough explanation of things, another day you can't even get help getting the right size feeders.Good deal on big bags of shredded aspen when in stock though.

My public apology for the post a little earlier...Thanks dr del for making it more reader-friendly...

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

AJ...I completely understand wanting to protect your investment, but say 'no' in a smart-alec way is not a good first impression or customer service. For one to say that we don't want you messing with their breeders is pretty harsh. Just a bad first impression, not matter what and there won't be a 2nd one.

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I haven't been there in a little under a year. So I can't comment on the current employees. When I use to go there often (when I first moved maybe 4 years ago?), the staff was helpful and she shop was pretty nice. I know they have fired a few employees since, from what I hear its a completely different staff. Last time I was there I just saw Brian and he helped me out with all I needed (directed me to the book on monitors I needed and allowed me to pay with 50% change lol).

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Originally Posted by nixer

that was their store the day they opened it

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I didn't know they had Kevin Mc(not gonna butcher it)'s book the day they opened :p

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Originally Posted by AjBalls

I didn't know they had Kevin Mc(not gonna butcher it)'s book the day they opened :p

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hmm i never even looked at the pics yea i guess the pics are newer. either way it doesnt excuse any of the other things noted

ok guys.....lots to say........

1. The Ball Python breeding room is GENERALLY off limits. If you are a genuine "ball python geek" like me and the time allows it I will often take people back to check out what we have for future sales. My staff is NOT allowed to do that. We are NOT the biggest or best by any means but like to talk BP's when time allows and show off our little collection. If you were turned down on going back I may have been out of the shop or busy with other business.........tours of the back room come after all other business. NOT trying to be a tool......its just there is only so much time in the day.......and thats also a room that is a "breeder" room and may not be swept etc. I also had an unknown someone in the back room 2 years ago that unknowingly unplugged my probe cord to my incubator. That cost me over $45,000........so if Im not ALWAYS thrilled to tour the ball room you can see why maybe?????? Even with that event I still take people back when I can.

2. As for customer service..........we did fire a BUNCH of people over the past year or two. The only guys working there now besides myself and my partner Jeff are Matt (tattooed arm), Spider Dave (big bald bastard...lol), and AJ (white guy with afro hair). That crew is about as customer friendly as I have ever had. Try them out!

3.. Prehistoric Pets owned by Jay Brewer.........GREAT shop!!! Nice guy to do business with. I shopped there back in the Marines from 89 to 93. I envy the size of that store whenever Im there. I WISH we had that much space!

4. My store being "dusty"........guilty. Thats gonna happen using the beddings we use from time to time. IN GENERAL though we keep a pretty clean shop......my guys are all into reptiles and care about them. Can you find a dead frog posssibly? YES. Thats gonna happen......but if you judge the health of the animals in general in our shop I would be happy to go against any shop in the country. IF we have an unhealthy animal in stock (all store that sell imports do on occasion) we DONT sell it. We DONT sell anything WE woudnt buy ourselves. Thats been our policy for 15 years.

5. As bad as this thread flames our store I find it hard to imagine we would have stayed in business 15 years based on the picture you draw of it in this thread. If you have not already been to the store.......come by and see for yourself. And feel free to let me know! WE STRIVE TO HAVE A CLEAN STORE WITH GOOD PRICES AND GUYS THAT WORK THERE WHO CARE ABOUT YOUR SATISFACTION BEFORE AND AFTER THE SALE. WE PLAN TO STAY IN BUSINESS A LONG TIME......

6. The "dried" up frog in the window behind the damn heavy book cases.....ya got me.......I have seen that thing a million times and said "one of these days I need to move those" and get it out.

7. That picture of the store is from 2 years ago.......either that or I had Kevins Ball book 13 years before he wrote it.........good eye whoever caught that one...lol.

8. I have no hard feeling toward anyone on here.......stop by the shop anytime and give us another look. Im not saying we are perfect....not in a long shot. But Im happy with our store (MOST of the time). Like all stores, breeders and home based keepers.......we all slip up now and then. But this thread is WAY off base as far as IM concerned. Hopefully you can come by and see if you maybe were a little harsh in your "details" of the shop......

9. If you were told to come back in the summer......thats because as of today I have had ZERO ovulations........meaning I have ZERO idea what morphs I will be producing and we are sold out at the time you came in. So theres really nothing to show you. I "kind of" remember telling someone that myself actually........and would be glad to show you stuff......WHEN I HAVE IT. The back room is kind of boring outside of baby season....at least this late in the year.

10. Brian Potter runs the NARBC not Jeff.......just so that we clear up "all" the FACTS stated above....lol.....

11. As far as the "only 3/4" wall between the store and breeding room.......I know of ZERO airborne viruses that effect reptiles. WHICH one should I worry about????

Good luck this season to everyone,

Brian Potter
co-owner CRH

:taz:

I think everything Brian Potter just said was a good response to all the questions in this thread, it answered all my questions I had I know that. Isn't it nice to have the other side so neatly brought to us? :sunny:

Good job Brian for posting this, I think it will open a lot of eyes and show others that there are two sides to every story worth hearing. :gj:

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by anatess

Yuck. That store looks like a mess from that photo gallery. And you say that was the first day???

I guess I'm just a little spoiled rotten by the awesome store presentation of Blazing Reptiles close to my house. They don't have an online store, so I can't show you photos. I'll see if I can take a few while I'm there.

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I don't want to hijack this thread but I promised to show photos of Blazing Reptiles just to explain why I thought the photos on the gallery looked relatively "messy" to me. I can't judge the store overall just because of a few photos in a photo gallery, okay? So, hopefully, none of you, especially Brian, will take this as a negative comment on his store. Just an observation from the photos, is all...

Okay, here's Blazing Reptiles as a comparison (taken using my cellphone):

The arboreal display. The rack behind it have the ball python, kings, and corns morphs:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...07/photo-4.jpg

The pit viper display. Behind it are boas and some other stuff I can't remember:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...07/photo-5.jpg

The lizard display. next to it are the dragons and geckos. Under it are spiders and scorpions and such:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...07/photo-3.jpg

The venomous wall. None are for sale. Need permit in Florida.
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...07/photo-2.jpg

The back wall. Has the normal bp's and all other regular stuff.
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...07/photo-1.jpg

The alligator corner display:
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...ss07/photo.jpg

And finally, the giants display. Not for sale. Need permit in Florida too.
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/l...7/multiple.jpg

My kids love that store. I kinda do too even if I'm not a big "herper".

No problems with the RTB and Burms together?

Thanks for the post and explanation...Maybe I caught the guys on a bad day...I honestly just wanted to see the morphs that you had available for possible purchase...I didn't expect to see the breeding room, but also didn't expect to be talked to you dis-respectfully when I inquired...But now I understand that a bad experience happened in the past...Thanks again for shedding light...

anatess

The differences I see between the two. Your pet store is quite a bit larger. It's better lit. It doesnt use glass tanks or wood shelving, and the floor is whitish. They dont have as much merchandise displayed.

None of that means I think the Chicago house is better or worse, cluttered or dirty. It's just merchandised and laid out entirely differently.

I think without you seeing the shop in person, cant really say it's terrible right?

Im sorry someone either did or you thought someone talked down to you. Either way.....come by sometime and make sure ahead of time I will be there.......we can check out the breeding room and talk about what I have coming up and what I may need to buy if you are producing stuff. I try to buy from guys that buy from me as a way of thanking them for their business and try to put a little money back in their pockets! You know......like Obama.......spread the wealth....choke choke! Hope you stop in sometime.....

Brian

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Originally Posted by _Venom_

No problems with the RTB and Burms together?

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They seem healthy enough, but I'm no expert. It's not just burms and RTBs in there either. There's a burm, an RTB, a retic, and an anaconda swimming in that pool (you can see the wall of the pool on the far end). No hides (do giants need hides???). Sometimes you see one crawling on top of the other. Sometimes all of them are wrapped up on that tree.

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

anatess

The differences I see between the two. Your pet store is quite a bit larger. It's better lit. It doesnt use glass tanks or wood shelving, and the floor is whitish. They dont have as much merchandise displayed.

None of that means I think the Chicago house is better or worse, cluttered or dirty. It's just merchandised and laid out entirely differently.

I think without you seeing the shop in person, cant really say it's terrible right?

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Yes, exactly. That's why I felt I had to qualify my description of "messy", so that people won't think I'm lambasting the store. I mean, even if a shop looks messy, it still doesn't mean it is bad. Granted, in a walk-in store, presentation plays a role. But, I think the overall experience lies on customer service and the quality of the reptiles. And it seems like, with Brian's explanation, that they have it there.

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Originally Posted by BrianPotter

Im sorry someone either did or you thought someone talked down to you. Either way.....come by sometime and make sure ahead of time I will be there.......we can check out the breeding room and talk about what I have coming up and what I may need to buy if you are producing stuff. I try to buy from guys that buy from me as a way of thanking them for their business and try to put a little money back in their pockets! You know......like Obama.......spread the wealth....choke choke! Hope you stop in sometime.....

Brian

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i asked what kind of morphs were available and i got the everyone looks at each other stupid look and then they told me we dont have any morphs.

if thats the excuse for the dead frog. of the handfull of times i was there there was 3 or 4 able bodied men standing there behind the counter doing nothing!

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Originally Posted by nixer

if thats the excuse for the dead frog. of the handfull of times i was there there was 3 or 4 able bodied men standing there behind the counter doing nothing!

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Now i think this is nit picking :colbert:.Maybe they allready have worked there butts off and do not feel like digging for a stupid dried up frog.My god move on to something that REALLY matters ;)

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Originally Posted by joepythons

Now i think this is nit picking :colbert:.Maybe they allready have worked there butts off and do not feel like digging for a stupid dried up frog.My god move on to something that REALLY matters ;)

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Is he saying he has been there 3 or 4 times and the dead frog has been there the whole time? Or was it just that one occassion. Because, if it has been there longer than a day, that might matter. I mean, a dead frog in a pet store is bad enough, but a dead frog in a reptile store... hmm...

Just my 2 cents.

Brian, when I attend the Chicago show this fall I'd be pleased to drop by your retail store, though I realize it's a busy time to do so with the show ongoing. I do like to see these things for myself.

At BPNet do not put up with mindless flaming of anyone and it is very true, some may jump on a bandwagon without having all the facts or seeing it for themselves. However, it may be a good idea for you to seriously think about the concerns raised in this thread. I do applaud you for addressing those concerns as nicely as you have here. For every customer that speaks up on a online forum there are likely a number that feel the same and will simply not return to your business, and never post online, so you will never know. Also one thread like this on a site as big and busy as BPNet can be hard on anyone's business reputation. I think your quick response and good attitude have gone a long way to putting some concerns to rest though.

If you do have problems with staff that are not presenting your storefront operation as it should be presented or in providing the type of high quality customer service that encourages return customers, then I wish you the very best in dealing with those folks. I look forward to visiting your store in October and my vist time attending the NARBC show.

Brian...

I do have a question...Why do you have so many normal BP's in a single tank? There must have been at leat 6 in the tank and 2 were star-gazing. It was the tank on the bottom near the register. As a reptile store shouldn't this not be practiced?

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Originally Posted by anatess

Is he saying he has been there 3 or 4 times and the dead frog has been there the whole time? Or was it just that one occassion. Because, if it has been there longer than a day, that might matter. I mean, a dead frog in a pet store is bad enough, but a dead frog in a reptile store... hmm...

Just my 2 cents.

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its been there for years