Buying a Snake @ a Show

[MAballs]

I agree with waiting till the end to a certain extent. I mean, if you find a really great looking animal that just blows you away and it's within your budget don't chance it and hope that it's still there at the end so u can get a few bucks off the price (u can always simply offer a bit less than the asking pricem the worst they can say is no)
Go for quality over price but remember that a higher price doesn't always mean better quality.

[ALTownsend1]

I'm actually in the unique position of having a dinker normal high on my want list, so for me it may be more of a situation where I'm just trying to be the first to snag a normal that is already at a low price, but just has looks that catch my eye...Either way, I won't be making any huge purchases... I'm looking at dinker normal females, mojaves, albinos, lesser/butter, spiders...all of the "lower-level" morphs that are either already in my range, or may be found (hopefully) in my range that normally wouldn't. No matter the deal, a pied or BEL won't be in my price range, not even 50% off (this year )

[mechnut450]

I know all say a lot of good info, but i found that if you go to a show come home set up new snake(s) then take a shower before doing anything in the room with your current reptiles. I managed to bring home mites form the show some how. I had set up the new snakes and went ot check on my other and the little sob spread to the rest of my collection. you know how hard it is to figure out how a week later. and the new snakes are still mite free. I was pulling my hair out, then mom asked me could it been when I got the aspen for the new snakes. I was like yeah my luck the new guys ar clean and the rest get mites. I guess leaving them in their deli bowl was the best preventive I had that night.

I also think a backpack id a great ideal ( unless gf or kid with you) I picked up every bit of 40 cards in the last 2 shows ( not counting doubles) and I was like quick pic and a cards( some times with a card so I know were I seen a snake at)

I avoided the atm myself by taking money along with me. ( went to the bank the day before and pulled the cash out), some vendors ( when I went in MD ) were more willing to deal some with cash. not sureif it cause they can get around reporting it as income or cause it givesd them some spending money on hand for a snake or 2 befoer they go home lol..
I betting the second would be what happens the most. cause I not sure how credit cards/debit cards are done I prefer cash it makes it easier for me.

[cinderbird]

agreeing with Mechnut there, a lot of vendors won't even accept plastic. I bring cash for anything i want to buy at any show.

[ALTownsend1]

Now the real question, like going to the casino:

How much do I withdraw/How much am I willing to spend

[Raverthug]

I agree with waiting till the end to a certain extent. I mean, if you find a really great looking animal that just blows you away and it's within your budget don't chance it and hope that it's still there at the end so u can get a few bucks off the price (u can always simply offer a bit less than the asking pricem the worst they can say is no)
Go for quality over price but remember that a higher price doesn't always mean better quality.

I agree there. The comment was more along the lines of, I have x left and wouldnt mind 1 more but im a little shy of what they want. I do agree with every one about take cash. More people are willing to haggle the price if they see cash over a card.

[ALTownsend1]

I appreciate everyones advice! Keep it coming, I need something to make the time pass haha

[mechnut450]

Now the real question, like going to the casino:

How much do I withdraw/How much am I willing to spend

I actually looked on kingsnake at the morphs I wanted. and add that up and then I figure there will be a slight differnce in prices most the time lower. and got from there.
I never have much money to go to shows( take me mostte summer to save up for a signal show) I supply my snake buying money though my odd jobs I able to do. I think the maxed i was able to take at any one show was 700. that was what I had after the tolls, fuel and everything. but food once we got there/ and on way home. I always take out a little more than the amount it cost me to get ther for the return trip since I will stop on the way home ( closer to it than anything) and get dinner if i been most the day.

[ALTownsend1]

Someone mentioned something in a recent thread about shows having certain breeders at shows who will have a tub or barrel full of CH normals, some with reduced, stripe, dark, etc. dinker style patterns, and you can pick and choose any that you want...

Is this true, or do only a select few breeders do this? I wouldn't mind coming home with a cool female dinker and a much smaller dent in my pocketbook than I expected...

[ALTownsend1]

Anyone?