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!