Hello,
Sorry if I am not suppose to post this in this forum. Didn't know where it belongs.

I am planning on my repticon visit next month to get my first ball python. I have some questions before I head there so I can be successful!
First, I was wondering if it is little cheaper to buy in repticon. Might sound cheap but I have set budget and if the price is little cheaper, I can probably look into wider range of morphs. Is it rude to ask to get 5~10 dollars off? I just saw some people saying you can talk and get some deal at repticon so I was wondering. This might all sound like I am trying to be cheap, but as college student, it would be great to save some money honestly.

What should I look for when buying my ball python? I am going to buy a baby male. I know basic stuff like dehydration, mites or stuck skin but since it is my first time, I don't know if I can look at the right stuff. Could I ask to show if it is male, to check if there's no mites kind of stuff?

Do they get sold out pretty fast? I might be there couple hours before it closes.

I am probably over thinking but first time is always a concern.
Thank you!