Questionable business practices...

[Kristy]

I didn't know where to put this, since I am not inquiring about someone or a business just seeking out other Reptile based business owners opinions, as well as consumers.


I know of someone who is opening a store here locally. All fine and dandy, EXCEPT one major flaw that I see, or a couple for that matter. I would like to get some opinions on whether or not you'd give this company/person your business.

1st problem I have is this.

They are advertising their business in the craigslist pet section, as well as some of their animals with an "adoption fee".

Now, my understanding (although rules are broken) is that craigslist pet section is for rehoming your animals for free or a very small adoption fee. Not for breeders of any species, whether or not it effects the pet over population problem. They are using free advertisement (which I see nothing wrong with) but its not their right to use this type of free advertisement.

Personally, when I start breeding cresties, I will have my own website, and pay for my own advertising. The way I see most people in this industry doing so, but also using appropriate free advertising/classified ads, not craigslist.

2nd problem I have.
This person has purchased females from Petco for his breeding project. This person stated themselves they were looking for a cheap way to get the breeding project up and running.


This sounds to me like someone who is strictly in it for the money, not the hobby, not the quality of the animals, nor the enjoyment of it.

Maybe this is just me being anal about something, I don't know. In my honest opinion, those two things are red flags.

I have been buying supplies from reptilesupply for a long time, I love them and I can't see myself switching to this person just for local shipping, or being able to pick up my stuff at his warehouse...

What is your opinion on this?

[Kristy]

Oh and I forgot to mention. The store hasn't even opened yet. So personally I really think he's off to a really bad start.

[PythonWallace]

This person doesn't sound too horrific, but it seems like he isn't very business savy. His store will probably not do very well if thiese are examples of his overall business methods. Buying wc imports to start a quick breeding project probably won't be as easy as he thinks, and he will likely have more problems than anything. It would be cheaper and easier to buy a few cbb animals, but if he wants to pay a lot for wc snakes with parasites, it's his business. With that kind of attitude, I just can't see this person running a store for very long before he gets bored and fails. If you disagree with their practices don't purchase anything from them.

[greenmonkey51]

Why can't someone start a business to make money. Not to mention that you don't get into any field of the pet industry unless you really like animals. The overall money is small and risks are great. Also if he's running a pet store, and wants to get a project running. You're gonna want the cheapest deal out there. Your average buyer doesn't give a crap about the "quality" of the snake. As long as its generally healthy and decently priced thats all they care about. Have you ever gone and talked to this guy.

[jkobylka]

buying the females at petco definately is not the way to save money...

[Nate]

buying the females at petco definately is not the way to save money...

I agree...

[Kristy]

Why can't someone start a business to make money. Not to mention that you don't get into any field of the pet industry unless you really like animals. The overall money is small and risks are great. Also if he's running a pet store, and wants to get a project running. You're gonna want the cheapest deal out there. Your average buyer doesn't give a crap about the "quality" of the snake. As long as its generally healthy and decently priced thats all they care about. Have you ever gone and talked to this guy.

Actually yes, I have talked to this guy several times. In person and through email.

I was really excited about having a local store here, until he started with the advertising on craigslist. Which he is not just posting, he is posting many, many times a day after being flagged off of craigslist. Shows blatant disregard for the rules.

Who cares if the average buyer doesn't give a crap about the quality, I give a crap about the quality animals I will be selling. Whether or not it is just the average buyer. It will give the average buyer a healthy animal that won't have problems.

There's nothing wrong with making money, but if you are in it for the quality and health of the animals and not the cheap way to start. Chances are you won't make much profit off of animal sales.