BP story from local pet store

[justinsane82]

I apologize if this would be better fit in another section, however, I couldn't see one.

Today I decided to hit up a local pet store, which please keep in mind is in no way a small shop as it specializes in exotic pets, to pick up some stuff for my two tanks. I brought my brother in law to check things out as he shows interest in my two BP's and I knew this shop had some in stock and they are pretty good with letting potential customers hold their snakes to get a feel for them. We go down to the reptile section and they did have some Normal's in stock, a Dwarf python and a red tail boa. Playing to her position perfectly, as soon as we went in there she was all over us asking what we have at home and why we were down looking. The red tail was $450 but she said she needed the space and would give it to me for $200, which I wasn't interested in as I have my hands full with what I already have, we weren't there for me. She asked if she could put the Boa around my neck which I said no to but she did it anyways which I thought was weird. He was a good boy and obviously liked interaction so I didn't mind it for too long. But this is where things went bad. My bro in law mentioned I had BP's at home and I was shocked at her response. She says, and I quote, "Ball Pythons are cheap. Everyone has one. They are like the gold fish of the snake world. This red tail is what rich people buy." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? GOLD FISH? I looked at my bro in law and he was laughing because he knew I was pissed. Normally, this is where my anger would've got the best of me and I would tear into her but I have a good relationship with the owners of the store so I figured it would be better for me to talk to them next time I saw them. What about this Rich people comment too. What the hell was that all about?

Was I wrong to get angry at that comment and her ignorance? To call BP's cheap and to put them on the same level to the snake world as Gold Fish are to fish world just to try to make a sale? Would you guys have handled it different?

[WesleyTF]

just an ignorant person. I'd mention it to the owner.

[Jay_Bunny]

I probably would have tore into her. The fact that you were a customer and she insulted you in order to convince you to purchase something you were not interested in, is just.....ugh! And the fact that she put the snake around your neck. Now, I am firm about snakes around my neck. None of my snakes EVER go around my neck, mainly because if I ever get a larger snake (even a boa) I never want to be in the habit of having the snake around my neck for safety reasons. The girl should have respected your decline and put the snake back. I would say something to the owner of the store about her customer service.

I'm sorry, when someone comes into the store and tells me they purchased a certain brand I don't tell them that is what poor people buy and tell them our brand is for the rich people. That is just poor customer service.

And red-tails are not too far away from ball pythons in the cost department. I purchased my little female for $100. That is not far from what you'd pay for a ball python in a pet store ($40-60) And set-up is essentially the same. And the whole goldfish comment. Ugh! Not everyone has goldfish or SHOULD have one. Goldfish are one of the most poorly cared for fish in the pet trade in my honest opinion.

[jlawson]

Let her think what she wants to. I would let the manager know about what he/she said. The manager would probably thank you, because that could end up being a customer service problem. Just think if she told that to someone who was not financially sound...that could lose business for the company...not only to that particular customer, but also everyone else they tell. That could be a small problem that escalates into a large one. In the retail business...no matter what it is you are selling, you have one chance to impress the customer. I would say that employee didn't get the job done. I would tell the manager that the staff may need some updating on the various morphs that are out there. I remember somewhere seeing a rare morph for 20,000. Show that one to the sales employee...

Sorry for the long response, but that's just my opinion lol...

[kc261]

Actually, the goldfish analogy is not a bad one. Both BPs and goldfish are accessible to beginners both in price and in ease of keeping. Both BPs and goldfish also have very rare and expensive varieties. Also, because they are species that are often purchased by beginners, they sadly often end up in conditions that don't allow them to thrive. Just like our BPs are unlikely to thrive in a typical petstore reptile setup with screen-topped tank, heat lamp, and half-log hide, goldfish do poorly in the stereotypical "goldfish bowl".

However, it seems pretty obvious that this girl was not making that analogy, but a quite different one. Her lack of knowledge on the subject is sad, although typical of pet store employees. Her rudeness and poor customer service skills are harder to understand. Mentioning it to her manager, like others suggested, is not a bad idea.

As far as getting angry... if you get angry every time you come across a rude and/or uneducated person, you'll be spending an awful lot of time angry. Depending on my mood, how much time I have, etc., I try to either walk away and ignore it, or else educate the person. Some are more responsive to the education than others, but it never hurts to try.

[justinsane82]

Great responses. I will be bringing this up to the owners directly as I can only imagine what kind of junk she says to other people. My choice of snake that I have has nothing to do with price which will one day be evident by my collection. It's based purely on my experience level and what I want in a pet. But that's neither here nor there. I'm glad that you share my opinion on what happened. I normally have a bad habit of taking one thing that is said to me and turning it into 20 other things but everything said here so far sounds a lot like what I took from her comments.

[BPelizabeth]

lol....great story about a pushy uneducated pet store employee. Take it for what it is. Since you have a great relationship with the owners have a talk with them in regards to her. If I would of went in there.....not knowing the owners....I would of never went back. BP's cheap...lol. Show her a pic of a Dreamsicle..lol....then sign it with love....

[kitedemon]

kc261 has it right, a local pet store (fish only really) has 1000 and 3000 dollar goldfish, and a handful of 100-300 dollar ones, that is in a personal collection. It seems to me that many morphs are in the 200-600 price range with exceptional ones much more. The comment is silly both in reference to goldfish and ball pythons. This is ignorance speaking, rich vs poor is just bad manners and prejudice.

Placing a snake around someone whom had declined is a HUGE problem! What if you had been exaggerating your claims and were not the comfortable around snakes? My sister is very fearful of all snakes, but has been trying to over come her fears and will watch from a "safe" distance in a secure cage she would have a kitten if she had even seen what had happened to you especially overhearing that no, you did not want it on you. With the snake bans floating around that is SUPER irresponsible!!! I would point that out to the owner that the sales staff were more concerned with clearing space and making a sale than causing problems that could add fuel to the snake ban fire! THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE I am a Canadian and it bothers me!! Go speak to the owner! Be polite but firm point out the potential down sides!

[joepythons]

The red tail was $450 but she said she needed the space and would give it to me for $200, which I wasn't interested in as I have my hands full with what I already have, we weren't there for me. She asked if she could put the Boa around my neck which I said no to but she did it anyways which I thought was weird.

Is she the owner? If not how is she able to cut the price on the boa? The moment you told her no to placing the boa on your neck and she did anyway.I would have informed her to get her ears checked and that she should NEVER do that to anyone without thier permission.If she is not the owner then i would let them know she is putting them in danger of a lawsuit with her ignorant stunts.If they dont understand your concerns then i would never go into that place again.Point blank she is a idiot!

[Wh00h0069]

Seeing that normal balls sell for around $5 or $10, her statement that they are like goldfish is pretty close.