How do you feel about flippers?

[Rat160]

I still dont believe that snakes bond but thats just me, im probably wrong lol. I do agree if he is spreading wrong information that is no good. If you got a rescue animal for free and provided care for it whats so wrong about trying to recoup a small amount of what you put into the animal to make it 100% again? I think rescue animals should have a price since the rescue is putting up their own money to give the thing a fighting chance. If there was a rescue that rescued ball python morphs I would look at them first.

[cmack91]

this thread reminded me of this:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hlight=numnuts

[Rat160]

hahahaha I have watched that video like 40 times, I cannot get enough! I want a sequal!!!

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

I agree that the misinformation is disturbing and this style of flipping is definitely harmful to the hobby. What really upsets me is the misinformation given to those buyers looking to get into reptiles for the first time. They get the wrong information and then get discouraged when their reptile keeping experience doesn't go well and then decide not to get anymore reptiles or they find the appropriate info. later on and realize they were lied to. Then they get the impression that all reptile owners and breeders are liars and thieves.

As far as flipping in general, I see nothing wrong with it when done with integrity. Every breeder out there is a flipper to some degree. I doubt that there are too many breeders who have exclusively sold only what they have produced. I personally will buy animals strictly with the intention of resale if there is a profit to be made or if it can further my own breeding plans or collection. I think there is of course a set of standards that need adhered to though.

First, the animal you're selling has to be in good health to the best of your knowledge and if you don't have it in your possession long enough to know this for sure then you have to stand behind that animal in the event that it is found not to be healthy.

Second the buyer needs to be made aware of the origin the animal and also if you haven't had it for very long they should be made aware of that as well.

Third, I think you need to sell animals you are familiar with and have PROPERLY cared for in the past. ESPECIALLY when selling to the first time buyer. For example, I think hots are fascinating, but I'm not gonna flip those I know next to nothing about them so I wouldn't be comfortable advising others on their care.

Lastly, don't disappear after the sale. Whether it's a problem with the animal or simply a thank you email from the buyer, make sure you're just as available to talk to after the sale as you were before the sale.

I guess that was a long winded way of saying I support flipping when done with integrity and professionalism. Sorry for the rant.

[JulieInNJ]

Theres a right and wrong way to flipping animals.

x2.

As with anything, there will be good, reputable people who flip, and those who abuse and take advantage. Buyer (and seller) beware.

[Annarose15]

It sounds like the problem with the guy in question isn't that he flips, it's that he has and spreads poor information to buyers that he lures in at low prices. Even if he produced the animals, that would still be unethical.

[SpartaDog]

Honestly, I don't have a problem with flipping, as long as the animals are healthy. If someone buys an animal, takes care of it well, and then turns around and sells it again in a few weeks, the snake may be a little bit stressed but it won't do any serious harm. I don't see a problem with it. It's when they decide not to take care of it for the short time they have it that it becomes an issue.

[mues155]

It sounds like the problem with the guy in question isn't that he flips, it's that he has and spreads poor information to buyers that he lures in at low prices. Even if he produced the animals, that would still be unethical.

That is more of the issue that I have with this guy. Its the wrong way hes doing it.
I guess I just dont agree with flipping if the seller is either lying about the animals background to help the sale or cant provide the knowledge on the care of the animal. I just dont like that.

[purplemuffin]

My biggest issue with flipping(other than lying about care) is how the animals are quarantined. It seems like I see a lot of bad diseases spread around that become untraceable because a snake is bought and sold and bought and sold and no one keeps it around or quarantined long enough to know if it's sick.

I know I personally wouldn't sell an animal I hadn't quarantined to be sure it was healthy, but I've seen people buy snakes and turn around and sell them the next day!

You don't always know who the flipper bought from. So from buying from him you are having to trust two people's word instead of one. And you don't even get to talk to the other person in most cases!

But of course, there are good and bad and all that. But still, it's a trust issue for me!

[mues155]

My biggest issue with flipping(other than lying about care) is how the animals are quarantined. It seems like I see a lot of bad diseases spread around that become untraceable because a snake is bought and sold and bought and sold and no one keeps it around or quarantined long enough to know if it's sick.

I know I personally wouldn't sell an animal I hadn't quarantined to be sure it was healthy, but I've seen people buy snakes and turn around and sell them the next day!

You don't always know who the flipper bought from. So from buying from him you are having to trust two people's word instead of one. And you don't even get to talk to the other person in most cases!

But of course, there are good and bad and all that. But still, it's a trust issue for me!

Very nice point!
QT! I didnt even really think about these animals not getting a QT when being passed from home to home. Im sure they go through a lot more stress being moved around so much and so often.