NERD reptiles fairly priced?

[Royal Hijinx]

I think the OP has a fair question.

I see the OP's question as "Are the NERD snakes worth the premium over current market?". He does not seem to be saying that he will not pay it if they really are. Also, he is not the first person to dare utter that NERD pricing may be out of whack with the market.

The folks above are correct that NERD can and will charge what they think they can get for the animals. I always look at that they have, but have passed on them at this point die to pricing. I have found equal or better examples of the morph I was looking for from other breeders at better pricing. I still look, and I reckon I will buy from them at somewhat of a premium for a especially nice animal.

For example: I am always looking at Champ females. NERD asks well over 3K for them still. Is anyone really going to state that the stock is better than say Dave Green or Mark Petros (as an example, not drag in another name) or any other good smaller breeder at 1/3 to 1/2 the price? NERD does add that their Champs are used in the PCP Ball, but does not state that there is any special genetics that make it particular. In this case, I can see charging somewhat over market, but the mark-up is too high. I have seen this happen when someone does not care to sell the animal, and that is fine but it needs to be seen for what it is.

Another example is they want $1000 for a Honey Bee female (versus the market of around $800). She is a very nice example and would (and might) pay this for her. Not because she is at NERD, but because she is awesome.

As far as animal health goes, a BP can only be in so perfect of health, and any small breeder I have dealt with has perfectly healthy snakes. NERD snakes are then not generally "healthier". On a scale of 1-100, a ton of smaller breeders are easily at 100 health wise, right up there with NERD.

It appears they are willing to negotiate a bit (as most folks are). And, that is cool. But to be honest, 11% off something marked up 60% is not that much. Kind of reminds me of department store jewelry.

So in summary. I am willing to pay premium for a premium example of a morph. I do not believe that the big name always indicates a better, healthier example. NERD has awesome stock, but so do a handful of other breeders. I will likely buy from them in the future if I find an animal that fits my plans and aesthetic, but not for the name.

As for the person who agrees with the pricing because they "think" that the snake should be worth that much, good luck. Market dynamics determine the worth of anything. Look at Hypos, they are as hard to make as a Pied, but the value is not there.

Dang that was long.