Getting back to Colin's original point which is this industry/hobby uses Kingsnake as a reference of what a certain herp is worth and that is probably not in its best interest. As a just mentioned, the fact that it is a hobby as well as a business, and a niche one at that, it is not going to behave like other markets but obviously is greatly affected by the economic climate.
I like the idea of a reference site for current pricing and value, the only problem is if it isnt popular, properly endorsed or used much, its just a blog on BP prices and wont do much.
I think having some type of organized body that tracks all the genetics and is endorsed by the heads of the industry would be the first step in setting any guideline. Dog breeders have their groups and I grow orchids which also have a centralized organization which tracks hybrids and variations giving credit to those who produced them and setting names and identification markers. This entity could set standards of quality and excellence thus setting a precedent of value to those who appreciate the animals. This could help set a price value from guidelines and genetics/bloodlines and not the Kingsnake get rich quick mentality which currently dominates the majority of reptile pricing.
One always needs to remember that pricing also has to do with the quality of the specimen. A dirty brown pastel is never going to get the price of a clean screamer pastel, so when comparing prices you have to know what to look for other than $ figures.
Unfortunately this hobby is plauged with fueds and ugly $ competition so getting a centralized body organized may not be as easy as it sounds.
Reply With Quote