Over Budget for Reptiles...

[Vypyrz]

Since we were discussing staying within your budget at reptile shows, I figured I would start a thread on the topic and see what kind of answers are given.

The questions are:
- How many times have you gone over budget on a purchase? (shows, online, stores, etc.)
-What is the most that you went over budget?
-Was it ultimately worth it?

I have gone over budget only once, at a show. It was one of those snakes on my "Wish List" that I figured I would never have a chance at due to their rarity. So when the opportunity presented itself, I made a rare decision to throw caution to the wind and go for it.

So,

Snake + thermostat + 2 hides + 2 water bowls + 1 late fee + exhorbitant non-network ATM fees = $577 over budget.

I think it was definitely worth it, and I don't regret it, but I doubt that I will do it again anytime soon, just because I hate making impulsive decisions like that. I prefer to keep everything planned and organized...

[sho220]

How many times have you gone over budget on a purchase? (shows, online, stores, etc.)
-What is the most that you went over budget?
-Was it ultimately worth it?

I went to a show up in Philly several years ago. Didn't plan on buying anything, but ended dropping $1k on a male Spider. I saw him and immediately wanted him. My wife said why not? Once I came to, we settled payment and I took my little Spider boy home!

Also dropped about $1300 on a male Lesser and female Butter...didn't plan to, just couldn't pass them up.

[Virus]

That must have been one splendid example of a spider you found there.

[Virus]

Took too long in getting around to edit my last post, so...

I've gone over budget. On my most recent snake. On Kingsnake I ran into a 2010 Bumblee het ghost female, but she was 1250, so I didn'tget her at the time. Then my girlfriend bought me a 2011 female bumblebee. Well a month or so later, that 2010 was relisted, and I couldn't say no to that.

So next year, my 2010 male ghost is going to have a friend, and make some cool looking babies.

[Evenstar]

My overbudget happened last month at the last expo I went to. I was NOT planning on buying ANYthing until spring since I'd just dropped $400 on a GTP and still had to put his cage together and all that. BUT I spotted an amazing hypo het ghost male boa with a genetic stripe from the same breeder I purchased Peaches from and realized that he'll be the perfect boyfriend for her one day. Now I know that particular boa morph isn't that hard to come by, but I listen to my heart a lot and I couldn't leave him. He has a great personality too! I picked him up today.

So... down payment + tub + UTH + t-stat + 2 hides + waterbowl = $300 over an unexpected budget!

Although, to give credit where credit is due, my hubby paid the balance owed on the little guy as a Christmas present!!! Thanks Dear!!!

[jjmitchell]

Well if you wanna talk going over budget....lol.... I have planned on not spending anything on reptiles untill after christmas shopping was over, and we look at income tax time...

That being said, I have aquired around 10k in animals in the last 14 days........I dont have them yet, and will get pics up as soon as they arrive.....

no actuall cash has been spent it is all trade, so i on one aspect I didnt spend more money than I expected, but I did trade a crap ton of animals that I could have sold instead........

[Kamille Kirkendoll]

I haven't had the amazing opportunity to attend a reptile expo, but I typically have buyer's remorse when I spend more than expected. Also, if you don't calculate total living costs for an animal, it really bites you in the butt later. The reptiles are always worth it, regardless of regret.