Will the economic downturn affect reptile purchases?

[scotty99]

With banks and morgage companies going to the wall over the world and capitalism biting itself on the behind,do you think this will affect people spending money on reptiles (ie- expensive morphs and the like.)

I know over here in the UK we are about to go into recession. Jobs are going in all areas(we have enjoyed the boom, and now heading for the bust!) and people are becoming more cautious on spending money on luxuries, which I'm guessing will include expensive pets/animals. Just wondering if any breeders have noticed a decline in interest/sales, or a hint that this could happen in the near future

I'm fairly new to this herp scene, but the passion, just from this forum for their animals is very strong. Thinking about this today, so thought i would post it for any opinions?

Regards Scott

[PythonWallace]

The economy has forced me to slow down quite a bit on my purchases.

[Bart]

I think many adults will slow down on their snake collection purchases. If your 16, living at home and have a pocket full of birthday or holiday money it probably won't matter.

The other side of this story is if people slow down on purchasing expensive snakes, will breeders have to lower prices?

[SnakesvsRodents]

im in the real estate buisiness.. i think everyone will be re-evaluating their expenses and not purchasing things that are not a needed at the moment.. and by the way things are going looks like its yet to be over.. its going to take a while to recover but something needs to be done soon

[greghall]

yes ! Im done nothing new for me for AWHILE!!!

[Jyson]

The other side of this story is if people slow down on purchasing expensive snakes, will breeders have to lower prices?

Now that is the real question right there.

[FIREball]

If you have $ to spend now is the time to get in, espically in a few months when the breeders who really need the $ will sell for what they can just to pay their bills. I am also optimistic that WHEN the economy turns up the reptile market will be bigger than before.

[hoax]

I live in north central Texas. Our economy is better than most of the nation. I have a great job. The business that I am in is effected by the economy but it is a resilient business economy here right now.

Long story short I am not hurting for anything right now, but that being said I am done spending money on snakes until at least April, I am making good money I need to keep my good money safe and easy to liquidate in case our economy fails. Which it might but I doubt, I know that in parts of the country our economy has basically failed and folded. I am grateful for what I have. If things start to look up I would have no prob spending thousands on snakes, the missus might divorce me but I would have my snakes right?

[scotty99]

Interesting views guys n' gals. I have one BP ( a yearling) but like many i have the bug and am looking to getting another. My knowledge of Bp's has grown thanks to Ballpythons.net ands other resources such as the NERD book (complete ball python)


I would like a morph or two, but with recession looming was wondering whether to wait to see what happens in the reptile market with prices. I would like to try breeding on a very small scale at some stage,

Option 1 - may be this time next year (after more research) buying 2 male morphs and 2 norm females that would be the right age for breeding late next year or

option 2- With times being hard nationally now, i was thinking of getting a 3 or 4 08 hatchlings and growing them up with an eye to breeding in a few years when the recession may be past it's worst.

Over here in UK (smaller country, not as many breeders) we are behind the U.S where the pioneering breeding started in regards to BP's and prices for morph snakes are more expensive here in UK. (ie- 07 femole orange ghost £1800 { $3000}

I have some money to buy either 2 breeding age morphs that would be ready late next year, or 4 08 hatchlings?

I'm not thinking of it as a business, and will only buy snakes i like and not just morphs that fetch the most money , but would obviously like a return on any offspring if the breeding is a success down the line

any advice? ...sorry for steering the topic away slightly

[JLC]

If you have $ to spend now is the time to get in, espically in a few months when the breeders who really need the $ will sell for what they can just to pay their bills. I am also optimistic that WHEN the economy turns up the reptile market will be bigger than before.

Seems like a bit of a contradiction there. If you believe the big breeders are going to be hurting for money and selling snakes for less in a few months...then "now" is not the time to get into anything. Save your money and wait for that supposed point when the "big guys" can't pay their bills.

Personally...I'm not so sure that scenario is all that likely. While it is true that people are going to be more careful about buying extra luxuries....people are ALSO on the look out for possible ways to make a little extra income....so the sale of breedable animals as investment opportunities may continue without too much of a hiccup.