I don't have to but I asked if he would hold it for 4 1/2 months if I paid in full. He said that he normally doesn't do that but has family in the Army and would be willing to help me out since I am in Afghanistan. After he said he'd do that I told him that I would be willing to pay an extra $50 boarding fee if he'd let me both out of appreciation and for his troubles of continuing to feed it and hold it for me. I haven't heard back yet but I would still be getting a male VPI Axanthic for $325 if I paid the extra $50. That's still a good deal in my opinion.