Have any of you ever refused to sell a reptile to a certain person?

[AK907]

I'm surprised at the hostility a lot of you have demonstrated towards your customers. Is it a wonder why people generally look down on reptile owners?

I can understand frustration, or even not wanting to sell to someone, but wouldn't it be better to educate potential customers instead of calling them names? A guy wants a snake to ride in his truck? That's a bad idea, but maybe he doesn't know any better. Instead of calling him an idiot, why not explain to him why it's a bad idea? Maybe point him in the direction of a caresheet or a good book to read?

I don't know, it just seems like bad business to be rude to customers. I can't see someone who was insulted by a business owner telling his friends "hey, that guy called me stupid, you should definitely buy from him." Somehow I don't think he'd recommend you.

Remember, we all got interested in herps in different ways, and we were all ignorant about proper care at some point or another.

I'm not entirely convinced that these people are actually being rude. I believe that what they post here is probably what they implied or subtly meant in their transactions (or lack there of), but I'm sure most of them were far more polite in actuality. I always try to be polite when dealing with bad customers.

That said, some people simply will not take a hint and you are forced to be rude to them. I've had people come unglued on me before for whatever reason and I had no problem telling them where to shove it when they crossed that line.

A lot of people feel that we are obligated to serve them. This is not true. I won't cave in and sell to some jerk/idiot just so I can make a sale. If this hurts their feelings, so be it! We owe it to our animals to make sure they go to good homes where they will be taken care of. That is far more valuable than a little extra paper in our wallets.