First Reptile Show

[TheSnakeGuy]

This weekend I'll be attending The Lone Star Reptile Expo in Arlington, TX. I don't "plan" on buying anything, but I wanted to ask the forum if there is anything I need to watch out for as far as buying herps or equipment. Any products I should or shouldn't buy there because of the price or quality? There are always hustlers. Any tips for smart buys? I'll have my eye out for a full and bright colored Albino BP. thx

[mikel81]

I have had a pretty good time at every snake show I go to, even if I don't get to buy anything. If you find someone passionate about what they do and it's not too busy, you can get some pretty good 1 on 1 time with them. Ask questions about the animals, it can't hurt to learn something. And I have gotten some awesome deals by talking to people. Most people are willing to negotiate on their prices. I have never seen a firm price.

One thing to watch out for, mites or sick animals.

[Michelle1221]

My daughters and I went to the Baltimore Repticon show last weekend. We had gone to a smaller show before but the Baltimore one was just amazing. Everyone was very friendly and always happy to answer questions.
It was great being able to see morphs in person.
I was hoping to buy one of my dream snakes either a BEL or a pied female. We walked around and quite a few of the vendors I recognized from ads and the BOI and postings. I knew the values of what I was looking for. I also knew what equipment I was looking for and had my phone to check prices but it IMO was all very reasonably priced.
My daughter purchased a cute hognose baby and you could tell the vendor was concerned that we were able to provide the correct husbandry. He even wrote the finer points down on a card and asked us to contact him with any questions or problems. I looked him over and then let my daughter look him over
When I found a pied I was truly interested in I went back and held him and looked him over and they sexed him right there.
I did not bargin with either vendor I had honestly forgot. We had spent time at both tables and talked to them and they were gracious enough to hold both snakes till we returned at the end of the show day and I felt the prices were fair and I have no regrets.
Know your prices and keep your phone handy for checking prices and vendors.
I hope you have a great time and find your albino!

[GuNDeZZZ]

How are the prices at repticon?

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[chimp54321]

That's awesome Reptile Shows are fun! I just linger and ask questions to all the breeders for a while and wait to the end of the show to see what breeders really want to sell something.

[The Serpent Merchant]

How are the prices at repticon?

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It all depends on the vendors that show up.

[Jons2012pied]

I personally like going to reptile shows. I went to repticon in Baltimore the other weekend. I picked up a low white pied male. I think the prices are reasonable. Some vendors are higher some are lower. It all depends on who they are how well they are know and also the market that they are in. I by f/t mice from the show as they are cheaper than petco or Petsmart.

[Rawbbeh]

+1 on the person who said to talk to breeders near the closing of the show...Best way to get good deals.

My biggest tip for an expo...bring cash. Best way to get a good deal on a snake IMO. Especially when you pair "cash" with "closing time" Makes for a great steal. It's practically like hitting in an field home run. You gotta haul butt around the bases but in the end, you might take home a winner!

[TheSnakeGuy]

My biggest concern is that I actually find a well priced healthy albino or spider. It's an issue because I already have 2 normals and 2 terrariums. I may have to break the barrier and finally get a plastic tub. I told myself I wouldn't do this. Oh what to do!?