I have actually kept track of my loss/profit for the last two years . . . both years I lost, yes, lost $2,000. That's not total amount I've spent, mind you, that's just what I've lost between buying new cages/equipment, new snakes, feeders (but now I'm breeding my own), etc. And like others have posted, that doesn't count gas and wear and tear on my vehicle. Nor does it count what little paid advertising I've done. Or the amount invested in my T-shirts I have for sale to help promote myself.