Disappointed in lack of email response...

[nickxshort]

It's 2012 and we are in the e-commerce age so there is really no excuse for lack of communication. Technology fails every once and awhile and I leave some room for these types of errors. But since the beginning of my browsing on KS around 1997, I've had more stories than I can count of dealers/breeders/sellers not getting back to me after I inquired about an animal. I don't buy the excuse that time is money and that large breeders are too busy to communicate in a timely fashion. Customers and potential customers deserve their time and effort. To me, that's what this is all about. Building relationships and getting people excited about the animal that they want to purchase - NOT to post a description of the animal and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. But that's just me!

Gook luck and just keep in mind that are MANY breeders and hobbyists that are reputable, have great snakes, and are willing to communicate in a timely manner. Congrats on your find!

I 100% agree with you. Good communication and customer support is very important to me.
Thanks! I'll be sure to post pictures of my setup and ball later this week.

Looking forward to this new "addiction" as you all call it.

[Domepiece]

It's 2012 and we are in the e-commerce age so there is really no excuse for lack of communication. Technology fails every once and awhile and I leave some room for these types of errors. But since the beginning of my browsing on KS around 1997, I've had more stories than I can count of dealers/breeders/sellers not getting back to me after I inquired about an animal. I don't buy the excuse that time is money and that large breeders are too busy to communicate in a timely fashion. Customers and potential customers deserve their time and effort. To me, that's what this is all about. Building relationships and getting people excited about the animal that they want to purchase - NOT to post a description of the animal and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. But that's just me!

Gook luck and just keep in mind that are MANY breeders and hobbyists that are reputable, have great snakes, and are willing to communicate in a timely manner. Congrats on your find!

You missed my point. Obviously good communication and customer satisfaction are the cornerstone of any business model. What I was getting at was they probably get alot of trolling with no serious intent or means to purchase. Will an email to a large breeder with an ambiguous question "hey will you send me some pictures of your snakes", some have thousands of snakes, which ones do they send you a picture of? What I was saying is that it is probably a good idea to pic a specific snake off of their website then inquire about that snake. Then from there you can ask questions and find your answers. Like I said, its more likely they just had some technical difficulties or something broke down in the communication process. And yes, time is money, but so is making a sale and good communication will do so. IF the emails are sent correctly with the right questions I dont see why someone would not want to make a sale and therefore get back to you. And besides getting ahold of a big breeder with thousands of high end morphs for a normal is like going to a 5 star restaurant and ordering a salad. I love normals as much as the next person but hey.

[nickxshort]

You missed my point. Obviously good communication and customer satisfaction are the cornerstone of any business model. What I was getting at was they probably get alot of trolling with no serious intent or means to purchase. Will an email to a large breeder with an ambiguous question "hey will you send me some pictures of your snakes", some have thousands of snakes, which ones do they send you a picture of? What I was saying is that it is probably a good idea to pic a specific snake off of their website then inquire about that snake. Then from there you can ask questions and find your answers. Like I said, its more likely they just had some technical difficulties or something broke down in the communication process. And yes, time is money, but so is making a sale and good communication will do so. IF the emails are sent correctly with the right questions I dont see why someone would not want to make a sale and therefore get back to you. And besides getting ahold of a big breeder with thousands of high end morphs for a normal is like going to a 5 star restaurant and ordering a salad. I love normals as much as the next person but hey.

I actually specifically stated what snake I was interested in and explained how I was very interested in purchasing a ball python from them, still no response. However I do see exactly where you are coming from.

[jonf]

You missed my point. Obviously good communication and customer satisfaction are the cornerstone of any business model. What I was getting at was they probably get alot of trolling with no serious intent or means to purchase. Will an email to a large breeder with an ambiguous question "hey will you send me some pictures of your snakes", some have thousands of snakes, which ones do they send you a picture of? What I was saying is that it is probably a good idea to pic a specific snake off of their website then inquire about that snake. Then from there you can ask questions and find your answers. Like I said, its more likely they just had some technical difficulties or something broke down in the communication process. And yes, time is money, but so is making a sale and good communication will do so. IF the emails are sent correctly with the right questions I dont see why someone would not want to make a sale and therefore get back to you. And besides getting ahold of a big breeder with thousands of high end morphs for a normal is like going to a 5 star restaurant and ordering a salad. I love normals as much as the next person but hey.

Okay, what's to say a newbies questions come off as a troll (what kind of snake? can you send pics?) and is ignored and that newbie has some cash to spend? I've seen it happen many times. Emails can be sent with the proper questions,etiquette,etc. and there are still MANY breeders who ignore the inquiries OR get back weeks later - unacceptable. And yes, I agree.........I doubt any big time breeders even have normals on hand for sale as most get whole-saled out. But they still aren't above responding to a customer about it.

In any event, the OP was hooked up with a good seller and snake and that's the important thing!

[Domepiece]

Okay, what's to say a newbies questions come off as a troll (what kind of snake? can you send pics?) and is ignored and that newbie has some cash to spend? I've seen it happen many times. Emails can be sent with the proper questions,etiquette,etc. and there are still MANY breeders who ignore the inquiries OR get back weeks later - unacceptable. And yes, I agree.........I doubt any big time breeders even have normals on hand for sale as most get whole-saled out. But they still aren't above responding to a customer about it.

In any event, the OP was hooked up with a good seller and snake and that's the important thing!

Exactly, I agree, I'm glad he was taken care of. It just common courtesy at least to respond back in a timely fashion whether they can help or not.

[Domepiece]

I actually specifically stated what snake I was interested in and explained how I was very interested in purchasing a ball python from them, still no response. However I do see exactly where you are coming from.

Ok, you just never know. I'm glad that you found what you were looking for, and good luck with your new BP your gonna love owning one

[Giftbearer]

I've had the same experience despite my being very specific; I had to send about 3 e-mails and only got a response after somebody who knew them gave me an alternate e-mail that was not listed on the breeder's website.

Finally got one response from that e-mail address, but when sent follow-up questions to make arrangements, then nothing. It's looking like that particular breeder has lost a sale.

And earlier; sent e-mail through a website which said please inquire about available snakes, as it was under construction and wasn't updated, and to date have never received any response. That one lost my business for sure.

Thanks for some of the suggestions about those who do respond in a timely manner and provide good customer service. I'm getting a clearer idea now of which ones I'll probably go with.

[Rob]

Strange to see people having such a hard time getting emails back, just this past week when shopping around for my lesser I emailed three of the top breeders and all three responded the same day, heck one was even on a Sunday!

[HerpIsAhobby]

With so many breeders out there no need to waste time trying to get someone to respond to you. Believe me there are plenty of people out there with young males to sell you that will give you the level of customer service your looking for. There is no excuse for bad communication in this day and age where you can get your emails sent to your cell which if you run a business should be on you at all times. All too often people want to tell a customer they were "busy". Sorry folks but that's not the customers problem and honestly its not very professional for you to let them know that.

Looks like you found a breeder from the fourms who helped you out and I'm sure your gonna be very happy with your new addition. Congrats and don't forget to post pictures when he gets there

[WtGreg]

I know it has been kinda touched on already, but just want to bring it up again to reiterate it: Always call. If it is a business, always call and you will be taken a lot more seriously. A call is respected more with most, whether with a large business, small business individual, or just enthusiast selling their snakes. Further, on a phone there is alot less spam to compete with in terms of getting their attention.

Some businesses carry normal business hours, so you may have to wait for a response to a phone call until the weekdays, so if you call on friday after 6pm and leave a message, it could be monday at 5pm before you could get a response.