Should I breed or get out while I still can?

[DeepUnderground]

I don't want this to turn into anything political, that is not my intention of this thread. I just want to honestly know peoples opinion no matter what your political affiliation. How you have done with breeding during the last 4 years (profit wise) compared to years prior, because of the recession that we are currently in? Also an estimation of how the next four years will go with breeding ball pythons (profit wise)? I have 11 BPs currently and am considering getting more. I know breeding should always be a hobby first, however I believe there should be a happy medium between business and hobby. Under the current administration unemployment has been high and the possibility that more people will turn to breeding as another source of income is a concern of mine.

Your thoughts please. TIA.

[Mike41793]

Ive only seen an increase in the number of people attending reptile expos. This past white plains expo they opened up another side room bc there were more vendors there. More people would mean more sales i would think.

[Kodieh]

I personally see growth in our industry. People...latch on to something when it doesn't cost gas (or little, when you go for a pickup) and its something you can stay home and do.

So, the points in this economy that have lead people to shrink and to cut back don't apply in breeding animals. People love animals, and it doesn't cost gas to do it. That's the way I see it.

[OctagonGecko729]

It all depends on what legislation runs down the pike. More barriers to entry and more regulations could shut down a lot of folks who aren't established. At the moment the reptile breeding world is pretty free which is why you see so much growth in it and ease of starting up a business. Being an entrepeneur has risks, some are real economic factors due to the market and some are political. One of those is the fact that the entire industry could be shut down by just a few laws being passed. For instance, everyone that was breeding large constrictors is now effectively shut down.

[joebad976]

I wouldn't plan on it being your primary source of income but why not give it a shot now that you are in.

They key is to find the right niche in the hobby through market analysis and produce animals that others want. You have to offer something no one else has or there is a very limited supply of. Enchi's were hot this year, Mojaves last year, Pieds and Albinos are always a good seller. Woma's probably not as hot.

You need to spend lots of time on forums, checking classifieds, talking to breeders at shows. It becomes very time consuming.

How many people are throwing 25k at a banana? I don't know but if I could I would.

People enter and leave this hobby everyday. If you can can produce quality animals and provide excellent customer service you can be profitable down the road. Profitability does not happen overnight ask Donald Trump or Bill Gates but you have to start somewhere.

No matter how bad the economy is people will always have pets whether it is a dog, cat, or a reptile.

Just my two cents.

[Ridinandreptiles]

if you love the animals it wont matter, you wont strike it big over night but over time it can and WILL be a self sustaining hobby if thats what is desired

[barbie.dragon]

The economy doesn't prevent people from buying animals or buy stuff for thei animals. When I worked as a dog groomer this one lady was upper middle class. But apparently her hubby's business took a big blow to the face when the economy tanked. Did not stop her from buying her dog a $3000 custom made iron and velvet bed. When people want something they'll but it. Just depends on how they prioritize.

[SlitherinSisters]

More people does mean more sales, but it also means less money. IMO there is WAY more snakes for sale than their are people looking to buy them. We need more people in the hobby to buy them and that is happening, but a lot of those people are also starting to breed and make more snakes.

[DeepUnderground]

Thank you every one for your responses, they are very much appreciated.

[Kodieh]

I guess what I should also say is that, you can't go into this thinking you're going to make a profit. What ever "is not over head" money will probably go back into your snakes, additions upgrades or whatever, to increase profit for the next year. Not to say that isn't bad, but its a snowball process that will occur each year; you'll always be expanding, probably, and whatever money isn't spent on a "good deal" will be spent on another "good deal".