My very first snake was an eastern indigo. It was a gift and not something I would have woke up one day and thought I'll get that. I had her for about 15 years. She was my food loving baby. When I wanted another snake I wanted something smaller. I had a friend with balls (normals and pastels). When I decided I wanted a ball, I wanted a morph that was affordable but not an albino. I spent a month reading and pricing and got myself a mojo.

I think that other than a few cases here and there- most purchases ARE done by the breeders. Its that way in the bird and horse world too but with ball pythons its one specific species with lots of variations.

I do know some people with more money than brains that would by a $20,000 snake just because not many people don't have them. Oh Well.