Reptile show etiquette??

[Tila]

If you don't already have one, a digital temp. gun can be a great tool to quickly and simply verify if temps "feel" okay or are indeed safe. Also, that show can be crowded and people can appear to run short on patience and awareness of others around them so you may need to create space for them to be able to see and not get trampled if they're more reserved.

[Bogertophis]

Remember that it's a LOT of work for the sellers to be there: they may have traveled many miles to do so, & besides working hard to set up & keep track of
everything, they need to not only answer questions & show their animals, but make sure nothing is stolen from them & keep everything safe from clumsy hands.

Reptile expos are a lot of fun, with lots to see & buy , but they are frightening for the animals & exhausting for the vendors.

[Tila]

Oops, I forgot to say create space for your kids, the "them" in my post never was defined.

[Lord Sorril]

Is haggling except-able or frowned upon?

Haggling is acceptable if you are buying a high priced snake and/or multiples and you are paying CASH. If you are buying snakes in the $50-100 range: don't try to haggle.

Haggling Tip: Count your cash out on the vendors display table and spread it out when you make your offer--Usually a crowd will 'shoulder in' to see what you are buying and the vendor will experience a great deal of pressure to successfully complete a sale. More than once I've had breeders turn my offer down only to be 'overridden' by their wives seconds/minutes later as they stare longingly at the money...

[Cheesenugget]

This has more to do with customer to customer manners. When I go to any shows, it is quite annoying to see groups of other people just standing, chatting away and blocking what usually is an already crowded, narrow corridor or walkway. These shows can take place in a large conference room to am auditorium but most repticons are held in smaller space than an auditorium where space can be limited as you try to pass through the crowd. If you made your purchase or you are not buying, please move to the side so others can pass through. This is especially welcomed by those in wheelchairs or strollers who are trying to enjoy the show as well.

My last suggestion is keep your goal in mind. Remember what you came for and try to stick to it. It can be tempting to pick up a different animal and/or more animals than you had prepared for. Impulse buying is rampant at these shows and it is quite tempting to rush and get something because someone else did as well. I had done it a few things, walking in to get a corn (original first choice) but end up with a Children python.

At the same time, if you do change your mind, it is not a bad thing as long as you do your research and know your commitment to the animal, and know your limits.

[Bogertophis]

Haggling is acceptable if you are buying a high priced snake and/or multiples and you are paying CASH. If you are buying snakes in the $50-100 range: don't try to haggle.

Haggling Tip: Count your cash out on the vendors display table and spread it out when you make your offer--Usually a crowd will 'shoulder in' to see what you are buying and the vendor will experience a great deal of pressure to successfully complete a sale. More than once I've had breeders turn my offer down only to be 'overridden' by their wives seconds/minutes later as they stare longingly at the money...

Oh you're GOOD! Dang!

[gunkle]

Thanks everyone some great tips here. The whole family is looking forward to the Expo. Now I need to get cracking on those enclosures. The wife wants to make a weekend of it and find a room somewhere the night before as a mini vacation with the kids.